Thelongestfilm – Cinematic action comedy review of the Austin Powers film trilogy, a qualified parody of the iconic.
The Austin Powers film franchise basically inspired by the culture of the 1960s, namely swinging London, which is full of freedom of love, odd impressions, and unique fashion styles.
In addition, he influenced by a number of figures such as Jason King and Harry Palmer, as well as the comedic styles of actors Peter Sellers, Benny Hill, and Dudley Moore.
His distinctive physical appearance, complete with glasses, crooked teeth, and a necklace with the symbol of a stud, is what makes Austin Powers unique.
The iconic object of his car also colors his film franchises, such as “Shaguar,” namely the 1961 Jaguar E-Type and Jaguar XK8 Convertible.
Austin Powers became an iconic figure in the late 90s and early 2000s through his three films, which scored hits for Mike Myers after Wayne’s World (1992).
As for plans for a fourth Austin Powers film, there has been no further development so far.
Here’s a quick review of the Austin Powers trilogy that hopefully hasn’t been affected by the radical “Cancel Culture” impact:
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
“Name? Austin Danger Powers Sex? Yes please!”
In 1967, a secret agent named Austin Powers (Mike Myers) assisted by his partner, Mrs. Kensington (Mimi Rogers), in trying to catch the criminal Dr. Evil (Mike Myers).
They prevented Dr. Evil managed to escape beyond Earth and freeze himself. Austin also did the same thing so that one day he could catch Dr. Evil.
Thirty years later, Dr. Evil awakens and learns that his confidant Number 2 (Robert Wagner) has succeeded in establishing Virtucon from the Evil business empire.
In addition, Dr. Evil’s colleagues managed to create genetic engineering that produced his son, namely Scott Evil (Seth Green).
Knowing this, the British Department of Defense awakened Austin, who had been frozen.
Now he assisted by the daughter of Mrs. Kensington, namely Vanessa (Elizabeth Hurley), in tracing the whereabouts of Number 2 in order to re-arrest Dr. Evil.
Weird, funny, silly, and brave!
There is no doubt about Mike Myers’ performance in bringing cartoon-style characters to life in the anti-establishment era.
It seems that Austin Powers represents a generation of hippies who are popular for their freedom of love, so it’s not surprising that his joking style exploits sex through excessive humor.
Myers’ comedic style suits me personally because it is able to make Austin Powers’ character iconic.
Starting from the style of speech, one line of sentences that hit or called a catchphrase or quote, facial expressions, and strange body language actions
Apart from Myers, who is able to play a dual role as Austin and Dr. Powers, a number of supporting actors and actresses were just as brilliant.
In addition, there was an actress who was on the rise at that time, Elizabeth Hurley. Not forgetting the supporting roles of Mindy Sterling and Seth Green.
Dr. Figure Evil is a parody of Bond’s nemesis, Dr. Ernst Stravo Blofeld, the bald-headed version played by Donald Pleasance.
Meanwhile, Number 2 is a parody of Emilio Largo, Bond’s enemy in the 1965 film Thunderball.
Meanwhile, Frau Farbissina taken from Rosa Klebb in the 1963 film From Russia with Love, as the Mustafa figure played by Will Ferrell from the same film.
The naming of the figures is ridiculous, like Basil Exposition, as well as the presence of a femme fatale, namely Alotta Fagina, who became a parody of Pussy Galore in the 1964 film Goldfinger.
Even though it’s not as funny as slapstick comedy, Austin Powers’ film excels through its dialogue, although sometimes its humorous style exaggerated.
The iconic musical theme in the opening credits, which accompanies the choreography of Austin Powers’ action moves and a clip from the Ming Tea Band, becomes an important part that is no less interesting.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is the first in a trilogy of quality comedy parodies.
I think it’s appropriate to align it with similar films like Airplane! (1980) and Hot Shots! (1991).
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
“Please, God, spectacles, testicles, a wallet, and a watch.”
Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) returns from space after his escape from the story in the previous film.
He has a genetically engineered twin, Mini-Me, in addition to having another confrontation with his son, Scott Evil (Seth Green).
Instead of taking care of business like Number 2 (Robert Wagner) does, Dr. Evil is more interested in fighting Austin Powers.
This done by stealing his “mojo” through time travel back to 1969.
By using the machine he made, Dr. Evil and Mini-Me head into the year and meet Frau Fabissina (Mindy Sterling) and a young version of Number 2 (Rob Lowe).
As for Fat Bastard (Mike Myers), he is an executor who managed to steal “mojo” from Austin’s body while he was being frozen.
In 1999, Austin warned by Basil (Michael York) about the “mojo,” which proves that Austin impotent when it comes to making love.
So Austin sent to 1969 and worked with a CIA agent, Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham), to prevent and arrest Dr. Evil.
Forget the storyline that can be spelled out; there may be some holes and a loss of basic logic because it emphasizes the comedy and humor aspects.
The premise of the story about time travel to the past does seem forced, being a mere wild imagination for the narrative of the Austin Powers film, which might go back to the late 1960s era.
There is a shocking and unexpected scene at the beginning of the story, as well as with Austin’s companion figure this time, namely a CIA agent, Felicity Shagwell.
Her last name, which makes her laugh, is very relevant to the title of the film, which takes the title “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977).
Heather Graham’s performance as Felicity, who was at the peak of her career at that time, deserved to replace Vanessa Kensington’s character.
New figures, namely the young version of Number 2 played by Rob Lowe, Mini-Me played by Verne Troyer, and the President of America played by Tim Robbins, also enlivened the atmosphere.
However, the figure of Fat Bastard, also played by Myers, presented in such a disgusting way through excessive physical comedy, even though it still invites laughter.
The film also presents a number of cameos, such as those by Woody Harrelson, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry Springer, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, and the return of Burt Bacharach.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me is still a sequel worth enjoying, able to maintain the quality and stability of its comedic style and characteristics, as well as the support of the guest actors and actresses.
Austin Powers: in Goldmember (2001)
“Oops. “I did it again, baby.”
In 2002, Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) and Mini-Me plan to go to 1975.
They invite a criminal named Johan van der Smut alias Goldmember (Mike Myers) to develop a tractor beam to pull meteors and throw them to the Earth’s surface.
But Austin Powers (Mike Myers) had already arrived and immediately arrested Dr. Evil.
When Austin crowned by the Queen of England for his accomplishments, he expects the presence of his absent father, undercover agent Nigel Powers (Michael Caine).
Basil (Michael York) informs Austin that Nigel has been kidnapped.
Austin also went to Dr. Evil, who now detained, and learned that Goldmember is the mastermind behind Nigel’s kidnapping.
Austin again uses the time machine, this time heading to 1975 at a club in New York.
He meets his ex-girlfriend, the agent Foxxy Cleopatra (Beyoncé Knowles), who is undercover.
Then the two of them try to infiltrate the Goldmember organization as well as free Nigel.
This film is quite exciting when it promotes itself through footage that is able to manipulate the audience.
There are a number of top-class celebrities performing stunts in the Austin Powers films, such as Tom Cruise, Danny DeVito, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, and Steven Spielberg.
The trailer is part of the film’s storyline; apart from the middle and end of the story, there are cameos by Britney Spears, Ozzy Osbourne, and John Travolta.
The premise of the film, whose title taken from Goldfinger (1964), repeats the same formula from the previous film.
Through a time machine back in time to the 1970s, this film is entertaining without worrying about the plot holes.
Blaxploitation is also the theme of the secret agent character Foxxy Cleopatra in Beyoncé Knowles’ debut role, based on the iconic Foxy Brown and Cleopatra Jones figures.
In addition, the figure of Nigel Powers played by Michael Caine, who parodies himself against a figure he once played as Harry Palmer’s secret agent.
The antagonist, Johan van der Smut, also played by Myers, of course comes from Auric Goldfinger.
The quality of Austin Powers in Goldmember is also the same as in the previous film, and there is one thing that is surprising, namely the twist in the story.
Even so, even the flashback has become a clue to the conclusion of the story’s end.