IMDb >
Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsMystery, Alaska (1999) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 35 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
1 October 1999 (USA) moreTagline:
A Small Town on the Outskirts of GreatnessPlot:
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 synopsisNewsDesk:
(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:
Seldom have I come across a script so good for a premise so slight... moreCast
(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 |
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.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
119 minLanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreCertification:
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:SFun Stuff
Trivia:
This movie was originally going to be filmed in Rossland, British Columbia - the future location of Miracle (2004) - and was going to be known as "Face Off." Eventually they decided to use Canmore, Alberta, and went with the current name. moreGoofs:
Incorrectly regarded as goofs: Before the final game at the end of the movie, Little Richard sings the American anthem then, offscreen, is heard singing the beginning of the Canadian anthem, though there is no need to do so, as the game is in Alaska and features two American teams. However, this was intentionally arranged (along with the very long rendition of the American anthem) by the Mayor of Mystery, to prolong the pre-game ceremonies and to let the Rangers freeze even longer. moreQuotes:
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!
[...]
more
Soundtrack:
Lightning Strike Me Down moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Mystery, Alaska (1999) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Slap Shot | Mysterious Skin | Paperback Hero | Summer Catch | Midnight Cowboy |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Comedy section | IMDb Canada section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |












... 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.