Movie Review by Bill Rendall

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

I thought the James Bond movies had been milked for all they were worth. Much to my surprise Mike Myers created a winner with his spoof of the Bond movies. I couldn't resist the charm of Austin Powers anymore than his beautiful assistant could in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

The Bond movies span four decades during which there have been a lot of social changes. By the start of the nineties it appeared that James Bond would go the way of the dinosaur. Surprisingly by making a few concessions to political correctness the series was rejuvenated and acquired a new generation of fans.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery cleverly places characters from the sixties in the changed moral climate of the nineties. Their attempts to fit into the modern world are a great source of comedy and some pathos too. Mike Myers plays both Austin Powers and the villainous Dr Evil who is modeled on the Blofeld character from the Bond movies.

Familiarity with the Bond movies may not be a requirement to enjoy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery but it certainly helps. There are constant references to Bond movies. However, with his teeth and campy clothes the Austin Powers character appears to be modeled on Jason King from the TV series Department S.

There is an amusing reference to the way the Bond villains dream up elaborate ways to kill Bond. After Powers is captured Dr Evil's son makes the obvious suggestion that they should simply shoot him while they have the chance. Dr Evil prefers to place Powers in an easily escapable situation where he is slowly lowered into a pool of mutated, ill-tempered sea bass.

In the Bond movies, and action movies in general, the bad guys are dehumanised so we don't feel any sympathy when they get killed. Their dead bodies become just another piece of debris the hero leaves behind in his wake. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery exposes this by showing us that as a result of killing two of Dr Evil's henchmen there will be family and friends left behind to grieve.

The soundtrack for Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery features some groovy tunes which create the mood of the swinging sixties. In particular I can't help thinking of Austin Powers when I hear Soul Bossanova by Quincy Jones.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is targeted at the youth audience. There is a lot of juvenile humour in it. However, people who are old enough to remember the sixties may also get something out of the movie. This sort of thing may be your bag too, baby.

Director: Jay Roach

Screenplay: Mike Myers

Music: George S. Clinton 

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