Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

 

Genre: Comedy/Action

Time: 1h 35mins

Director: Jay Roach

Quick Summary: A world-class playboy and part-time secret agent from the 1960s emerges after thirty years in a cryogenic state to battle with his nemesis Dr. Evil.

This has always been destined to be a classic and I'm so glad it's still iconic to this day. 

Whilst still being a spoof of the James Bond films, this stands on its own feet by actually having a well-put-together story too, even if it is a silly one. I don't think I stopped laughing at this for one second. Joke after joke after joke that all landed really well. 

It's a genuine mixed bag with the humour of what you'll get, there's really dirty jokes that aren't so obvious hidden behind puns, innuendoes or just plainly really cleverly written; dirty jokes that are obvious like penis-shaped items or sexual remarks; puns; slapstick; word-play; racism; satire; and just straight up silly shenanigans. Sadly, for being a comedy film set in the 70s/80s that was written in the 90, there are many jokes made that I had no clue about because they were of the time, or were general knowledge back then. 

Mike Myers will never not be funny. He is always up for silly stuff and loves to make a fool out of himself and it works! It's hilarious watching him flail his arms about or have these over-the-top reactions to things. This would not have worked if they chose anyone else. I mean who else can play multiple characters, each one being wildly different and equally hilarious. 

There are many things to love about this film, the one-dimensional characters, the sexual and stupid humour, Mike Myers just being himself and it's just a whole load of fun. It's not long at all so time definitely does fly by as it's incredibly quick-paced with joke after joke. 

Definitely not a film to be taken seriously as everything under the sun gets mocked. All in good taste though. It's sad to think we don't get films like this anymore since everyone is scared to offend, but that's why this worked, they just didn't care and wanted to be funny. 

9/10

"Austin Powers: Allow myself to introduce... myself."

"Basil Exposition: Austin, the Cold War is over!

Austin Powers: Finally those capitalist pigs will pay for their crimes, eh? Eh comrades? Eh?

Basil Exposition: Austin... we won.

Austin Powers: Oh, smashing, groovy, yay capitalism!"