I Love Gold ! (Austin Powers in Goldmember (DVD))

Member Name: utero

Product:	Austin Powers in Goldmember (DVD)
Date:	26/07/02 (273 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very Funny, Great Cameos, Dr Evil/Goldmember

Disadvantages: Some jokes fall flat, Getting Tired

The first Austin Powers movie wasn't a massive success on it's release but went on to make a lot of money in the home video market. That brought about a second installment in 1999 which grossed more in it's first US weekend that the first film did in it's entire theatrical run. With more than $300 million grossed worldwide it was safe to say that a third film would be certain. Three years later and here we are Austin Powers is back baby yeah !

I like the first two films, both are quite funny although the first one seems to have the edge but the second has Dr Evil taking a more prominent role. This film certainly ha a lot to live up to, after all it has to top Dr Evil's appearance on Jerry Springer ("the f*****s biting me!").

I'm pleased to say that if you find Austin's adventures groovy then chances are you'll like this. Anybody who doesn't care for the shagedelic spy should probably stay away as there's new here to tempt you over.

As usual the plot is pretty simple. Dr Evil has a 'foolproof' plan to take over the world, this time involving a tractor beam that shares it name with a piles cream. To make sure Austin Powers doesn't get in the way, Dr Evil enlists the help of a 1970's villain by the name of Goldmember. Aptly named because of an unfortunate smelting accident with his genetalia. Goldmember kidnaps Austin's father Nigel (Micheal Caine) who is like his son in every way. Of course Austin goes to save his father with the help of a 70's sassy chick Foxy Cleopatra (Beyonce Knowles). The whole romp is incredibly stupid but full of laughs as Dr Evil is his usual dumb self and Mini Me is somewhat problematic.

You can alwys judge the popularity of a film like this by the number of cameos it has. And if the quality of the cameos in this film had actually charged their normal rate then I'm sure the wage budget on this film alone would have made Hollywood
history. I won't say who appears as it ruins the surprise, needless to say the opening of the film is something you won't want to arrive late for.

Mike Myers takes on a lot in this film, he's the star, the producer and co-writer. He also has the task of playing four of the characters in the film often in the same scene. He does this flawlessly. Firstly Austin is amusing as ever but I've always thought Dr Evil was a far better character and the same is true in this film. Every scene with him is funny purely because he's a frickin idiot. Fat Bastard also makes a return but once again he really ain't that funny and serves no purpose in the film. As for Goldmember, well the character is dutch and has a penchant for roller-boogie and eating his own dead skin. Some may find him a lame character but personally I found his interaction with Dr Evil a real treat.

Beyonce Knowles doesn't really have a lot to do in the film but then that's the whole point, every Austin sidekick is meant to not do much and just look great a'la 007. Bringing in someone from a non-acting background could have been a real mis-fire but I'm glad to say that Beyonce pulls off the role and in a lot of ways she comes out the best of the three Power's girls so far.

Out of the supporting cast, all the usual suspects return. It was a bit disappointing to see Mindy Sterling and Robert Wagner mainly hanging around with little to do but then there's only so much that can fit into 90 minutes. Seth Green as Scott Evil is expanded as a son who just wants love from his dad and finally get's it when he becomes evil. But stealing the show is Verne Troyer as Mini Me, With Dr Evil, Mini Me has the best moments and also the real emotional highlight of the film. I dare anyone not to feel sorry for him as he slowly crawls away at an important moment in the film all lonely and rejected.

As for Caine, well it was always genius to have
him play Austin's father. He doesn't have much to do but Caine seems to ba having fun and it works because of his sixtie's film image in the likes of The Italian Job and Alfie.

The film does have flaws, at time some of the jokes fall incredibly flat but then there's always something to bring you back up to speed again. I suppose you could say that this is a film that feels slightly rushed. It seems the turnaround from shooting to release was quite quick. You could also argue that a lot of the film is a rehash of the second film. This is true but then it still very funny and let's face it Bond has had the the same kind of plot structure for 20 films now. I'd love to see more Austi antics but like Rush Hour 2 last year you can see that a lot of fresh ideas will be needed to keep people watching.

At ninety minutes long Goldmember is a highly enjoyable romp and looks like being one of the funniest films of the year. It looks great and is certainly proud to be flamboyant, colorful and incredibly silly. If you buy into the whole goofy affair then you're bound to come out smiling.

But if you're still not sold then all I have to say is that this film has Sharks with frickin laser beams attached to their heads.

Summary: