Film Review: Kevin of the North (Chilly Dogs, 2001)
Most people require something really extraordinary to happen before they are able to abandon monotonous by safety routine of their life for a more adventurous and riskier alternative. This is what happens to the protagonist of Kevin of the North, 2001 comedy directed by Bob Spiers, also known under alternative title Chilly Dogs. Kevin Manley (played by Skeet Ulrich) is travel agent in Los Angeles who suddenly learns that his grandfather died in Alaska, leaving him large inheritance. However, one of conditions in the will is that Kevin takes part in Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which is held annually and in which participants must make a trek between Nome and Anchorage. Despite not being acclimatised to the harsh living conditions of Alaska and not having any clue about sled dogs or racing, he appears to be quite enthusiastic about the endeavour. He meets another participant, beautiful woman named Bonnie Livengood (played by Natasha Henstridge), who is actually a granddaughter of Kevin’s grandfather’s main rival in search for Alaska gold. Two of them nevertheless become close. The real problems arise because of corrupt attorney Clive Thornton (played by Leslie Nielsen) that doesn’t want Kevin to get inheritance and Carter (played by Rik Mayall), British mercenary who is hired for that purpose.
Kevin of the North, with title that suggests that it was inspired by classic Arctic-themed documentary Nanook of the Earth, was made with low budget and became relatively obscure, despite interesting cast. Skeet Ulrich, who at the time stood out with his resemblance to Johnny Deepp, seems much at ease with thankless role of naive protagonist that seemed tailor-made for someone like Jim Carrey. Natasha Henstridge is quite charming in this film and again shows that she is more at home in comedies than in science fiction films. Surprisingly, it is the experienced comedians who are disappointing in Kevin of the North. Leslie Nielsen is quite bad in the role of standard villain, while Rik Mayall, British actor who reached fame as psychopathic politician in New Statesman, wastes his talent in one-dimensional parody of “stiff-upper-lip” Englishman. The even bigger problems for film are in bad script by William Osborne and uninspired direction by Bob Spiers who, for some reason, seems obsessed with gags related to certain bodily functions. Ulrich, Henstridge and likeable soundtrack based on country music make Kevin of the North watchable, but at the end of the day average viewer would more likely find a better alternative for light entertainment.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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