Release Date: 17 May 2007

Synopsis :

Two rival Olympic figure skaters are stripped of their medals and banned from the sport after a nasty brawl at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. After years of obscurity, the two men put aside their differences and exploit a loophole that allows them to compete in the pairs figure skating category.

Movie Review:

Ask yourself one thing, do you happen to chuckle at their heinous hairpieces, skin-tight spandex and outrageous pose when you walked past the standees and posters at cinema lobbies?

If you nod your head, most likely you should enjoy the movie itself, “Blades of Glory”.

To begin with, the plot is thinner than the ice on the skating rink. If you must know, Will Ferrell and Jon Heder plays two rival Olympic figure skaters who got banned for life after a fistfight but feel more like a “catfight” at the winter Olympics. Three and a half years later, these 2 rivals have to get together to compete in the pairs figure skating category so as to get out of their now boring routine work life.

After the dismal results of “Stranger than Fiction”, Will Ferrell is back doing what he does best (See “Anchorman” and “Talladegan Nights”). As Chazz Michael Michaels, he’s a sex addict, foul-mouthed with a serious lack of grammar and general knowledge champion skater. Mr Napoleon Dynamite aka Jon Heder is an orphan, skating protégé brought up by the merciless millionaire, Darren MacElroy (played by William Fichtner in a limited screentime role).

This fresh combination results in some of the best no-brainer dialogue and clownish antics ever seen on the screen this year. The conservatives might be put off by the slightly gayish pranks though. Two grown men skating in the pairs category? But that’s where all the fun lies. Expect anatomy references and outrageous one-liner no less. From the great Chazz Michael Michaels: “They laughed at Louie Armstrong when he said he was going to the moon, and now he's up there, laughing at them”.

Making their directorial debut is Josh Gordon and Will Speck, this duo seem rather at ease behind the camera concocting the insane acts. But the trophy has to go to Will Ferrell for most of the duration lighting up the screen with his over the top performance.

Rounding up the cast is Craig T Nelson (Mr Incredible) as Ferrell and Heder’s coach and also real-life couple, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler playing a pair of up-to-no-good sibling competitors.

“Blades of Glory” is stupid. It’s funny. It’s crapish. However, it’s definitely not a crime to laugh yourself silly in the dark halls. I’m sure Mr Armstrong will be amused too. Hopefully.

Movie Rating:

(Don't spill your coke or choke on your popcorns!)

Review by Linus Tee