Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Directed by: Jay Roach

Starring: Mike Myers and Elizabeth Hurley

It’s 1967, and British spy Austin Powers (Mike Myers) is determined to take down his rival Dr. Evil at his club.  In this failed attempt, Dr. Evil (Myers) flees by boarding a rocket disguised as a Bob’s Big Boy statue.  The rocket launches into space, and Dr. Evil cryogenically freezes himself.  Afterwards, Powers is also frozen to be revived only when Dr. Evil returns to terrorize the world.  In 1997, Dr. Evil does return and is bent on taking over the world.  He plans to steal nuclear weapons and take the entire planet hostage.  Meanwhile, Powers is brought back to life to deal with his longtime foe.  With thirty years having passed, Powers is a bit out of touch with what’s really going on in the world.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is a testament to Mike Myers’ creative talents.  He not only stars in the film as the protagonist, but he’s also the villain, Dr. Evil.  In many ways, it’s a one man show with the exception of the shagadellic Elizabeth Hurley.  Myers himself wrote the film as well.  This is some pretty groovy stuff.  In this spoof of the famous James Bond series, Mike Myers delivers countless laughs and creates a cult classic that has stood the test of time.  Austin Powers is a fun flick you have to check out when you get the chance.