Skate movie goes splat

Jose Rodriguez

Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Entertainment

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Media Credit: www.bladesofglorymovie.com

Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder) and Chazz Michaels (Will Ferrell) are skaters in "Blades of Glory."

Take one of the most over the top comedians, put him on skates, glittery leotards encrusted with crystals and set up an Olympic rivalry. All this should have added up to an entertaining, laugh-out-loud comedy. Unfortunately, "Blades of Glory" slips because its weak execution falls flat on its face.

Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell) is the no-rules figure skater; born on the wrong side of the tracks, a sex addict and a raging alcoholic. Jimmy MacElroy (John Heder), on the other hand, is the androgynous, pretty boy who plays by the rules and has the fashion sense of a 12-year-old girl. They start off as rivals who are battling it out for the coveted title of best male figure skater.

In a shocking outcome they tie, which leads to a disastrous awards ceremony to say the least. Their actions ban them from figure skating forever, which is a great loss to their unique fan base and no one else.

After some time the now celebrity has-beens find a loophole in the skating regulations. And once again these great athletes slip on their flashy leggings to compete. The catch is they must do it together as the first-ever male couple.

Can these completely different skaters find it in them to work together and execute a deadly figure skating routine, win the gold and dodge the attempts of the competition to annihilate them?

Well, if the answer is obvious then save your money and check this movie out later on DVD.

Walking into this, one expects the predictable premise but hopes for great action comedy and hilarious writing to counteract it. "Blades of Glory" is just a series of uninspired and rather brainless scenes. The under used supporting cast (Amy Poehler and Will Arnett) pulls out every comedic chop to save this mess but it just didn't work. It lacks development and heart.

A few scenes conjured a chuckle or two but when anything stoops to the level of the kick in the groin bit for a few laughs, it's time to hang up the skates.

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