A Look at the increasing phenomenon of the TV generation. Young adults who as children watched so much TV that they now live their whole lives around their favorite old TV shows. They act like their gospel and endlessly quote even the most trivial facts about them. The main emphasis seems to be with the old STAR TREK show, which if you saw the documentary TREKKIES isn't that far from reality. Opens with a funny scene where one of them is trying to pitch a really twisted, 70's nostalgia idea called "The Brady Killers". Unfortunately after this it takes a turn for the worst becoming just another philosophical generation X movie. Filled with long talks about life, friendship, jobs, sex, and relationships. It almost completely collapses into a serious romantic flick with a pretty sunset and soft Michael (SUMMER OF 42) Legrand like piano chords. Fortunately it manages to revive itself by having a nice wrap up. Showing how although their obsession to TV pop culture can at times be a social impediment, it can also help them work thru (and get thru) life's obstacles and disappointments. The best thing about this picture though is William Shatner who is funny and engaging in absolutely every scene he's in. Whether it's talking madly about making a musical version of "Julius Ceaser" with himself in every role or drunkinly stumbling over other patrons at a bar. He's fresh, fun, with just the right touch of self depreciating humor. He also allows for added insight by showing how celebrities, even 'idols' by some, must deal with the same problems as the 'ordinary' person. Overall a OK 'feel good' movie despite a sluggish middle. Be sure to read the credits at the end as they are interspersed with a lot of 'crazy credits'.
Review of Free Enterprise
