MovieChat Forums > Mystery, Alaska (1999) Discussion > UTTERLY CHARMING!

UTTERLY CHARMING!

posted 17 years ago by libertess66
3 replies | jump to latest

Why some of the best written films never 'make it' will always be a mystery (really, no pun intended), but this is definately one such film. Some may think it starts out a little slow, but the plot quickly thickens and ENTHRALLS. This was well cast, very well written, and will tear your heart out - if you're human at all. I've seen this, maybe 10 times and I still cry. Truly worth your time whether you're a hockey fan or not. Actually, it's really not about the hockey, but the town and the very real people in it. There's really no 'flash' here, but all meat and potatoes plot. I can't praise this small treasure enough; just watch it if you ever get the chance. It's replayed on Starz now and again. It WILL change you; but, in a way I can't explain.

"Do they not know that their little arms are too short to box with God?!" -
'Mr. Lonely'

[–] Pentax81 15 years ago

I think this movie had great potential but it lacked warmth. I didn't like Crowe playing the lead at all. He doesn't really show any emotion on his face - it always sort of looks the same. I understand what the intention of this movie was but it didn't convince me. For one, there should be more fog rolling out of their mouths - does anyone know what it feels like to be out in -10C? Your nose turns red and your cheeks, and theres heaps of fog forming when you breathe. I noticed the lack of these things, felt like it was +10 instead.

[–] ehsfb2001 15 years ago

Oh yes I agree. It definitely would have been better if clouds of fog/vapor had been pouring out of their mouths obscuring their faces. You should be a director.
( Yours may have been the dumbest post I have ever read on IMDB. )

[–] hafabee 14 years ago

Charming is a great way to describe "Mystery, Alaska" in one word.

The characters are all so well defined and lovable, you really begin to feel for these people and it doesn't take long, right from the start the movie has this raw and real feeling to it. Every aspect of the film is great too, the soundtrack is awesome, the pacing smooth, the setting and photography is gorgeous, the comedy is rich and the story is wholehearted. It's a well-rounded beauty (like a mother walrus going fap fap fap! ...did I mention the dialogue was terrific!).