This is a likeable film using the hackneyed `obscure underdog' storyline. David E. Kelley tries his hand at writing another feature film after the bizarre Lake Placid'. This is certainly better than that, but the plot presents us with nothing new or fresh and meanders around town doing random character studies on unimportant characters. Still, it's hard not to like a film where a small town hockey club roughs up the New York Rangers.
The story revolves around the small town of Mystery, Alaska where the only thing to do or talk about is hockey. John Biebe (Russell Crowe) is the sheriff and a veteran of the Saturday hockey game, which is the focal point of Mystery's culture. As a result of an article written in Sports Illustrated, the NHL and the NY Rangers think it would be a good promotional gimmick for the Rangers to play this scrappy bunch of amateurs. So now the town is in a tizzy over this defining moment in their history.
Kelley's script expands this film to be much longer than it should have been. He spends far too much time following the gossip of who's sleeping with whom among ancillary characters, and not enough time in character development of the players other than Biebe. Director Jay Roach does a good job, however of keeping the viewer engaged through the use of excellent hockey action shots that take you right onto the ice. Also, how can you not love the majestic mountain backdrops in just about every outdoor scene.
Once the film at long last gets to the game, it succeeds at accomplishing what the formula intends, that is, it gets us to pull hard for the underdog.
For Russell Crowe, this was much less intense than his roles in The Insider' and Gladiator'. He did a nice job of portraying the old warhorse, giving the character steadiness, dignity and determination. I wonder where a guy from Australia learned to ice skate so well. Colm Meaney gave a good performance as the mayor but Burt Reynolds was a little stiff as the judge.
Though there is a lot to criticize about this film, it is still entertaining and for those who love hockey, it does a good job of providing some up-close action footage of the game. I rated it a 7/10.
The story revolves around the small town of Mystery, Alaska where the only thing to do or talk about is hockey. John Biebe (Russell Crowe) is the sheriff and a veteran of the Saturday hockey game, which is the focal point of Mystery's culture. As a result of an article written in Sports Illustrated, the NHL and the NY Rangers think it would be a good promotional gimmick for the Rangers to play this scrappy bunch of amateurs. So now the town is in a tizzy over this defining moment in their history.
Kelley's script expands this film to be much longer than it should have been. He spends far too much time following the gossip of who's sleeping with whom among ancillary characters, and not enough time in character development of the players other than Biebe. Director Jay Roach does a good job, however of keeping the viewer engaged through the use of excellent hockey action shots that take you right onto the ice. Also, how can you not love the majestic mountain backdrops in just about every outdoor scene.
Once the film at long last gets to the game, it succeeds at accomplishing what the formula intends, that is, it gets us to pull hard for the underdog.
For Russell Crowe, this was much less intense than his roles in The Insider' and Gladiator'. He did a nice job of portraying the old warhorse, giving the character steadiness, dignity and determination. I wonder where a guy from Australia learned to ice skate so well. Colm Meaney gave a good performance as the mayor but Burt Reynolds was a little stiff as the judge.
Though there is a lot to criticize about this film, it is still entertaining and for those who love hockey, it does a good job of providing some up-close action footage of the game. I rated it a 7/10.