Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Dr. Evil thaws out after three decades in orbit, plans to hold the world hostage for one million dollars, and his own staff has to explain inflation to him. That’s when Austin Powers finds its real star, and it isn’t Austin. Mike Myers plays both, and his groovy sixties spy is one joke, a guy who missed the nineties memo, told until it wears thin. The villain is a different story. Dr. Evil with his pinky raised to his lip, arguing with his sulky teenage son in group therapy, is comedy gold. Seth Green is perfect as Scott, and Mindy Sterling’s Frau barks every line like a drill sergeant. Elizabeth Hurley is stuck being the sensible one. A few gags, like a slow steamroller and a tiny cart in a narrow hallway, run long on purpose, and only some land. It made $67.7 million worldwide. A 6.5 because Dr. Evil is a comedy legend and Austin is one joke in a velvet suit. $70.16 says you raise your pinky to your mouth the next time someone mentions a price.

What works: Mike Myers’s Dr. Evil is a classic comedy villain, and his scenes with Seth Green’s Scott are the funniest in the movie.

What doesn’t: Austin’s out-of-touch routine repeats the same gag all movie, and several long running bits wear out their welcome.

Who it’s for: Anyone who grew up quoting Dr. Evil and wants to see where the pinky started.