Many things in life are best had in small doses.  Austin Powers In Goldmember is a prime example.  In 1997, I laughed heartedly at the original Austin Powers and the subtle wit that mocked the tired James Bond series.  Since then, I’ve grown an even bigger appreciation for the film and to a lesser extent, its sequel.  They are films that age well.

            Goldmember has a few funny moments but is inferior compared with the other two films.  Jokes are rehashed and the “subtle wit” I spoke of has been replaced by standard gross-out jokes.  There’s a gag where Austin mocks the name of a Japanese girl called Fook Mi.  Um, not funny.

            This time around, Austin is forced to travel back in time to 1975 to foil Dr. Evil’s latest plan.  A Dutch villain known as Goldmember developed the technology to create a powerful “tractor beam” and Dr. Evil wants to use it against the world.  Meanwhile, Austin has a hollow feeling in that his father, Nigel Powers (played by Michael Caine), hasn’t been around for most of his life.  So it’s going to be a buzy adventure for Austin Powers...

            The opening sequence is amazing and the funniest part of the film.  There’s some wonderful star cameos that are ideally cast and give the film its platform.  Things fall away quickly after that.  Most of dialogue between Dr. Evil and his son Scotty, which was so funny in the first two films, is flat.  Rather than mock the cliches that riddle current flicks, the film gets bogged down with silly characters like Fat Bastard, Mini-Me and of course, Goldmember.

            So is there another film in store?  I hope not but if money dictates Hollywood (which um, it does), then there sure will be.  Only this time, I won’t be as enthusastic to see it on opening night.