Review of Free Enterprise

Feckless, laid-back and amiable Robert (the very likable Rafer Weigel) and his sarcastic, more grouchy and irritable best buddy Mark (the equally engaging Eric McCormack) are a couple of hardcore "Star Trek" fans who are both facing their 30th birthdays and the subsequent sense of maturity and responsibility turning 30 entails. Robert and Mark meet their longtime idol William Shatner, who turns out to be a complete flaky and pompous windbag. Moreover, Robert encounters and falls in love with spunky and luscious fellow science fiction buff Claire (the adorable Audie England). Director Robert Meyer Burnett, working from a bright, witty and inspired script he co-wrote with Mark A. Altman, whips up a highly charming, amusing and utterly delightful treat that's rife with knowing pop culture references (the "Logan's Run" gag is especially funny), snappy dialogue, and a lively, carefree, uplifting tone. Weigel and McCormack share a loose and appealing chemistry which makes the friendship between Robert and Mark both touching and credible. Shatner is an absolute hoot as he sends himself up with lip-smacking aplomb: Bill is first seen in a book store checking out a dirty magazine, gets slabbed in the face when he drunkenly attempts to pick up the fetching Marlena (Deborah Van Valkenburgh of "The Warriors") in a bar, and heartily belts out the funky rap tune "No Tears for Caesar" at Mark's gala 30th birthday bash. Nice supporting performances by Patrick Van Horn as the smooth, yet smarmy ladies' man Sean, Phil LaMarr as the moody Eric, Jonathan Slavin as the hopelessly geeky Dan, and Lori Lively as ravishing redhead Leila. Scott Spock's bubbly, frothy, catchy lounge score hits the spot. Charles L. Barbee's polished, sparkling cinematography likewise does the trick. Some of the picture's best and most gut-busting jokes appear in the sidesplitting ending credits. A total blast.