Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) - Spoofing funny, baby, yeah!

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+ Best New Franchise of the Year + Best Poster of the Year + Best Spoof Movie of the Year

A barrage of fun quotes from the film in psychedelic 1960s styled lettering and the inimitable Mike Myers fill out this hilarious poster for Jay Roach's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

England's #1 spy is cryogenically frozen at the peak of 1960s 'swinging London' period, as his arch nemesis Dr. Evil does the same. 30 years later he is unfrozen, as his unique talents are needed again: Evil has reawoken with a new terrible scheme!

 

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is written by writer/co-producer/star Mike Myers (The Love Guru (2008)) and directed by great New Mexican filmmaker Jay Roach (Zoo Radio (1990)).

It is a wildly cheerful, coarse comedy that's a grand spoof of the Bond movies and the 1960s in the West. It opens with an irresistible dance sequence, and is followed by wacky scenes in London of the past, leading into a veritable sea of vulgarities, word puns and physical gags. Will Ferrell (Zoolander (2001)), Tom Arnold (Hard Breakers (2010)) and Christian Slater (True Romance (1993)) are fun in cameos, and Robert Wagner (The Hunters (1958)) as No. 2 is really funny!

Myers has created his best and most resilient character yet here in Powers, which pulls the leg hilariously on the sexualized, male-centric, reality-detached 007 fantasy universe of the past. One might suspect that some of the film's non-stop gags are there mainly to boost the playing time, because some of them truly are detours. - But since they are mostly so funny, it doesn't really matter.

 

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Game Change (2012, TV movie) - Moore and Co. shimmer in Roach's dynamite political retelling 
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2000 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess 

Meet the Parents (2000) - Roach, Stiller, De Niro and Co. make comedy gold

1997 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess 

 

 

Watch a very short trailer for the film here

 

Cost: 16.5 mil. $

Box office: 67.7 mil. $

= Big hit (returned 4.10 times its cost)

[Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery premiered 29 April (Los Angeles) and runs 91 minutes. Powers was an early 1990s SNL character that Myers created with inspiration from his father. Myers was paid 3 mil. $ for the movie. Shooting took place from August - October 1996 in Nevada, including Las Vegas, and in California, including in Los Angeles. Many of the scenes reportedly contain improvisation. The film opened #2, behind fellow new release Breakdown, to a 9.5 mil. $ first weekend in North America, where it spent another 4 weekends in the top 5 (#4-#4-#4-X-X-#5), grossing 53.8 mil. $ (79.5 % of the total gross). The film did not have a big reception in the UK, which is attributed to Princess Diana's tragic death shortly prior to its release there. Roger Ebert gave it a 3/4 star review, equal in rating to this one. Daniel Craig said in 2014 that the Bond movies had to change to a more serious tone following Austin Powers, which made the gags the franchise had previously done "impossible" due to its satirizing them. The film spun two sequels, the first being Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999). Roach returned with said film. Myers first returned in 54 (1998). Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is fresh at 74 % with a 6.50/10 critical average at Rotten Tomatoes.]

What do you think of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery?

Shrek the Third (2007) - Declined quality but still loads of fun to be had with third Shrek

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Shrek returns in royal, uncomfortable getup, flanked by his beloved co-characters, on this colorful poster for Raman Hui and Chris Miller's Shrek the Third

When the king of Far Far Away passes away, Shrek and Fiona are the heirs, but the duties don't suit Shrek, who journey out to find the next in line to the throne; teenager Artie. - Meanwhile Prince Charming makes a last attempt at claiming the kingdom for himself.

Shrek the Third is written by Jeffrey Price (Johnny Bago (1993, TV-series)), Peter S. Seaman (Doc Hollywood (1991)), Aron Warner (Antz (1998, producer)) and Chris Miller (Shrek (2001, additional dialog)), with Andrew Adamson (Shrek 2 (2004)) supplying story elements, and directed by Miller and Raman Hui (Monster Hunt (2015)).
Shrek returns for his second sequel, which is still full of funny moments; now with Justin Timberlake (Trolls (2016)) as the new not quite ready heir to the throne heir Artie. The story is less gripping and more raggedy than the ones in Shrek and Shrek 2. And the humor and many of Shrek the Third's long row of jokes are aimed at its adult audiences. It gets by all the same, simply because it is a lot of fun.

Related post:

Shrek franchise: Shrek 2 (2004) - Fun and adventure reign in tremendous family animation romp

Watch a trailer for the film here

Cost: 160 mil. $
Box office: 798.9 mil. $
= Big hit (returned 4.99 times its cost)
[Shrek the Third premiered 6 May (Westwood, California) and runs 92 minutes. Following the massive success of Shrek 2, a third, fourth and possibly a fifth film were announced. The salaries for the film's 3 main stars were not reported this time around. The film opened #1 to a 121.6 mil. $ first weekend in North America, - the biggest opening for an animated film in the market until Finding Dory (2016), - spending another 3 weeks in the top 5 (#2-#3-#5), grossing 322.7 mil. $ (40.3 % of the total gross). It was the 2nd highest-grossing film of the year in North America, selling approximately 46.9 mil. tickets. The 2nd and 3rd biggest markets were the UK with 78.1 mil. $ (9.8 %) and France with 44.2 mil. $ (5.5 %). It was the 4th highest-grossing movie of the year globally. It was nominated for a BAFTA. Roger Ebert gave it a 2.5/4 star review, translating to a notch harder than this review. The film made in excess of 176.7 mil. $ on home video sales in North America from around 11.8 mil. units, which, if added into the equation, would change the film's status to that of 'huge hit'. The franchise returned with Shrek Forever After (2010) and spin-off Puss in Boots (2011), and a reboot may presently be in the works. Hui returned with 4 short efforts before a theatrical release with Monster Hunt (2015); Miller returned with Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots (2011). Mike Myers (The Cat in the Hat (2003)) returned in Shrek the Halls (2007, short) and theatrically in The Love Guru (2008); Eddie Murphy (Harlem Nights (1989)) in Shrek the Halls and theatrically in Meet Dave (2008); Cameron Diaz (Gangs of New York (2002)) in Shrek the Halls and theatrically in What Happens in Vegas (2008). Shrek the Third is rotten at 41 % with a 5.44/10 critical average at Rotten Tomatoes.]

What do you think of Shrek the Third?

Shrek 2 (2004) - Fun and adventure reign supreme in tremendous family animation romp

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+ Best Huge Hit Movie of the Year + Most Profitable Movie of the Year: 217.92 mil. $ range

Shrek, Donkey, Fiona and a bunch of new characters adjoin on this anticipation-building poster for Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon's Shrek 2

Newly wedded ogres Shrek and Fiona go on their honeymoon to Far Far Away for salutation, - and meeting Fiona's parents. But their reception is less than warm, and problems ensue involving Shrek's father-in-law, Fiona's Fairy Godmother, - and her son, Prince Charming.

Shrek 2 is written by Andrew Adamson (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)), Joe Stillman (Gulliver's Travels (2010)), J. David Stern (Daddy Day Camp (2007)) and David N. Weiss (Clockstoppers (2002)), with Conrad Vernon (Shrek (2001)), Cody Cameron (Open Season 3 (2010, actor)), Walt Dohrn (Trolls (2016, actor)), Chris Miller (Shrek the Third (2007)) and David P. Smith (Shark Tale (2004)) contributing dialog, and directed by returning great New-Zealander filmmaker Andrewson, Kelly Asbury (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)) and Vernon. - A hefty group of creatives!
The film is arguably even more fun and dynamic than the original crowd-pleaser from 2001. It packs an enormous amount of popular cultural and musical references, while its underlying story also just works flawlessly in itself.
Shrek 2 delights also with wonderful voice performances and handsome animation. It is a brilliant family adventure.

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) or, Just Plain Narnia 

2004 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess [UPDATED I]
Conrad Vernon: Sausage Party (2016) - One outrageous, funny, horny adult animation 

2004 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess [UPDATED I] 

Watch a trailer for the film here

Cost: 150 mil. $
Box office: 919.8 mil. $
= Huge hit (returned 6.13 times its cost)
[Shrek 2 premiered 8 May (Westwood, California) and runs 92 minutes. Development began before the release of the first film. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) was an inspiration for the writing team. Voice acting stars Mike Myers (Wayne's World 2 (1993)), Cameron Diaz (Man Woman Film (1999)) and Eddie Murphy (48 Hrs. (1982)) were each paid a staggering 10 mil. $, - up from 350k $ apiece for the first film, - for their approximately 15-18 hours of total voice work done on the film. The many involved writers are a testament to a lengthy and winding road towards the film's finished script. The film opened #1 to a 108 mil. $ first weekend in a record-breaking 4,163 theaters in North America, where it spent another week at #1 and another 3 weeks in the top 5 (#2-#3-#4) and grossed 441.2 mil. $ (48 % of the total gross). Its 2nd and 3rd biggest markets were the UK with 88.2 mil. $ (9.6 %) and France with 50.9 mil. $ (5.5 %). It was the highest-grossing film worldwide of 2004 and made an additional estimated 800 mil. $ in merchandise sales. It also beat Finding Nemo (2003) as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, a record it held until Toy Story 3 (2010). It is DreamWorks' most profitable title to date and the highest-grossing in the Shrek franchise. Roger Ebert gave the film a 3/4 star review, translating to a notch harder than this one. Rare for a mainstream animated film, Shrek 2 competed for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, losing to Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11. It was also nominated for 2 Oscars: It lost Best Animation to The Incredibles and Best Song (Accidentally in Love) to Al Otro Lado del Río from The Motorcycle Diaries. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe, won 1/2 BAFTA nominations, was nominated for 2 Grammys and a wealth of other honors. The Shrek franchise continued with Shrek the Third (2007), Shrek Forever After (2010) and spin-off Puss in Boots (2011). A possible reboot was reported in 2018. Adamson returned with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005); Asbury with Gnomeo & Juliet (2011); Vernon with Monsters vs. Aliens (2009). Myers returned in 3 video projects before Shrek the Third (2007); Diaz in Far Far Away Idol (2004, video short) and theatrically in In Her Shoes (2005); and Murphy in Father of the Pride (2004, TV-series), Far Far Away Idol and theatrically in Dreamgirls (2006). Shrek 2 is certified fresh at 89 % with a 7.68/10 critical average at Rotten Tomatoes.]

What do you think of Shrek 2?

The Love Guru (2008) - Schnabel and Myers' vulgar belly flop is actually hilarious

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+ Silliest Movie of the Year + Best Huge Flop Movie of the Year + Most Expensive Flop of the Year: 45.68 mil. $ range + Most Under-appreciated Movie of the Year

Colorful, kooky antics from five beloved stars are promised on this chuckle-inducing poster for Marco Schnabel's The Love Guru

Guru Sitka is the world's second greatest guru. A Canadian hockey team now wants to use his wisdom to win the Stanley Cup, all the while the guru falls in love.

The Love Guru is written by Graham Gordy (Rectify (2013, TV-series) and co-writer/co-producer/star Mike Myers (Wayne's World 2 (1993)) and directed by debuting Marco Schnabel (Brain Trust (2011, TV movie), writer). It is an outrageously silly film, which can be enjoyed (or not) according to personal humor and taste. If you are a Myers fan, you should be able to jump headlong into the embrace of this comedy, one of the nuttiest film to date.
The tomfoolery reaches previously unknown heights, (some would argue, lows), and although there are repetitive and uncool jokes and gags, I for one still find them fairly irresistible.
Ben Kingsley (Hugo (2011)) is funny as another guru, a part that also makes fun of his demure legacy as Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's masterpiece Gandhi (1982). Justin Timberlake (Black Snake Moan (2006)) is energetic and funny; Jessica Alba (Machete Kills (2013)) is sweet and lovely; the late Verne Troyer (Here Lies Lonely (1999)) is incredibly funny as the hockey team leader; and Romany Malco (The Duff (2015)) is charismatic and funny. Myers heads the pack and is incredible, infectious, fearless and visibly in love with performing here. A consistently happy, daffy energy runs through The Love Guru, which I personally favor over Myers' infinitely more successful Austin Powers sequels, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002).

Related post:

2008 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess [UPDATED III]
2008 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess [UPDATED II]  

 2008 in films - according to Film Excess [UPDATED I]

Watch a trailer for the film here

Cost: 62 mil. $
Box office: 40.8 mil. $
= Huge flop (returned 0.65 times the cost)
[The Love Guru was released 20 June (USA, Croatia) and runs 87 minutes. Shooting took place in Canada, including Toronto, and in Los Angeles from September - November 2007. The film opened #4, behind fellow new major comedy release Get Smart and holdover hits The Incredible Hulk and Kung Fu Panda, to a 13.9 mil. $ first weekend in North America, where it left the top 5 in its 2nd week and grossed 32.2 mil. $ (78.9 % of the total gross). The 2nd and 3rd biggest markets were the UK with 2.5 mil. $ (6.1 %) and Australia with 2.1 mil. $ (5.1 %). Roger Ebert gave the film a 1/4 star review, translating to 3 notches harder than this one. IMDb's users have currently placed the film at #74 on IMDb's Bottom 100 list, sitting between 2001: A Space Travesty (2000) and Turkish youtuber comedy Enes Batur Hayal mi Gerçek mi? (2018). Schnabel never returned to directing; instead he has slowly returned to writing and producing for TV. Myers returned in Inglorious Basterds (2009) but has not led a movie since The Love Guru, (an announced Austin Powers 4 could change that fact.) The Love Guru is rotten at 14 % with a 3.3/10 critical average at Rotten Tomatoes.]

What do you think of The Love Guru?

54 (1998) or, Disco, Baby, Yeah!

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+ Best Music Movie of the Year + Best New York Movie of the Year + Best Period Movie of the Year

Glamorous poster for Mark Christopher's 54

QUICK REVIEW:

We are at New York's Studio 54 disco, and the 80s are right around the corner: A young dreamer from Jersey arrives and is lucky enough to get a job there; sex, drugs, some fame and lots of disco follow.

54 is an excellent guilty pleasure full of lovely young people: Ryan Phillippe (Flags of Our Fathers (2006)) is criminally hot here, and so is Salma Hayek (30 Rock (2009-13)). Neve Campbell (Scream 4 (2011)) does well, and Mike Myers (Wayne's World (1992)) is phenomenal here in his first dramatic movie role as the cynical, superficial impresario of the seemingly never-ending party.
The development of the story is pretty imperceptible, sometimes nearing banality, elegantly avoiding real crises.
54's original 93 min. cut appears as a celebration of Studio 54, disco and good parties. I ate it raw.
However, the film was envisioned quite differently by its writer-director Mark Christopher (Pizza (2005)), who was forced by Miramax to re-shoot and cut out several parts of his original vision, downgrading gay and sex scenes. A 105 min. director's cut, which includes 30 min. of footage that is not in the original cut, has since been released to acclaim. - I really want to see this version as well!
If you want to read more about how a bad test screening and the infamous Weinstein brothers took apart Christopher's original version, you can do so here.

 

Related post:

 

1998 in films and TV-series - according to Film Excess  

Watch the infectious trailer for the film here

Cost: 13 mil. $
Box office: 16.7 mil. $ (US only)
= Big flop, with some uncertainty
[54 made a paltry 99k £ in the UK, which is the only foreign result I've been able to find. - It was a big flop. Had Miramax left it alone, it might have succeeded as a more risqué film, similar to Boogie Nights (1997). - We will never know now.]

What do you think of 54, original and director's cut, depending on what you've seen?