BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) STEP BROTHERS
Narrowing this down to just four was pretty rough. Off the bat, I decided only one sports movie and to limit it to movies that Will starred in. No cameos or anything, just the gems that feature Will for the good majority of the time. This cuts some awesome performances like “Zoolander”, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”, “Wedding Crashers”, “The Goods”, and more. For the fourth spot, I’m going with “Step Brothers”. I really considered “Stranger Than Fiction”. I loved him in a more dramatic and serious role. He did a great job with it and I honestly think Will Ferrell is a great enough actor that he could win major awards for “serious” acting. Then again, I’m pretty content with his work as is. “Step Brothers” is a damn great movie. The chemistry of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two grown man childs is amazing and hilarious. This movie feels a little dirtier than the others, but I think it’s just more abrasive than vulgar. The movie doesn’t cut any corners in providing the laughter. This movie is like forcing a confused Will Ferrell to do cocaine off a hooker’s ass and then locking him in a McDonald’s playground while playing “Kidz Bop” albums on a loop and filming it. In fact, I think that was how they wrote the treatment.
(THREE) SEMI-PRO
I wanted to limit myself to only one of his sport comedies. So that meant I had to pick from this, “Blades of Glory”, “Kicking and Screaming”, and “Talladega Nights”. For some folks, “Blades” and “Talladega Nights” could EASILY be on this list but not mine. I enjoyed both, hell, all three; but Semi-Pro just rocks the party that rocks the body. I feel it’s Will’s most underappreciated leading role. For anyone who has ever loved the sport of basketball, local semi-pro or minor league sports, or just a vulgar R-Rated Will Ferrell. I just like this movie. I know compared to other movies there aren’t as many one-liners but the overall movie is solid and fun. Will owns the role and the movie is a lot more fun than people give it credit for.
(TWO) OLD SCHOOL
I’m going to go out on a limb and say this movie is the “Caddyshack” of college movies. And surprisingly, I ALMOST forgot about it. In this college comedy Will shares the starring position with Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Frank “The Tank” is a pretty important character and persona to anyone who has ever had too much to drink around too many people. I’d love a nickel for every beer bong that’s been downed to “Frank The Tank” chants since this movie’s release, how many times someone has said “You’re My Boy Blue!”, or the ever popular “Let’s Go Streaking!”. The cast here is just so on their A-Game that it just seems like they’re having a huge party while they know they’re in a moment of making magic.
(ONE)ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY
Redford had “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, Hanks had “Forrest Gump”, Batman had “The Dark Knight”, Jesus had “The Passion of The Christ”, DiNiro had “Taxi Driver”, and the man Will Ferrell had the modern comedy classic “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”. To say that “Anchorman” is not Will Ferrell’s best movie, best character, and best performance would be like saying you have no understanding for the concept of comedy… nay… enjoyment of life. For reals, the movie is a modern comedy classic. This 2004, Adam McKay directed masterpiece has so many memorable scenes and quotable lines in it that I dare say it’s just about on “Lebowski” level of coolness. There are STILL lines from this movie that are used in everyday life. When we look back in 20 years, this movie will be one of those timeless classics that speak for an era of comedy. I’m talking “Blues Brothers” and “The Jerk” kinds of levels. It’s Will’s best movie and for there not to be a sequel is criminal. “Bill and Teds” got a freakin’ sequel. I mean, I love me some “Bill and Teds” but this is “Anchorman” we’re talking about here. Without this movie, San Diego wouldn’t of never of known to “Stay Classy”. This movie is responsible for the “class” of one entire United States city. One with sports franchises, for cryin’ out loud!
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