Austin Powers in Goldmember Review

In "Austin Powers in Goldmember" creator, writer, star & producer Mike Myers once again returns as his most successful cinematic creation. This time round Austin is called upon to track down his arch foe Dr. Evil (Myers again) who has teamed up with a new villain Goldmember (Myers once again, this time with a poor Dutch accent). Along the way we get a flashback to his schooldays (with some superbly cast young look-alikes), a trip through time to the world of disco in 1975 (where "Destiny's Child" lead singer Beyonce Knowles emerges in full afro style as former Powers' girl and FBI agent Foxxy Cleopatra), and a great performance by Michael Caine as Austin's super spy Dad.

The film features a great opening sequence that the rest of the movie, unfortunately, fails to live up to. Being the third film in the series we already have a good idea of what to expect and, with so many familiar faces and scenarios appearing once again, there is a definite sense of undemanding over familiarity about the entire proceeding. Although there are some good gags strewn throughout, with Michael Caine's addition to the ensemble cast a particular treat, overall you're left with the feeling that you've seen it all before and, frankly, it was a lot funnier the first (and second) time around.