Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999 · Directed by Jay Roach
Original language: English
- comedy
- adventure
- crime
The story
When diabolical genius Dr. Evil travels back in time to steal superspy Austin Powers's ‘mojo,’ Austin must return to the swingin' '60s himself - with the help of American agent, Felicity Shagwell - to stop the dastardly plan. Once there, Austin faces off against Dr. Evil's army of minions to try to save the world in his own unbelievably groovy way.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated comedy in a deliberately retro palette: sixties mod sets in lurid orange, lime and hot pink, flat studio lighting, zooms and wipes borrowed from old spy-caper films, and a score that jumps between lounge organ, funk and swinging brass. The camera is mostly tidy and centred, letting the gags land in full frame, and the scenes shift between candy-coloured 1960s London and a cold, sterile 1990s world with grey corridors and cheap-looking lasers. The vibe is silly, cheerful and cartoonish, with a constant wink at the audience. It suits a lazy Saturday night, a group watch with friends, or a comfort rewatch when you want something that feels like a sugar rush. Pacing is quick and joke-dense, with running bits repeated until they get funnier, and the emotional register stays light: the central relationship is a bumbling, affectionate romance and a sendup of an ego who learns a little humility. Intensity is low: slapstick fights, cartoonish gun and laser action, mild innuendo and crude sexual jokes, no gore, nothing frightening. It is for people who want outrageous, good-natured silliness and don't mind the jokes being broad.
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