Semi-Tough

The 1977 film Semi-Tough can be described as a quirky and versatile mesh of romantic comedy, satirical drama, and a sports flick. Arguably one of the more formidable films to come from director Michael Ritchie, the movie built its foundation on the best-selling, namesake novel written by Dan Jenkins. The main characters are portrayed by a powerhouse trio - Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, and Jill Clayburgh - who make the film an absorbing joy ride of flamboyant emotions, humorous banter, and rugged sports action.

The film is set in the charged climate of professional American football, with Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson playing Billy Clyde Puckett and Marvin "Shake" Tiller respectively - two stalwarts of the Miami Sharks. Both Puckett and Tiller are not only teammates but also best friends from their childhood days in Texas, sharing a brotherly bond rooted in decades of shared experiences. While their on-the-field camaraderie and fierce competitiveness are the talk of the town, it's their unique off-the-field dynamic that really forms the crux of the plot.

This is where the character of Barbara Jane Bookman, portrayed by Jill Clayburgh, comes into the equation. Bookman is the daughter of the team's owner and the shared love interest of both Puckett and Tiller. Away from the rigid lines of the football field, the three of them share a close, convoluted relationship - a triangle that itself lurches forward and recoils as the story progresses. Watching this complex dance of love and friendship unfold constitutes a significant part of the movie's charm.

Semi-Tough delivers an exciting and often humorous ride throughout its runtime, as it also manages to pack in a hearty dose of bizarre satire. The film dives headlong into the trendy self-help movement of the 1970s, tapping into the era's cultural zeitgeist to amplify its humor. There are sessions of an off-beat personal growth seminar (named B.E.A.T), replete with amusing and often rib-tickling antics. These elements of satire, interspersed within the narrative, inject a riotous dose of comedy into the movie, highlighting the more flamboyant side of Hollywood in the late 70s.

Beyond its comedic side, Semi-Tough is versatile enough to deliver solid football scenes that will resonate with sports enthusiasts. The football scenes are conducted with an authentic feel, complete with intense physical sequences, attention to detail in games, and a gripping depiction of the sport's gritty euphoria. Yet the film never strays too far into hardcore sporting action, retaining at its heart the emotional tension between Billy, Shake, and Barbara.

The film is truly a platform that showcased the acting prowess of Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson, with both of them successfully portraying their rugged yet vulnerable characters. Jill Clayburgh brings in a compelling female presence with her character, packing an intriguing mix of vulnerability, strength, and charm.

In essence, Semi-Tough is a distinctive film that blends a range of genres, packaging romance, friendship, satire, and sports into an engaging narrative. Director Michael Ritchie expertly weaves comedy and drama, pulling out impressive performances from the lead trio and a supporting cast that includes other notable names like Robert Preston, Bert Convy, and Lotte Lenya.

If you are a fan of sports-themed films that deviate from the traditional mold or love a good romantic triangle with a generous dose of comedy, Semi-Tough will impress. It is a movie that pairs an intricate interpersonal dynamic with the larger-than-life world of professional football, all flanked by an eccentric splash of 70s culture. It is this amalgamation of themes together with performances by the movie's stars that make Semi-Tough a film worth a watch for fans of 70s cinema, sports, and romantic comedy.