Review of Mystery Men (1999) by Joe W — 06 Sep 2012

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS! I'm sorry but this is the only way I can review this movie. This is a great satire on Superhero genre. But what caused it's box office failure? Maybe it's because people didn't want to see a funny super hero movie. The movie was based on a comic book that not many people read or even heard of. People have discovered it on video and DVD. Most people I talk to haven't even heard of this film. They were probably thinking "A superhero movie starring comedians. Ugh! No thank you!" which is probably the main reason why nobody went to see it.

It's more of a film for anyone above the age of 13 and up (hence the PG-13 rating) since there is an awful lot of talking. Younger kids might be bored. If you're expecting this film to be action packed, you probably will not enjoy it.

The dialogue is hilarious as they talk about how Lance Hunt is or isn't Captain Amazing. Making fun of how nobody knows Clark Kent is Superman.

I also like the Invisible Boy's power, "I can only be invisible when no-one is looking.".

There is a the odd fart gag courtesy of Paul Ruebens as The Spleen, which might not be to anyone's taste.

My favourite character in the film is Captain Amazing, I just love how self centered he is. Not to mention his costume looks amazing (oh pun!), it's like a formula 1 outfit.

However I did the scene where he gets killed quite graphic for a comedy. It's just so gruesome and it really sticks in your mind. Probably the reason why the film got a PG-13,.

The laughs just die down after that scene as the audience are traumatized by it.

Although, I did like the scene where we see the characters say goodbye to their loved ones before they go out to stop Casanova Frankenstein. I love he exchange between William H. Macy's The Shoveler and his wife:

"Goodbye, Eddie. I won't be here when you come home.".

"That's a risk I'm willing to take. Otherwise, there won't be home to come back to.".

WHOA! That is one of the best lines I've ever heard. I think I have something in my eye.

I love the fact that the heroes are outcasts and have ambitions that people ridicule them. I can relate to that very much, because I'm a outcast myself.

I love the production design. Very inspired by Blade Runner and Brazil.

Overall, Mystery Men is a great film. Roger Ebert said he didn't like the film because he "thought the special effects ruined the film." WHAT? Honestly, Roger.