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"An Engaging
'Enterprise'"
by Scott Mantz
"Free Enterprise"
Erik McCormack,
Rafer Weigel, William Shatner
Directed by Robert Meyer Burnett
It is a phrase
that has become imbedded in popular culture. Made famous by a skit
on a 1986 episode of "Saturday Night Live", William Shatner told
an audience of stereotypical Trekkies to "get a life". Who could
have known the backlash that would follow? Those who were offended
by the skit are most likely the people who should have listened
(and the film "Trekkies" probably ticked them off, too). Those who
found it to be a humorous jibe and got a life are the main focus
of Robert Meyer Burnett's smart, hip, and funny "Free Enterprise".
The biggest
mistake anyone could make is assuming that you have to be a major
Trek fan to enjoy the picture. That couldn't be further from the
truth. Although there are numerous references to the classic show,
as well as other sci fi nuggets, the main focus is on two friends
facing major life decisions. They're both hovering at 30, and neither
is doing what they want to be doing with their careers.
Mark (Erik McCormack)
and Robert (Rafer Weigel) are show-biz wannabes passing time in
odd jobs. Robert is a part-time editor of B-movies who cares more
about his vintage USS Enterprise Christmas ornament than his too-hot
girlfriend. Mark is a writer posing as a magazine editor, pitching
his latest story concept ("Brady Killer"--no joke!) to anyone who
will listen. While perusing a local bookstore, they meet their childhood
hero, William Shatner. After some awkward greetings, Bill thinks
the boys have studio connections. When he pitches them on a musical
version of Julius Caesar for him to star, they realize that their
hero is just as screwed up as they are.
Now, I gotta
admit, I made a strong connection with this movie! Mark and Robert
are single guys living in LA. They are major Kirk fans who are still
in touch with their inner child. They just turned 30, and they still
haven't gotten their act together. Well, I am a single guy living
in LA. I'm a major Kirk fan, and I'm still in touch with my inner
child. I just turned 30, and I still haven't gotten my act together.
Get the picture?
The fact is,
writers Burnett and Mark A. Altman have made an excellent film that
captures the insecurities of turning 30 and still finding yourself.
It seems my generation is spending more time figuring out what it
wants, rather than just settling down, raising a family, and working
a boring job.
McCormack and
Weigel capture their "sci fi geeks with a life" personas dead on,
but the real treat here is Shatner. As great as he was as Captain
James T. Kirk, he is finally playing a role he was born to play--himself.
He's not afraid to poke fun at his image, and he gives a liberated
performance that almost says "I am not Kirk, I am Bill". Seeing
Shatner rap at the end of the film is not only icing on the cake,
its worth the price of admission.
If you're looking
for a fix until the next Star Trek feature hits the screen, then
see "Trekkies". If you're looking for a smart, funny, and hip LA
adventure with great characters, then "Free Enterprise" is your
ticket. So, set your phasers on "fun", and get a life.
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