Gary's Movie Reviews and Ratings

2002 Movie Chart

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Austin Powers in Goldmember

= 60 =

Sequels. They so rarely provide anything that builds or improves on the original. Austin Powers in Goldmember is no exception in that there is nothing here that is new or innovative. However, the success of Austin Powers does not lie in wonderfully crafted stories or exploration of complex themes. The enduring achievement here is the creation of characters that have transcended the movie screen to become a part of pop culture. EVERYBODY knows who Austin Powers is, or remembers phrases like "Yeah, Baby!", even though they may not be able to explain the plots of any of the movies. And in that respect, Goldmember continues the theme of memorable characters participating in hit-or-miss gags, all held together by the flimsiest of plots.

Mike Myers returns as the eponymous spy, as well as reprising the roles of arch nemesis Dr Evil and the repulsive Fat Bastard. In addition, he plays the new title villain, a bizarre Dutchman who gets his name from an unfortunate smelting incident involving his private parts. Playing Austin's requisite sexy sidekick is Destiny's Child's Beyonce Knowles, making her movie debut as the big haired Foxxy Cleopatra. The other new cast member is Michael Caine, who gets the opportunity to spoof the sort of character has spent years playing seriously, as Austin's spy dad, Nigel Powers. Joining these three are regulars Seth Green (as the wannabe Scott Evil), Verne Troyer (as the evil clone Mini-Me), Robert Wagner (as No. 2), Mindy Sterling (as Frau), and Michael York (as Basil Exposition). And if that is not enough, we also get a grown up Fred Savage (the kid from TV's Wonder Years) who plays a mole with a big mole (enough said).

The plot (such as it is) revolves around Dr Evil's plan to use a giant "tractor beam" to pull a golden meteor to crash into the Earth unless he receives a squillion dollars. That's about the sum of it, although along the way, Austin has to travel back to the 1970s, meets up with Foxxy, has to rescue his Dad, fights Mini-Me, and encounters the ridiculous Goldmember. All of this is really just a framework in which to position an endless stream of low-brow jokes almost all of which involve bodily fluids and orifices.

So, while there are some great new funny moments, including some well placed cameos, and some more memorable lines (like "I thought I smelled cabbage"), most of this film seems a little laboured and one wonders how much life there can be in this franchise. Maybe this one will be like its predecessors, each of which did not seem that special at the time, but have grown in stature as time has gone by. Time will tell.

Until then, if you are fan of Mike Myers, or if the thought of urination sends you into uncontrollable fits of laughter, then this is the film for you. Otherwise, while there IS something imminently likeable about Austin Powers, don't say I didn't warn you.

 

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Director: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Michael Caine, Beyonce Knowles, Michael York, Seth Green, Robert Wagner, Midy Sterling, Fred Savage, Verne Troyer
Date seen: 20 September 2002
Last Updated: 22 September2002


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