Semi-Pro

Semi-Pro

Year: 2008

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Kent Alterman

SportComedy

In 1976, the charismatic but down-on-his-luck Jackie Moon buys the struggling Flint Michigan Tropics basketball team in the maverick American Basketball Association. Facing financial ruin and the threat of the franchise being dissolved, Jackie rallies his ragtag group of players to compete against all expectations. They must overcome numerous challenges and play their hearts out to survive and prove their worth in a league known for its unconventional style and fierce competition.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Semi-Pro yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Semi-Pro (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Semi-Pro (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1976

The movie is set in 1976, a pivotal year in sports history as the American Basketball Association sought to merge with the National Basketball Association. This era was marked by vibrant culture, changing social dynamics, and a growing interest in professional sports. As Jackie Moon navigates these challenges, the backdrop of the year amplifies the Tropics' underdog story.

Location

Flint, Michigan

Flint, Michigan, serves as the backdrop for this energetic tale centered around basketball. Known for its industrial history, it finds itself in the spotlight as the struggling home of the Flint Tropics, a team trying to rise through the ranks of the American Basketball Association. The city's challenges mirror those of the Tropics as they fight to stay relevant in the competitive sports landscape.

🏀 Basketball 🌆 City Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Main Characters – Semi-Pro (2008)

Meet the key characters of Semi-Pro (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell)

Jackie Moon is a charismatic and ambitious character, embodying the quintessential underdog spirit. As both the owner and head coach of the Flint Tropics, he is passionate about basketball and deeply invested in the team's success. Despite his comedic exterior, Jackie displays determination, vulnerability, and capacity for growth throughout the film.

🏀 Basketball 💡 Leadership 🎤 Musician

Ed Monix (Woody Harrelson)

Ed Monix is a seasoned basketball player with a wealth of experience, providing much-needed guidance and leadership to the Tropics. His arrival marks a turning point for the team, as he works tirelessly to forge teamwork and discipline. Monix’s commitment to the game and his teammates demonstrates not just his skill but also his heart.

🏀 Basketball 👔 Mentor 💪 Determination

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Major Themes – Semi-Pro (2008)

Explore the central themes of Semi-Pro (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏆 Dreams & Ambition

The central theme of the movie revolves around dreams and ambition, especially Jackie's determination to transform the Flint Tropics into a successful franchise. Despite facing numerous obstacles, his relentless pursuit of success inspires both his teammates and fans. The film emphasizes that the journey and effort toward achieving one's dreams can be as important as the end result.

🤝 Teamwork

Teamwork is another significant theme, illustrated by the camaraderie that develops among the Tropics players. Under Ed Monix's guidance, they learn that unity and collaboration can lead to overcoming challenges. The film showcases how working together, even in the face of adversity, can yield surprising results and foster strong bonds.

🎭 Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a recurring theme throughout the film, as Jackie risks personal comfort and relationships to achieve his goals. He makes crucial decisions that not only impact his future but also his team’s chances of survival. This theme highlights the importance of putting others before oneself for the greater good.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Absurdist Underdog Sports Stories like Semi-Pro

Chaotic teams of misfits chasing glory with humor and heart.Find more movies like Semi-Pro featuring hilariously inept sports teams. If you enjoyed the chaotic energy, slapstick humor, and against-all-odds spirit of the Flint Tropics, you'll love these comedic underdog stories where the journey is just as important as the win.

comedicabsurdunderdogslapstickraucousenergeticteamworknostalgic

Narrative Summary

These stories follow a familiar underdog sports structure—a struggling team must overcome obstacles to achieve a goal—but the tone is consistently light and absurd. Character flaws are played for laughs, challenges are often surreal or comical, and the focus is on camaraderie and outrageous antics rather than pure athletic triumph.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared commitment to comedy over drama, their focus on eccentric characters, and their use of a sports framework to deliver a consistently funny and energetic experience with a hopeful, if messy, conclusion.

1970s Nostalgia Comedies with a vibe like Semi-Pro

Hilarious trips back to the decade of disco, funk, and far-out fashion.Explore more funny movies set in the 1970s that capture the same nostalgic feel as Semi-Pro. If you liked the funky soundtrack, garish outfits, and groovy atmosphere of Jackie Moon's world, discover these comedies that lovingly mock and celebrate the decade.

nostalgic1970scomedicfunkyretroslapstickeccentricperiod piece

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread use the 1970s setting to enhance the comedy, often poking fun at the era's excesses while celebrating its unique culture. The plots are often straightforward, allowing the period details and anachronistic humor to shine, creating a warm, nostalgic, and frequently absurd viewing experience.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific tonal and aesthetic focus on the 1970s as a source of humor and charm. The connection is built on a shared setting that informs the characters, conflicts, and comedic style, creating a distinct and cohesive vibe.

Unlock the Full Story of Semi-Pro

Don't stop at just watching — explore Semi-Pro in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Semi-Pro is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Semi-Pro Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Semi-Pro, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Semi-Pro Summary

Semi-Pro Timeline

Track the full timeline of Semi-Pro with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Semi-Pro Timeline

Semi-Pro Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Semi-Pro that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Semi-Pro Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Semi-Pro

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Semi-Pro: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Semi-Pro

Similar Movies to Semi-Pro

Discover movies like Semi-Pro that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.