Review of Mystery Men (1999) by Michael Y — 05 Apr 2011

The decade's best comedy stars and acting veterans unite in a silly and hilarious comedy about the "other" superheros which still proves the test of time as a cult favourite.

In the metropolis of Champion City, it's hero is Captain Amazing. That is... until he's captured by madman, Casanova Frankenstein out to kill everyone. Now it's up to the other superheros, 7 individuals looking for glory in a field they are inadequate in, all to selflessly save the world, even though they have their own troubles they could be facing instead. Staring a top notch cast of favourites like Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Hank Azaria, and Pee Wee Herman. Even legends like William H. Macy and Geoffrey Rush and more talented and funny men join the cast. With these kinds of stars it's hard not to like this movie from the start. The subject of superheros is always facinating, but Mystery Men focuses on a different side of the life, about the men and women who want to be superheros and try their best whether or not they succeed. This is an underdog movie for everyone. But not only that, but this well written comedy is full of hilarious camp value and originality that keeps it entertaining for years.

Just as Tim Burton created the look of Gothem City in his adaptation, Mystery Men's Champion City has it's own look as well. A futuristic look of overpopulation, tall skyscrapers, very metalic and gloomy streets. The work done to make this City is incredibly impressive. Director Kinka Usher's style is very awkward yet effective and very well paced. The weird camera angles and tricky lighting fit this movie's awkward story very well. Everything is just creative and fantastic, from the art direction, set decoration, costumes, and the best part, The Bowler's Ball as it floats through the air as the camera follows it's path of destruction. This is just as much of a artistic, guerrilla filmmaking as it is a comedy, and that gives this movie a look like very few have.

When this movie does right it does right, and when it's flawed it's still feels right. Argueable amongst critics about the film's quality, but if you like the look of this cast and love comedies, you'll sure to love watching Mystery Men and find yourself watching it for many years later too.