If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

"Free Enterprise" is at its most charming as a love letter to the original Star Trek series. The dialogue is peppered with references and Kirk's "risk is our business" speech is even trotted out to win back a lost love. And then there's William Shatner, fully willing to make fun of himself.Outside of the hero worship, it's kind of an awkward romantic comedy, dressed up in hip L.A. culture. For some reason, this isn't as novel as it was back in the nineties and I think it's largely due to the dialogue. I mean, there are ways to subtly depict geek lifestyle rather than just name-checking everything. That actually gets pretty old.Regardless, the leads are well cast, it's got its share of one0liners, and I can appreciate the tone of the whole thing.6/10

No doubt about it, this movie is hilarious fun. William Shatner's capacity to make fun of himself something I can't help but appreciate.While it has a lot going for it, it should be noted that at many moments it shows itself as clearly a dude flick. There are many "romantic" guy-girl scenes where the guy's line is something you can just imagine a real-life guy wishing he had said but not having the balls to. This is interesting in that viewers get a glimpse some male fantasies: it's like seeing what guys might think but never say to women. These never-uttered-by-a-real-life-male lines are inevitable followed by scene cuts, so the fantasy female that he is speaking to is conveniently not seen responding. Whatever her response might be, it's definitely not part of the male fantasy being played out here. One example of many: one of the heroes, who dates his ex-girlfriend for sex, is out to dinner listening to her droning complaints about her life and finally loses his patience. He bursts out with something like, shut up, stop your whining and let's just go to your apartment have sex. Scene cut.The other examples are similar. See if you can spot them.

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.

Yes, this film would be a whole lot funnier if I was a 30-year-old whole cared more about Star Trek and Star Wars, hung out at comic book shops, cruised Toys R' Us for the latest action figure, and really cared about William Shatner.Unfortunately, I am not one to mess up a perfectly good time with Lori Lively by getting into a discussion of shoes and engagement rings. Save that for later, dude. And, I am not going to mess up a relationship with Audie England because I would rather hang onto some laser-disks instead of paying the light bill.This is not a slacker movie, as there is really only one, but it is about guys with failed relationships and trying to get their stuff together. Mark A. Altman & Robert Meyer Burnett wrote a funny story, which Burnett also directed. It was certainly a much better job of writing than House of the Dead, Mark! The finale? William Shatner rapping Julius Ceasar with Rated R. Hmmm.