MORE OF THE SAME

A Film Review of "Austin Powers in Goldmember"

Copyright 2002 Glenn Walker

Spoilers up front because it's nearly impossible to discuss the flick without giving stuff away.

As with the first two Austin Powers movies Dr. Evil is undisputed star but Michael Myers' new character Goldmember and Rat Bastard from the last one both fall flat this time around. As a matter of fact all the characters except for Dr. Evil and perhaps Mini Me are rather cardboard this time.

Goldmember's real charm and humor lies in the unexpected guest stars. The opening which is a mock preview for an Austin Powers film called 'Austinpussy' starring Tom Cruise, Gwenyth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito and is directed by Steven Spielberg. There's also the dance/duel/rumble with Britney Spears and her dancers.

The biggest laugh from the audience when I saw it was the Osbournes complaining about the same joke being beaten into the ground although I'm sure Ozzy and family weren't the only ones complaining about that. Like I said, the guest stars were much more entertaining than anything Michael Caine or Beyonce Knowles were doing.

Speaking of Miss Knowles, based on this performance I can heartily recommend she stay in the music business. Hmmm, I wonder if Michael Caine can sing… Unlike the first two films Seth Green is wasted here, he has perhaps a bigger role but the charisma and fun he shared with Myers' Dr. Evil is lost.

If you liked the first two, you'll love this potty humor laugh fest, it's more of the same.


The above previously appeared at Project Popcorn.

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