Austin Powers in Goldmember

from Film Forum, 08/01/02

Austin Powers in Goldmember, the movie that this week set the all–time opening weekend box office record for a comedy, is being maligned by Christian media critics as crass, disgusting, and even "abhorrent."

Despite these complaints, Saturday Night Live veteran Mike Myers has beat the box office again with this "three–quel." The Powers franchise lampoons James Bond and spoofs the quirks and clichés of '60s and '70s film and television favorites. Once again, Myers himself plays multiple roles—the womanizing free–styling title character, his bald and quirky nemesis Dr. Evil, and a few other particularly dislikable freaks. This time, his sidekick is Foxy Cleopatra (pop star Beyonce Knowles), herself a spoof of '70s 'blacksploitation' heroes. Powers's father also appears, played by Michael Caine. No one dares deny Myers's talents or the talented crew and cast that bring this lunacy to life. But critics remain chagrined at Myers' reliance on the vulgar and profane.

A critic at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops writes, "The story itself is haphazardly constructed, somehow muddling through to the end—leaving logic and engaging storytelling on the sidelines. And the sexual innuendo is in full force as it was with the first two. The cast delivers pretty much what one would expect, but director Roach could have done more with the all–too–willing Caine."

Phil Boatwright (Movie Reporter) writes, "Myers is a very intelligent man and certainly knows comedy, but the Austin Powers franchise … often has less plot than a Saturday Night Live sketch. [Myers] equates toilet humor with sophisticated comedy. Whatever brings a laugh is his objective. Trouble is, the scatological jokes that make up most of the film's humor are the cheapest form of comedy." Paul Bicking (Preview) also complains of "the constant sexually suggestive humor." And Tom Snyder (Movieguide) sums it up: "Ultimately, Goldmember is an abhorrent exercise in excess."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says the franchise "has become somewhat tiresome … rather like an aging uncle who insists upon telling the same stories every time he visits." Of Myers, he says, "Would that he would find a film that is actually worthy of his chameleon–like abilities." Steven Isaac (Focus on the Family) also praises the star, but stops there: "Myers' versatility and talent are undeniable. [But he] seems determined to use his ferocious talent to push fans down rather than lift them up. And we as a movie–loving culture are all but begging him to do it. Put bluntly, Goldmember pushes the PG–13 boundary harder than any film I can think of."

Holly McClure (Crosswalk) says, "I took my 16–year–old son and 18–year–old nephew to see this movie, and they both thought it was very funny. They liked the retro clothes, hairdos and jokes. I'm a fan of Myers and think he's been a genius with these three movies, but I have to admit that several scenes were gross and offensive to me." Kevin Burk (Christian Spotlight) finds it a mixed bag as well: "Basically, the film is a fairly well–crafted, low–intelligence spoof just like its predecessors. The humor usually hit its mark, but half the time it's crude and immoral. In short, if you could stand the last two, you'll probably like this one. If Mike Myers and his brand of humor aren't for you, stay away. And do not bring the kiddies (I'd leave the teens at home too.)"

J. Robert Parks (The Phantom Tollbooth) argues that critics may not be alone in their discouragement with the series. "Myers has claimed this will be the last Austin Powers flick, and who can blame him? He looks bored. The only great jokes in the movie involve a series of surprising cameos and a couple of self–referential movie gags."