Get ready for a shagadelic good time when the Bay Theatre screens one of the greatest spy spoofs and James Bond satires of all time, the Mike Myers-penned brilliantly funny Jay Roach-directed comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997).
In 1967, dentally challenged British spy Austin Powers (Myers) agrees to be cryogenically frozen, only to be thawed out upon the return of his cryogenically frozen nemesis Dr. Evil (also Myers), and sure enough, in 1997, Dr. Evil returns to take over the world. When Austin is thawed and teamed up with Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley), the daughter of Austin’s former lover, Mrs. Kensington (Mimi Rogers), he’s surprised to learn the freewheeling free love ’60s are long gone, and his attitude about casual sex is outdated.
The cast is amazing, and if you’re a James Bond fan, references to the franchise come fast and furious. Highlights include Seth Green’s turn as Dr. Evil’s angry son, Scott; Fabiana Udenio’s portrayal of classic Bond girl, Alotta Fagina; Will Ferrell’s long-suffering henchman, Mustafa; and of course, the busty machinegunning Fembots.
Bust out your best ’60s threads for the costume contest. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the concession stand. (89 min.)
——Glen Starkey
This article appears in Feb 13-23, 2025.