Blades of Glory (2007)

In 2002, two rival Olympic ice skaters were stripped of their gold medals and permanently banned from men's single competition. Presently, however, they've found a loophole that will allow them to qualify as a pairs team.

Jess’ Review

Blades of Glory (2007) is a film I’m sure the vast majority of my generation has seen. It’s a classic, and one of the main pillars supporting Will Ferrell’s comedy legacy. It’s hilarious. And whilst this may not be the most complex or inspired example of filmmaking, it’s funny and in this instance, that’s enough.

Following disgraced figure skaters Chazz Michael Michaels (Ferrell) and Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder), the film sees the rivals form an unlikely, male-male skating partnership. Ferrell is on fire in this role. The chemistry between the two leads is the staple of the film, with the bickering and one-up-man-ship resulting in some iconic quotes. It’s fun and these comedy greats are in their element. The cast is rounded off with the villainous Van Walder skaters, played fantastically by Amy Poehler and Will Arnett; and their less-villainous sister, Katie, or Pam from The Office (US) played by Jenna Fischer. They’re all welcome additions. Extreme and eccentric of character, yet undeniably funny. It’s a strong cast, though the spotlight rests firmly on Ferrell and Heder.

The plot is silly and far fetched of course, but it exists and actually frames the comedy nicely. Its easy to have a film full of ridiculous scenes and gut-busting jokes, but there’s far more pay-off when their is at least some story and some substance behind these shots. It’s a simple, underdog sports story with a cliche ending and a cliche, sidelined romance subplot - but as a companion to humour, this is fine. A movie like this simply wouldn’t work with any kind of deep, intricate storyline. It’s light, easy to watch and easy to enjoy. Whilst I would usually relish the opportunity to tear apart overdone, lazy comedies, I confess I simply find Blades of Glory too funny. I’m not here to watch something life-changing or even thought-provoking - I’m just here to laugh.

The costume design is great, and quite frankly iconic. The stunts are cool and the performances filmed nicely. It’s a glitzy movie, and there isn’t any distinctive cinematography or direction - but it looks decent and that’s that.

All in all, Blades of Glory isn’t profound. It won’t change your life. And some viewers might even find the comedy too outlandish and crude to stomach. But for me, it’s a classic. Perhaps even a borderline guilty pleasure given my general dislike of cheesy comedy films. But if you’re looking for a chuckle and some fun spandex suits, Ferrell and Heder can help you out.

6.5/10

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Sam’s Review

Will Ferrell may have starred in some truly awful films, some so bad that I wonder how they were even written, but when that man is firing he is one of the finest comedic talents to grace the big screen. And Blades of Glory, for all of its silliness - and there’s a lot of it - finds Ferrell in good form. He plays arrogant figure skater Chazz Michael Michaels with such lightning intensity, yet still has a hint of Ferrell’s charm.

In contrast to Chazz, his nemesis-turned-teammate, the spoiled Jimmy MacElroy (played by Jon Heder), lacks the allure. His immaturity, while shrugged off as a product of his sheltered upbringing, is tacky. However, though I dislike the character, he works as the inverse of Chazz, allowing them to riff off of one another.

This film does not shy away from its absurdity, nor does it take itself too seriously, instead it enjoys itself unashamedly. The dialogue is juvenile, and yet the deadpan delivery makes me chuckle. Basic would be the best way to describe the story, as it follows the same ups and downs as most ‘comeback’ films, yet the comedic backdrop of figure skating is a brilliant twist.

Is it a film with great depth, one that will leave you thinking? Not at all. Not even remotely. But the flamboyant outfits, phenomenal choreography (though it’s quite clear they’re on wires at times as certain movements are incredibly rigid), and Ferrell’s brilliance carries the film. Not to mention the soundtrack. (Skating to Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch?!)

Technically, it’s an average film. And it does border on immature at times. However, it’s a comedy that simply wants to make you laugh. While I do believe comedies can do more than that, the joy this film captures makes it easy to forgive its flaws. And while I know nothing of figure skating, I know this; Chazz Michael Michaels is figure skating. Boom.

6.5/10