Matt's Reviews: Austin Powers in Goldmember


 

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Rating: 0 smirks

  I have the deepest sympathy for those who spent their money on this movie. Even if you rent it on video, you are paying too much. As my girlfriend, Val, might say, "I can see your IQ decreasing as you are watching this movie."
Not that I don't like the Austin Powers movies. However, this movie does not have the gravitas, the bathos of the first Austin Powers movie. It just doesn't have the depth. And if it doesn't have the depth of the first movie- well, that must be pretty shallow indeed! It relies on cheap jokes, and switches rapidly from scene to scene. There is absolutely no character development.
Those who are not familiar with Austin Powers may say, "that's no surprise!" But, Austin Powers fans know that the Austin Powers movies are not just cheap jokes and sight gags. There is some plot, and some deeper meaning in these movies.
This movie does have a plot, actually. Dr. Evil is trying to destroy the world, and Austin Powers must stop him. In addition, there are subplots relating to Austin Powers and his father, played by Michael Caine. (would someone tell me how a splendid actor like Michael Caine ended up in this movie?). But these deep issues are not really explored in depth.
The co-star of this movie, Beyonce Knowles, may be attractive. However, whatever acting skills she has are totally wasted in this movie. She is just allowed to play a pretty face.
And so the whole movie is about fart jokes, cultural references, and sex jokes. Not really worth seeing- even if you have a 13-year old's sense of humor.

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER
Directed by Jay Roach; written by Mike Myers and Michael McCullers, based on characters created by Mr. Myers; director of photography, Peter Deming; edited by Jon Poll and Greg Hayden; music by George S. Clinton; choreography by Marguerite Derricks; production designer, Rusty Smith; produced by Suzanne Todd, Jennifer Todd, Demi Moore, Eric McLeod, John Lyons and Mr. Myers; released by New Line Cinema. Running time: 90 minutes.
This film is rated PG-13.
WITH: Mike Myers (Austin Powers/Dr. Evil/Goldmember/Fat Bastard), Beyoncé Knowles (Foxxy Cleopatra), Seth Green (Scott Evil), Michael York (Basil Exposition), Robert Wagner (Number Two), Mindy Sterling (Frau Farbissina), Verne Troyer (Mini Me) and Michael Caine (Nigel Powers).