FREE ENTERPRISE
A Regent Entertainment release

review by Joe Mauceri

"Stab myself in the Back? Hell I've done it hundreds of times!"

A couple of trekkies must come to grips with their lives when confronted by their childhood idol - Bill Shatner. Simultaneously, they're going to try and talk him out of doing a musical version of "Hamlet."

Have you ever known a friend who is an obsessed fan? It could be "Star Trek," "Star Wars," "The X-Files," "Xenia" or even some soap opera fiends might qualify. You know, those people who live, sleep, eat and even dress their favorite show. FREE ENTERPRISE deals with a couple of fan boys who must come to grips with their lives as one is about to turn thirty. Burnett and Altman combine reality and fantasy to deliver some genuinely funny moments. Working with Shatner, they show the legends more human side. Shatner goes along with the joke, creating a few memorable scenes. However, the plot is more a series of vignettes then a cohesive story. At the heart of these situations is each character's obsession with popular culture and how that influences their lives and loves. Between the laughs, the film hits some lulls. The central problem with the plot is that the trio experience personal catharses, but is no better for their ordeals. In that light, the film suggests that there is no hope for these people. I know the film went through many rewrites as Burnett and Altman tried to court Shatner. I think it might have been a bit more edgy. However, no one is going to take a chance on first time filmmakers unless you've got a star attached. Having Bill Shanter on board makes it much easier to get the money for your film. Burnett is adequate as a first time director, but FREE ENTERPRISE would have benefitted from a bit more style. I am not suggesting it should have been "mainstream" Hollywood, but it is a bit flat. There are too many spaces in the shots that prevent it from filling the screen and engaging the audience's eye. It simply doesn't fit or fill the screen. The film's dynamics comes from the interaction between Robert, Mark and Bill. The filmmakers were lucky to get the talented actors Rafer Weigel and Eric McCormack, of the hit television series "Will & Grace," and Bill Shatner. The trio is at their best when working together. Some interaction with other characters feels staged and stiff, and Shatner does not play a convincing drunk. FREE ENTERPRISE is a fun, footloose and carefree comedy that pokes fun at the obsessed television pop culture folks. However, it is more funny "ha" then "ha, ha." The hard work and determination of the filmmakers deserve the subtitle "the little film that could." I believe Burnett and Altman are talented filmmakers, who are just beginning to strut their stuff. FREE ENTERPRISE works best as a rental with a group of friends and some beers. Hey, party on... I mean love long and profit, dudes.

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
www.freeent.com

BACK