|
MYSTERY, ALASKA |
1999 |
|
The pride of small-town Mystery, Alaska, is its' amateur hockey team, made up of the local Alaskan "bubbas." When a former native son and now not-so-successful TV producer promotes these "wonders on ice," they're challenged by...you guessed it...the New York Rangers! What follows, could have been your formula "underdog meets and beats the big guys" sports film, but not when written by the brilliant and prolific David E. Kelley(Lake Placid, The Practice, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal,etc.) How many stories does this guy have in him anyway? I guess when you come home to Michelle Pfeiffer at night, your level of creativity is raised somewhat the next day! The setting is magical; the acting by some of my favorites(Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria, and Ron Eldard), and a very elder-staesman-like Burt Reynolds is excellent; but the screenplay and dialogue are what make the film near perfect. |
|
|
4 Stars |
NJB |
|
Can David Kelley (The Practice, Ally McBeal) do any wrong? This time, Kelley creates for us a terrific story about a small town in Alaska whose amazingly talented hockey players get to host an exhibition game with the NY Rangers. And as always, there are 3 or 4 minor yet interesting sub-plots going on. Strong performances all around by Russell Crowe, Ron Eldard, Hank Azaria and Col Meaney, and look for Burt Reynolds to possibly get another best supporting nomination this February. If you like hockey, the film does a real good job of making everything look real while keeping it exciting. This one is a must-see. |
|
|
4.5 Stars |
CDF |