Directed by
Josh Gordon
Made by
Paramount Pictures
At the exhilarating World Winter Sport Games, two rival male figure skaters find themselves on a wild journey. Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell), a skilled but outrageous skater grappling with his raunchy lifestyle, and Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder), a talented yet naive and effeminate skater, both tie for the gold medal. When a heated argument escalates into chaos on the podium, they end up igniting the World Games mascot, leading to their lifetime ban from men’s singles skating.
Fast forward three and a half years, and Jimmy is now working at a winter sporting goods store, stagnated in a dead-end job after he refuses to heed a child’s complaints about a tightly tied skate. Meanwhile, Chazz has gained weight and is ousted from a children’s skating show due to his drunken antics. A glimmer of hope appears when Jimmy’s obsessive fan, Hector (Nick Swardson), informs him about a loophole that allows him to compete in pairs skating. Desperate to enter the upcoming World Winter Sport Games, Jimmy reaches out to his former coach, Robert, to find a partner, which leads him to Chazz. Surprisingly, they decide to form the first-ever same-sex pairs team, as the regulations do not specify any gender requirements.
However, their path to glory is obstructed by the reigning U.S. national pairs champions, Stranz (Will Arnett) and Fairchild (Amy Poehler) van Waldenberg, who perceive this unusual duo as a significant threat. They manipulate their sister Katie (Jenna Fischer) into spying on the new pair, constantly reminding her of their tragic backstory concerning their parents’ demise during one of Katie’s skating practices. As the story unfolds, Katie begins to bond with Jimmy, while Chazz and Jimmy initially struggle with their conflicting personalities before ultimately developing a solid friendship.
In a twist, they compete at the United States Figure Skating Championships, securing a chance to showcase their skills at the World Winter Sport Games. Their coach delivers the daunting news that to triumph, they must execute the perilous “Iron Lotus”, a move so complicated that it has never been successfully performed. Despite its infamous reputation—where a prior attempt in North Korea ended in tragedy—they remain undeterred, believing that their partnership as males will lend them the advantage needed.
Tension mounts further when Fairchild coerces Katie to disrupt their progress by seducing Chazz. In a surprising turn of events, Katie’s loyalty to Jimmy drives a wedge between her and her siblings, leading to multiple unsettling confrontations. As chaos unfolds, both Chazz and Jimmy are kidnapped by Stranz and Fairchild, only to escape through sheer luck and unexpected wit.
As the climactic competition approaches, Stranz and Fairchild perform a dramatized routine that sensationalizes the “Forbidden Romance” of John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. In a nail-biting sequence, Chazz and Jimmy rush to the rink just in time for their performance. Chazz’s injury early in their routine threatens their chances, but Jimmy steps up to take Chazz’s place without having practiced the role. Remarkably, they execute the difficult routine flawlessly, with just a minor mishap that adds some comic relief.
In a triumphant finale, Jimmy and Chazz emerge victorious, earning the gold medal while Stranz and Fairchild are dealt with by the authorities for their underhanded tactics. The film concludes with Jimmy rekindling his bond with Katie and Chazz, with both heroes launching into the sky on rockets attached to their skates. Amidst the credits, a quirkier side story unfolds with Hector playing with dolls of Jimmy and Chazz, wrapping up a wild yet heartwarming journey of rivalry, friendship, and redemption.
Rivalry Begins at the World Winter Sport Games
During the exciting World Winter Sport Games, Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy tie for the gold medal. Their heated argument on the podium escalates into chaos, ultimately leading to the igniting of the games' mascot.
Lifetime Ban from Men's Singles Skating
Following the incident at the award ceremony, both Chazz and Jimmy find themselves banned for life from competing in men's singles skating. This abrupt end to their careers marks the beginning of their struggles in the sport.
Jimmy's Dead-End Job
Three and a half years later, Jimmy is stuck working in a winter sporting goods store, discontent with his life. He amusingly refuses to help a child complaining about tied skates, showcasing his stagnation and lack of direction.
Chazz's Downward Spiral
Simultaneously, Chazz has gained weight and been removed from a children's skating show due to his excessive drinking. His uncontrollable behavior emphasizes the stark contrast between his past success and his current downfall.
Hope from an Unexpected Source
Jimmy learns from his obsessive fan, Hector, about a loophole that allows him to compete in pairs skating. This revelation reignites his desire to compete, prompting him to seek a partner for the upcoming World Winter Sport Games.
Formation of a Same-Sex Pairs Team
Jimmy reaches out to his former coach Robert and unexpectedly partners with Chazz, creating the first-ever same-sex pairs skating team. Their decision defies norms and presents a unique challenge to the existing competition.
Stranz and Fairchild's Scheme
As reigning champions, Stranz and Fairchild van Waldenberg see Chazz and Jimmy as a threat. They manipulate their sister, Katie, into spying on Jimmy and Chazz, using her to undermine their new partnership.
Growing Bond Between Jimmy and Katie
While Katie is charged with spying, she begins to develop a friendship with Jimmy. This emotional connection complicates her loyalty, creating friction with her brother Stranz and Fairchild's manipulative plans.
The Challenge of the 'Iron Lotus'
Competing at the United States Figure Skating Championships, Jimmy and Chazz learn they must perform the dangerous 'Iron Lotus' to succeed at the World Winter Sport Games. The move has a notorious reputation, with past attempts resulting in tragedy.
Katie's Dilemma
Stranz pressures Katie to disrupt the partnership between Chazz and Jimmy by seducing Chazz. However, her growing bond with Jimmy puts her in a moral quandary, leading to tension within her family.
Kidnapping Incident
In a dramatic twist, Stranz and Fairchild kidnap both Chazz and Jimmy to ensure their own victory. The pair manages to escape through sheer luck, showcasing their resilience against the reigning champions.
The Performance of a Lifetime
As the climactic competition approaches, Stranz and Fairchild deliver a sensationalized performance about John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. However, Chazz and Jimmy arrive just in time for their routine, facing an uncertain future.
Overcoming Adversity
Early in their routine, Chazz sustains an injury, putting their chances in jeopardy. However, Jimmy steps up to perform in Chazz's place despite not having practiced, showcasing both their trust and newfound camaraderie.
Victory at the World Winter Sport Games
In a triumphant finale, Chazz and Jimmy execute their routine nearly flawlessly, earning the gold medal while exposing Stranz and Fairchild's underhanded tactics to the authorities. Their journey culminates in unexpected victory.
Celebration and New Beginnings
Following their victory, Jimmy rekindles his relationship with Katie and celebrates with Chazz. The film concludes with the two heroes launching into the sky on rockets attached to their skates, cementing their friendship and new lease on life.
Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell)
Chazz is a flamboyant and skilled figure skater, known for his outrageous persona and reckless behavior. Initially struggling with personal demons, he undergoes significant growth throughout the film, learning the true value of partnership and friendship.
Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder)
Jimmy is a talented yet naive skater who finds himself stuck in a mundane existence after a fall from grace. His character embodies perseverance and determination as he seeks redemption through his unlikely partnership with Chazz, ultimately revealing a deeper strength within.
Stranz van Waldenberg (Will Arnett)
Stranz is the arrogant and cunning reigning champion who goes to great lengths to maintain his status. His manipulative nature is contrasted with the genuine connection that develops between the protagonists, emphasizing the theme of rivalry.
Fairchild van Waldenberg (Amy Poehler)
Fairchild is Stranz's determined sister, who embodies a mix of charm and deception. She plays a crucial role in the rivalry, often using underhanded tactics to undermine Chazz and Jimmy's progress while attempting to uphold her family's legacy.
Time period
Modern Day
The story takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the current culture surrounding competitive sports and the evolving perceptions of gender and talent. This era is marked by the breaking of traditional barriers in various sports, as represented by the protagonists' unconventional partnership.
Location
World Winter Sport Games, United States Figure Skating Championships
The World Winter Sport Games are a prestigious event showcasing various winter sports, attracting athletes from around the globe. The U.S. Figure Skating Championships serve as a key competition in the figure skating calendar, where skaters demonstrate their talent and skill to secure a place at international events.
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Acceptance
The film explores themes of acceptance and challenging societal norms, particularly through the formation of a same-sex pairs skating team. As Chazz and Jimmy navigate their relationship, they not only confront external opposition but also internal conflicts, showcasing the journey toward self-acceptance and embracing differences.
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Rivalry
Rivalry plays a significant role in the film, illustrated by the competition between Chazz, Jimmy, and the reigning champions, Stranz and Fairchild. The escalating tensions highlight the lengths competitors will go to protect their status and the dynamics that fuel both animosity and camaraderie in sports.
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Friendship
The development of friendship is central to the narrative, with Chazz and Jimmy evolving from rivals to partners. Their bond strengthens through shared challenges, pushing them to rely on one another to achieve a common goal, ultimately demonstrating the power of teamwork and loyalty.
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