The Great Will Ferrell/Chad Smith Drum Battle to Air on Fallon

Music fans and doppelganger-enthusiasts rejoice: the Will Ferrell-Chad Smith drum-off now has a time and a place. Rolling Stone reports that the two will go head to head on the May 22 installment of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The bout started with a February Reddit AMA in which the comedian jokingly asserted that he is really Chad Smith. Will Ferrell, of course, is purely a figment of our collective imagination. This prompted the Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer to challenge Ferrell to a drum battle to determine once and for all who holds the Smith name. The pair subsequently raised over $300,000 for Cancer for College&, a charity supported by Ferrell, and the battle was set in stone.

Both sides have hurled humorous trash talk via social media, and now we’ll finally see if they can put their money where their mouths are come next Thursday. On paper, it looks like Smith will have the upper hand. Ferrell told Rolling Stone that he has not been doing much practicing. “There’s no amount of practice that would help me become a good drummer,” Ferrell said. No word yet on whether cowbells will be barred from competition.

A sad reaction to Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart's 'Get Hard'

There is a moment that really stuck with me from the interview HitFix's Louis Virtel conducted with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart for "Get Hard" which posted yesterday.

Virtel asks, "You are both very smart and funny people.  During the scene in the movie where you kind of do a mockingly effeminate voice [to Hart] and you gag at a dick as though it's the worst thing that can happen to a straight guy [to Ferrell], in a gay situation, did you think: this is mildly mean spirited or at the very least, a little bit dated?"

Before Hart responds, the camera holds on Ferrell's face for a just a moment. Ferrell doesn't look annoyed. He doesn't look angry.  He isn't trying to force a smile. He just looks sort of sad.

"Get Hard," which Drew McWeeny reviewed out of SXSW, is the directorial debut of longtime screenwriter Etan Cohen ("Tropic Thunder") and has a pretty simple set up. An obnoxiously rich white guy names James (Ferrell) gets framed for money laundering and is given a 10-year prison sentence in a maximum-security prison.  With just 30 days until he has to report, Ferrell's character recruits Darnell (Hart), the owner of the car washing business in his company's headquarters, to toughen him up for jail.

From the moment James brings the subject of his incarceration up Darnell immediately goes into a diatribe about he's going to get essentially man-raped. Poked, prodded, etc. James won't be able to escape it.  And, the focus on this subject matter does not stop. For at least 20 straight minutes (and possibly more) James and Darnell only deal with his fear of being forced to have sex with men in prison.  Eventually, what should have been his biggest concern -- getting beat up or potentially stabbed -- is addressed, but the no. 1 issue is always the fear of being forced to have gay sex.  Strangely, the word rape is barely used to describe this. It's all presented as though he'd literally have no choice but to consent.  At one point in the movie, Darnell takes James to a gay bar (clearly an attempt to recreate the infamous Abbey in West Hollywood without shooting there) and makes him go into a stall and attempt to suck another man's penis so he'll be prepared for what awaits him.  James breaks down and cries and the image of a real penis becomes a recurring negative throughout the film.

Perhaps if it was one joke or even the context of one particular scene it wouldn't stand out as much, but this storyline never seems to end.  And, frankly, I do not see, no matter what the filmmakers intentions were, how it's not homophobic.  The movie also has been criticized for some of its racial depictions, and that's potentially an entirely different conversation that I was sadly too distracted to focus on.

As I watched this bit continue from scene to scene to scene the laughter from what was mostly a filler audience* did not dissipate.  Clearly, this "played" to many in the 500+ theater, but there were also sections that were very quiet.  I was in one of them.  As an openly gay man who has worked in the industry for over 15 years I didn't find myself getting angry about what I was watching.  Instead, I just started trying to figure out how this could have happened.  How did it even get this far?  I might have expected this sort of material from lesser talents, but a movie that starred and was produced by Ferrell?  How did this happen?

*A filler audience is composed of people recruited to a free screening before a movie opens.  Studios often bring them in for critics screenings when they believe the movie will "play" better to a general audience. This, in theory, is supposed to tell the media the movie works.  Every studio uses this recruited audiences on a regular basis.

This is the Will Ferrell, who along with his partner Adam McKay, founded and still own Funny or Die. A company that has found incredible ways to promote gay comedians, actors and filmmakers (some of whom I consider friends); a company that produces "Gay of Thrones" and produces the very gay-friendly video podcast "Throwing Shade."  They have produced numerous pro-gay marriage skits in-house since the site began. (remember the "Prop 8 The Musical" bit?).  This is the Ferrell and McKay who found a way to make a closeted gay character in the "Anchorman" series (David Koechner's Champ Kind) funny and friendly (even if he wants to get a little too close to Ron Burgundy).  This is the Ferrell who pretty much ruled as the obviously gay Mugatu in 2001's "Zoolander" where audiences were laughing at the ridiculousness of the character and not because of his clear sexuality.  Ferrell and McKay are smart, talented and progressive people in Hollywood.

Is this why Ferrell looked so sad?

In an interview with AP also published yesterday and obviously an attempt to deal with the backlash, McKay, who also produced and was given story credit, is quoted as saying, "Any individual going to maximum security prison would be afraid of violence and sexual assault. To equate that with homosexuality is ridiculous."  He also referred to the current criticism as "lazy journalism."

But wait, there's more.  He also noted, "Given that we're a country with runaway income inequality, more people in jail than any other country, this is what people are crowing about? Trying to in a funny way deal with these issues?…It really kind of got me mad. It's just cheap is what it is."

All due respect, Mr. McKay, I think you protest too much.  If this is the case, then why is a majority of the movie about the sex fears and not the violence fears?  Honestly, I'd be much more concerned about the violence first, but that's such a secondary issue for Ferrell's character.  Anything having to do with gay sex is presented as beyond disgusting and the worst thing possible.  Not the violence.  Moreover, not one person is going to leave the theater thinking prison overcrowding is an issue they should look into (it's absolutely not addressed in the context of the picture).

As for Ferrell's co-star, Kevin Hart is another very smart guy who has been around the industry for a long, long time.  He didn't think this crossed the line at all? Really?

There is so much that puzzles me about this.  How could this version of the movie get through Warner Bros. production executives review process?  It's hard to imagine this didn't  come up in test screenings after filming.  Moreover, the first studio screening should have been a huge red flag for the marketing and publicity executives (or maybe when they were sent the script?).  Did test scores indicate that audiences responded with "Oh, it's not a big deal"? Did the filmmakers refuse to listen? Did they cut stuff out that was even worse thinking it wouldn't be as bad? (It's happened before) This is the studio that championed "Her," "Inherent Vice" and "Cloud Atlas" over the past few years.  How could they not realize what they had on their hands?  (And don't get me started on why SXSW let it screen there).  It's all so puzzling.

You might be wondering: "OK, they stretched it out a bit. It's an R-rated comedy.  People know what they are getting into." Sure, the Governor of Ohio is about to sign a bill that will allow people to discriminate against gay people based on religious grounds. There are still too many gay teenagers committing suicide in 2015.  Maybe I remember what it was like to be a kid wanting to run for the hills after hear people constantly laugh and disparage gay people in pop culture.

But, hey, I get it. It's just a freakin' movie. Kid's don't pay attention to any of this stuff, right? How silly of us to even broach the subject.

I dunno, I guess that's why I'm not angry about "Get Hard."  I'm just sad.

TV Review: ‘Ferrell Takes the Field’

COURTESY OF HBO

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 | 08:00AM PT

Brian Lowry

Chief TV Critic@blowryontv

Will Ferrell seems mired in a bit of a rut, with a career that of late has been more performance art than anything else, from the deadly earnest Lifetime movie “A Deadly Adoption” to his wraparounds for IFC’s two satirical “The Spoils … ” miniseries to this latest HBO special, “Ferrell Takes the Field.” While this latest is, at least, for a good cause, it’s an awfully thin construct, one that was probably a lot more fun if you happened to attend one of the five spring training games in which the comic competed, all to raise money for charity.

The backstory, frankly, is much better than the special, and one wishes more of it had found a way into this 49-minute project: Craig Pollard, a USC fraternity brother of Ferrell’s, had his baseball career cut short by cancer. As a result, Pollard founded Cancer for College, to help support cancer survivors by bestowing scholarships.

REVIEW:‘A Deadly Adoption’

The conceit for “Ferrell Takes the Field” was for the comic to participate in five games with 10 different teams, playing different positions in each one (including, just to round things out, third-base coach). In so doing, he’s replicating a feat by shortstop Bert “Campy” Campaneris, who was 23 when he played all nine positions in a 1965 game for the Kansas City Athletics, and also makes an appearance in the special.

As a consequence, there’s a sort-of “Paper Lion”-like quality to Ferrell’s gambit as a 47-year-old guy, although unlike participatory journalist George Plimpton, he goes through the whole exercise playing a character, as if he’s a journeyman ballplayer with the misfortune of being traded all the time.

Ferrell does deliver some dryly funny moments, either interacting with the players (who engage in some performing of their own regarding how seriously they take the stunt) or in his direct-to-camera interviews. In the latter, he trashes general manager Billy Beane — the guy Brad Pitt played in “Moneyball” — insisting he’s a jerk who just sits in his office, watching the movie on a continuous loop.

SEE MORE:Josh Gad to Play Roger Ebert in STX’s ‘Russ & Roger’

Produced in conjunction with Major League Baseball, “Ferrell Takes the Field” is in some respects an ode to the game, which could use a little of the NBA’s hipness to rub off on it. Yet what the project cries out for, and actually gets only very sparingly at the very end — via a clip of Ferrell as a guest on “Late Show With David Letterman” — is some sense of his appreciation for what it’s like to actually see a major-league-level fastball or line drive zooming at or past you. Instead, Ferrell mostly plays the clown, discussing his likely induction into the Hall of Fame.

Given the charitable underpinnings, and Ferrell’s past association with HBO on “Eastbound & Down” and the 2009 comedy special “Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush,” it’s not surprising the network would happily underwrite his latest effort.

Still, however lucrative his association with the Funny or Die banner might be as a producer, Ferrell looks a bit stale right now as a performer. And while it’s better, perhaps, to keep heading to the mound as opposed to just hanging out in the bullpen, “Ferrell Takes the Field” is just another in a series of minor-league endeavors, one that’s nowhere near his best stuff.

Review: 'Ferrell Takes the Field' Doesn't Know What To Do With Will Ferrell and Neither Do We

This one-off, 45-minute sports documentary from HBO isn't a zany mockumentary like "7 Days in Hell," but it's certainly not a straight take either.

On September 8, 1965, Bert "Campy" Campaneris played all nine positions for the Oakland A's during a major league baseball game, becoming the first athlete to perform the seemingly impossible task. Not only did the six-time All-Star transition smoothly from one spot on the diamond to the next, but he pitched ambidextrously — meaning he would switch back and forth between throwing right-handed and left-handed to give himself an advantage over hitters. Of course, this accomplishment was no mere happenstance. Campy was given the opportunity via a special promotion for the popular young athlete, and he took full advantage. Sadly, when Will Ferrell was given a similar opportunity, he only managed to foul one off.

It's within this basic premise — that a 47-year-old comedian would compete with the world's best baseball players — that "Ferrell Takes the Field" finds its biggest hook. A bonafide movie star and giant of the comedy world for the last few decades, Ferrell's most daunting task has to do with time management more than testing his skills with a bat or glove. Playing for 10 different teams during five separate spring training games, Ferrell plays about a half-inning for each team, donning one squad's jersey for the top half before suiting up for the other in the bottom. Yet, even with only 45 minutes to tell its tale, the tone of the comedic documentary changes as often as Ferrell changes teams. 

HBOWill Ferrell in "Ferrell Takes the Field"

During the introduction, Ferrell lays out in plain words what he wants to accomplish. First and foremost, his endeavors are part of a charity drive for Cancer for College. The non-profit organization was created by Craig Pollard, a former college baseball star whose dreams of the big leagues were cut short by a cancer scare. Pollard, who's close with Ferrell, claims he'll be living vicariously through his friend on the big day, but what matters is the $1 million raised by the event. 

Featuring appearances by current college students who earned scholarships to their respective universities after overcoming bouts with cancer, the introduction is almost too touching. Throw in a scene where Ferrell plays catch with "Campy" Campaneris, asking for tips and promising to honor what he's accomplished (goal No. 2), and what comes next just doesn't quite fit. Though there's a smooth and sensitive transition to Ferrell's third goal — "crushing ass," aka making this a fun event for everyone watching at home — the balance between actual admiration (for the charity and Campy's accomplishment) and Ferrell's self-mockery as a baseball player can be a bit much as the special progresses.

When treated as light, easy entertainment, "Ferrell Takes the Field" goes down just fine. Watching Ferrell commit to the extended bit works very well, as well-built anticipation for whether or not he can field a sharp grounder or make contact with a professional fastball creates a giggly form of excitement. For his part, Ferrell goes through all the motions with vigor: He talks shit with the players about his physical fitness, makes faux-athletic movements while out in the field, and even throws a few loopers as the pitcher. 

HBOWill Ferrell in "Ferrell Takes the Field"

What's even more interesting, though, are the subtle nods to the sport's traditions. Baseball and all its superstitions, customs and general culture are ripe for satire, but Ferrell only teases us with brief tastes of brilliance. The best example by far comes when an infuriated Ferrell leaves the field and purposefully steps on the baseline. Die-hard fans will know the disrespect shown by this seemingly meaningless action, and its inclusion is all the more meaningful (even as just a brief shot). His beard of sunflower seeds (shown in all the trailers) is just as epic, and a few other minor witticisms pop up to show just how much this sports fan knows about America's game. (Make sure you watch through the credits.)

But for as light and entertaining as "Ferrell Takes the Field" can be — don't get me wrong: this is pretty funny — it never fully succeeds at its goals. The charity certainly benefitted, and for that, "Ferrell Takes the Field" is absolutely an admirable endeavor. But honoring Campy seemed to get the short shaft along the way, and the jokes included skew between fun for the whole family and TV-MA. Being on HBO grants the special the right to curse and infer as much as Ferrell wants, but two-thirds of it is entirely wholesome. Why not match that tone throughout, as Ferrell has done in the past with kid-friendly films like "Elf" and "Kicking & Screaming"?

Like much of Ferrell's recent work, from "The Spoils of Babylon" to "Get Hard," "Ferrell Takes the Field" is a great idea executed to a lesser degree. Audiences could certainly do worse for 45 minutes of laughs, but the opportunity missed makes the whole thing feel more like a stunt than a special occasion. 

Will Ferrell, Red Hot Chili Peppers among Bernie Sanders' celebrity backers

The Vermont senator’s campaign releases VIP endorsement list after Sanders attends fundraiser in New York on Friday alongside actor Mark Ruffalo

 Will Ferrell: feeling the Bern. Photograph: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Bernie Sanders is touting the support of a newly released team of celebrity endorsements that includes actor Will Ferrell, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

The list of VIP backers was posted online on Friday, a few hours after Sanders appeared onstage at a New York City event alongside actor Mark Ruffalo.

The Democratic presidential candidate’s campaign, which has often cast itself as an anti-establishment movement fuelled by the grassroots support of everyday voters, referred to the celebrity backers as “artists, musicians and cultural leaders”.

Earlier in the day, Sanders was introduced to a packed crowd at the Town Hall fundraiser by Ruffalo, who has himself donated $825 to the Sanders campaign. Sanders is eschewing white tablecloths and ornate chandeliers that ordinarily provide the backdrop to presidential fundraising in favor of crowded, raucous rallies to raise money for his campaign.

In July his campaign said it had collected at least $15m, primarily in small donations.

Ruffalo said he was “in service” to the independent senator from Vermont, who is challenging Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

The actor argued Barack Obama’s presidential election seven years ago, and Donald Trump current lead polls of Republican primary voters, indicate the country thirsts for political change.

“The stage is set for a mass disruption,” Ruffalo said. “People are looking for something different – even in our brother Donald Trump.”

Sanders delivered a more than 40-minute address, where he laid out his agenda for the transformation he likes to call a democratic revolution.

This agenda includes a laundry list of progressive issues, including universal healthcare, a $15 minimum wage and the return of Glass-Steagall, the banking act which limited banks’ ability to partake in risky trading.

He did not mention Hillary Clinton, his main competition for the Democratic nomination, but instead attacked the Republican party for failing to address the interests of most Americans.

“In my view, the Republican party has an agenda, which is basically a fringe agenda representing maybe 5, 10, 15% of American people,” Sanders said.

He pinned the success of the Republican party on creating divisions. “For decades now, they have been dividing our people up,” Sanders said. “They have been dividing white from black, straight from gay, men from women, people born in this country from people not born in this country.”

Sanders also criticized the 16 candidate-deep GOP field for failing to discuss income equality or criminal justice reform during the party’s debate on Wednesday, which he live-tweeted responses to while watching it on television.

“I couldn’t take it,” said Sanders, who said he had to throw his phone away and stop watching after two and a half hours of the three-hour event.

“The only way we transform this country is when millions of people get actively involved in a political revolution,” Sanders added. “Welcome to the revolution.”

Ferrell 'inducted' into Hall of Fame

Actor also raised more than $1 million for Cancer for College

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Will Ferrell honors Cancer for College scholarship recipients on the field prior to the screening of "Ferrell Takes the Field" at Petco Park

By Alyson Footer / MLB.com | @AlysonFooter | September 6th, 2015 

SAN DIEGO -- Although he looks like a very normal guy -- he might resemble your high school algebra teacher or the neighbor down the street who was always fixing something in the driveway -- Will Ferrell most definitely does not just blend in when he's out among the people.

That was never more apparent than Saturday night at Petco Park, where Ferrell's superstar status was front and center amidst a sellout crowd at the Padres-Dodgers game. This wasn't just any typical night in San Diego, of course. Ferrell, one of the most celebrated comedic actors of his generation, was in San Diego to introduce his latest venture, "Ferrell Takes the Field," a documentary detailing every twist and turn during Ferrell's jaunt through the Cactus League last Spring Training in Arizona.

"Ferrell Takes the Field," a joint venture between HBO, Funny or Die and Major League Baseball that will air on HBO Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 ET, was shown on the giant scoreboard at Petco Park following the Dodgers-Padres game. Ferrell was on hand to address the crowd, introduce the movie and thank all who were involved in putting it together.

• "Ferrell Takes the Field" auction

The brief ceremony, however, was a bit more involved than just a general salute to the crowd.

First, Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson was on hand to present Ferrell with a Hall of Fame jersey and plaque, commemorating Ferrell's unprecedented journey during which he played 10 positions for 10 teams during five games, all in one day.

"With all due respect to Cal Ripken Jr., tonight's inductee is an Iron Man of sorts," Idelson said to the crowd. "Even though his career only lasted 12 hours."

Ferrell honored by Hall of Fame

Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson honors Will Ferrell for his contribution to the game, playing for 10 different teams in one day

The plaque, which was unveiled by Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Padres outfielder Wil Myers, referred to Ferrell as "The Cactus Rose" and "Mr. Clutch," who "was once traded nine times in one day."

• "Get Ferrell Takes the Field" gear

In addition to the pageantry, also front and center during the ceremony was the charity that benefited from the movie.

Ferrell waived his appearance fees and filmed the documentary free of charge, sending those funds to MLB's Stand up to Cancer and also Cancer for College, an organization founded by Ferrell's USC fraternity brother, Craig Pollard, a two-time cancer survivor.

Cancer For College awards scholarships to cancer survivors aiming to obtain a college degree.

Many of the recipients of scholarships from Cancer for College were at Petco Park for the ceremony. Ferrell didn't just read off the list of names. He introduced each recipient individually, noted what type of cancer they beat, and listed the colleges they are attending.

"This allowed us to raise over $1 million for Cancer for College," Ferrell said. "That's the real reason why we're here tonight."

Pollard started Cancer For College over two decades ago and had awarded $2 million in scholarships over that period of time. Ferrell's Spring Training adventure raised around half that amount, in just about 14 hours.

"It means the world," Pollard said, prior to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game. "It's the most amazing thing we've ever done as a charity. I was just kind of blown away, the amount of money and the impact that money is already making right now in the charity, it's huge for us."

After the ceremony, the lights went out at Petco, and the crowd settled in to watch the movie.

"Ferrell Takes the Field" captured the intensity of Ferrell's day, from the very minute he entered the A's clubhouse and told onlookers, "I'm in beast mode now. Can't talk."

He fared...adequately during his round in the cage, too.

"The most exciting play in batting practice," Ferrell deadpanned, "is the sacrifice bunt."

Somehow, the show's producers managed to whittle 14 hours of footage down to a 47-minute, action-packed documentary. The movie ends with Ferrell addressing the crowd at the Padres-Dodgers Cactus League game, his very last stop.

"When I embarked on this journey way back at breakfast, I thought to myself, could I do it?" Ferrell said. "Was I the best player on the field today? Maybe, maybe not. But there is life in this 47-year-old arm."

With a big heart to match.

Alyson Footer is a national correspondent for MLB.com. Follow her on Twitter@alysonfooter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Will Ferrell Is Your New Shortstop

In his new HBO ‘docu-special,’ Will Ferrell plays (terribly) for ten different major league baseball teams, blending humor and affection for America’s favorite pastime.

“All basketball players,” NBA coach Phil Jackson once said, remarking on Michael Jordan leaving the NBA for a shot at baseball in the minor leagues, “fantasize about being baseball players.”

A lot of others, too. Besides basketball players, the list includes football players (Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson), comedians (Bob Hope, Billy Crystal, Bill Murray), actors (Charlie Sheen, Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner, George Clooney), directors (Ron Shelton, Woody Allen), rock stars (Bruce Springsteen), rappers (M.C. Hammer), presidents (Dwight D. Eisenhower), and even writers (George Plimpton wrote one of his best books, Out of My League, about pitching to Willie Mays’ and Mickey Mantle’s All-Star teams at Yankee Stadium).

Will Ferrell, though, tops them all: he’s the first 47-year-old ever to try and crack the major leagues.

Ferrell Takes The Field, the actor’s engaging special for HBO, is part charitable project and part tribute to longtime A’s All-Star Bert Campaneris who, in a publicity stunt fifty years ago, became the first major leaguer to play all nine positions over the course of a game. Ferrell does “Campy” one better: in five Grapefruit League exhibition games, he plays all nine positions on the field, takes a turn at-bat as designated hitter, and puts in half an inning coaching third base.

The tour kicks off at an Oakland A’s-Mariners game, where Ferrell, “in a beast mode,” charges onto the field then stops to ask his teammates, “Where do you guys put your wallets?” (“In your locker,” someone off-camera shouts.) Later, he steps into the batter’s box, takes a look at a 94 mph fastball and quickly concludes, “There’s all this hoopla about the home run. To me, the most exciting play in baseball is the sacrifice bunt.” Slapping one on the grass five feet in front of the plate, he declares the bunt “a symbol of America’s greatness.”

Dreams are shattered when, after just one inning, Oakland general manager Billy Beane—who inspired the book and movie Moneyball—trades Ferrell to the Seattle Mariners, whom the A’s happen to be playing that day. “Billy Beane,” grunts a disgusted Ferrell, “is a blood-sucking liar…all about numbers and crap. He doesn’t know about heart.”

Within minutes, though, Ferrell finds he can relate to his new Seattle teammates because several are Latino and, he says, “I was almost born in the Dominican Republic.” After being released by the Mariners, he is picked up by his home team, the Los Angeles Angels, and heads to center field to the sound of pounding Carl Orff-like music. He tells Mike Trout, the big league’s premiere player, “They’re taking you out.” Trout is astounded: “What?! I don’t think so.”

Ferrell then asks, “Can I borrow your cap and glove. I left mine…”

“I want those back,” Trout shouts as he returns to the dugout.

Will Ferrell to Play Every Position in MLB Spring Training Games

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Despite that short-lived moment of glory, Ferrell is soon an ex-Angel and gets picked up by the Chicago Cubs—but wears an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey instead. Cubs team executive Mike Russell decides, after half an inning, to pass on Ferrell:  “We’re looking for guys with ability. Knowledge of desert wildlife isn’t important.”

Ferrell Takes the Field is laid-back humor, affectionate towards the game and those who work in it. It’s fun rather than funny. Some may be disappointed that this isn’t slapstick comedy of the sort you see in an Adam Sandler (or even a Will Ferrell) vehicle, but it’s nice that this docu-special, as it’s called, stays true to the game aside from the premise of a 47-year-old, slightly pudgy actor playing in pieces of five different major league exhibition games. There are no set-ups, no contrived situations.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to walk into a real game, this, as much as anything you’ll ever see, will show you. You will cringe, as Ferrell does, when he trots out to the shortstop and third-base positions hoping no one hits a screamer at him. When he fields, awkwardly, a one-hop single in the outfield and then fires the ball back to the infield—I use “fire” here loosely—you may nod and wonder if you could have done as well.

“Billy Beane,” grunts a disgusted Ferrell, “is a blood-sucking liar…all about numbers and crap. He doesn’t know about heart.”


There are no stunts; Ferrell draws natural humor from the situations and then moves on.  Playing catcher for the San Francisco Giants, a position you can really get hurt playing, Ferrell finds his thigh muscles can’t take the squatting, stands up, and calls for an intentional walk.  Giants manager Matt Williams, feigning anger, kicks him off the team. By the next inning, he is pitching for the Dodgers and delivers an off-the-cuff line worthy, in its indecipherability, of Groucho, telling the pitching coach, “I throw a European curve ball.”

Ferrell Takes the Field might be called a vanity project if it wasn’t for charity, benefitting organizations dedicated to fighting cancer, including Cancer for College, a group founded by Ferrell’s fraternity brother at USC, Craig Pollard, whose hopes for a baseball career were derailed by cancer (as Ferrell’s was by comedy).

The docu-special works because baseball is the only sport where an ordinary guy can be a creditable fake athlete. Ordinary guys can’t pretend to be a football player unless they’re just going to try a kick, and facing off against LeBron James is simply out of the question.  As Ferrell sums it up, “There’s nothing more American than going to the ball park, having a hot dog, and watching nine guys from the Dominican Republic play baseball.”