Mystery, Alaska (1999)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Jay Roach

Writers (WGA):

David E. Kelley (written by) &
Sean O'Byrne (written by)

Release Date:

1 October 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Sport

Tagline:

A Small Town on the Outskirts of Greatness

Plot:

This comedy is about the residents of a small town who get over-excited when their hockey team gets chosen to host a televised event

Plot Keywords:

Small Town | Alaska | New York | Underdog | Adultery

Cast

Russell Crowe	...	John Biebe
Hank Azaria	...	Charles Danner
Mary McCormack	...	Donna Biebe
Burt Reynolds	...	Judge Walter Burns
Colm Meaney	...	Mayor Scott Pitcher
Lolita Davidovich	...	Mary Jane Pitcher
Maury Chaykin	...	Bailey Pruitt
Ron Eldard	...	'Skank' Marden
Ryan Northcott	...	Stevie Weeks
Michael Buie	...	Connor Banks
Kevin Durand	...	'Tree' Lane
Scott Grimes	...	'Birdie' Burns
Jason Gray-Stanford	...	Bobby Michan
Brent Stait	...	Kevin Holt
Leroy Peltier	...	Ben Winetka

Also Known As:

Disney's Hockey Project (USA) (working title)
Pond Rules (USA) (working title)
The Game (USA) (original script title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sexuality.

Runtime:

119 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:L | Malaysia:18PL (uncut) | Malaysia:U (cut) | USA:R (No. 36293) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Germany:6 | New Zealand:M | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:M18 | Spain:13 | UK:15 | Philippines:PG-13 | Finland:S

Filming Locations:

Alberta, Canada

Company:

Baldwin/Cohen Productions

Trivia:

The metal "goaltender" that John ('Russell Crowe (I)') uses for shooting practice is painted to look like former Montreal Canadiens goalie and NHL Hall Of Famer, Ken Dryden.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Bailey dies in New York, it's winter in Mystery, Alaska, yet when his body is returned to Mystery, he's buried right away. This is generally impossible, as the ground is frozen solid and hard as concrete, and those that are die in Alaska during the winter are interred after the thaw. Sometimes that means up to 7 months between death and burial.

Quotes:

Mayor Scott Pitcher: And we're getting a Zamboni, Donna.
Donna Biebe: A Zamboni? Wow, I'm getting wet just thinkin' about it.
Mayor Scott Pitcher: Jesus Christ!
[walks away]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Ben Affleck/Fiona Apple (#25.13)" (2000)

Soundtrack:

Oh Canada

No Mystery - Just Great Movie-making

Mystery Alaska was one of the best comedies to come along in 1999. In the best ensemble film fashion a truly eclectic cast forms the very core of the story that is Mystery, Alaska. Hank Azaria turns in a spectacular performance as "the ugly duckling" – a character not too popular who escaped the town for fame and fortune in television sports. He garners the small town some big time noteriety when the announces that the New York Rangers will challenge a game against the locals pond hockey team. Typical small town chaos ensues as all prepare for the big event.

Russell Crowe, Burt Reynolds, Lolita Davidovich, Ron Eldard, Colm Meaney, Mary McCormack all turn in fine performances contributing nicely to the oddities inherent in any small town.

While the story can seem a bit forced formulaic, David Kelly's script and Jay Roach's directing bring a freshness and satisfaction that made this one of 1999's best sleepers.

A most watchable feel good movie.