|
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.
|