Blades of Glory

After just having sat through the thoroughly uninspired Talledega Nights, I was a little reluctant to catch Blades of Glory. Then something happened after I put it in the dvd player: I laughed... a lot.

Will Ferrell plays Chazz Michael Michaels and (assclown) Jon Heder plays his rival Jimmy MacElroy in this tale of two male figure skaters forced to compete as a doubles team. Their rivalry led to an embarrassing incident at their last gold medal event. We pick up their characters 3.5 years later as Ferrell is performing in a kid's show on ice and Heder is working a sporting goods store.

Craig T. Nelson costars as the simply named (and inside joke) Coach. Nelson is perfect here as the somewhat batshit crazy obsessive who feels they can compete with anyone with his "Iron Lotus." Ferrell and Heder are at their best here. Heder plays the straight man off of Ferrell's great improvisation. You also get William Fichtner, Will Arnett, Jenna Fischer, and Amy Poehler for added punch.

Blades of Glory is from first time feature directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck. They are veterans of commercials and some short films, but this is their first time trying to tell a full story. What makes this work is their full on over the top stupidity that radiates from every scene. The film wouldn't work if it was somewhat based in reality and the directors know it.

80/100