Review - Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

Yeah, baby! The day we have waited for for two years has arrived: the day when the sequel to Austin Powers arrives in theaters. Although I wasn't one of the first to see it (I waited until the Sunday after the opening), I was shaking in my boots to see this film.

The sad thing is, most people will want to compare The Spy Who Shagged Me to the original Austin Powers (hereafter referred to as International Man of Mystery). Sequels shouldn't be hindered that way. While I may make some comparisons in this review, I prefer to judge the new film as a separate entity in itself.

I loved The Spy Who Shagged Me. I laughed every minute. I won't give any spoilers, but I guarantee that any one who loved International Man of Mystery will love this movie just as much, if not more.

Okay, I admit it. I didn't go into The Spy Who Shagged Me with as much of an open mind as I would have liked. There are, admitably, several jokes taken directly from the context of International Man of Mystery. While it's sad, it's still just as funny. And there are several new gags which will have you rolling in the aisles.

The most obvious new gag is Mini-Me, the miniature clone of Dr. Evil. Every scene with him in it is brilliant and hilarious. One is a musical number sung by Dr. Evil, which is closely akin to the Will Smith song "Just the Two of Us," where Mini-Me does a few dance moves and has his one speaking line. Another is a fight sequence between Mini-Me and Austin. Again, no spoilers, but let's just say that you have to have seen There's Something About Mary to truly appreciate it.

I would try to avoid picking a favorite Powers film if I had to. International Man of Mystery was groundbreaking and revolutionary, while The Spy Who Shagged Me is thoroughly entertaining. Both have their flaws, of course, but what do you expect? I'm not gonna pick a favorite, and I suggest that you don't either.

On a final note, please remain seated until the film comes to a complete stop. Otherwise you'll miss a classic gag that is meant to be seen. Thank you, and good night.

Grade: A-

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