Austin Powers

One of those random things I never knew until living overseas is that a given movie may be altered in very slight or insignificant ways for release in different countries.  Dialogue could be changed (to be less offensive), scenes could be added/deleted/altered, etc.  Though it's a common occurrence, I still get caught off-guard whenever I see the UK version of a familiar movie.  This background brings me to today's movie review: Austin Powers.

Austin Powers (starring Mike Myers and Elizabeth Hurley) was released in 1997 (it's been 16 years . . . really?) and was an instant classic.  Comically ridiculous, Austin is an oversexed spy for the British government who was cryogenically frozen in the 1960s, as was his nemesis, Dr. Evil.  Now, in the late '90s, both are brought back to battle once more.

The comedy is excellent- and the dialogue features more than a few memorable quotes.  My friend and I watched the UK version of the film in a B&B during a recent trip, and the differences were noticeable.  Christian Slater is in this UK version, and this film adds a few 'background' scenes not featured in the US release (none of which were very amusing, frankly).  We didn't know why the changes were made, but it was entertaining to watch it again, regardless of version.

Being 16 years old, I was surprised how dated parts of the film looked.  Also, this one isn't for those offended by sexual humor, which is pervasive, or toilet humor.  But, overall, this is a good one.

Rating: A