Watch Semi-Tough

Semi-Tough is a comedy-drama film that was released in 1977. It stars the dynamic duo of Burt Reynolds and Kris Kristofferson, along with Jill Clayburgh. Directed by Michael Ritchie, the movie is adapted from the novel of the same name written by Dan Jenkins. The film follows the story of two professional football players, Billy Clyde Puckett (Reynolds) and Shake Tiller (Kristofferson), who are best friends and roommates. They both play for the Miami-based football team, the Miami Barons, which is owned by multimillionaire Big Ed Bookman (Robert Preston). Billy Clyde is a cocky and overconfident player who is known for his off-field antics as much as his on-field performance. Shake, on the other hand, is more reserved and introspective, often questioning the state of his life and career. The two men are also both in love with their team's owner's daughter, Barbara Jane Bookman (Clayburgh). The movie's main plot revolves around Big Ed's plan to bring Eastern mysticism and meditation into the football team's training regimen. Though initially skeptical and resistant, Billy Clyde and Shake eventually become interested in the teachings of the team's new spiritual guru, Friedrich Bismarck (Brian Dennehy). Throughout the course of the film, the three main characters question their own beliefs and values as they try to navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives. Billy Clyde, who initially seems so self-assured, realizes that he may not have all the answers to life's big questions, while Shake begins to find his own sense of purpose and meaning. The film is notable for its satirical take on the world of professional sports, tackling issues such as greed, sexism, and racism. It also explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the search for inner peace and happiness. One of the standout performances in the movie is that of Jill Clayburgh, whose character, Barbara Jane, is a strong and confident woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. She provides a great foil to the two male leads, challenging them both in different ways and pushing them to examine their own beliefs and motivations. Overall, Semi-Tough is a fun, entertaining movie that provides an interesting commentary on American sports culture and the search for spirituality and meaning in a fast-paced, competitive world. With a great cast and solid writing, it remains a beloved classic almost 50 years later.