Ferrell's dynasty in doubt?

Will Ferrell is the new Jim Carrey, the funnyman whose comedies are consistent box-office gold. Or they were.

The numbers for his new film "Semi-Pro" come as a shock -- $15.3 million for its opening weekend. That's despite a terrific marketing campaign and weak competition.

So what gives? Is this a blip on Ferrell's career, or a sign that the same ol', same ol' isn't enough for Ferrell Nation? I suspect it's the latter. The public's attention span for comic heroes is remarkably short -- see Chevy Chase for a past example. There are exceptions. Adam Sandler continues his man-child shtick with strong numbers, and Eddie Murphy fought off a deep career slump ("The Adventures of Pluto Nash," anyone?) with hits like "Norbit."

Ferrell is funny, and he's smart enough to branch out into web comedy (FunnyorDie.com) and reject pathetic sequels (no "Elf Returns" for him). I bet he's savvy enough to take serious notes this weekend.

(Photo: Will Ferrell throws up a brick in the new comedy "Semi-Pro")

Air ball

On screen, it's clear Will Ferrell's best-known characters are lazy. How else to explain the doughy physiques, the schlumpy appearances?

But his new sports comedy "Semi-Pro" is a different kind of lazy. The comedy, opening today (Feb. 29), doesn't get its hands dirty with funny situations or clever verbiage. Instead, it lets Ferrell talk like a sailor for every strained laugh.

My Washington Times review breaks down the comic failures. "Semi-Pro" did make me laugh, but the film's imagination gets tapped out in the opening minutes when we learn how Ferrell's character segued from one-hit wonder to franchise owner.

(Photo: Will Ferrell is the Flint, Mich. Tropics power forward and owner in "Semi-Pro.")