I enjoyed this film. It, as others have said, had great heart. The many important subplots of the film were played out very convincingly by a fine group of actors. But the issues and how they came to be were only skimmed over leaving you wanting to delve further - know more. The fairly realistic ending would have had a much bigger impact if we could have felt closer to the characters. This great little story could have really hit the spot with a closer look via a good long book.
137 Reviews
Better than You Can Imagine
claudio_carvalho14 July 2016
In Mystery, Alaska, hockey is the pride and joy of the residents of the small town. Their hockey game every Saturday is the greatest entertainment of the locals that are proud of their amateur team. When the reporter Charles Danner (Hank Azaria), who moved to New York many years ago, returns to Mystery by helicopter, he meets Mayor Scott Pitcher (Colm Meaney) and proposes a game against the powerful New York Rangers to be broadcast live. The captain of the team and sheriff John Biebe (Russell Crowe) is cautious and warns that the other team is professional and their team might become a national joke and destroy the proud of the locals. But Mystery challenges the Rangers and the Mayor invests money building a facility around the pond for the game. Meanwhile Charles rekindles the feelings of his former high- school sweetheart Donna Biebe (Mary McCormack), who is married with John with three children. While the hockey players live their daily problems and dramas, the Rangers call off the event bringing frustration to the population of Mystery. But the lawyer Bailey Pruitt (Maury Chaykin) travels to New York to defend the game in court and the challenge is scheduled. Who will win the game?
"Mystery, Alaska" is a surprisingly great film and certainly better than any viewer can expect. The storyline has many subplots, some of them funny but others dramatic. The cast is excellent and the hockey game is engaging. In the end, the hockey game is only the motive to see pleasant subplots. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Esquentando o Alasca" ("Heating the Alaska")
"Mystery, Alaska" is a surprisingly great film and certainly better than any viewer can expect. The storyline has many subplots, some of them funny but others dramatic. The cast is excellent and the hockey game is engaging. In the end, the hockey game is only the motive to see pleasant subplots. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Esquentando o Alasca" ("Heating the Alaska")
A pleasant combination of Bad News Bears meets Varsity Blues.
chrisbrown64532 August 2000
The preview for this movie does not give the audience enough of an idea of how well this movie actually plays out. Russell Crowe is not just an ill-mannered detective from Los Angeles, or a Gladiator from ancient Rome; no, in Mystery, Alaska, he showed that he indeed has a nurturing, almost lovable side to him. Mystery is a small, quiet town located smack dab in the middle of Alaska. It is a town where hockey is the most important thing in their lives. There are special "Saturday Games" where the town's Mayor, and two other board members select a few townsfolk to play against each other for the enjoyment of the other townspeople. When an article about this town and their hockey playing is published in Sports Illustrated, The NHL decides that the N.Y. Rangers would play an exhibition game in Mystery, Alaska for a little publicity.
Throughout this movie, the people of Mystery band together and eventually play their game against the Rangers.... This movie is well worth the $3.79 to rent, if you weren't one of the lucky ones to see it in the theater. As much as I enjoyed this movie, there was one scene which was a little reminiscent of Varsity Blues. The acting is wonderful, and I think that everyone that gives this movie a chance will appreciate the great story.
Throughout this movie, the people of Mystery band together and eventually play their game against the Rangers.... This movie is well worth the $3.79 to rent, if you weren't one of the lucky ones to see it in the theater. As much as I enjoyed this movie, there was one scene which was a little reminiscent of Varsity Blues. The acting is wonderful, and I think that everyone that gives this movie a chance will appreciate the great story.
No Mystery - Just Great Movie-making
gpadillo8 September 2004
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.
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.
Nice Comedy with Hockey
Quinoa19843 July 2000
I liked this film. Not loved it, but liked it. One because of it's cast (Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria, Burt Reynolds, Mary McCormack, Lolita Davidovich and Mike Myers), two because of it's association with hockey (also because it associates with my favorite NHL team The Rangers) and three because of it's few (yet good) scenes. Jay Roach also comes into his first real film that is not a parody (he directed the 2 Austin Powers flicks). Plot involves Azaria, who is a Sports Illustration writer who can (and will) bring the New York Rangers to the small (yet powerfull) hockey team in the community of cold Mystery, Alaska. Great character development provided by writer David E. Kelly (who makes a jump from Lake Placid and Ally McBeal). Not in the best of the year film category (because of a few flaws) but it isn't terrible either, especially because of Mike Myers cameo as a Canadian sportscaster. A-
Not great, but believable. A must-see for hockey fans.
keithanddeenie11 July 2000
Mystery, Alaska is a bit of Northern Exposure and a bit of Slap Shot. It is the equal of neither, but nonetheless emerges as a somewhat funny and somewhat touching film. The hook is hockey. Fans of the frozen sport are more likely to give Mystery, Alaska a chance. Hockey purists might actually rate this movie ahead of Slap Shot because there is more of a focus on the skills needed to play the game. The average movie-goer will prefer Slap Shot for its sheer entertainment value and the star power of Paul Newman. Mystery, Alaska tells a better story and also presents a more realistic view of the sport of ice hockey, but Slap Shot wins the overall comparison because of its madcap depiction of life in the minor leagues, including the memorable characters of the violent, bespectacled Hanson brothers. Along with its subdued treatment of hockey, Mystery, Alaska provides a glimpse of life in a small town where ice and snow are the norm. It doesn't stack up to Northern Exposure in that regard, but Mystery has its share of oddball characters, in particular Skank Marden (Ron Eldard) the town Romeo, just enough to keep things interesting. Russell Crowe stars as John Biebe, an over the hill hockey player. He is showing that he has more dimension than a mere action star, as displayed not only here, but also in L.A. Confidential and Gladiator. The rest of the cast, led by Mary MacCormack, Hank Azaria, Burt Reynolds, Colm Meany and Lolita Davidovitch makes up a believable ensemble. The one drawback to this type of film is the predictability of its ending, but it could have done worse by devolving into one of those sickening "stand up and cheer" films. To its credit, Mystery, Alaska ends as it began, believably. This one, particular small town gets to return to normal after its fifteen minutes of fame. This is not a great film, but most patrons will not find their entertainment dollar too poorly spent, while hockey fans will want to see it again.
Under the radar good movie.
rukstar6929 March 2020
Mystery Alaska is a small town that prides itself on Hockey. They have something called the Saturday game, all the best hockey players in the small town play on a pond. Charlie Danner (Hank Azaria) a resident who left the town to become a sports writer publishes an article in Sports Illustrated about this game. After the article gains some traction, He comes back With a proposal for the Players of mystery Alaska to play the New York Rangers in a televised event.
To me this is one of the more underrated hockey movies... Has a good storyline and good acting. I think it's definitely worth the watch.
To me this is one of the more underrated hockey movies... Has a good storyline and good acting. I think it's definitely worth the watch.
Good ole hockey fun, silly comedy, small-town drama
Movie_Muse_Reviews22 January 2010
It goes without saying that "Mystery, Alaska" is all about hockey, but the spin on that is that it's about more than the sport and that's the difference maker between a good and great sports film. "Mystery" falls somewhere in between those compliments, but transcending hockey is what this movie can hang its skates on. The title says it all. Instead of being called "cliche underdog title," or "intense sports words" it simply refers to the town it takes place in, because that's what's at its heart. Even if the sexual humor is completely awkward and the swearing uncalled for, this movie is about the pride of a small town whose very existence centers around hockey.
For one thing, it's worth mentioning that "Mystery, Alaska" is not based on a true story. Thank goodness. Just because a story is true doesn't make it a great sports movie. "Mystery" takes all the best elements of an underdog sports story and blends them with this small- town concept by David E. Kelly ("Doogie Howser," "Allie McBeal" and "The Practice" creator) and Sean O'Byrne.
Russell Crowe stars as the veteran anchor of the city hockey team as well as the town sheriff of Mystery, Alaska, where everyone knows everyone and hockey is all that matters. Charlie (Hank Azaria), who grew up in Mystery but flew the nest to be a journalist, writes a piece on the team in Sports Illustrated that captures the interest of the NHL: They want the New York Rangers to fly out to Mystery and play the Alaskans.
Meanwhile we learn how word spreads in a town like Mystery. One player aptly named Skank is having an affair with the mayor's wife, the youngest player and his girlfriend try becoming sexually active to awkward results and Charlie's presence creates some conflict between John (Crowe) and his wife (Mary McCormack). There's also a lawsuit pending against the sharpshooter of the team because he shot a corporate bigwig in the foot. It's funny but kind of a sad moment when the jury reads the verdict of not guilty with a sly smile and everyone rejoices because without that player, the Mystery team would have surely lost.
The small-town politics might be kind of goofy and the random sexual remarks puzzling, but it gives "Mystery" a soul and keeps it from being dependent on game footage. There's a little bit of game footage early on and then not until the face off with the Rangers. Those scenes become that much more interesting when they don't dominate the film -- a way too common error of most sports movies. Although there is a training montage and a slow clap in this movie, the intention is well and the heart still there.
"Mystery" has some classic moments for a sports film and that's all you can ask for. It might not be the sports epic that "Miracle" became five years later, but it has that genuinely friendly small-town sensibility making it not only unique, but also less glamorized. It's easy to excuse a film with this much heart of all its quirks and flaws.
~Steven C
Visit my site http://moviemusereviews.com
For one thing, it's worth mentioning that "Mystery, Alaska" is not based on a true story. Thank goodness. Just because a story is true doesn't make it a great sports movie. "Mystery" takes all the best elements of an underdog sports story and blends them with this small- town concept by David E. Kelly ("Doogie Howser," "Allie McBeal" and "The Practice" creator) and Sean O'Byrne.
Russell Crowe stars as the veteran anchor of the city hockey team as well as the town sheriff of Mystery, Alaska, where everyone knows everyone and hockey is all that matters. Charlie (Hank Azaria), who grew up in Mystery but flew the nest to be a journalist, writes a piece on the team in Sports Illustrated that captures the interest of the NHL: They want the New York Rangers to fly out to Mystery and play the Alaskans.
Meanwhile we learn how word spreads in a town like Mystery. One player aptly named Skank is having an affair with the mayor's wife, the youngest player and his girlfriend try becoming sexually active to awkward results and Charlie's presence creates some conflict between John (Crowe) and his wife (Mary McCormack). There's also a lawsuit pending against the sharpshooter of the team because he shot a corporate bigwig in the foot. It's funny but kind of a sad moment when the jury reads the verdict of not guilty with a sly smile and everyone rejoices because without that player, the Mystery team would have surely lost.
The small-town politics might be kind of goofy and the random sexual remarks puzzling, but it gives "Mystery" a soul and keeps it from being dependent on game footage. There's a little bit of game footage early on and then not until the face off with the Rangers. Those scenes become that much more interesting when they don't dominate the film -- a way too common error of most sports movies. Although there is a training montage and a slow clap in this movie, the intention is well and the heart still there.
"Mystery" has some classic moments for a sports film and that's all you can ask for. It might not be the sports epic that "Miracle" became five years later, but it has that genuinely friendly small-town sensibility making it not only unique, but also less glamorized. It's easy to excuse a film with this much heart of all its quirks and flaws.
~Steven C
Visit my site http://moviemusereviews.com
It's More Than A Hockey Game
jhclues15 August 2000
It's cold in the small hamlet of Mystery, Alaska, but there's plenty of warmth in `Mystery, Alaska,' the film, directed by Jay Roach, about the town and the sport that is ingrained in the collective consciousness of the community. Hockey is the game, and when a former resident, now a journalist, writes a story about Mystery's home-town team and their `Saturday Game,' and it ends up as a three page spread complete with pictures in Sports Illustrated, it has far reaching effects on the populace of this small dot on the map. Soon the town is turned upside down, embroiled in an event, the proportions of which, to them, are huge. Needless to say, it involves hockey and an encounter with a high-profile professional team. Yes, there is a lot of hockey in this movie, but be advised, this film is not `about' hockey; this is a movie about people real people and what makes them tick. Roach has crafted a thoroughly entertaining and emotional story of want and need, dignity and desire, obsession and love, and he's captured it all through the winning performances of a stellar ensemble cast, the most prominent of which is Russell Crowe. The charismatic Crowe, finally on his way to superstardom thanks to his turn in `Gladiator' plays John Biebe, Mystery's sheriff and captain of the hockey team. His rugged good looks and persona fit the character perfectly, and he puts all of his myriad personal resources to work to put it across, and that he does. Also notable is the personable Mary McCormack as John's wife, Donna, who does a great job of fleshing out the character of this woman who made what she deems to be the right choices in her life, without regrets or apologies to herself or anyone else. It's a refreshing portrayal, and the chemistry between her and Crowe is unmistakable. Also adding to the overall texture of this film are Hank Azaria, as Charles Danner, the journalist who gets the whole thing rolling; Burt Reynolds, as Judge Walter Burns, a man forced to deal with his own personal issues, which include a son, Birdie (Scott Grimes), a member of the hockey team; Colm Meany, as Scott Pitcher, Mayor of Mystery, and Lolita Davidovich as his wife, Mary Jane; Maury Chaykin, as Bailey Pruitt, the man who seems to personify the very essence of Mystery's spirit; and Ron Eldard as `Skank,' another member of the team who's good for two thingssuffice to say that hockey is one of them. Mercifully, `Mystery, Alaska' never pursues the beat-the-dead-horse cliched mentality that sports `teaches one to be a team player and builds character.' Instead, Roach has given us a worthwhile, memorable movie with a human touch, and because of that, in the end these are people you care about, as individuals as well as a community. The climactic game is exciting and far from predictable, beginning with the celebrity they bring in to sing the National Anthem. This may not be one of Russell Crowe's biggest or highest profile movies, but this is one he's going to be able to look back upon with pride, because it's right up there with his best. Remember, you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this movie; all that's required is that you have a membership in the club know as Mankind. I rate this one 9/10.
pleasant enough
Embley20 March 2000
another small town team makes good kind of a film (a la hoosiers) - it's not bad, but it is nothing particularly special.
russell crowe is good (he usually is), as is maury chaykin.
the film never really seems to get off the ground. not enough character development, not enough time to ease into the story.
its a nice enough film to lie in bed and watch when you are sick or something like that.
russell crowe is good (he usually is), as is maury chaykin.
the film never really seems to get off the ground. not enough character development, not enough time to ease into the story.
its a nice enough film to lie in bed and watch when you are sick or something like that.
if "0" was an option on the ratings list....
jehuber8 March 2001
I have never written an online review, but I feel as if it is my civic duty to warn everyone against watching this movie. The cast of the Mighty Ducks are all grown up - how....pathetic. This movie tried to please a general audience with its oh-so-hilarious one-liners and edge-of-your-seat sports action. Well, it didn't score. The characters were not developed at all. I got the sense that I was just being given an overview. The movie jumps around from character to character, not giving you the chance to relate to any of them. The sexual comedy element in the film (to convince us that we're not watching the Mighty Ducks) would hardly be funny to a 14 year old, much less adults. Even the game at the end....what the whole movie led up to, was disappointing. If you are looking for a moving or inspiring picture, this is just not it. Even if you're just looking to be entertained for an hour and a half, look further. Mystery, Alaska is dull, cliché, and utterly forgettable. The time I spent watching this film was definitely time wasted.
Seldom have I come across a script so good for a premise so slight...
Howlin Wolf23 October 2004
... That a film so seemingly inconsequential pays such care and attention to its characters is to its utmost credit. Before viewing I mistakenly assumed this was a gig Crowe took only because he needed the career-boost. How wrong I was!
We've all essentially seen this before in one form or another; underdogs band together to reaffirm pride for their history and heritage, all thanks to the great leveller we've come to know as 'sports'. Sure, all the expected clichés are present, and I did get a little annoyed at just how MUCH hockey was in the last segment, considering I'd previously been enjoying the character details too much to really care about the event that unifies them - but it's the rich characterisation that prompts many a smile, delighted laugh and one or two moments of poignancy. It's 'fuzzy' - and I guess perhaps manipulative - without being sickening, and that must come down to Kelley's background in the world of populist TV. There are enough sharp lines to offset the sentiment, so you don't tend to bristle when it's there!
Jay Roach really impressed me with this one, as it proves that he's more than 'adept' enough to handle a little pathos, too; a branch of comedy I somehow don't see the Austin Powers franchise extending toward... ! Although the final game is a bit 'dull' from my perspective, the hockey training scenes are inventively shot; keeping the speed and fluency of a viscerally exciting spectacle. Burt Reynolds again excels after "Boogie Nights", with a completely different performance this time - 'quiet dignity' instead of brash smarm.
Really it's unfair to single out, though, from such a fantastic ensemble. It's the sense of togetherness and perfect encapsulation of small-town spirit that makes this work, and if you're searching for a movie to lift your gloom then it's no 'Mystery' where you should look: Alaska... ! 9/10.
We've all essentially seen this before in one form or another; underdogs band together to reaffirm pride for their history and heritage, all thanks to the great leveller we've come to know as 'sports'. Sure, all the expected clichés are present, and I did get a little annoyed at just how MUCH hockey was in the last segment, considering I'd previously been enjoying the character details too much to really care about the event that unifies them - but it's the rich characterisation that prompts many a smile, delighted laugh and one or two moments of poignancy. It's 'fuzzy' - and I guess perhaps manipulative - without being sickening, and that must come down to Kelley's background in the world of populist TV. There are enough sharp lines to offset the sentiment, so you don't tend to bristle when it's there!
Jay Roach really impressed me with this one, as it proves that he's more than 'adept' enough to handle a little pathos, too; a branch of comedy I somehow don't see the Austin Powers franchise extending toward... ! Although the final game is a bit 'dull' from my perspective, the hockey training scenes are inventively shot; keeping the speed and fluency of a viscerally exciting spectacle. Burt Reynolds again excels after "Boogie Nights", with a completely different performance this time - 'quiet dignity' instead of brash smarm.
Really it's unfair to single out, though, from such a fantastic ensemble. It's the sense of togetherness and perfect encapsulation of small-town spirit that makes this work, and if you're searching for a movie to lift your gloom then it's no 'Mystery' where you should look: Alaska... ! 9/10.
Definitely a bloke thing...
lizswinden2 September 2001
Make no mistake, this film is all about ice hockey. With one or two little bits of story mixed in and one or two interesting characters, mainly Ron Eldard who plays the randy school teacher and Mary Mc Cormack who is nice as the sheriff's wife. If you're a Russell Crowe fan like me, you'll want to know that he does wear an awful lot of clothes - mainly woolly sweaters, hats and gloves - and only takes them off a couple of times so you won't get to see much of the real Russell. He can skate though, as all the blokes can. It's what they do in Mystery you see. Definitely on the list if you're a Crowe fan but not one of his very best. Too damned cold!
sentimental cheese (spoiler)
notorisk11 December 2000
Warning: Spoilers
A recipe for mediocrity
1. Take a script that has been written a couple thousand times before (Mighty Ducks, every Rodney Dangerfield film etc etc).
2. Get a name actor (whose working on at least two other films at the same time) to give a "will work for food" performance.
3. Get sports people to act in it.
4. Pepper said script with many cliches:
-shock horror! The cozy teacher with a heart of gold dies!
-WOW the big muscle guy is actually just a sweet person inside.
-OH NO! The old boyfriend shows up!
-Gee wiz, I hope the scruffy underdog team are gonna beat those a**hole rich hockey players. Awww...they salute the local heroes at the end though...
=heat up in VCR and feel the smell of cheese ooze into your brain
1. Take a script that has been written a couple thousand times before (Mighty Ducks, every Rodney Dangerfield film etc etc).
2. Get a name actor (whose working on at least two other films at the same time) to give a "will work for food" performance.
3. Get sports people to act in it.
4. Pepper said script with many cliches:
-shock horror! The cozy teacher with a heart of gold dies!
-WOW the big muscle guy is actually just a sweet person inside.
-OH NO! The old boyfriend shows up!
-Gee wiz, I hope the scruffy underdog team are gonna beat those a**hole rich hockey players. Awww...they salute the local heroes at the end though...
=heat up in VCR and feel the smell of cheese ooze into your brain
No mystery here, just a great movie
michaelsibley4166 September 2004
In a place where the sheriff is captain, the grocer is the marquee player, a high school senior who is the rising star of the team, and the town judge is the coach comes a hockey team from a small town on the outskirts of greatness.
Russell Crowe leads all-star cast that included Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack, Lolita Davidovich, Ron Eldard, Colm Meaney, Maury Chaykin and Burt Reynolds in "Mystery, Alaska." Full of hope, pride and determination, "Mystery, Alaska" will capture the hearts of the audience. A 13-year tradition in Mystery where everybody comes together to participate in the Saturday game, a hockey game played every Saturday, draws the interest of the National Hockey League and the New York Rangers.
Azaria comes to propose this challenge to the townspeople of Mystery. After some debate at a town meeting, the mayor accepts the challenge to play the New York Rangers; the players must put their personal feelings aside to win the game. This game between the team from Mystery and the Rangers becomes a David and Goliath match-up, which ultimately comes down to which team can outduel the other first. Can the team from Mystery rise to the challenge given by the New York Rangers?
Crowe is an actor that has brought integrity to his roles such as Officer Bud White in "L.A. Confidential." Crowe, who received critical praise as Bud White, brought the same amount of integrity to "Mystery, Alaska," as soft-spoken Sheriff John Biebe. Burt Reynolds, who has starred in Boogie Nights and received an Oscar nomination for his role as Jack Horner, portrayed hard-nosed Judge Walter Burns in "Mystery Alaska." Reynolds role as Judge Burns turned out to be very impressive since it seemed that he took his time and enjoyed portraying the small town judge/coach from Mystery.
Co-writers David E. Kelley and Sean O'Byrne as well as director Jay Roach work in conjunction to make one of the best films in 1999. Kelley, who has enjoyed success as producer of "The Practice," "Ally McBeal", "Chicago Hope," "L.A. Law" and "Picket Fences," has brought originality to the film. This film allows the audience to sit back, relax and focus on putting themselves in the movie.
"Mystery, Alaska" is a highly recommended film that should be seen by everybody because it was performed by a talented cast, well-put together by the writers and director, has a great plot, and noteworthy performances by the actors.
Russell Crowe leads all-star cast that included Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack, Lolita Davidovich, Ron Eldard, Colm Meaney, Maury Chaykin and Burt Reynolds in "Mystery, Alaska." Full of hope, pride and determination, "Mystery, Alaska" will capture the hearts of the audience. A 13-year tradition in Mystery where everybody comes together to participate in the Saturday game, a hockey game played every Saturday, draws the interest of the National Hockey League and the New York Rangers.
Azaria comes to propose this challenge to the townspeople of Mystery. After some debate at a town meeting, the mayor accepts the challenge to play the New York Rangers; the players must put their personal feelings aside to win the game. This game between the team from Mystery and the Rangers becomes a David and Goliath match-up, which ultimately comes down to which team can outduel the other first. Can the team from Mystery rise to the challenge given by the New York Rangers?
Crowe is an actor that has brought integrity to his roles such as Officer Bud White in "L.A. Confidential." Crowe, who received critical praise as Bud White, brought the same amount of integrity to "Mystery, Alaska," as soft-spoken Sheriff John Biebe. Burt Reynolds, who has starred in Boogie Nights and received an Oscar nomination for his role as Jack Horner, portrayed hard-nosed Judge Walter Burns in "Mystery Alaska." Reynolds role as Judge Burns turned out to be very impressive since it seemed that he took his time and enjoyed portraying the small town judge/coach from Mystery.
Co-writers David E. Kelley and Sean O'Byrne as well as director Jay Roach work in conjunction to make one of the best films in 1999. Kelley, who has enjoyed success as producer of "The Practice," "Ally McBeal", "Chicago Hope," "L.A. Law" and "Picket Fences," has brought originality to the film. This film allows the audience to sit back, relax and focus on putting themselves in the movie.
"Mystery, Alaska" is a highly recommended film that should be seen by everybody because it was performed by a talented cast, well-put together by the writers and director, has a great plot, and noteworthy performances by the actors.
WILL NOT WIN ANY ACADEMY AWARDS BUT DELIGHTFUL PICTURE
dick-789 September 1999
No big awards for this one but if you want to forget your troubles for a few hours go see this delightful, funny movie. Go in the afternoon and get the lower price ticket. It is not a BIG picture but worth the price of admission.
A perfect sport movie
aklbill9 October 1999
Now when you go see a sports movie the ending is always predictable isn't it? Well for once there will be no predictable ending. Like in for the love of the game--perfect? This movie had a little of everything, romance, sport, and humor. The all-star cast is perfect for this film. Not the best film but a good one.
Good, not-so-clean comedy
Fella-35 October 1999
I enjoyed the film, though I would have second thoughts about taking my parents to see it with me. The plot is fairly predictable, as is the ending, but the extra storylines keep the movie from being boring. This is definitely a "renter", but maybe not a "first-run" movie.
("renter" meaning see it on video, "first-run" meaning catch it at the theatres)
("renter" meaning see it on video, "first-run" meaning catch it at the theatres)
Feel-Good, Underdog Movie
mfd-2405823 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Mystery, Alaska is a "feel good", "against the odds" sports themed movie, taking place in a remote Alaska town. The movie features Russell Crowe, Burt Reynolds and Mary McCormick.
Hockey is life in Mystery, where kids grow up watching, talking about and playing pond hockey. Each Saturday, the town comes together to watch the young men in the community play a game against each other on the pond. When an Alaska native moves away and writes a piece on the small hockey town in Sports Illustrated, the NHL takes notice and suggests that the New York Rangers play an exhibition game in Mystery against the Mystery "team.". Could brotherhood, passion and love for the game prevail over players paid millions, with the best equipment and facilities? This film reminds me a bit of Hoosiers- both heartwarming stories of the underdog!
I loved the realistic setting of the movie. Mystery is everything we love about a small town-quant, with a pond in the middle of town where the hockey action takes place and complete with small town drama. You can't beat the beautififul mountain backdrop! In addition to a beuatiful, realistic setting, you can't help but love Burt Reynolds who plays Judge Walter Burns. As strict, no-nonsense Judge of the small town, and father to one of the Mystery players. Initially not a fan of the idea of his son playing hockey, the town spending money on hosting the Rangers or frankly anything else that sounds fun. Eventually he is asked and hestiently agrees to coach the team and his heart is softened, both to his son and the game.
I could do without the "lifetime-esque" sub-story of the native guy, who comes back to town and attempts reconnection with his high-school sweetheart is campy and unnecessary to a plot that can hold its own without the "made for tv" nonsense.
The funny, one-liners peppered throughout, coupled with the feel good, "underdog wins the day" story line make for an enjoyable movie!
Hockey is life in Mystery, where kids grow up watching, talking about and playing pond hockey. Each Saturday, the town comes together to watch the young men in the community play a game against each other on the pond. When an Alaska native moves away and writes a piece on the small hockey town in Sports Illustrated, the NHL takes notice and suggests that the New York Rangers play an exhibition game in Mystery against the Mystery "team.". Could brotherhood, passion and love for the game prevail over players paid millions, with the best equipment and facilities? This film reminds me a bit of Hoosiers- both heartwarming stories of the underdog!
I loved the realistic setting of the movie. Mystery is everything we love about a small town-quant, with a pond in the middle of town where the hockey action takes place and complete with small town drama. You can't beat the beautififul mountain backdrop! In addition to a beuatiful, realistic setting, you can't help but love Burt Reynolds who plays Judge Walter Burns. As strict, no-nonsense Judge of the small town, and father to one of the Mystery players. Initially not a fan of the idea of his son playing hockey, the town spending money on hosting the Rangers or frankly anything else that sounds fun. Eventually he is asked and hestiently agrees to coach the team and his heart is softened, both to his son and the game.
I could do without the "lifetime-esque" sub-story of the native guy, who comes back to town and attempts reconnection with his high-school sweetheart is campy and unnecessary to a plot that can hold its own without the "made for tv" nonsense.
The funny, one-liners peppered throughout, coupled with the feel good, "underdog wins the day" story line make for an enjoyable movie!
Can't get enough hockey!
Travis_Moran5 May 2005
There are now over 100 reviews of this movie. And I guess my little blog won't matter much. But I love this movie. Anyone who is into hockey will surely fall in love with this movie.
Watch out for some of the language if you're going to have younger kids watching.
The first time I saw this I was maybe 13 or 14 and I remember my buddy (our goalie no less) telling me to relax. I guess I had my fists clinched all during the game hoping the Rangers would lose.
Sorry if I sound biased. But I AM! Anything smelling of hockey grabs my interest. (Pun intended. As anyone who has been in a locker room knows that hockey players REEK) But, seriously, this movie was a lot better than most hockey movies. I actually like this movie more than "Miracle" which is another of my favourites.
So my thoughts are, if you like hockey even a little bit you better check this one out if you haven't already.
Watch out for some of the language if you're going to have younger kids watching.
The first time I saw this I was maybe 13 or 14 and I remember my buddy (our goalie no less) telling me to relax. I guess I had my fists clinched all during the game hoping the Rangers would lose.
Sorry if I sound biased. But I AM! Anything smelling of hockey grabs my interest. (Pun intended. As anyone who has been in a locker room knows that hockey players REEK) But, seriously, this movie was a lot better than most hockey movies. I actually like this movie more than "Miracle" which is another of my favourites.
So my thoughts are, if you like hockey even a little bit you better check this one out if you haven't already.
Gee, it wasn't *that* bad
ladymoon4 October 1999
I'm fairly picky about movies. I liked this one, and while I can understand some of the other viewer's comments, I think they were holding it to some overly high standards. Yes it was a bit formulaic,had some cheesy moments, etc. However, mostly it was just fun. And that was all I was expecting when I went to see it anyway. The acting was pretty decent, there were some absolutely hilarious moments, and I enjoyed the game at the end. All in all, I had a good time.
I like Hockey, but I thought the film was just plain boring
Marcus_Membrane17 April 2001
Man, after skimming the first 20 or so comments, I get the feeling that I am a minority in my opinion of this film; I found that it was pretty much the most boring movie that I have ever seen. I like ice hockey and I even played it a little in college, but that alone was not enough to hold my interest in this film.
I rented it thinking that it was supposed to be a dramatic comedy, but the jokes were so few and far between (and even then, few of the jokes were funny) that I soon realized that it was no comedy. I also didn't find it very dramatic - you can't really identify with the characters, there are too many players and too little time.
I didn't even make the connection between this film and Rocky until reading another user's review just now. The difference is that in Rocky, you follow the life of a single man very closely, you really get into the fact that he is poor, lives in the slums of New York, a real underdog who suddenly has a shot, and from the beginning he pours his entire life into his chance to be recognized, to rise up as a true underdog.
But in Mystery, Alaska, you don't really get that feeling of the underdog that rises from the top against seemingly impossible odds. They try to make an entire town into an underdog, and it's just hard to identify with that. After getting a deal dropped in its lap, the town ends up acting like a bunch of bickering stooges, and then at the end they play a hockey game against the New York Rangers. By the time they got to the game, I didn't even care if they won or lost.
Another major difference is that Rocky Balboa was likeable; during the film you really get to know him and realize that he's a good man living a rough life. In contrast, most of the people in the town of Mystery acted like a bunch of jerks, I really didn't like any of them. I could feel some empathy when I saw Rocky, but I didn't give a crap about any of these Mystery hockey players.
The only positive thing that I can say about the film is that the acting was good. But that's not enough to make a good movie. Mystery, Alaska is nothing more than a boring waste of good acting talent.
I rented it thinking that it was supposed to be a dramatic comedy, but the jokes were so few and far between (and even then, few of the jokes were funny) that I soon realized that it was no comedy. I also didn't find it very dramatic - you can't really identify with the characters, there are too many players and too little time.
I didn't even make the connection between this film and Rocky until reading another user's review just now. The difference is that in Rocky, you follow the life of a single man very closely, you really get into the fact that he is poor, lives in the slums of New York, a real underdog who suddenly has a shot, and from the beginning he pours his entire life into his chance to be recognized, to rise up as a true underdog.
But in Mystery, Alaska, you don't really get that feeling of the underdog that rises from the top against seemingly impossible odds. They try to make an entire town into an underdog, and it's just hard to identify with that. After getting a deal dropped in its lap, the town ends up acting like a bunch of bickering stooges, and then at the end they play a hockey game against the New York Rangers. By the time they got to the game, I didn't even care if they won or lost.
Another major difference is that Rocky Balboa was likeable; during the film you really get to know him and realize that he's a good man living a rough life. In contrast, most of the people in the town of Mystery acted like a bunch of jerks, I really didn't like any of them. I could feel some empathy when I saw Rocky, but I didn't give a crap about any of these Mystery hockey players.
The only positive thing that I can say about the film is that the acting was good. But that's not enough to make a good movie. Mystery, Alaska is nothing more than a boring waste of good acting talent.
a pleasant surprise
billsccc26 May 2006
I had no idea at the time that I would enjoy a movie about hockey, and I was right, because this movie had nothing really to do with hockey.It's a great character based movie about a small town that makes it big and the reason the town makes it big is because of it's people. It's a great rocky type movie that makes you root for a small town and it's wonderful characters. Russell Crowe is excellent as well as the entire cast and a great turn by Burt Reynolds as the town judge and coach. This is a very well crafted, witty , warm and realistic and just a charming movie overall. Don't let the hockey fool you, this is a movie about people and a quite enjoyable movie I may add.
David meets Goliath on the Ice.
marten-7155710 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Mystery, a small town in Alaska has an obsession, and that is hockey. An ESPN article boasted of Mystery's pond hockey team having equivalent skill set, specifically skating and shooting, as an NHL team. This leads to the New York Rangers scheduling an exhibition match. The eccentric locals including the sheriff, a grocer, a teacher, high school senior, and others play the game not for fame or money but for love. It's the town's legacy and pride. The film shows the struggles of setting the game up and the conflicts during the game. This theme goes back to biblical times. Can David beat Goliath? This plot seems familiar to other hockey movies like Mighty Ducks (Avnet & Herek, 1992) and Miracle (Ciardi, Gray & O'Connor, 2004); where the underdog overcomes great challenges and succeeds. Underdog or overdog, who will you root for? Who wins this match? You will have to watch.
John Biebe (Russell Crowe), the sheriff is the soul of the team but has lost a step or two and struggles with being replaced by a younger skater, Stevie Weeks (Ryan Northcott). Stevie is still in high school but has amazing speed on the ice. Connor Banks (Michael Buie), a grocer is the best shot on the team; he struggles with pending legal case and might miss the game. Will the judge and jury put Connor in jail for shooting an outsider? This could affect the game undoubtedly. Matt "Skank" Marden (Ron Eldard) is the town ladies man and teaches at the school. Skank's motto is "I play hockey and I fornicate, 'cause those are the two most fun things to do in cold weather," this has gotten him into to trouble. He has an affair with the mayor's wife. Will the mayor take Skank off the team?
Nighttime in Mystery, it is dark and the sound of a helicopter is heard. The New York Rangers arrive in what can be portrayed as a presidential entrance. When the helicopter gets closer, it is bright and fills the frame. The whole town is outside cheering, clapping and waving; they are excited on the arrival of the professional team. Red carpet is rolled out for the players. The camera is set at an angle around ground level and only shows their feet, legs and backs as they make their way up the carpet. As the players walk by the town folk, they tower over them. Mystery's largest player, "Tree" Lane (Kevin Durand) has to look up at the players; this emphasizes the team as Goliath.
As the Rangers skate onto the ice for the exhibition game, all the fans in the stand have newspapers and seem uninterested in them. It's an outdoor game set on a huge sheet of ice larger than Olympic rinks and the temperature is ten below which will most likely affect the NHL team. Little Richard take extra long singing both national anthem, United States and Canada. The camera pans across the Rangers players and shows them uncomfortable in the cold. Can this slow down the professional team?
Period two puck drops. Ranger's center wins the puck and knocks Banks to the ice. The camera angles switch from different to show the frantic shots on Mystery's goalie. The fast switching angles demonstrates the quick pace of hockey and the chaos on the ice. Finally, the Mystery players calm down after the goalie gloves a shot and a good pass provides a break out for Stevie who gets behind their defense. The game becomes one on one just for a moment. Banks shoots and scores. The scenes are close so you feel like you are on the ice with both teams. The only other score in this period was with a Ranger player in the penalty box creating a five on four. Several passes around the offensive zone and Biebe gets the puck to Banks who scores again.
Goliath takes over the second period scoring five unanswered goals. Changing camera positions rapidly shows the fast pace on the ice, brining you into the game. Can David come back in the third? During the third period, Mystery goalie stands on his head to block a Rangers shot. This great defensive play spurs a couple goals by the underdogs. Camera angles are still tight keeping you close to the action. With the camera just above the ice directly behind Wasson's stick we see Marden sliding into a ninety mile an hour slap shot in groin. Now only down by one goal with forty-three seconds left; can the underdogs tie the score? The final shot of the game flies off the stick of Banks, now in slow motion and zooming close onto the puck as it flies through the air. You will have to watch the movie to find out if the underdog can overcome.
Only In America
fce217 April 2006
Caught this late night on TV and got interested by the presence of several well known actors in something that obviously looked like some made-for-TV soap. Checked the IMDb and it turned out to be actually a big theatrical movie, but this was the last surprise that happened to me that evening.
Not sure with whom the NHL teams use to spar, but the movie makes quite a big deal of one friendly between NY Rangers and a team from a small town in Alaska. So big it's what actually the whole movie is about! Being a fan of a 1st division football club that plays multiple test-games against some 5th or 6th division amateurs every season, usually away from home and often televised, I find the whole fuss difficult to understand. But it does provide a mildly amusing atmosphere that I suppose counts for the "Comedy" tag the movie got, as there's barely anything else funny there. Certainly not the premature-ejaculation type of jokes or the played-out one-liners.
Elaborathing further is not worthy of my time. The story is clichéd beyond belief, predictable and boring. The jokes are corny. The music sounds like produced by some one-click-soap-track-generator. The acting is way over the top. The whole movie is a sappy piece of cheese.
Interesting only for die-hard Hollywood soap "connoisseurs" or for ones who might dig Russel Crowe sporting some strange mullet and a fur hat.
Not sure with whom the NHL teams use to spar, but the movie makes quite a big deal of one friendly between NY Rangers and a team from a small town in Alaska. So big it's what actually the whole movie is about! Being a fan of a 1st division football club that plays multiple test-games against some 5th or 6th division amateurs every season, usually away from home and often televised, I find the whole fuss difficult to understand. But it does provide a mildly amusing atmosphere that I suppose counts for the "Comedy" tag the movie got, as there's barely anything else funny there. Certainly not the premature-ejaculation type of jokes or the played-out one-liners.
Elaborathing further is not worthy of my time. The story is clichéd beyond belief, predictable and boring. The jokes are corny. The music sounds like produced by some one-click-soap-track-generator. The acting is way over the top. The whole movie is a sappy piece of cheese.
Interesting only for die-hard Hollywood soap "connoisseurs" or for ones who might dig Russel Crowe sporting some strange mullet and a fur hat.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
