I really enjoyed this film. Even though I had never heard of any of the lead actors, except of course for William Shatner, I thought they did an incredible job of portraying their characters. Intellectual, devoted, neurotic, and erotic are just a few of the qualities they were asked to convey. And William Shatner is a revelation revealing that his hopes, dreams, and fears are closer to those of his committed fans than they could ever have imagined. Since I have seen most of the Star Trek episodes and movies and the other films alluded to by the characters, I was able to appreciate all the wonderful in-jokes. I highly recommend this hilarious film even if you are not a Star Trek fan, 9/10.
105 Reviews
Clever, Funny and a Little Too Close to Home....
GuyCC30 January 2000
I had a different idea of what this movie was about when I chose to watch this. I thought it would parody "Star Trek", sci-fi, and William Shatner. While it covered a vast amount of science fiction trivia, I think this is the kind of movie anybody could enjoy.
In watching this, I can see my friends and I being like this as we hit our 30+ marks in a few years, and hey, it looks like the best is yet to come. It goes to show that "fan boys" have real life problems and responsibilities just the same as anyone else. Of course, there are a few more, er, "dedicated" to the cause than others....
William Shatner was a lot of fun in this movie, and he deserves to get credit for this film. He lives up to all of the "Shatner stereotypes" in being larger than life, but he also lets go and enjoys the ride. I cheered Shatner just for being Shatner, and his "Julius Caesar" rap is as funny as can be without breaking the tone of the film and entering the "camp" zone.
This is a movie that is more fun for those who get the majority of the film references, but it doesn't require it.
I'd like to see what else these guys will put out. For a first film, it's excellent.
In watching this, I can see my friends and I being like this as we hit our 30+ marks in a few years, and hey, it looks like the best is yet to come. It goes to show that "fan boys" have real life problems and responsibilities just the same as anyone else. Of course, there are a few more, er, "dedicated" to the cause than others....
William Shatner was a lot of fun in this movie, and he deserves to get credit for this film. He lives up to all of the "Shatner stereotypes" in being larger than life, but he also lets go and enjoys the ride. I cheered Shatner just for being Shatner, and his "Julius Caesar" rap is as funny as can be without breaking the tone of the film and entering the "camp" zone.
This is a movie that is more fun for those who get the majority of the film references, but it doesn't require it.
I'd like to see what else these guys will put out. For a first film, it's excellent.
Real, very real.
Primalase22 April 2002
The movie had me cracking up from start. I get the feeling that the creators consider this more homage than parody. I certainly feel that way. Sure, it's satirical, but the fact that the satire hits so close to home is what makes this movie so good.
Giddy, goofy fun
Ace-388 July 2000
"Free Enterprise" is so giddily goofy in its charm and appeal that you just can't help but love it. The plotline concerns the trials and tribulations of two friends, bonded together by science fiction and "Star Trek" inparticular, having a chance meeting with their idol; William Shatner. This chance meeting develops into a business relationship for one and a friendship for the other.
Eric McCormack (TV's Will and Grace) stars as Mark, the slightly older and far and away more mature of the two friends. He will be 30 in a couple days and is having panicked "Logan's Run" flashbacks in his head as he wonders what his life had been worth so far. Mr. McCormack plays this role so well, the "I'm better than you" attitude just drips off the screen.
Rafer Weigel is Robert, the other half of this friendship tandem. He is more "damn the torpedoes" and lives life by a thread. Losing girlfriend after girlfriend because a rare collectible action figure is more important than rent or utilities, his character is constantly falling in and out of love. Nice role here as well, played with almost maddening indifference. You get the impression that's the way this guy is in reality as well. All that means of course, is that he really sold the part.
William Shatner is himself, clearly poking holes in his "Star Trek" facade. Shatner reveals "himself" to be a heavy drinking, porn reading but sincere guy. He plans to do a musical production of "Julius Caesar" with himself playing all the parts. The ending sequence concerns this,and has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Several faces from the past dot the background, Deborah Van Valkenburg ("The Warriors", "Too Close For Comfort"), Ellie Cornell ("Halloween 4" & 5). Nice to see Ellie is still acting. I liked her "Halloween" performances.
"Free Enterprise" shows that indie films have a life beyond "My Life As a Bar of Soap". That indie filmmakers have a wonderful sense of humor and direction, and that they can churn out "mass-pleasing" films.
4 out of 5
Eric McCormack (TV's Will and Grace) stars as Mark, the slightly older and far and away more mature of the two friends. He will be 30 in a couple days and is having panicked "Logan's Run" flashbacks in his head as he wonders what his life had been worth so far. Mr. McCormack plays this role so well, the "I'm better than you" attitude just drips off the screen.
Rafer Weigel is Robert, the other half of this friendship tandem. He is more "damn the torpedoes" and lives life by a thread. Losing girlfriend after girlfriend because a rare collectible action figure is more important than rent or utilities, his character is constantly falling in and out of love. Nice role here as well, played with almost maddening indifference. You get the impression that's the way this guy is in reality as well. All that means of course, is that he really sold the part.
William Shatner is himself, clearly poking holes in his "Star Trek" facade. Shatner reveals "himself" to be a heavy drinking, porn reading but sincere guy. He plans to do a musical production of "Julius Caesar" with himself playing all the parts. The ending sequence concerns this,and has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Several faces from the past dot the background, Deborah Van Valkenburg ("The Warriors", "Too Close For Comfort"), Ellie Cornell ("Halloween 4" & 5). Nice to see Ellie is still acting. I liked her "Halloween" performances.
"Free Enterprise" shows that indie films have a life beyond "My Life As a Bar of Soap". That indie filmmakers have a wonderful sense of humor and direction, and that they can churn out "mass-pleasing" films.
4 out of 5
A fun look at Fans and their quirks
captnemo1 March 2008
An interesting look into the minds of 2 Star Trek fans. This film shows that Bill Shatner "Gets it." He understands the way fans can be and he just rolls along with it. It's hard to believe that there are fans out there who can recite episodes, dialog and air dates, but I've been there. I still remember where I was when I saw the Gorn for the first time, so I can relate to these guys.
Audie England is a Dream Come True-type girl. She's also a fan, not crazy, not asexual/non-sexual and very beautiful. There are very few of those around, believe me. I've been here too, but I will keep that to myself. A treat from beginning to end.
Audie England is a Dream Come True-type girl. She's also a fan, not crazy, not asexual/non-sexual and very beautiful. There are very few of those around, believe me. I've been here too, but I will keep that to myself. A treat from beginning to end.
Wish Fulfillment for Real Geeks
Gislef24 August 2000
I am a geek, I've known geeks...and the guys in this movie are no geeks! Enough Lloyd Bentsen: Free Enterprise is...welll, okay. It's pretty much a standard romance, but it's presumably either some kind of wish fulfillment for the sad pathetic people (including me!) that are this obsessive about sci-fi, or it is filtered through your typical Hollywood execs' view so that the sci-fi fans are inevitably handsome leading-men and women types who have sex regularly. Ummm, huh? William Shatner is certainly funny parodying himself, there are a few sharp insights into sci-fi fandom, and there are bits of inspired humor (the childhood flashbacks, the whole idea of a Julius Caesar musical). But ultimately the movie bogs down on the lives of these two lovable loser/sf fans that are way too "normal" for most sf fans to identify with, and too monomanically obsessive with sf trivia for a regular audience to catch on to.
A light romantic comedy that proves William Shatner can act
darkdaedra21 May 2003
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.
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.
Enter the Goofy World of Shatnerica
Bogmeister22 July 2005
A movie for Trekkers, made by Trekkers, about Trekkers, etc. Trekkers (oh, not 'Trekkies'-savvy?) are "Star Trek" fans, usually very obsessed fans. However, the 2 main characters here, despite fitting the standard Trekker profile of letting Trek dominate their lives, are well-rounded in other aspects: one of 'em, despite never having any money and a loser sensibility, is pretty successful with girls & doesn't have problems 'getting some.' The other is successful career-wise, with normal interests, as well. The filmmakers obviously wanted to show Trekkers as more than just weird geeks. However, something doesn't jibe with this presentation: the 2 guys come across as SO normal, it's hard to believe they've got every Trek episode memorized. That being said, this flic is a Trekker dream, filled with pop cultural references (for other Sci-Fi famous flics,too) and in-jokes that will probably baffle those not informed about Trek sayings & terminology (one scene is even filmed at a famous site from one of the classic episodes, but this was already done in "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey"/1991). In the plot, the 2 guys, who both work in the film industry in L.A., happen to spot their idol, William Shatner, in a bookstore (Shatner, who portrayed Capt.Kirk in the classic Trek series and movies, is played by ...William Shatner). He doesn't live up to their expectations of a hero, even coming across as a bit of a loon, setting the stage for the re-evaluation of their lives. In all, the movie comes across as a bit silly and even pointless, with non-too-subtle moralizing about what's important in life, and apparent low-budget origins. But even non-Trekkers should find it mildly amusing. The DVD even has explanations of all the arcane Trek references, including optional subtitles. I'm still not sure what the title means (The Enterprise, of course, was the spaceship, er, starship in Trek, but so what?).
If you don't get it ... you don't get it
joker-44 January 2000
This movie spoke to me like no movie has since CLERKS or CHASING AMY. Filled with outright humorous usage of, reference to, and plenty of in-jokes surrounding the entire STAR TREK, STAR WARS, comicbook sub-culture, FREE ENTERPRISE also crafts a well-made movie of love, friendship and dreams coming true.
FREE ENTERPRISE is probably not for the chick who'd rather see the latest Julia Roberts romance flick, but absolutely targets the Generation X crowd that is hitting that magical age of 30. FREE ENTERPRISE establishes the fact, and goes on to prove it in case there is any remaining doubt, that there is no one cooler in SF than Captain Kirk.
Mark Altman and Robert Burnett, who obviously filled the script with personal experiences, go on to prove that even s/f comicbook movie geeks still have love in the hearts and, with sufficient help from assorted alcoholic beverages and the spiritual guidance of Captain Kirk himself, have the power to change the galaxy... or at least their own personal world.
FREE ENTERPRISE is probably not for the chick who'd rather see the latest Julia Roberts romance flick, but absolutely targets the Generation X crowd that is hitting that magical age of 30. FREE ENTERPRISE establishes the fact, and goes on to prove it in case there is any remaining doubt, that there is no one cooler in SF than Captain Kirk.
Mark Altman and Robert Burnett, who obviously filled the script with personal experiences, go on to prove that even s/f comicbook movie geeks still have love in the hearts and, with sufficient help from assorted alcoholic beverages and the spiritual guidance of Captain Kirk himself, have the power to change the galaxy... or at least their own personal world.
Huh?
lswote16 January 2001
More Kirk, less moaning girl and geeks getting laid. I liked Shatner, but the rest of it was hard to identify with. It is like a sexy version of Clerks with Star Trek thrown in. Course if Clerks is your thing you might be pleased, but I am a Baby Boomer, not a GenXer and this movie just didn't have enough to interest me. 6/10
Shatner - Great; Everything Else - Garbage!
PeaBody-420 May 2000
This film is truly two movies at once. About fifteen minutes of it involve a pair of sci-fi geeks' meetings with their idol William Shatner, who turns out to be quite the wacko indeed. These scenes are hilarious, with Shatner obsessively going on about his plans to produce a one-man musical version of 'Julius Caesar.' The rest of this overlong trudge through the would-be hippest backroads of L.A. is utter tripe. The two main characters are jabbering, rapid-fire bozos who banter endlessly about pop culture and sci-fi in a way no real human being ever has. They don't really have anything to say about any of it -- it's enough to simply say 'X-Men,' nod knowingly and high five one another. Their attempts to find girlfriends who'll put up with their nonsense makes up the bulk of this tiresome, unbearable film. Still, the Shatner stuff is top notch! A hilarious scene from his opus closes the flick on a note that's entirely too high to be justified by the tepid wallow we've just suffered through. Fans of Shat would do well to rent this, but for the love of all that is good, FAST FORWARD past every scene that doesn't feature Bill!!!! You've been warned.
an Absolutely, Positively Brilliant movie for Trekkies
neoguardian12 January 2002
If you aren't a hard core Trek/sci fi fan, you'll be bored to limbo by this film, so don't even bother reading on. But if you are, there isn't a better fan movie for you than this. Right from the beginning, the jokes and references fly so fast and furious (from young Mark's flying leg kick and "no, I won't kill him!" line, straight to the end) that you'll be kept on your toes all the way through. The writing is very clever for the entire film, including Robert's set-up for the surprise at the end. The interactions are witty and excellent. And even if you think the jokes get a bit repetitive at some point, that's not all this film has to offer. You can look it also as a semi-serious autobiography (which it partly is) about two sci fi nerds very much like the rest of us with faults very much like our faults (though played to the extreme) trying to fulfill their dreams; Robert is a brash womanizer, but living too deeply in his fantasy world and irresponsible to the point where he leeches off friends more shamefully than any of us would dare (the scene where he meets Claire a prime example), and chooses to go without telephone or electricity so he can line his shelves with mucho expensive collectors' action figures. Mark is responsible and loyal to his friends, yet his narcissus complex (he won't even talk to people in his office unless they're sitting down!) and fear prevents him from dating any woman he cares about. While the film is packed with our favorite geek humor, their problems are very real, as are their deeper interactions and how they are affected by them. Free Enterprise is a wonderful story of friendship, struggle and ultimate achievement that people like us can all very strongly relate and aspire to, with important lessons underneath the jokes.
A Niche Movie
epsilon317 July 2002
Free Enterprise is the story of a group of guys who are hitting 30 and trying to deal with life, work and relationships. Sounds like every other coming of age/rites of passage drama doesn't it - you're already yawning at the prospect right?
Well you shouldn't if you like the Sci-Fi genre, especially Star Trek. The characters are obsessed by the show and constantly talk about it, quote it and collect everything to do with it. When they're not sure what to do in their relationships or jobs - they wonder how Captain Kirk would handle it. When it comes to choosing between paying the electricity bill or buying a classic action figure, they opt for the doll. Women leave them and they get fired - suffice it to say they're not happy with their lives.
In the middle of all this, they meet Bill Shatner in a bookstore. To say that they're excited is an understatement and when he offers them the chance to help him with his new acting project, they readily accept. The Shatman is a Sci-Fi god - he can do no wrong, right?
Well, it doesn't turn out quite like that. Along the way, everyone learns about themselves and some myths are shattered. Shatner isn't Kirk - action figures are not more important than electricity bills and sci-fi is a great hobby as long as it doesn't get out of control.
Whether or not you'll enjoy this movie depends on your own life and experiences. I found it to be amazingly accurate in many of it's observations, but then I'm not too dissimilar to the characters. I'm 30, a Sci-Fi/Star Trek fan and see employment as an impediment to my leisure time. I don't feel that wearing a suit and being 'responsible' is something to aim for and have no desire to be corporately assimilated. I'm pretty much like the guys in the movie, although I'm nowhere near as obsessed (that's what they all say right?)
They're living a parody of my life and the life of many others like me.
As such, for me the movie was interesting and funny, even poignant sometimes, but I'm pretty certain it won't be the same for everyone.
I found some of the points made in the plot were spot on, for example:
Why is it that collecting every episode of Star Trek is 'boys with toys' but women can own fifty pairs of shoes? Isn't that just the same? If Sci-Fi is juvenile, isn't spending hours on makeup and clothes simply 'girls playing dressing up games?'
What is the point of a $50,000 engagement ring - it has no use apart from to look pretty! To say it's a sign of love is crap - wouldn't some genuine care and affection be better? It's a sign of greed, not love - a cheaper ring could be just as beautiful.
There are many more examples, and while watching it with my girlfriend there were more than a few knowing looks passed between us. Sure - I don't buy action figures and she doesn't own fifty pairs of shoes, but similar issues are often discussed. That very same day when I bought the Free Enterprise DVD, she was salivating over another pair of shoes and I almost bought the new Rollerball DVD...
To sum up, Free Enterprise is funny and interesting, but if you don't like Sci-Fi it's mediocre and probably quite boring. The acting is passable but not brilliant and as everyone else has said, Shatner steals the show easily. It's a shame he doesn't get a lot more screen time (Maybe he finally realized that if he monopolizes the camera too much his colleagues will end up hating him....)
If you like Star Trek and Sci-Fi - you have to get this movie. If you don't, i'd say give it a miss.
=============================================================> Incidentally, there's a comedy show on TV in the UK called 'Spaced' that has lots of Horror/Sci-Fi fanboy film references. If you like Free Enterprise or enjoy British comedy and you get a chance to see it, check it out.
Well you shouldn't if you like the Sci-Fi genre, especially Star Trek. The characters are obsessed by the show and constantly talk about it, quote it and collect everything to do with it. When they're not sure what to do in their relationships or jobs - they wonder how Captain Kirk would handle it. When it comes to choosing between paying the electricity bill or buying a classic action figure, they opt for the doll. Women leave them and they get fired - suffice it to say they're not happy with their lives.
In the middle of all this, they meet Bill Shatner in a bookstore. To say that they're excited is an understatement and when he offers them the chance to help him with his new acting project, they readily accept. The Shatman is a Sci-Fi god - he can do no wrong, right?
Well, it doesn't turn out quite like that. Along the way, everyone learns about themselves and some myths are shattered. Shatner isn't Kirk - action figures are not more important than electricity bills and sci-fi is a great hobby as long as it doesn't get out of control.
Whether or not you'll enjoy this movie depends on your own life and experiences. I found it to be amazingly accurate in many of it's observations, but then I'm not too dissimilar to the characters. I'm 30, a Sci-Fi/Star Trek fan and see employment as an impediment to my leisure time. I don't feel that wearing a suit and being 'responsible' is something to aim for and have no desire to be corporately assimilated. I'm pretty much like the guys in the movie, although I'm nowhere near as obsessed (that's what they all say right?)
They're living a parody of my life and the life of many others like me.
As such, for me the movie was interesting and funny, even poignant sometimes, but I'm pretty certain it won't be the same for everyone.
I found some of the points made in the plot were spot on, for example:
Why is it that collecting every episode of Star Trek is 'boys with toys' but women can own fifty pairs of shoes? Isn't that just the same? If Sci-Fi is juvenile, isn't spending hours on makeup and clothes simply 'girls playing dressing up games?'
What is the point of a $50,000 engagement ring - it has no use apart from to look pretty! To say it's a sign of love is crap - wouldn't some genuine care and affection be better? It's a sign of greed, not love - a cheaper ring could be just as beautiful.
There are many more examples, and while watching it with my girlfriend there were more than a few knowing looks passed between us. Sure - I don't buy action figures and she doesn't own fifty pairs of shoes, but similar issues are often discussed. That very same day when I bought the Free Enterprise DVD, she was salivating over another pair of shoes and I almost bought the new Rollerball DVD...
To sum up, Free Enterprise is funny and interesting, but if you don't like Sci-Fi it's mediocre and probably quite boring. The acting is passable but not brilliant and as everyone else has said, Shatner steals the show easily. It's a shame he doesn't get a lot more screen time (Maybe he finally realized that if he monopolizes the camera too much his colleagues will end up hating him....)
If you like Star Trek and Sci-Fi - you have to get this movie. If you don't, i'd say give it a miss.
=============================================================> Incidentally, there's a comedy show on TV in the UK called 'Spaced' that has lots of Horror/Sci-Fi fanboy film references. If you like Free Enterprise or enjoy British comedy and you get a chance to see it, check it out.
William Shatner is Terrific
rwint6 August 2001
A Look at the increasing phenomenon of the TV generation. Young adults who as children watched so much TV that they now live their whole lives around their favorite old TV shows. They act like their gospel and endlessly quote even the most trivial facts about them. The main emphasis seems to be with the old STAR TREK show, which if you saw the documentary TREKKIES isn't that far from reality. Opens with a funny scene where one of them is trying to pitch a really twisted, 70's nostalgia idea called "The Brady Killers". Unfortunately after this it takes a turn for the worst becoming just another philosophical generation X movie. Filled with long talks about life, friendship, jobs, sex, and relationships. It almost completely collapses into a serious romantic flick with a pretty sunset and soft Michael (SUMMER OF 42) Legrand like piano chords. Fortunately it manages to revive itself by having a nice wrap up. Showing how although their obsession to TV pop culture can at times be a social impediment, it can also help them work thru (and get thru) life's obstacles and disappointments. The best thing about this picture though is William Shatner who is funny and engaging in absolutely every scene he's in. Whether it's talking madly about making a musical version of "Julius Ceaser" with himself in every role or drunkinly stumbling over other patrons at a bar. He's fresh, fun, with just the right touch of self depreciating humor. He also allows for added insight by showing how celebrities, even 'idols' by some, must deal with the same problems as the 'ordinary' person. Overall a OK 'feel good' movie despite a sluggish middle. Be sure to read the credits at the end as they are interspersed with a lot of 'crazy credits'.
Surprisingly good and satisfying!
Kneumsi15 November 2002
When this movie was in theaters I thought I might watch it because I was a Star Trek Fan, but decided not to put much effort into it because it appeared to be about lonely geeks obsessed with Sci-Fi.
I was wrong.
Free Enterprise is a remarkably funny film featuring interesting, respectable characters who are professionals, AND love Star Trek.
This movie is for all those guys out there who have girlfriends, who don't dress as Mister Spock, or live in their parents' basement amid tons of old comic books, but are still Star Trek fans.
But fans aside, this is a really well crafted comedy. It's not for kids, but just about anyone else will be able to find something to like in it. It's a very atypical screwball comedy with a lot of intelligence within it.
Whether you're a Sci-Fi fan or a Sci-Fi detractor, it makes no difference. This is a smart, funny film with something to love. Give it a shot.
I was wrong.
Free Enterprise is a remarkably funny film featuring interesting, respectable characters who are professionals, AND love Star Trek.
This movie is for all those guys out there who have girlfriends, who don't dress as Mister Spock, or live in their parents' basement amid tons of old comic books, but are still Star Trek fans.
But fans aside, this is a really well crafted comedy. It's not for kids, but just about anyone else will be able to find something to like in it. It's a very atypical screwball comedy with a lot of intelligence within it.
Whether you're a Sci-Fi fan or a Sci-Fi detractor, it makes no difference. This is a smart, funny film with something to love. Give it a shot.
Funny but not a landmark.
Dave-43023 July 2001
This is the kind of movie that I really enjoy. It's packed with funny lines and references to all kinds of nerdy films and series. If it weren't for the good acting, particularly from Eric McCormack and Patrick Van Horn, it wouldn't have worked; and it does sort of fizzle out in the end. Still, what a joy to see Bill Shatner parody himself. I give it 7 out of 10.
This movie is too cool for me?
dantown26 May 2008
I love the "idea" of this movie: Two Star Trek fans/losers actually get into the film industry,sort of: As Ancillary editors/aspiring movie directors-in short: Half-baked.They live the life. They have hot sex or something. At least they think they do. Their weakness for all kinds of cheezy action-figure toys and comic books actually fills their lives with a kind of Bushido warrior ethic. Or something like that. Arrested development makes them both charming and utterly hopeless as dating/marriage prospects. They deserve to fail. And yet,they muddle through.Who woulda thunk it? They borrow the idea of a father-figure/ghost from Woody Allen's "Play It Again Sam", by way of the fat, sad, and relentlessly self-reinventing William Shatner. Captain Bill is reading a porno-mag-the "long way"- when they literally stumble upon him. Our two young heroes somehow make it to the dreaded age:3-0,with their childhood intact, and add a little bit of wisdom to their age.They actually take Bill Shatner under their wings,in his forlorn,shabby state, and re-introduce Bill into the world of romance. Bill finds love, as the flawed person/persona of James T. Kirk.To hate William Shatner is to love him. To love him,likewise. Shatner has escaped all the critics,adroitly.He has won,ultimately,the game of life.This movie is an ode to Bill Shatner,and a fairly good movie,made on the cheap,by two kids with a dream.
Very "Kevin Smith"...
slave1387 August 2002
I wasn't expecting much when I started watching this movie, but within the first 10 minutes I was very amused. The dialog was very reminiscent of a Kevin Smith movie with an abundance of "inside jokes", pop-culture allusions, and enough quirky trivia to be part of a Dennis Miller routine. The romance angle was a mildly boring but sufferable. The only thing that bothered me about this film was my own ability to recognize nearly every piece of memorabilia scattered around the background. What's not to like about a movie that re-enacts a scene from "Logan's Run" and follows it up with a comment about how they are the only two people who remember the movie. All-in-all I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to any sci-fi/comic book/pop culture fan.
Hilarious, with caveat
liesamook14 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
No doubt about it, this movie is hilarious fun. William Shatner's capacity to make fun of himself something I can't help but appreciate.
While it has a lot going for it, it should be noted that at many moments it shows itself as clearly a dude flick. There are many "romantic" guy-girl scenes where the guy's line is something you can just imagine a real-life guy wishing he had said but not having the balls to. This is interesting in that viewers get a glimpse some male fantasies: it's like seeing what guys might think but never say to women. These never-uttered-by-a-real-life-male lines are inevitable followed by scene cuts, so the fantasy female that he is speaking to is conveniently not seen responding. Whatever her response might be, it's definitely not part of the male fantasy being played out here. One example of many: one of the heroes, who dates his ex-girlfriend for sex, is out to dinner listening to her droning complaints about her life and finally loses his patience. He bursts out with something like, shut up, stop your whining and let's just go to your apartment have sex. Scene cut.
The other examples are similar. See if you can spot them.
While it has a lot going for it, it should be noted that at many moments it shows itself as clearly a dude flick. There are many "romantic" guy-girl scenes where the guy's line is something you can just imagine a real-life guy wishing he had said but not having the balls to. This is interesting in that viewers get a glimpse some male fantasies: it's like seeing what guys might think but never say to women. These never-uttered-by-a-real-life-male lines are inevitable followed by scene cuts, so the fantasy female that he is speaking to is conveniently not seen responding. Whatever her response might be, it's definitely not part of the male fantasy being played out here. One example of many: one of the heroes, who dates his ex-girlfriend for sex, is out to dinner listening to her droning complaints about her life and finally loses his patience. He bursts out with something like, shut up, stop your whining and let's just go to your apartment have sex. Scene cut.
The other examples are similar. See if you can spot them.
A really hip, charming and flat-out hilarious riot
Woodyanders16 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Feckless, laid-back and amiable Robert (the very likable Rafer Weigel) and his sarcastic, more grouchy and irritable best buddy Mark (the equally engaging Eric McCormack) are a couple of hardcore "Star Trek" fans who are both facing their 30th birthdays and the subsequent sense of maturity and responsibility turning 30 entails. Robert and Mark meet their longtime idol William Shatner, who turns out to be a complete flaky and pompous windbag. Moreover, Robert encounters and falls in love with spunky and luscious fellow science fiction buff Claire (the adorable Audie England). Director Robert Meyer Burnett, working from a bright, witty and inspired script he co-wrote with Mark A. Altman, whips up a highly charming, amusing and utterly delightful treat that's rife with knowing pop culture references (the "Logan's Run" gag is especially funny), snappy dialogue, and a lively, carefree, uplifting tone. Weigel and McCormack share a loose and appealing chemistry which makes the friendship between Robert and Mark both touching and credible. Shatner is an absolute hoot as he sends himself up with lip-smacking aplomb: Bill is first seen in a book store checking out a dirty magazine, gets slabbed in the face when he drunkenly attempts to pick up the fetching Marlena (Deborah Van Valkenburgh of "The Warriors") in a bar, and heartily belts out the funky rap tune "No Tears for Caesar" at Mark's gala 30th birthday bash. Nice supporting performances by Patrick Van Horn as the smooth, yet smarmy ladies' man Sean, Phil LaMarr as the moody Eric, Jonathan Slavin as the hopelessly geeky Dan, and Lori Lively as ravishing redhead Leila. Scott Spock's bubbly, frothy, catchy lounge score hits the spot. Charles L. Barbee's polished, sparkling cinematography likewise does the trick. Some of the picture's best and most gut-busting jokes appear in the sidesplitting ending credits. A total blast.
A male-centered Rom Com
leftistcritic8 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Recently I watched a few films about fans of popular shows, like Galaxy Quest (A parody of Star Trek) and Fanboys, about a wild adventure of Star Wars fans across the country. This film is a bit different. It focuses on two White men in their 30s who are having a bit of a life crisis. One is more successful than the other but fears being alone, the other is basically a deadbeat who has little money and is financially unstable, meaning he has to borrow money from his other friend. What unites them both is a love for Star Trek, a little like what unites the characters in Fanboys.
Of course as a Rom Com both have romantic relationships of some kind. The deadbeat character meets a geeky/nerdy girl who he really likes but later she leaves him because he is unstable. The other character, more successful as a producer or editor I think, has no relationships or doesn't really see them as necessary so he has a bit more of a crisis even as he is a general jerk. All the while, William "Bill" Shatner is trying to do a one-man musical of Julius Caesar.
It all comes to a head when the deadbeat character organizes a surprise party for his friend, the more successful one. People are geeking out about Star Trek everywhere, he is happy and the deadbeat character gets back with the geeky girl. Even Bill Shatner gets with a woman he met who runs a nightclub. He even participates in a rap song about Julius Caesar with the help of his Black friends. Of course, this shows that the film is obviously male-centered, although none of the characters are horridly sexist even if one is a jerk.
This isn't a very intellectual movie or one that makes you think much but it is a fun movie so I'll give it a 7 out of 10.
Of course as a Rom Com both have romantic relationships of some kind. The deadbeat character meets a geeky/nerdy girl who he really likes but later she leaves him because he is unstable. The other character, more successful as a producer or editor I think, has no relationships or doesn't really see them as necessary so he has a bit more of a crisis even as he is a general jerk. All the while, William "Bill" Shatner is trying to do a one-man musical of Julius Caesar.
It all comes to a head when the deadbeat character organizes a surprise party for his friend, the more successful one. People are geeking out about Star Trek everywhere, he is happy and the deadbeat character gets back with the geeky girl. Even Bill Shatner gets with a woman he met who runs a nightclub. He even participates in a rap song about Julius Caesar with the help of his Black friends. Of course, this shows that the film is obviously male-centered, although none of the characters are horridly sexist even if one is a jerk.
This isn't a very intellectual movie or one that makes you think much but it is a fun movie so I'll give it a 7 out of 10.
A dismal failure
craw-229 July 1999
This film is a failure in every way a film can be a failure. It is neither technically accomplished, well-written, artistic, entertaining in a mainstream sort of way, nor well-directed.
It's excrement. The direction is simply absurd. Horrible shot choices, terrible lighting, nothing in focus, performances so miserable they ought to be enshrined in some kind of museum for people to study, and the overall pacing of a dead snail nailed to a brick.
At nearly 2 hours, I don't think I've ever experienced a movie this bloated and unfunny.
Look, I like Star Trek. A lot. In fact, I'm a Trekkie. And I like sci-fi. But that doesn't make me some kind of indiscriminate moron willing to overlook the basic requirements of good filmmaking just because some self-indulgent director throws me a few sci-fi references.
It's excrement. The direction is simply absurd. Horrible shot choices, terrible lighting, nothing in focus, performances so miserable they ought to be enshrined in some kind of museum for people to study, and the overall pacing of a dead snail nailed to a brick.
At nearly 2 hours, I don't think I've ever experienced a movie this bloated and unfunny.
Look, I like Star Trek. A lot. In fact, I'm a Trekkie. And I like sci-fi. But that doesn't make me some kind of indiscriminate moron willing to overlook the basic requirements of good filmmaking just because some self-indulgent director throws me a few sci-fi references.
Sweetly vulnerable movie about good hearted geeks
siderite19 January 2020
It's 2019 and I know Robert Meyer Burnett only from his YouTube videos where he examines everything sci-fi and geeky and I decide now! Now it's the moment to watch Free Enterprise, the only movie he wrote and directed, from 20 years ago. I can't remember where I got it and why, but I will watch it tonight. And it was a treat. Not a cinematic masterpiece by any measure, but it felt really personal. It's a low budget movie about geeks trying to reconcile the real world with their personal passions. William Shatner plays a fantastic role as a completely misunderstood person who is no one's captain, but just an actor with his own problems and social awkwardness. Seeing him spouting thespian quotes at women who treat him like a freak was both hilarious and oh so sad. It reminded me of The Gamers, another criminally underrated movie that I like and focuses on D&D rather than Star Trek.
Bottom line: this is a pathologically geeky film. Even if it features that mythical girl who is both beautiful and likes comics and movies, I doubt that this movie will appeal to anyone but male fanboys who collect stuff in their rooms or watch movies and dedicate their worship to some actor or franchise. Yet it is a film that explores real people, as implausibly good looking as they are, and their very human needs of connecting and finding their "one person audience". I liked it!
Bottom line: this is a pathologically geeky film. Even if it features that mythical girl who is both beautiful and likes comics and movies, I doubt that this movie will appeal to anyone but male fanboys who collect stuff in their rooms or watch movies and dedicate their worship to some actor or franchise. Yet it is a film that explores real people, as implausibly good looking as they are, and their very human needs of connecting and finding their "one person audience". I liked it!
Take a Trek fan and have fun
Skitt5 June 1999
This film is a lot of fun for fans of Star Trek and/or William Shatner. It's a bit uneven, but a real hoot almost the whole time Shatner is onscreen. He gives a wonderful, even touching performance. And although there were moments when I wanted to check my watch, there were also moments when I laughed harder than I remember laughing in a theater in a long time. Take a Trek fan with you and have a good time.
bad bad movie
sulu_99-27 February 2001
this is a bad, bad movie. it's a geek's dream-land where the quintessential geek somehow becomes a swinging stud drowning in poor writing, poor dialogue and poor acting... the only enjoyable part of this film is william shatner. the man is actually entertaining, and it's almost worth watching this mess just to see his performance.
i am amazed at how many people are praising this thing. apparently you can turn a smelly piece of c**p into a shining diamond just by sprinkling, rather, dousing it in quotes from star wars, star trek and any obscure science fiction movie ever made. And the comparison's to kevin smith? this movie is what happens when you try to imitate mr. smith's movies (to the point of finding similar actresses) and failing in a sad, sad way.
i am amazed at how many people are praising this thing. apparently you can turn a smelly piece of c**p into a shining diamond just by sprinkling, rather, dousing it in quotes from star wars, star trek and any obscure science fiction movie ever made. And the comparison's to kevin smith? this movie is what happens when you try to imitate mr. smith's movies (to the point of finding similar actresses) and failing in a sad, sad way.
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