Very well executed

It is not only a funny movie, but it allows a great amount of joy for anyone who watches it.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

If you look closer you will see the girl is higher up in the bleachers and is wearing a completely zipped up green coat with a collar, and a tall knit hat. She is to the right and about two rows behind Hank. A few minutes later Skank is hit with the puck. A few seconds later Hank is seen again saying "Mommy!" at that point you will see her her again with part of the yellow sign in her lap. The camera then shows the woman who hit him with the shovel. She is sitting in a lower section, and is dressed in a light pink coat with a hood, wearing a larger hat, and wearing a white scarf.. She has no sign anywhere near her of a yellow poster.

Sure, this film has a lot of hockey, but that is only the backdrop to a study of small town values and living. Hockey is what binds the town together, especially the "Saturday game," which is just about the only thing going in Mystery (Well, there is one other thing!). Just like all small towns, things change when the local boy made good returns with a game with the New York Rangers.Hockey fans, of which I am not one,will enjoy the movie, but the real story is the cast of characters and how they deal with life in Mystery, and life in general. Russell Crowe was fantastic as the sheriff. Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack, Burt Reynolds, Lolita Davidovich, and Colm Meaney all put in outstanding performances in this enjoyable comedy. It is one I come back to over and over to see a great ensemble cast and a great story.

Like Cicely on TV, Mystery is an isolated town in Alaska. During the long cold winter, the residents look forward to the "Saturday games" played by the hockey team described by Sports Illustrated as being good enough for the NHL, even though they never play any teams from outside the area.Sheriff Biebe is a veteran player who is not as good as he used to be, and he must step aside to make way for younger men such as Stevie.Charlie left town years ago hoping for a more exciting life. He returns periodically, and this time he has come back with the announcement the Mystery team will play the New York Rangers. Actually, the Rangers are not too happy about coming to this frozen wasteland, especially since they would like to have time off.Not all in Mystery are enthusiastic about the idea, fearing the town will be embarrassed. Judge Burns is one of those opposed, and he refuses to be the coach for this game, giving Sheriff Biebe an opportunity to return to the sport. The dispute goes to court, and attorney Bailey Pruitt is sent to argue the town's case. His passion for his town has unfortunate results, but what happens may ultimately have helped the town win. The Rangers will play in Mystery after all.Meanwhile, the town is fighting efforts by a chain store represented by Mr. Walsh, whose treatment leads him to conclude these are a bunch of crazy Eskimo Rednecks. Those who say "Eskimo" are reminded the preferred term is Inuit. Actually, most of the people in Mystery are Caucasian.Judge Burns is overprotective of his cute daughter Marla who wants to make sure her boyfriend Stevie doesn't leave her for a girl who will. (Will what? You know what.) The judge's son Birdie can't seem to please his father.Charlie used to date Donna, who married Sheriff Biebe and had 3 kids with him. But there seems to be little threat Donna will go back to Charlie, even though she is not entirely happy in this place.At first, this seemed silly. Only Russell Crowe seemed to be rising above the material, and his ended up being the standout performance. Later I realized this was like "Northern Exposure" in more ways than one--sure, there were quirky characters, but also good writing and acting.I don't know hockey, but the game seemed exciting enough.This would have been a good family movie if the writers had stayed away from bad language and other inappropriate content. Even cleaned up, it was raunchier than it had to be.******* Even if you want spoilers you may not want this one ********This movie does have a happy ending, but not a Hollywood happy ending. It takes a lot more effort to make the ending enjoyable when the team comes close to, but does not achieve, the final goal the formula would seem to dictate.But the Mystery team does gain the respect of their opponents, and the townspeople really appreciate their effort.******* Okay, you can start reading again *******I enjoyed the second half more than the first. The fact is "Northern Exposure" did not always please me either.

I am NOT a sports fan.I saw this film in the theater.Saw it for Russell of course.LOVE THIS HAIR CUT IN THIS. A BIG SMILE HERE :) A good film.Cast pretty good. Too much on side stories on minor characters. Stevie & the girl. Who cares? Mayors wife following around. Yeah, and?Mike Myers cameo character had the best line in the film, I just love it."They're done like dinner." I always laugh at that one."The Partirdge Family" get mentioned. Good.Liked the Sarah character hitting the cheating guy in the head with the shovel. He deserved it!! Not the best film ever made, but enjoyable.Russell, as always, did a great job.