Rock, Paper, Scissors
Mooseport
Review by Ross Anthony

Gene Hackman, Ray Romano, even Marcia Gay Harden lead the cast of stars in this cute, quaint comedy. Who wouldn't be up for a film boasting these names? But the truth is, despite the strong direction and brisk pace, an episode of "Everybody loves Raymond" would win an election where funny is the issue.

A healthier second act follows a rather unfunny first. At the thirty minute mark, my face had fallen at rest into something resembling Ray's deadpan sourpuss. Fortunately, the second act breathes life back into the production. And aside from a rather dodgy golf match, the picture begins to offer a better selection of snickers and giggles up to the climax. A solid B at that point.

Though he's eternally likable, Ray's plumber character offers very little of interest (that clip of him banging his head on the toilet made the highlight reel), while Hackman's character's search for solutions (be they sincere or political) makes for much more engaging viewing. But at climax, the film refuses to bow out gracefully. An extended awkward resolution squanders some of the film's already modest charm.

It's really Hackman that gives the film some substance, Marcia Gay Harden also lends the film some sincerity in her small cliché role as chief assistant to the former president.

A faulted comedy with a great pace that aims for cute and occasionally succeeds.



  • Mooseport. Copyright © 2003. Rated PG13.
  • Starring Gene Hackman, Ray Romano, Marcia Gay Harden, Maura Tierney, Christine Baranski.
  • Directed by Donald Petrie.
  • Screenplay by Tom Schulman.
  • Produced by Tom Schulman, Basil Iwanyk at 20th Fox/Mediastream IV/Intermedia.



Grade..........................B- (1.5/4)



Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:03:45 PDT