"Help me"? Even as a child I was acutely aware that there was something shameful about this confession.
This adoration continued into my teenage years, back in the days where I frequented my local Ponsonby Video Ezy store. I would only ever rent films that were from the Festival or Classic section so as not to ruin my reputation with the discerning staff.
On one occasion, I was looking for an "easier" watch. To my horror the self search computer was on the fritz, so I had to skulk up to the counter and ask in my quietest voice, "Hello, do you guys have Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me?"
Now, I genuinely love Austin Powers movies. And no, I'm not just enjoying them in some meta, post-ironic hipster bullshit kind of way. This love is real and true.
Their reputation has been somewhat tarnished in the past decade by ill-fitting Halloween costumes and cringeworthy impersonators, but sometimes the best films are.
Classics like Austin Powers, Borat and Ace Ventura are all good comedy films, which is something often forgotten every time they're misquoted by the worst guy in your office.
So this week, I'm here to remind you of the times when Mike Myers was an absolute legend.
Wayne's World
Born from one of Myers' hit characters during his Second City improv days, later becoming a popular recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live alongside Dana Carvey - there is no denying that Wayne's World is a total classic and one of the most quotable films of the 90s. See how I just said 'total' classic? That's Wayne's World man. *tucks hair behind ears*
Favourite quote: "A gun rack. I don't even own *a* gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do with a gun rack?"
So I Married an Axe Murderer
Mike Myers marries the way out-of-his-league Nancy Travis, but starts to think she might be a serial killer. I don't even know why I bothered typing that out, it's pretty much exactly what the title says. Mike Myers is pretty charming in this, and it's worth seeing just for his hilarious take on beat poetry.
Best quote I could find on IMDB: (on whether or not he likes haggis) "No, I think it's repellent in every way. In fact, I think most Scottish cuisine is based on a dare."
The Austin Powers trilogy
Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me was the first Mike Myer's film I saw at the cinema, with my grandmother no less. We both very much enjoyed it, which is how all films should be reviewed in my opinion - 'would Nan like it?'
It's a surprisingly niche film; a parody of camp, 60s spy film made on the cusp of the millennium. What studio in their right mind would put money into a film like that these days?
Also spawned one of Madonna's best "made for a movie" songs, Beautiful Stranger (her worst being Die Another Day of course.)
Best variation of a terrible recurring gag: Ivana Humpalot.
The Cat in The Hat
This critical bomb is an underrated children's film that is pretty funny for adults. So much so that Dr Seuss' widow banned all ensuing live action adaptations of his work because this one wasn't family-friendly enough. For what it lacks in story it makes up for in hilarity, especially this scene.
Best quote: "You pay this woman to sit on babies? That's disgusting. I'd do it for nothing."
The Love Guru
Yeah, I can't defend this. This was a mistake from the beginning and he probably should have gone to jail for this one. Did Peter Sellers comedy racism teach you nothing Mike?
Best line from The Love Guru's Wikipedia page: "The film was a financial flop and earned overwhelmingly negative reviews."
Do you agree with Rose? Or has this blogger lost the comedic plot? Have your say below.
- nzherald.co.nz
