Publication Date: April 13, 2007
Calvin Chimes
Headline: ‘Blades of Glory’ good enough

Blades of Glory

Chris Beaumont

“Blades of Glory” never ventures far from the conventions of the buddy comedy genre common to SNL alum like Will Ferrell; its basic storyline (comedic opposites must come together to overcome obstacle) and sources for laughs (physical comedy) are mirrored in previous Ferrell projects like “Anchorman” or “Talladega Nights,” and also bear a strong resemblance to the Chris Farley and David Spade films of the mid 90s. This is not to say, however, that “Blades of Glory” is a disappointing or unoriginal movie. It is, in fact, a satisfyingly entertaining picture that extracts comedy from its genre’s conventions without copying its predecessors.

The movie depicts Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as rival figure skaters whose personality conflicts – Ferrell is a sex-addicted recluse, while Heder plays an effeminate and restrained germophobe – provoke a fight which ejects them from singles skating. After trying in vain to find satisfaction outside the realm of professional skating, the two are driven to form a male-male team and enter the doubles tournament.

Refreshingly, the funniest moments of the film lie outside of the homosexual implications of a male-male figure skating team. While such jokes exist (quote one character in reaction to the male team: “as if skating weren’t gay enough already”), they are outdone by the personalities of Ferrell and Heder. Both actors are known for their ability to portray outrageous characters, and they develop wonderfully the roles provided by Jeff and Craig Cox’s excellent screenplay. Equally funny (and downright entertaining) is the film’s choreography. Whether it’s an on-ice reenactment of Marilyn Monroe’s suicide or a human depiction of a peacock, the ice scenes are always creative and easily constitute the film’s best scenes.

“Blades of Glory” also benefits from its large supporting cast. Featured in the movie are SNL’s Amy Poehler, The Office’s Jenna Fischer, Arrested Development’s Will Arnett, and Coach’s Craig T. Nelson (guess what role he plays?). While each actor plays the typecast role that they are most identified by, these roles are collectively diverse enough to create a dynamic cast of characters that keep the movie fresh.

While not the most original comedy, “Blades of Glory” proves to be adept at employing conventions in entertaining ways. The film’s tagline reads “kick some ice,” and I have no idea what that means. However, whatever it does mean, I’m fairly confident that this movie has done it.

chris beaumont
beaumont@ifa.hawaii.edu
graduate student
institute for astronomy
university of hawaii at manoa
2680 woodlawn drive
honolulu, hi 96822