I’ve never seen the TV series, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Now this doesn’t mean I don’t love Raymond, I just don’t have the time to watch every sitcom that hits the TV screen. I hope it makes its way to DVD and then I’ll certainly take the time to watch it. So, not being that familiar with Ray Romano, I sat down to watch his first big feature film, “Welcome to Mooseport.” I remembered seeing the trailer in theatre and was actually looking forward to seeing it. After all, even if I didn’t know what to expect from Romano, I knew I at least had Gene Hackman to fall back on. How could it not be good? Well, the truth is… it is a good movie, just not a good theatrical movie. Director Donald Petrie certainly isn’t a slouch when it comes to comedies; after all he was the guy behind “Mystic Pizza” and “Grumpy Old Men.” However, a good portion of his experience comes from television, and that’s where “Welcome to Mooseport” feels like it should have played.

The main premise of “Welcome to Mooseport” revolves around Handy Harrison (Romano) an ‘average Joe’ living in the little town of Mooseport. He manages a hardware store and lives a fairly normal and sedate life. However, when he tries to prove to his longtime girlfriend Sally (Maure Tierne) that really is committed to their relationship things go from bad to worse. Is Handy content to prove his love with flowers, candy and candlelit dinner? No. His way of showing he’s serious is to run for mayor of Mooseport. Though the idea might seem like a good one, Handy has one small problem. His competition.

He has to run against one Monroe Cole. Cole is an extremely popular former President who wants to make his home in Mooseport (I just like typing the name). He decides to run when the current Mayor dies, leaving the slot open for just about anyone who wants to run for it, not that the line is very long. Seeing this as an opportunity to keep the town the way he likes it, Cole steps up to the plate. Unfortunately, when he decides to ask Sally out, Handy goes to war.

I found the movie to be pretty amusing, though a lot of the plotline surrounding the campaign seemed a little bit contrived. Of course, all I had to do was look at the real presidential elections a few years back to realize nothing is too contrived or impossible in the world of politics. Both of the lead actors did well, though Romano was a little bit on the bland side. Hackman really carries the film. Fortunately both of their performances are supported by the likes of Fred Savage and Marcia Gay Harden (as presidential advisors), Rip Torn (totally in his environment as the ruthless campaign manager) and the often annoyingly talented Christine Baranski (as the money hungry ex-wife).

Fox’s DVD release has a few notable extra features, including a commentary by Petrie and some deleted scenes. However the two best features come in the form of a hysterical Outtake reel and an unused car commercial starring the ex-President.

“Welcome to Mooseport” is a light and frothy comedy, perfectly suited for a quiet evening at home.

Directed by: Donald Petrie
Starring: Ray Romano, Gene Hackman, Marcia Gay Harden, Maura Tierney, Christine Baranski, Rip Torn, Fred Savage
Extras: Director's Commentary, 6 deleted Scenes with Optional Director's Commentary, Outtake Reel, Soova Commerical, 2 Easter Eggs
Specifications: Widescreen
Studio: Fox
Release Date: 5/25/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Website

We'll give Welcome to Mooseport a B.