CRITIC'S CORNER
Blades of Glory is medal-worthy
By DNA Smith

ABOVE: Will Ferrell, as Chazz Michael Michaels, and Jon Heder as Jimmy MacElroy must learn to get along and compete together after a fight between them gets them banned for life. The fight occurs during a medal ceremony when the two tie for the gold at the world championships.

"Blades of Glory" Running time: 93 minutes MPAA rating: PG-13

When rating "Blades of Glory" alongside Will Ferrell's other films, this sendup of the world of international figure skating isn't a gold-medal achievement like "Anchorman" or "Stranger Than Fiction." Nor is it a solid, silver-medal effort like "Talladega Nights."

No, "Blades of Glory" is definitely a bronze-medal-worthy comedy. It hits just enough comedic beats to be worth your time and money, but it won't be on your list of favorite Ferrell films of all-time. But hey, at least it's not "Bewitched."

The film stars Ferrell as Chazz Michael Michaels, the bad boy of figure skating, a raging, boozing sex addict with a doughy, hairy body that screams Neil Diamond. His on-ice nemesis is the virginal, goldenlocked Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder). At the world championships, the two tie for the gold. Afight between them during the medal ceremony gets them banned for life.

Three and a half years pass. Michaels is boozing it up and appearing in a kiddy show on ice, while MacElroy is working in a sporting-goods store. MacElroy gets a tip from a stalker/fan (Nick Swardson) that even though the young phenom is banned from singles competition, there's nothing stopping him from competing in the pairs event. One convenient plot device later, MacElroy and Michaels are teamed up. They have a Coach (Craig T. "Coach" Nelson) and a killer (literally) routine that, if performed correctly, will change the face of figure skating forever.

For me, the funniest moments are the routines on the ice. They are so ridiculously choreographed, I couldn't stop laughing. That's where "Blades of Glory" scores its highest marks. The problem is with most of the stuff that happens between the competitions. The biggest problem is that I don't think Jon Heder has the experience or confidence to be a proper foil for a comic as dominating as Will Ferrell. Another actor with more experience may have found a way to add more to the character of MacElroy.

Another problem is that the cast is so strong, yet Jenna Fischer, Rob Corddry, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler have so little to do in the film. All that talent is wasted because of a pretty lackluster script.

"Blades of Glory" could've been a really great comedy. Instead, it's a pleasant afternoon diversion. See it at a matinee or wait for the rental.

GRADE: C+

(c) 2007 King Features

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