Mystery, Alaska (1999)

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

Director:

Jay Roach

Writers:

David E. Kelley, Sean O'Byrne

Stars:

Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack

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

Storyline

When Mystery, Alaska's amateur hockey team accepts a challenge to play against the New York Rangers, the entire population must put their petty differences aside and pull together as their small town becomes the center of a nationally televised event.

---

Plot Keywords:

small town | hockey | alaska | new york rangers | adultery | 

---

Taglines:

A Small Town on the Outskirts of Greatness

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Sport

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and sexuality

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 October 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Disney's Hockey Project

Filming Locations:

Alberta, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$28,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$3,102,191 (USA) (1 October 1999)

Gross:

$8,888,143 (USA) (24 December 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Baldwin/Cohen Productions, Hollywood Pictures, Rocking Chair Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mike Myers's character Donnie Shulzhoffer seems to have the same mannerisms and sayings as Canadian hockey commentator, hero and all-around legend Don Cherry.

---

Goofs

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

Janice Pettiboe: It's a Rockwellian Christmas up here. Skating. Barbecues. Snow. We're here with defenseman Matt Marden, and... cut!
Charles Danner: What?
Janice Pettiboe: I can't feel my fingers.
'Skank' Marden: You need to rub 'em on a nice, warm Yuletide log.
Janice Pettiboe: I beg your pardon?
'Skank' Marden: Look, Christmas is a lonely day for a guy to be chokin' his own chicken. And as women reporters go, I find you supple.
Janice Pettiboe: Oh, that was lovely. It's a shame we weren't rolling for that.
Charles Danner: I'm sure he'd be happy to repeat it.
'Skank' Marden: [laughing] You need to relax!
Janice Pettiboe: Charles!
[...]

---

Connections

References Scream 2 (1997)

---

Soundtracks

"Mr. Big Cha Cha"
Written and Performed by John Scott as Johnny Scott and The Scottmen Plus
Courtesy of Associated Production Music

User Reviews

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.