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There are various ways of remaining an adolescent. Robert, well played by Rafer Weigel in the quirky, mostly entertaining "Free Enterprise," is so obsessed with "Star Trek" episodes, assorted favorite films, rare videos and memorabilia, that he is unable to meet adult responsibilities or take concrete steps toward achieving his goal of being a filmmaker. The woman in his life bolts out of exasperation.
His friend Mark, effectively acted by Eric McCormack, poses as more responsible, but he's also locked into adolescent obsessions and attitudes then prevent him from achieving professional or personal goals. His life in Los Angeles desperately needs to open up beyond the routines he shares with Robert, although he at least has enough money to keep making loans to Robert even though resenting the sponging.
"Free enterprise," written by Mark A. Altman and Robert Meyer Burnett, with Burnett directing, has something else going for it in addition to the smart inside references that will have meaning to "Star Trek" devotees and others who may have their own obsessions with favorite entertainment enjoyed while growing up. None other than William Shatner, renowned as Captain Kirk, materializes playing himself in a role that enables him to spoof both the Kirk character and his own persona.
Shatner, shattering the idyllic image Robert and Mark have of him, has his own obsession. He wants to make a musical of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," casting himself in all the major parts. We finally get to see him in a rap "Caesar" number. Shatner provides considerable fun.
Audie England is likable as Claire, the new woman Robert meets who shares his love of movie lore but also wants stability. The location scenes pick up the beat of the environment through which the Robert and Mark navigate. The script ripples with smart lines and knowledge beyond the confines of its "Star Trek" concerns and the like, and although it sometimes seems to go on longer than it should, the film is a savvy spoof on certain types of movie buffs. Call it a youth film with intelligent life out there. A Regent Entertainment release.
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