Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Starring: Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Seth Green
Studio: New Line Cinema
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery has a typical “Bond” spy theme going on, the only difference being that Austin Powers is a fun movie. Spy movies tend to be over serious, and this is what sets Powers apart from the rest. This movie has the same “serious” plot, but it’s done in a completely different way. (It’s actually FUN to watch!)
Austin (Mike Myers) is a major 60’s swinger, but he’s also an important part of the British government. He’s an International Man of Mystery. He’s the hero who is called upon whenever there is trouble afoot. During the 60s, many of this trouble was caused by his nemesis Dr. Evil (also Mike Myers). In the late 60s, Dr. Evil decides to have himself frozen, so that he can come back later and wreak havoc when Powers is no longer able to stop him. Austin also decides that he too will be frozen, only to be unthawed when Dr. Evil decides to make his return.
The movie pushes forward to 1997, when military personnel spot something unusual on the radar. Dr. Evil’s capsule has re-entered the atmosphere. It’s time to defrost Powers. This is where the movie removes it’s serious tone and becomes fun. Austin is thawed at the Ministry of Defense, and the hilarity immediately follows. He needs to become acquainted with the 90s, and for this, they’ve given him a partner. His partner is Vanessa Kensington, played by Elizabeth Hurley. She’s a straight laced government worker, while he still hangs on to his swinging 60’s days. The two make quite a pair on screen, as they both try to understand everything from the other’s point of view.
The story is loosely based on any other spy type of movie, where in Dr. Evil is trying to take over the world, and Austin Powers must stop him. You’re not really looking for story in this movie, so much as you’re looking for funny scenes. Believe me, you’ll find many. Austin is a crazy guy, and everything can be turned into something sexual. He tries his best to make everything fun, and almost always succeeds. I won’t spoil the good parts here, so I just recommend picking up a copy of it. It’s always good for a laugh.
Overall: 9.5/10
Additional Information:
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 100 minutes.
DVD Special Features:
Deleted Scenes
Spy Genre Retrospective
Director's Commentary
Subtitles & Alternate Language Audio
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