A witty comedy that glows with self-deprecating humour.
Free Enterprise (1999)
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 min
Synopsis: Two confused filmmakers approaching 30, who also happen to be sci-fi buffs and STAR TREK fanatics, seek out William Shatner in hopes that he can give them the sort of life guidance they imagine the man who played Kirk would be able to give. What they find is a washed up actor in a one-man production... Two confused filmmakers approaching 30, who also happen to be sci-fi buffs and STAR TREK fanatics, seek out William Shatner in hopes that he can give them the sort of life guidance they imagine the man who played Kirk would be able to give. What they find is a washed up actor in a one-man production of JULIUS CAESAR. This unique indie comedy features a fantastic performance by Shatner, playing an alternate universe version of himself with great aplomb, and numerous inside jokes for hardcore TREK heads. [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: William Shatner, Rafer Weigel, Eric McCormack, Patrick Van Horn, Audie England
DVD Info
Release:
Jul 3, 2006
DVD Features:
- Note: This release features a new extended DIVIMAX version with new CGI special effects.
- 2-Disc Set
- Enhanced Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
- (unspecified) - English
Additional Product:
- 20-Page Collectible Booklet
- Foil-Enhanced Slip Cover
- Disc 1: FREE ENTERPRISE - Feature Presentation
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Mark A. Altman - Writer/Producer, Robert Meyer Burnett - Writer/Director
- 2. William Shatner, Eric McCormack, Rafer Weigel - Stars, Robert Meyer Burnett - Writer/Director
- Disc 2: FREE ENTERPRISE - Supplemental Material
Additional Release Material:
- Behind the Scenes - 1. "Where No Fan Has Gone Before - The Making of FREE ENTERPRISE"
- 2. Screen Tests
- Bonus Features - "Cafe Fantastique"
- Deleted Scenes
- Music Video - "No Tears for Ceasar"
- Trailers - 1. Theatrical Trailer
- 2. TV Spots
DVD-ROM:
- Essay - Original Screenplay
Reviews
The in-joke -peppered dialogue is consistently brilliant and the genial Shatner allows himself to be sent up nicely.
The highly-charged comic engine for the entire vehicle is none other than William Shatner.
The movie is so crammed full of lethally funny science fiction references that even hard-core Trekkers might miss some, and many regular folk will only hear them go whizzing overhead.
This movie hits my demographic so closely that I can hardly review it objectively. If you love action figures and William Shatner, you need to own this film.
A celebration of risk-taking in the spirit of the heroism of Captain Kirk.
Think of Free Enterprise as something along the lines of, When Harry Met Lieutenant Uhura.
There isn't a single believable second in this film with the structure and tone of a sincere romantic comedy is a problem even Captain Kirk would have trouble solving.
Facile but fun, Free Enterprise is essentially a harmless goof that packs a bit more resonance than you'd expect.
A worthwhile entry in the large pool of coming-of-age comedies, bound to be a hoot for Trekkies, an amusing ride for others.
When compared to other entries from the recent crop of new filmmakers crafting movies about their lives, Free Enterprise stands out as one of the most entertaining and least pretentious efforts.
The fun of Free Enterprise, which occasionally runs a bit thin but is mostly sustained by the filmmakers' verve and wit, lies in its many visual and verbal references to popular culture trivia.


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