Mystery, Alaska

Starring:Russell Crowe, Mary Mccormack
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
When it comes to the subject of community, David E. Kelley--the prolific writer-producer behind television's The Practice and Ally McBeal--falls somewhere on a continuum between directors Howard Hawks and Robert Benton. While Hawks's professional characters are bound by a knowledge of how to do what they do even if they don't know why, Benton's people, professional or not, have long ago substituted their own eccentric reasons for that elusive why. Thus we get the kind of in-house, oddball rituals sandwiched between passages of actual work on Ally, and the affectionately entangled personal and professional ties between small-town folks in Kelley's earlier TV series Picket Fences.

Kelley's script for Mystery, Alaska (co-authored by Sean O'Byrne) takes that level of eccentricity to a geographical and spiritual extreme. The film revives the hackneyed Rocky formula, setting a lopsided hockey match within a remote, self-contained hamlet where the members of a tiny population all have to wear multiple hats and still keep neighborly ties intact. The story concerns the town's chief source of identity and pride: so-called "Saturday games," in which local men divide into teams and play pond hockey for the locals. When a prodigal son (Hank Azaria) of Mystery shows up with a television network offer to bring the New York Rangers in for a televised match against the homegrown team, the town fathers agree. Coaching falls to the town sheriff, John Biebe (Russell Crowe), an admirable man and a longtime player recently bumped from the team. John, however, doesn't want the job: everyone knows the real coach in those parts is Judge Burns (Burt Reynolds), but he wants no part of it either. All of that changes after a sad tragedy forces everyone to reevaluate their positions and pull together in order to beat the Rangers.

Product Description

With Russell Crowe (THE INSIDER, A BEAUTIFUL MIND), Hank Azaria (GODZILLA, THE BIRD CAGE), and Burt Reynolds leading an incredible all-star cast, here's a fun, uplifting, action-packed story that everyone will love! A remote hockey-obsessed town populated by 633 of the most eccentric characters you'd ever want to meet, Mystery is the kind of place where nothing ever changes. But then life as they know it gets turned completely upside down! When a publicity stunt brings the world-famous New York Rangers -- and the national spotlight -- to Mystery for a game with the local team of weekend warriors, the whole town rises to meet the challenge of a lifetime! Also starring Mary McCormack (TRUE CRIME, DEEP IMPACT) and Lolita Davidovich (PLAY IT TO THE BONE, JUNGLE 2 JUNGLE) in another critical favorite from the hit-making director of AUSTIN POWERS 1&2 -- you'll stand and cheer as this ragtag bunch shows that nothing can melt their dreams of a miracle on ice!

Amazon.com

When it comes to the subject of community, David E. Kelley--the prolific writer-producer behind television's The Practice and Ally McBeal--falls somewhere on a continuum between directors Howard Hawks and Robert Benton. While Hawks's professional characters are bound by a knowledge of how to do what they do even if they don't know why, Benton's people, professional or not, have long ago substituted their own eccentric reasons for that elusive why. Thus we get the kind of in-house, oddball rituals sandwiched between passages of actual work on Ally, and the affectionately entangled personal and professional ties between small-town folks in Kelley's earlier TV series Picket Fences.

Kelley's script for Mystery, Alaska (co-authored by Sean O'Byrne) takes that level of eccentricity to a geographical and spiritual extreme. The film revives the hackneyed Rocky formula, setting a lopsided hockey match within a remote, self-contained hamlet where the members of a tiny population all have to wear multiple hats and still keep neighborly ties intact. The story concerns the town's chief source of identity and pride: so-called "Saturday games," in which local men divide into teams and play pond hockey for the locals. When a prodigal son (Hank Azaria) of Mystery shows up with a television network offer to bring the New York Rangers in for a televised match against the homegrown team, the town fathers agree. Coaching falls to the town sheriff, John Biebe (Russell Crowe), an admirable man and a longtime player recently bumped from the team. John, however, doesn't want the job: everyone knows the real coach in those parts is Judge Burns (Burt Reynolds), but he wants no part of it either. All of that changes after a sad tragedy forces everyone to reevaluate their positions and pull together in order to beat the Rangers.

Following the success of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Jay Roach proves to be an able director of drama, swift action, and low-key, character-driven comedy not unlike that in Benton's Nobody's Fool. He has to deal with some pure corn at the end, but Roach pulls it off and guides the actors to and through far better moments. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Heartwarming............2007-05-26

Mystery, Alaska is one of those movies called a "sleeper". Not much heard about it and not much expected when you see it, but it turns out to be an amazing feel good, heartwarming kind of movie. If you love hockey, then it's a must have for your collection. If you love good, clean, family oriented and feel good kind of movies, then it's definitely worth the purchase.

mystery alaska.......2007-05-16

mystery alaska is a very good hockey movie if you are a hockey fan and russell crowe plays a very good role in this movie and there is some humor to go with this movie.

Totally Enjoyable "Small" Film.......2007-03-25

In a town [New York] where "March Madness" has ruined every aspect of TV watching, except for PBS [they're begging instead -- seems as if they do that for two weeks every two weeks or so now], this little film was a real treat for this nonhockey fan! The performances were uniformly excellent [though I wish Russell Crowe would not go so terrifically soft in the voice at times so that you have to pitch your sound way up and then suddenly decrease the volume quickly; Burt Reynolds, an excellent actor, is also guilty of this in this film], the story good, the cinematography excellent -- in short, for me, a really good, totally enjoyable movie! Thank you, producers!!

Decent screenplay overshadowed by a lousy leading man.......2007-03-19

There is one major problem with this movie, and the problem's name is Russell Crowe. I CAN'T STAND Russell Crowe! I think he is one of the most overrated actors around, and his arrogance bleeds into every single movie he appears in. He is not particularly talented and makes the same faces in every film, and it drives me CRAZY! In this case, we have what could have been an okay movie, but Russell Crowe poisoned the whole thing with his very presence.

"Mystery, Alaska" has the potential to be a decent movie. It's about the small Alaskan town of Mystery, a place where everybody knows everyone else and each resident is obsessed with the game of hockey. One day a former Mystery resident turned sports promoter returns to town with very exciting news: he's set up an exhibition game between Mystery amateur hockey players and the New York Rangers. The people of Mystery must learn to put aside their various differences and pull together in preparation for the event of a lifetime.

This film is sentimental and can basically be summed up in one cliche: "It's not about whether you win or lose; it's how you play the game." There are several strong performances in this movie, including Hank Azaria as Mystery's prodigal son and Burt Reynolds as the town judge/coach. However, Russell Crowe spoiled the whole film for me. He plays the town sheriff/hockey player/coach, and he's basically just a big cocky oaf on ice. There's this one scene where Crowe's character is supposed to have a "touching" moment with his wife. He crosses out a bunch of words in a newspaper column and instructs his wife to read the remaining characters out loud. I think the intention of the scene was for Crowe's character to come across as being all sentimental and deep, but it was just incredibly stupid and serves as a perfect example of how every movie Crowe is in basically turns to garbage.

If ANYONE but Russell Crowe had been cast in the role of John, "Mystery, Alaska" might be worth watching. Sadly, though, I must advise you to skip it.

Part of Your Hockey Collection.......2007-02-06

If you are a hockey fan, this movie has to be part of your collection! Besides, without this movie, you will never be able to answer the question, "What are the best two activities to do in the cold?"

Average customer rating:

great thriller
Man does Pacino look tired!
Psychological stress in Alaska
Full of suspense...
A Drama in Thriller's Clothing

Insomnia (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Al Pacino , Martin Donovan (II) , Robin Williams , Oliver 'Ole' Zemen , and Hilary Swank
Director: Christopher Nolan
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00006IUL7
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Amazon.com essential video

As a more conventional follow-up to his innovative thriller Memento, Christopher Nolan's Insomnia offers ample proof that his skills are genuine. A superbly crafted remake of the 1997 Norwegian thriller, this moody police procedural is transplanted to a remote Alaskan town, where a veteran Los Angeles detective (Al Pacino) arrives to investigate the murder of a teenaged girl. Professional tragedy collides with psychological turmoil as the detective suffers from sleeplessness under the region's perpetual daylight, and a local rookie cop (Hilary Swank) begins to suspect that truths are being hidden as the disturbing case unfolds. While the Alaskan setting intensifies the atmospheric mystery, Pacino's bleary-eyed disorientation adds a rich layer to his character's erratic behavior, and the casting of Robin Williams as the killer was a risk that pays off nicely. In many respects better than the original, Insomnia is a Hollywood remake that's refreshingly free of compromise. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Crime never sleeps. Neither does Will Dormer (AL PACINO), a veteran LAPD homicide detective sent north to Alaska to head a murder case. There his investigation is disrupted by an ever-shining Midnight Sun that wreaks sleep-depriving havoc on his body clock and brings Dormer's shady, guilt-plagued past into the light of day.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Biographies
Documentaries
Featurette
Filmographies
Interviews
Photo gallery
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

great thriller.......2007-05-09

Great thrilling movie, with family favorite robin wiliams as the remorseless murder, have to see it to belive it, not as good as One Hour Photo but still great.

Man does Pacino look tired!.......2007-03-17

Besides the absorbing detective story and the layered ethical themes, this film does a great job of portraying "insomnia". You really get drawn into the head of detective Dormer (nice name for someone who can't sleep!) because of Pacino's excellent performance, and also because the foggy-surreal world he haunts is so numbingly real. Your mind plays tricks on you; your reflexes are off, you feel so far-away, so disconnected...

Sometimes you feel so alone...awake by night when all the world is asleep...exhausted by day and unable to truely inhabit that world either...but then there's that calm, knowing voice of the fellow insomniac to keep you company--he understands what it's like to be so tired...and to be a killer, too.

The foggy Alaskan scenery at the beginning of the movie is the dreamy-nightmarey set-up for the chase scene, where things go terribly awry, and Dormer shoots the wrong guy. In a later scene, chasing the murderer across a river by hopping from log to log, he falls into the frigid water and can't swim up to freedom because of the logs in the way. Cold, numb and frantic, he surfaces; he keeps fighting against fatigue until he finally gets to sleep at the end. I liked how he faced the moral dilemna with the bright-eyed rookie cop (Hillary Swank) at the end, too. Well, (yawn) good night, now.

Psychological stress in Alaska.......2007-02-28

This is a great film because it installs the elements of cops vs. crime into a different setting. Instead of being on the streets of Los Angeles or Chicago or New York, it all takes place in the fictional town of Nightmute, Alaska. This is a great suspenseful show that has a lot of good action scenes. Al Pacino is one of my favorite actors and I liked the way that he was able to bring out how stressful things were for the policeman he portrays. The film starts out with an investigation in Nightmute followed by a tragic event. There are some skeletons in the closet back in the states for Pacino's character which are now making the stakes much higher. Hillary Swank plays a rookie officer who goes the extra mile, but might not like what she finds. Robin Williams is in this to, and wow, what a performance. Robin plays a diabolical guy who is in the shadows toying with Pacino's character, and he really adds a lot to the film. The rain and forests are beautiful but add a good solemn backdrop to this crime thriller set in Alaska. Not a ton of plot twists but enough to keep you wondering how things will turn out. Pacino gives a great performance in showing how an outsider could have a hard time adjusting to this environment, where it is light all the time in the summer months.

Full of suspense..........2007-02-21

Insomnia works well with an excellent group of actors. I especially loved Hilary Swank's character; very friendly yet sharp. Al Pacino, of course, makes the movie. He is a skillful actor, but be prepared for profanity. Just like Gene Hackman turned nearly every movie he starred in into a profanity laden trip, so does Pacino. If you don't prefer certain four letter words, don't watch it or keep your finger on the mute button. Other than offensive language, this movie is a must-see. It keeps you guessing.

A Drama in Thriller's Clothing.......2007-02-02

Sleep disorders are not new to murder mysteries, but the way Christopher Nolan represents insomnia visually is at least as wonderful as Al Pacino's patient acting. Pacino plays a detective from L.A., Will Dormer, who is sent to Alaska to help out an old friend with a murder case. Dormer and his partner (played by Martin Donovan) are under investigation by Internal Affairs in L.A., so there's more to this temporary transfer than assisting a fellow badge.

In Alaska, it's light all day and every day when Dormer and his partner arrive, and Dormer has insomnia. Pacino gradually slows his character's actions and reactions down until I felt that he was severely debilitated and in danger. He makes mistakes: some deliberate, others on accident, and still others he isn't sure of. The latter make for the most intriguing part of this well-constructed thriller.

Hillary Swank plays the smart, plucky detective, Ellie Burr, who is stuck serving misdemeanors instead of actual collars. She has studied Dormer's career and admires him. Swank plays the role without overreaching. I cannot say the same for Pacino. Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Jack Nicholson all suffer from the same affliction: As great as they are as actors, their personalities are greater. I cannot watch them in films and pretend that they are anyone but themselves. I still enjoy their performances, but they are decidedly bigger than any of the characters they have ever played. They just can't help it.

Maura Tierney gives an excellent but thankless performance as the front desk clerk (or manager) of the hotel where Dormer and his partner stay. She softens Pacino in a way that Swank is unable to do. Or maybe Pacino tempers himself; it's hard to tell.

Robin Williams, as Walter Finch, is quite excellent at being creepy. The banter between Finch and Dormer is something of a throwback to a different time: "You're my job," says Dormer when Finch maneuvers for sympathy. They seem to know each other as if from across the room, not like lovers, but like familiar character types in a familiar story.

And Nolan isn't trying to do anything entirely new in Insomnia. He's telling you a story you already know. He twists it slightly with great visual effects and a cold, blue camera lens. As much as I enjoy the film, it's not perfect. The screenplay is written into a corner, and the ending is easy to see a mile away. Likewise, some of the dialogue between Dormer and Finch is heavy-handed and cheesy.

At its heart, this is the story of a downfall. Don't judge the film by its murder/mystery/suspense genre tag. Character takes precedence over plot. It's not as good as Nolan's Memento, but Nolan's craft leaves its marks.

Average customer rating:

great thriller
Man does Pacino look tired!
Psychological stress in Alaska
Full of suspense...
A Drama in Thriller's Clothing

Insomnia (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Al Pacino , Martin Donovan (II) , Robin Williams , Oliver 'Ole' Zemen , and Hilary Swank
Director: Christopher Nolan
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

One Hour Photo (Widescreen Edition)
Panic Room (Superbit Collection)
Murder by Numbers (Widescreen Edition)
The Recruit
Matchstick Men (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00006IUL6
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Amazon.com essential video

Description

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Biographies
DVD ROM Features
Documentaries
Extended takes
Featurette
Filmographies
Full Screen Version
Interviews
Photo gallery
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

great thriller.......2007-05-09

Great thrilling movie, with family favorite robin wiliams as the remorseless murder, have to see it to belive it, not as good as One Hour Photo but still great.

Man does Pacino look tired!.......2007-03-17

Psychological stress in Alaska.......2007-02-28

Full of suspense..........2007-02-21

A Drama in Thriller's Clothing.......2007-02-02

Average customer rating:

Down to Earth

Mystery, Alaska/Six Days Seven Nights
Starring: Harrison Ford , Anne Heche , David Schwimmer , Jacqueline Obradors , and Temuera Morrison
Director: Ivan Reitman , and Jay Roach
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005KAR2
Release Date: 2001-12-18

Description

Mystery, Alaska - DVD- With Russell Crowe (THE INSIDER, A BEAUTIFUL MIND), Hank Azaria (GODZILLA, THE BIRD CAGE), and Burt Reynolds leading an incredible all-star cast, here's a fun, uplifting, action-packed story that everyone will love! A remote hockey-obsessed town populated by 633 of the most eccentric characters you'd ever want to meet, Mystery is the kind of place where nothing ever changes. But then life as they know it gets turned completely upside down! When a publicity stunt brings the world-famous New York Rangers -- and the national spotlight -- to Mystery for a game with the local team of weekend warriors, the whole town rises to meet the challenge of a lifetime! Also starring Mary McCormack (TRUE CRIME, DEEP IMPACT) and Lolita Davidovich (PLAY IT TO THE BONE, JUNGLE 2 JUNGLE) in another critical favorite from the hit-making director of AUSTIN POWERS 1&2 -- you'll stand and cheer as this ragtag bunch shows that nothing can melt their dreams of a miracle on ice! Six Days, Seven Nights - DVD - Big-screen favorite Harrison Ford stars in this nonstop adventure hit about a dream vacation that turns into a hilarious tropical nightmare! A gruff, rough-hewn cargo pilot living in the islands, Quinn Harris (Ford) hates tourists ... though he's not above making a fast buck from a sharp-tongued New Yorker, Robin Monroe (sexy Anne Heche -- VOLCANO, WAG THE DOG), when she's desperate for a quick flight to Tahiti! But this already uneasy relationship suddenly takes a nosedive when his weather-beaten old plane is forced down in a storm! Now, stranded together on a deserted isle, Quinn and Robin quickly discover all the perils of paradise. As this mismatched pair find themselves facing danger at every turn, you're sure to find their misfortunes fueling one of Hollywood's most entertaining action-comedy hits in years!

Customer Reviews:

Down to Earth.......2002-01-28

I found this movie to be very down to earth, entertaining and witty. There was laughter, and there was tears. It was just like I expected with all the circumstances involved. It just seemed so real for the town size, and location. Russell Crowe and others did NOT dissappoint me. Well acted etc. I just loved it.

Average customer rating:

Heartwarming.....
mystery alaska
Totally Enjoyable "Small" Film
Decent screenplay overshadowed by a lousy leading man
Part of Your Hockey Collection

Mystery, Alaska [Region 2]
Starring: Russell Crowe , Hank Azaria , Mary McCormack , Burt Reynolds , and Colm Meaney
Director: Jay Roach
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Do You Believe in Miracles? The Story of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team

ASIN: B0001MIQGM

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Heartwarming............2007-05-26

mystery alaska.......2007-05-16

mystery alaska is a very good hockey movie if you are a hockey fan and russell crowe plays a very good role in this movie and there is some humor to go with this movie.

Totally Enjoyable "Small" Film.......2007-03-25

Decent screenplay overshadowed by a lousy leading man.......2007-03-19

Part of Your Hockey Collection.......2007-02-06

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