Free Enterprise (1998)

Two less than successful film producers, approaching mid-life crisis and clinging to their nerdy sci-fi obsessions, suddenly meet their idol: William Shatner.

Director:

Robert Meyer Burnett

Writers:

Mark A. Altman, Robert Meyer Burnett

Stars:

Eric McCormack, Carl Bressler, Rafer Weigel

4 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Eric McCormack	...	Mark
Carl Bressler	...	Mort Berg
Ethan Glazer	...	Young Mark
Phyllis Franklin	...	Ticket Taker
Brandon Kleyla	...	Young Kevin
Thomas Hobson	...	Richard
Marilyn Kentz	...	Gail - Mark's Mom
Spencer Klein	...	Young Robert
Mickey Cassidy	...	Bully
Rafer Weigel	...	Robert
Jennifer Sommerfeld	...	Tricia (as Jennifer Sommerfield)
Tricia Cruz	...	Mexican Waitress (as Letricia Cruz)
Annika Brindley	...	Astrid
William Shatner	...	Bill
Michael Altman	...	Eden Waiter

Storyline

Young filmmakers (Rafer Weigel, Eric McCormack) trying to hawk a movie titled "Bradykillers" about a serial killer who goes after victims Marcia, Jan, and Cindy meet their screen idol, William Shatner. Shatner, appearing as himself, has fun poking fun at his own image. The two young men, who idolize him and in their fantasies have seen him as a shadowy fairy godfather figure, are alarmed at the reality of the middle-aged non-Captain Kirk man that they meet. However, their relationship helps anchor the two more into reality.

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Plot Keywords:

satire | x men | answering machine | ménage à trois | actor playing himself | 

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Taglines:

Only one man in the Universe can get them on the right Trek...

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 June 1999 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$13,086 (USA) (4 June 1999)

Gross:

$30,193 (USA) (25 June 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mindfire Entertainment, Triad Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min 121 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

William Shatner originally turned down the role as himself. In the original script, Shatner was written as an imaginary mentor who would appear to Mark in times of trouble. But Shatner requested his character to be flawed and more human which is why he portrays himself as a pompous, lonely drunk in the film. The writers used several anecdotes told by Shatner. The original idea was kept in one scene in which appears to Mark as a child.

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Goofs

The movie takes place in 1998 just before Mark's 30th birthday party, putting his birthday in 1968. However, in the flashback scene of Mark trying to get into Star Trek: The Motion Picture Mark says his age is 12 when asked by the women in the ticket stand, despite the fact that Star Trek: The Motion Picture was released in 1979 and the movie itself says 19 years earlier. This would make Mark already 30 by the time the film is taking place in 1998.

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Quotes

Mark's Mom: Mark, Mark, what are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to go to that movie - that "Star Track" movie.
Young Mark: Oh, Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? "Track" is what a train goes on, okay? "Trek" is what the Enterprise goes on, okay?
Mark's Mom: Yeah, and they say the pain of childbirth ends with labor.

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Crazy Credits

Robert Meyer Burnett dedicates this film in memory of the works of the late, great Stanley Kubrick. "Viddy well."

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Connections

References Star Trek: The Way to Eden (1969)

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Soundtracks

"Underwaterboys"
Written by David Allen, Barry Andrews and Martyn Barker
Performed by Shriekback
Artist Courtesy of Island Records, Ltd.
Under License from Universal Music Special Markets

User Reviews

A light romantic comedy that proves William Shatner can act

I stumbled across this movie on TV today and was really blown away. Who would have thought of a romantic comedy about two Trekkies(or Trekkers, not sure what the term is these days)? The movie appears to be at least somewhat autobiographical, and the story rings true.

Shatner comes through with the performance of a lifetime. His portrayal of himself is vulnerable and believable. His obsession with creating musical version of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caeser" is hilarious and it's really funny to see Shatner poking fun at himself.

All in all, this movie is surprisingly good and although really aimed at sci-fi fans, it is accessible to anyone. I highly recommend this lighthearted film.