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Mike Looks at AUSTIN POWERS 2: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME!
Here we go, Mike Lancaster of the Hastings Bad Cinema Society really dislikes this film. Calls it "...this summer's BABE 2!" Well, given BABE 2 was a pure work of genius that failed solely because of a shitty marketing campaign by the real monkeys at UNIVERSAL, I don't think NEW LINE has too many fears because..... If the movie is BABE 2, with their marketing campaign, this pig will be in heaven. Ya know, I've always had a bit of a problem with these so called, "BAD FILM SOCIETIES"... They almost always come across as being prudish and elitest. As if they had some holy blessed ability to determine for all time the absolute ranking of the rank. Right now, I'd trust Moriarty's opinion... But for you fellow members of 'BAD FILM SOCIETIES' well... ya might not like this one....
I attended the exhibitors screening of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
at the Mann's National Theater in Westwood (Los Angeles) on Tuesday night,
May 25.
Here is what I thought:
"Move over Phantom Menace, Austin Powers 2 may be the summer's biggest
disappointment. Austin Powers fans will surely be in tears after sitting
through this scattershot and only sporadically funny film. Expect a monster
opening courtesy of all the fans who have discovered Austin on video, but
then the negative word of mouth will kick in. There are six or seven
hysterically funny things, and about 50 or 60 things that don't work at all.
Some plot elements smack of desperation or are just rehashes from the far
superior first Austin movie. Unlike the exaggerating Hollywood insiders that
are predicting a $150 Million gross for this film, I've actually seen it and
can tell you that few diehard fans will want to sit through this in a movie
theatre more than once. It is this summer's Babe 2. We predict this film
won't hit $100 Million." - Mike Lancaster, The Hastings Bad Cinema Society
http://www.thestinkers.com
spoiler stuff:
Myers plays three characters in this one. Austin Powers, Dr. Evil and a 350
lbs. sweaty Scottish baddie called Fat Bastard who thinks he is the sexiest
man alive. Most people will not know this is Myers until the end credits (!)
Heather Graham is unbelieveable babeish, a total knock-out in anything 60's
she wears. Other surprises: We learn that Dr. Evil's henchwoman, that Butch
German chick is really Scott Evil's mother. Seth Green gives one of the
highlight performances in the film. Our story begins with an appearence of
Scott on The Jerry Springer Show where is confronted by his Evil Dad. In
typical Springer fashion, fists are soon flying.
Also, Burt Bacharach has another cameo, this time with Elvis Costello.
Dr. Evil has created a midget version of him self, called Mini-Me, whom he
dotes on like the son he never had. We also learn that Elizabeth Hurley, whom
AP was on a honeymoon with at the end of the first film is really a Fembot.
Rob Lowe plays the young #2 (played by Robert Wagner.) The time travel stuff
is very confusing. It's hard to figure out where you are a some points in the
film. And in shear desperation, Myers script takes us to the moon and back,
literally.
There are a few big laughs, (Fat Bastard having sex, AP accidently drinking
shit, the visual stuff of hiding private parts they did so well in the first
and back in grand style here, as well as a play on the word penis which will
have fans rolliong in the aisles, look for Willie Nelson, and Woody
Harrelson... get it???? in cameos, but overall, it pales in comparison to
the first film and I predict few Austin fanatics will sit through this one
more than once.
Mike Lancaster
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+ Expand All
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I"m still looking forward to this movie, and I'll tell you why. Sharks.....with friggin' lasers.
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From what spoilers I have seen, AP II looks like a great movie. I thought some of the jokes in the first movie was overworked or failed, but that was part of the whole expeience.
I will definitly spend my A$11 to see this movie. -
It seems strange to me that you should call the film a pile of crap and then go on to give what can only be read as a glowing review.
I think this could have something to do with the fact that you just didn't get it!
Fortunately I'm English and therefore enjoy the many untold joys of shagging and shit drinking jokes. "Toilet humour" is alive and well and living in England and thankfully Mike Myers brain.
The fact that AP1 had to be discovered on video as you put it is testament to the fact that most American viewers didn't get the first film the first time round.
Sod the review, dive in baby, everything is going to be groovey! Yeah! -
It's plainly obvious that this "reviewer" just doesn't get it. If it seems like 'stupid' comedy to you, that's because it IS stupid comedy and is supposed to be. I'll admit, you have to be a Mike Myers fan to really get into Austin Powers, but if you are, EVERY gag in the first film worked. The guy is one helluva comic writer. And as far as this film bombing goes? Is everybody forgetting that the movie also has Heather Graham in it, in really tight 60's clothes, that is? OH BEHAVE.
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When I get angry, Mr. Bigglesworth gets upset. And when Mr. Bigglesworth gets upset... people die!
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Why do these "bad cinema" societies even review these types of films. Memo to them all...this isn't Schindler's List we're talking about here. The original was a nonsenical rip roaring good time, and this one is expected to be, by the fans of the original, the same stupid humor fun filled fun time. Thanks so much for trying to prevent me from viewing this film but like Richie Cunningham..."I too like to live Dangerously!"...
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God how I hate Adam Sandler but I would never tell anyone not to go see his movies, so for anyone to say that this is an awful movie we have to take into account where he or she is coming from. This pompous git is part of a self-serving group who looks for the worst movies. Imagine going into a movie theatre thinking "I wonder if this will be the worst movie I've ever seen." How horrible is that, where's the wonder of films anymore? If you don't like movies anymore, stop seeing them. This is truly sad!
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May 28, 1999 7:28:11 AM CDT
maybe i'm a frikken idiot mike but i like austin powers and i li
by reni
so shove it up your arse mate, i'm off to wembley!!!
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C'mon!! It's Autin Powers!! How could you possibly be confused by the time travel in this movie??!!
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We've all seen what happens when Mike Myers starts to believe he is a god when the people love him. His head swells bigger than the First Lady's ass. He'll do anything and expect everyone and there dogs to laugh because it's him doing it..."Oh! Oh my GOD! *laughter* Did he JUST raise his eyebrow! OH MAN THAT IS COMEDY!!"
I am scared of this film. I am only seeing it because the Dr. Evil stuff is GOLD. Remember Wayne's World 2 though...those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. I love Mike Myers but he should be banned from sequels for life. End Transmission. -
Do you realize you just contradicted yourself?
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Actually, no I didn't. I didn't say I didn't love Mike Myers in the beginning...I said we've seen what happens when he realizes people love him. And I do love his work, he is a great talent...one that should be banned from sequels for all time. Thanks for playing :) End Transmission.
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I read the AP 2 script and his review sounds dead on. The ending seems way too convoluted, the Hurley fembot bit is sure to bomb and the jokes are more vulgar, but they tend to miss more than they hit. On the bright side, the cameos should be great and the slapstick humor bits should be funny. I just think the first one had hilarious dialogue and a funny story, and this one will not measure up.
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I think he meant Episode 1 being a disappointment as a film but not in the box office. Godzilla made over 100 million dollars and it's still a DISAPPOINTMENT!
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Meyers has always said that the reason WW2 bombed was because the script was rushed he wanted it released six months later than it was. Remember he had a year to write the first and two months to write the second, that probably has something to do with how bad it was (though parts, like the stoned roadie, were funny as hell).
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And here I thought if I just stayed away from the Star Wars talk back sessions, I could avoid the Grinch effect. Looks like I'll have to avoid this site altogether, which is a real shame. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that doesn't mean that I have to pay these blow hard jerks any attention. Thanks for ruining my day, Lancaster.
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I know I'm prejudiced because I run the studio but this guy totally missed the boat on this movie. It's ten times as funny as the first one. True, AUSTIN may not be everyone's cup of tea (the first film got its share of mixed reviews and we had
terrible test screenings), but if you like this kind of humor, it's
going to leave you feeling like
you definitely got your money's
worth. (see it twice because we
need all the cash we can get to make LORD OF THE RINGS) -
Wait, this movie is not gloomy and depressing? Austin doesnt die at the end? This movie must suck worse than TPM?
This guy is talking about bad plots in a comedy film? There is no fucking plot in a ny comedy film, can someone point out what was serious in AP? Nothing it was utterly retarded, that is what made it funny, and enjoyable!!! AHHH!!! -
have you seen the fucking massive displays they are setting up in theatres for AustinPowers2?? this huge fucking spinning thing with Dr Evil on it - and Austin and heather looking all cool while it spins. No wonder movies cost so much - and that a movie has to hit the 100 million mark to not be considered a 'bomb'.
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Since I AM Austin Powers, I say all you squares and freaks out there should relax and allow your inner groove to be amused by my movie, man. Sure it's a sequel, but *I* don't stop fighting evil, so why should you stop seeing my movies? Keep that bed whirlin' for me, baby! -A.D.P.
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People, people, let's get our heads together and think about this for a
second. Everyone out there and their mother has an opinion, as well as
every right to express said opinion. Regardless of if their opinions
happen to differ from our own, for that is the American way after all.
Hence let us not be too harsh on Mike for his blasphemous review of
Austin Powers 2, for truth be told my friends. Not everyone who has seen
Austin Powers 2: The spy who shagged me, has liked the film thus far. Nor
will everyone who will see it later on, as that is just how things work.
It is impossible to please everyone, for I personally found Star Wars to
be sorely lacking in several areas...But I digress.
Since I have personally taken roughly 35 people to see one or both of
the two test screenings that have been held for the film so far. And while
some of my friends totally loved the film, most of them absolutely hated
it and barely laughed. Which I think is understandable, considering the
fact that even I didn't like the first screening of film as much as I do
now. After seeing it for a second time a little while ago ( The same was
true for the first film as well, since I saw it as a test screening as
well).
Hence I am assuming that the same thing will ring true in the case of
this film, because Austin Powers has to grow on you. Or more
specifically you will have to allow it to grow on you. And it will my
friends, I assure you if you only give it the chance. Especially since I
liked the second screening of Austin Powers 2 so much more than the first
test screening, despite the fact that they cut some scenes I really liked
a lot and think worked really well.
Either way the film still has some final editing to go through before
it's official June 11th release, as they are supposed to screen the film
at least one more time before then. Sometime this week or possibly next,
which will really be an indication of whether or not the film is a true
(commercial) success or not.
My strong belief being that it definitely will be, as long as people
keep in mind that this is not Shakespeare we are talking about. Since
Austin Powers 2 is merely a skillfully written bit of lowbrow
fluff, cleverly disguised as one of the summer's most highly anticipated
comedy films. And on that note folks, I'm off as all I can say is just go
see the film and judge it for yourself. Just don't judge it too harshly
or you will surely miss the simplistic pleasures the film has to offer in
abundance.
Sincerely,
Light House Shines
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May 28, 1999 3:35:26 PM CDT
I thought Austin Powers had a few funny things, especially the o
by paragonian
I don't think I've seen one drop dead hilarious film this whole decade. Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin and There's Something about Mary are probably the best. I have been renting a lot of old Woody Allen stuff like Sleeper, Take the Money and Run, Everything you wanted to know about sex and Bananas though and those are hilarious. Dr. Strangelove and other Peter Sellers is also great along with Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy classics. Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin can also be funny in a few parts but people in the 30's through 50's had really bad senses of humor, even worse than fart jokes and Adam Sandler.
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Austin Powers was a great film! You just had to get the humour which seems to have bypassed a helluva lot of people! Iff you didn't like the first you'll probably hate the second. But i personally enjoyed every moment of the first and have subjected my girlfriend to lots of very bad impressions and quotations from the movie, i cannot wait for the second to come out in the UK, From what i've seen and read it will be just as god as the first if not better!!!!!
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Mike Deluca is right. AP2 is hilarious. This reviewer just doesn't get it, probably never will. I think words of mouth alone will pay for Lord of Rings and the really cool stand up ads with a spinning Dr. Evil. What I wouldn't do to have one of those.
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Harry, did you bother to look at this guy's web site? It is focused on the negative aspects of film. As someone who loves film as much as you do, you shouldn't be giving guys like this free ad space on your site.
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I put the gerrrrrrrr!!!!!
in swinger baby !!!!! -
eltonc, maybe it was a *personal* dissapointment. It's pulled more money than we can even count and the normal joes and janes liked it. Oh, by the way, unless you've all been hiding under a rock, a 'true' blockbuster nowadays ( in Hollywood standards)needs to make over $200 Million domestically to be considered a true bomb. Godzilla didn't even come close.
Only Saving Private Ryan and Armageddon topped $200 million.
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I have always wondered that. I do not understand what the big deal is. When I heard the premis of the first one it sounded good, but I think that it totally failed to capture that sixties British hipster feeling that it was going for. It seemed like what an unfamiliar American would do if they were trying to be as stereotypical as possible, but still got it wrong. And Mike Meyers just isn't funny. Not one bit. The only former SNL'ers who are less funny than him are David Spade, Jim Breuer, and Dana Carvey.
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Heather Graham is the hottest woman on Earth and the only reason to see Austin Powers 2.
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**Spoilers, ***
I saw the Austin Powers 2 on wednesday the 19th, right after seeing star wars, so maybe it was somewhat different than what this guy saw but it was nowhere near as good as the first. The main problem my friends and I had, 9 of us went, was that very few of the jokes were different than the first movie. Instead of SHHHHH we have "Zip It", instead of Dr. Evil making the quotation marks its both Dr. Evil AND Mini-me, instead of the one million/one billion dollars thing he starts off too high this time, asking for one billion dollars in the 60's, instead of Mustafa(i think thats the name of Will Ferrels character) being very badly burned hes very badly hurt with a broken bone after falling off a cliff. The penis thing he mentioned goes on too long and the jerry springer bit at the end will probably be cut out if the New Line guys who interviewed us in the parking lot have there way( we never got survey cards but they caught my friends and I outside), Some of the new stuff is funny, although its not enough of it. I liked a couple of the star wars jokes and the bits with either Scott, Mini-Me, or both were really good. Heather Graham is good,both because of what she wears and she actually does a good job. Basically if youve seen the first one, it will be funny but not AS funny. -
It's too bad to hear this, since the first one was so funny. Doesn't surprise me, though. The trailer really wasn't funny at all. Still, I never trust critics and I loved The Phantom Menace, so I'll see this one and decide for myself. If this film makes me laugh half as much as the first one did, then it'll be worth a matinee. If Waynes World is any indication, Mike Myers doesn't have much luck with sequels, though.
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So what's all the fuss about? AP One was a slapdash, slipshod bit of comedy writing. Great ideas/visuals/characters etc, but totally undercooked. Could AP Two be any different? Methinks not. It's a shame b/c AP could be a great campy series, but seems destined to be mostly lame-o. Keep M Myers away from script duties! But who knows? I could be wrong (and hope I am).
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I'd be wary of including Dana Carvey on the list of "unfunny" SNL alums. Did you ever see his briefly aired sketch comedy show on ABC? He was collaborating with talented folks like Robert Smigel, and it was, more often than not, very funny (bits like "Maine Nazis" are far better than anything on SNL nowadays.) As for Myers, he does have a penchant for running gags into the ground (I think "schwing" was funny maybe the first time I heard it, and the "zip it" routine is somewhat uninspired retread of his "SHH!" from the first one,) but he still manages to come up with enough new material to counteract this weakness. I'm hoping this is the case with AP2, since I laughed my way through the first one. Also, to those who'd like to take issue with the base comic elements that make their way into these films, know that I'm also a huge fan of Preston Sturges, Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, but I still enjoy a good fart joke so long as it's well-delivered (the joke, not the fart. Although, I suppose the delivery of said gaseous expulsion must be pretty spot-on, as well.)
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Gee, I guess my standards are WAY low since I enjoyed Wayne's World 2 quite a bit. I also enjoyed So I Married An Axe Murderer. (NOt to mention that I thought the original Austin Powers, especially the Dr. Evil stuff) was incredibly hilarious. Well, I will continue to have low standards if it means I get to enjoy the movies I see instead of complaining about them.
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Here we go again with the I hate it crap. Everytime a decent movie gets the go ahead then every person whoi has no loife comes out from under whatever rock they were hiding under to crap all over everybodys parade. I personally loved So I married and Axe Murderer! We hava a piper down I repeat we have a piper down!! This was a great flick! I dont care how much a movie makes. What makes it good for me is the movie itself not its gross at the boxoffice. I liked Godzilla as well. I think the only reason alot of other people didnt was the fact that they didnt show you the monster before the movie premiered. Everyone was expecting a fat guy in a rubber suit and they didnt get it. Anyway stop crapping on everyone elses movie going expiereance just because you got nothing better to do.
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Honestly, I was draged by my friend to see the first Austin movie on opening day and I didn't even laugh one bit. Walked out thinking thinking it was clever but didn't make me laugh because it was over my head. Then after it became a small recent pop culture phenom I watched it again and oddly I started laughing at everything. I work projection at a megaplex and saw the new trailer and it was funny. Now hearing about this FAT BASTARD character... dear god my sides are hurting.
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I'll tell you why people slag off So I Married an Axe Murderer, Wayne's World 2 and especially Godzilla - BECAUSE THEY ARE SHIT!!
SHIT SHIT SHITTY SHIT SHIT!!!
Godzilla was one of the most over hyped crap I've ever seen and appeared to be a way of selling toys and happy meals, oh and another sequel! The only redeeming thing about Godzilla was Jean Reno. Oh and Mike Myers IS NOT THAT FUNNY!!! There I've said it, I'm sorry but he isn't. He is mildly amusing but that's as far as it goes.
Threre is only one movie that I am REALLY excited about seeing this summer and that's Eyes Wide Shut. -
OK first of all, So I Married an Axe Murderer was brilliant...Heed! Paper!! Now!!!
There are oh so many reasons to see AP2...I mean, have you people seen the trailers?? Come on, that's reason enough right there.
I shall call him...Mini-Me -
I just saw final cut of AP2 with a real audience of filmgoers at its premiers at SIFF. Like the first, it was strung together with very funny jokes in places, and not so funny jokes in others., Luck of the draw. The real difference was frankly that I knew these characters, knew the trademark "Oh behave" and "Yeah baby!" I didn't feel that same sense of discovery, and so have to say that I enjoyed the first AP more. However, Iwent with a friend who had not seen the first movie. For him it was all new, thecharacters and material fresh and funny. All said and done, I think it will do well and that most people will think its worth the money they spend to see it, but the culture won't be inundated with Austin impressions again.
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Ok, here's a switch for all you people out there...I'm reviewing Mike Lancaster's review of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me! It could have used better details and made more sense to me, as I don't get his little inside jargon crap that doesn't work here. His overall layout of the film was incomplete and failed to even attempt to capture the full aspect of the film. Not only was he not paying attention to the film (probably wacked off the whole time while watching Heather Graham), but he was in his little "my shit doesn't stink and i get every joke" state-of-mind. I on the other hand THOUROUGHLY ENJOYED THE FILM. It takes a guy with a lot of balls to say something he doesn't mean...and that he did. A good sense of humor can get you a long way in life buddy.
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I assure you, devoted Austin Power fans as well as new fans will NOT be disappointed by the new film. Come on, Dr. Evil sings "What if God Was One of Us?" accompanied by Mini Me. Hysterical. Honestly, don't listen to the naysayers. You'll love it baby, yeah.
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I wouldn't have believed it because I was really psyched for APII, but after seeing it at the first public screening in Hollywood (9:30 p.m. 6-10-99) I gotta say, this guy's review is totally right on the money. There was so much dead space between laughs in this movie, it was painful. It was a rehash of the first Austin, which I thought was much funnier. Judging by the smattering of applause at the end and negative talk in the lobby after the movie, a lot of people went home disappointed. As far as bad movie societies go, sometimes the truth about bad movies hurts. I checked out this guy's site and it's pretty funny,
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does anyone else out there think that AP2 is a helluva lot better than AP? i didn't think the first one was really that funny....i was dissapointed in Mike. but please, somebody agree w/me!!!
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