Review of In Like Flint (1967) by Leif S — 06 Dec 2007

If you think funny spy movies started with Austin Powers, you've obviously never seen the Flint movies. Unlike Austin Powers, though, the Flint movies aren't just comedies disguised as spy movies--you don't get stupid gags, goofy characters, and midgets. In fact, the Flint movies, unlike Austin Powers, don't star a comedian--they star none other than Square-Jawed Man of Action James Coburn. Sure Coburn can be funny as hell when he wants to be, but you can't forget that he also starred in such action classics as The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and, of course, The Muppet Movie.

The basic elements of the Flint flicks are pretty straightforward spy movie fare. In fact, most of the stuff in the movies could plausibly show up in a Bond flick. The key is that the Flint movies take the standard spy stuff and stretch it beyond the point of believability, which leads to some great comedy. Everything is just bigger, bolder, and goofier--the gadgets, the bad guys, the plots--all of it. But, of course, nothing is more amazing than Our Man Flint himself. Flint can do anything Bond can do, only better. He can also do everything Batman can do, only better. And he has more outlandish gadgets than both of those guys combined. Add to this a few unique abilities (stopping his heart for up to 3 hours at a time, talking to dolphins, etc.) and you've got the world's greatest spy. Of course, Flint's not all business--he could teach Mike Myers a thing or two about how to party.

I saw these movies years ago, but had completely forgotten how great they are. Lucky for me, they're now available on DVD--cheap. Do yourself a favor and buy them. You'll be glad you did.