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John William Ferrell: one man who constantly possesses the standard echelon for so many comedic film curiosities. Next time you wonder, "What would a comedy film with a mountain climber protagonist be like?" just introduce Ferrell to the equation and you have an interesting prospect. Maybe his wacky followers do not always envisage him playing such diverse characters but filmmakers have now produced situations in which the unique talent of the Californian has mixed it up as a news anchor, a NASCAR driver, and a male figure skater, let alone a 1970s basketball player in the forthcoming Semi-Pro (2008). Sure, Kicking & Screaming (2005) and Bewitched (2005) were critical misfires but the Saturday Night Live alumnus has consistently made filmgoers laugh hysterically with his show-stopping cameos in the Frat Pack's finest films, and inventive leading roles in cult comedy classics like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004).
Josh Gordon and Will Speck endeavour to stamp directorial authority on this tale of two male figure skaters as they turn from fiercest rivals to unwilling partners, but this is Ferrell's show in his custom-made mould. Jon Heder is excellent as the orphaned Jimmy MacElroy and his chemistry with Ferrell's Chazz Michael Michaels is what you would expect from two kings of outrageous delivery experimenting with the choreographed ice sport acting as ammunition. Ferrell again is still playing the failed macho hero but Heder has his fair share of hilarious one-liners and more than holds his own in the obvious competitive nature of the narrative and comedic timing in general. Jenna Fischer is excellent as the love interest and a hotel bedroom scene with Ferrell will capture the full attention of male viewers as she seemingly increases in attractiveness as the film goes on and peaks in her exquisite lingerie attire. The supporting players in a Ferrell film are as funny as usual with Poehler and Arnett playing the mischievous villains admirably. As sick as the JFK/Monroe skating routine we are greeted with is, one cannot deny how imaginative and funny the addition plays out. Furthermore, little touches such as this and numerous others like a brief John Denver reference illustrate how much attention to detail the creative team employ in these recent satirical laugh-fests. Blades of Glory is a neat rollercoaster of hilarity not straying away from the successful boundaries of the template Ferrell has almost perfected in this genre. Be prepared to be engrossed for the full cinematic viewing experience as off the wall characters, repeatable one-liners and an original plot make for a great parody of the spandex-clad world of figure skating.
The summary
Textbook excessive comedy results in exactly what you expect from the film's premise. Ferrell and Heder ooze the perfect amount of homoeroticism to manufacture a mirthful spoof.
