Directed by: Jay Roach
Written by: Mike Myers
Starring: Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York.
Well, January is out of the way, let's move onto February. this time I get to start the month with something I actually enjoyed.
*Warning: Potential Spoilers Ahead*
1960s Super Secret Agent Austin Powers (Myers) is taken out of cryo-sleep in order to face his old arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil (also Myers).
The film's a parody of the classic James Bond films. A lot of the film's jokes are based on satirising old Bond tropes and his 60s social sensibilities; sex pun-based names such as Alotta Fagina, but also poor card-playing skills and a respect for women, rather than taking advantage of them. It's occasionally a little crude, but always fleeting and in good fun. It's actually pretty entertaining considering the sheer number of references the film makes.
There's also some silly and absurdist comedy. Some of these kinds of jokes carry on a bit, unfortunately. There's only so many times Austin interrupting an announcer with his peeing is going to get even a slight snicker, and the joke manages to carry on another 30 seconds after that.
Myers does a good job as both Powers and Evil. He takes to each role with glee, clearly having a lot of fun playing on the old ideas of both hero and villain, hilariously exaggerated. His screen presence is where most of the film's comedic appeal comes from, and he's what keeps the film worth watching when you might not find a joke funny.
The Verdict: Austin Powers is a hilarious spoof of the classic James Bond films, light and a little lowbrow; it won't leave a lasting impression, but it's definitely worth the watch.
Rating: 6.5/10
Published July 17th, 2016
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