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.
Review of Mystery, Alaska
