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Daily Probe Movie Review by Alice Higgins
Professor of Wymyn's Studies University of Toronto
Austin Powers in Goldmember
Rating: 0 stars (out of 5)
Normally, there would be no chance in hell that I would ever set foot in a
theatre showing a phallicly titled film such as Goldmember. However, my
only other options are very obviously pornographic films (Full Frontal?
Please. And xXx? You're not fooling ANYONE, Hollywood) -- so
Goldmember it is.
One could argue that this "film" could be praised for its honest
portrayal of the relationship between men and their DNA cannons. The
titular character is so enamoured of his johnson that he has had it
encased in gold, much like a proud parent would bronze a child's shoe. But
don't be fooled, sisters! Deep down, the gilding of the tallywhacker is
nothing more than a heavy-handed attempt to make us subliminally attach
some sort of value to the male organ. Believe me, sisters, the only thing
more useless than a penis is the man attached to it. If you don't believe
me, ask sister Bobbit.
Mike Myers plays four characters, and reclaims from Jim Carrey the title
of "Most Annoying Canadian Export Since Celine Dion." I love my American
neighbours, but not enough to let that lot back in the country. It seems
odd that the Americans give us such talented icons as Ellen DeGeneres,
Rosie O'Donnell and Melissa Etheridge, yet we repay the debt by sending
them those three. Oh well, as long as they aren't here, I guess we're
ahead.
I also find it rather telling that three of the four characters Myers
plays seem obsessed with their penises, between Goldmember turning his
into a trophy-top, and Powers' and Fat Bastard's constant attempts to soil
wymyn with their own. It seems that Myers is severely over-compensating
for his own lack of equipment. Hey Mike, leave it in the therapist's
office, will you? We're trying to watch a film!
As for the rest of the film, there are some bright spots, but not enough
to make up for the abomination that is Myers. The stunningly beautiful
Beyonce Knowles serves as little more than a rack for clothes to almost
fall from, but she looks great doing it. And it's likely impossible not to
enjoy Michael Caine's brilliantly satirical turn as Powers' equally
libidinous father.
In the end, Austin Powers in Goldmember is nothing more than Mike Myers'
own personal valentine to the penis. My sisters, once again, you have been
warned!
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