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IMDb > Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Mystery, Alaska
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Mystery, Alaska (1999) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.3/10   12,176 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 1% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Jay Roach
Writers (WGA):
David E. Kelley (written by) &
Sean O'Byrne (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Mystery, Alaska on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
1 October 1999 (USA) more
Genre:
Comedy | Drama | Sport more
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 full summary | add synopsis
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
No Jeopardy Here
 (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 5 October 1999)

Jeopardy Doubles
 (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 4 October 1999)

User Comments:
No Mystery - Just Great Movie-making more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Disney's Hockey Project (USA) (working title)
Pond Rules (USA) (working title)
The Game (USA) (original script title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for language and sexuality.
Runtime:
119 min
Country:
Canada | USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS
Filming Locations:
Alberta, Canada more

Fun Stuff

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. more
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. more
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]
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Ben Affleck/Fiona Apple (#25.13)" (2000) more
Soundtrack:
Oh Canada more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
16 out of 17 people found the following comment useful:-
No Mystery - Just Great Movie-making, 8 September 2004
Author: gpadillo from Portland, Maine

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.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Hockey Error nessiesens
Stevie Weeks... silveredition999
'He passes it to Laviolette' Wing_nut
cmon Rangers bobwas99
Russell Crowe's Skating Ability andrewlittle_87
Where could I get a jersey? sherlockemery
more

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