Austin Powers 2:
The Spy Who Shagged Me
A New Line Cinema release Story

review by Joe Mauceri

" Austin: Those are skin tight. How do you get into those pants, baby? Felicity: You can start by buying me a drink. "

Dr. Evil returns, builds a time machine and travels back to 1969 to steal cryogenically frozen Austin's mojo. Obviously this affects the 1999 Austin. So Austin time travels and tries to thwart Dr. Evil's sinister scheme.

Screenwriters Myers and McCullers overload the screenplay with sexual innuendos, butt humor and penis jokes. All of it is served up in a wickedly irreverent homage. It does not just spoof the Bond films, but other secret agent movies like "In Like Flint," "Mat Helm," "Salt & Pepper" and maybe a pinch of "Rowen & Martin's Laugh-In" thrown in to spice things up. With a bit more money to burn, AUSTIN POWERS 2 is in many ways funnier then the original. I had the chance to read an early draft of the script, which was even more ambitious. Many great scenes, such as "The Planet of the Apes" bit, never made it into production. However, what remains is a satirical virtuoso. Felicity: Shagwell by name, shag very well by reputation. AUSTIN POWERS 2 has its share of fun and functional visual effects. Regardless, what sells the film is Myers' comedic genius, both in and out of makeup. It is not just about delivering lines. Myers' performance is a gifted combination of body language and facial expressions. It even comes through loud and clear when he is wearing the fat suite to bring the Scottish villain, Fat Bastard, to life. His acting is so good that it takes a moment to recognize Myers in the suite. There is an element to the character that feels like Myers is doing a homage to Chris Farlay.

Fat Bastard: "Baby, the other white meat. Baby, it's not just for breakfast anymore. "

Dr. Evil and Mini Me blast back to the past

AUSTIN POWERS 2 relies on
a lot of traditional camera work and skilled editing to turn up the hilarious heat. It is a well-orchestrated pairing of action and reaction. They brilliantly cut a series of reactions to Dr. Evil's spaceship together. The production designs might not be excessive, yet nicely serve the film. They combine jokes, plot, action and production design seamlessly. The entire cast maintains an intense energy level throughout the film. Heather (Boogie Nights) Graham is divine. Kristen (3rd Rock) Johnston has never been quite as funny or sexy. (Oh behave!) Seth Green is the perfect straight man to Myers' Dr. Evil. If Myers isn't stealing the show, coming in a solid second is Verne Troyer as Mini-Me. The filmmakers use the cameos in surprising and inventive ways. Millions in special effects are no match for dazzling acting and clever writing. There is nothing as satisfying like a good hard laugh. AUSTIN POWERS 2: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME is wicked, baby, wicked. Myers is a pure comedic genius. He is undoubtedly one of the zaniest filmmakers to come along since Mel Brooks, Buck Henry and Carl Reiner. Myers puts the "fun" in funny with the funniest summer laugh riot to come along in years. It is even funnier when shared with a full audience.

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
www.austinpowers.com

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