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MYSTERY MEN (PG-13)

Reviewed August 7, 1999 - Check out the Mystery Men Website.

A twisted parody of all those classic comic book characters that kids (and adults) have grown to love, Mystery Men is in essence the "anti-christ" of all comic book superhero films.  Based on characters appearing in the Dark Horse comics, this film takes us to Champion City, a Blade Runner/Batman-like futuresque world where both superheroes and supervillains exist.  As the film opens, we learn of the city's one true superhero, a certain Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear) who comes complete with his own publicist and corporate sponsorship (he wears corporate logos on his superhero suit). 

A brave, charming, and apparently very efficient superhero, Captain Amazing is frustrated by the lack of good supervillains available for him to fight, and orchestrates the release of his old arch-rival, Cassanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush).  Captain Amazing, of course, merely expects that the release of Cassanova will increase his stock among his sponsors, but unfortunately his old nemesis has other plans, quickly capturing Captain Amazing and instigating a plot to destroy the entire city.  Ohmygawd!!

Enter "The Mystery Men", a ragtag and highly dysfunctional team of would-be superheroes struggling to gain some recognition in the city.  Originally comprised of Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), The Shoveler (William H. Macy), and Blue Raja (Hank Azaria), the oddball trio decide that it's now up to them to rescue Captain Amazing and Champion City.  Recruiting the aid of other would-be heroes The Bowler (Janeane Garofolo), The Spleen (Paul Reubens), Invisible Boy (Kel Mitchell) and the yoda-like Sphinx (Wes Studi), "The Mystery Men" begin to plan and train for their dangerous encounter with Cassanova and his cronies.

Yes, it's slightly ridiculous, but it's also surprisingly fun.  Blessed with a charismatic cast of great comedians and character actors, Mystery Men will undoubtedly gain its own wacky cult following, and perhaps deservedly so.  Thanks to its cast, this film carries a level of originality and wittiness that definitely stands out, making its premise and humor feel very fresh.  That's the good part about it. 

The bad part is that this film also goes slightly overboard with the same anti-superhero antics that makes it interesting to begin with.  Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, and unfortunately Mystery Men crosses that line.  In many ways, "the Team" of Mystery Men just feels too large at seven superheroes, making it difficult to flesh out the characters and really get into the emotional baggage that they (like all good superheroes) each carry.  Instead, we are given fairly superficial treatments of these would-be heroes, with the film reaching for too many cheap laughs that sometimes work but often don't.  It's a shame too, since some of the characters here clearly have the potential for greater things. 

Oh well, can't win 'em all.  As it stands, Mystery Men is decent enough as light entertainment, and its hilarious cast more than keeps this film afloat.  After all, it's not everyday that you get to watch William H. Macy wreak havoc with a shovel, or listen to Janeane Garofalo argue with a bowling ball.  It's weird stuff, but at least it isn't boring... :-)

Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!

silver_sliver777@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "I rate this movie 5 stars cause it is worth 5 stars! If there were 6 stars then I would give it 6! But there isn't 6 stars! Anyway, I think tha cast was put together perfectly! I loved all tha cast! It would be awsum if they made a Mystery Men 2! I also give it two thumbs up! Check yo all latter!" (6/12/01)

habagee@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie was very cute, very funny,and very entertaining! Ben Stiller was great!" (5/31/01)

modembolt@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie was great!!!!! These superheroes were made creativley with tons of funny jokes. If I were universal I would make a sequel." (12/31/00)

GGStalin@webtv.net gives this movie  stars: "I've enjoyed them since their first appearance in Flaming Carrot Comics #16. The movie was very funny and entertaining. I just wish PMS Avenger became a member,she was great. Estrogen for Justice!" (5/14/00)

David Rogers gives this movie  stars: "Kel kicks a**!" (4/27/00)

oradea67@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie is the best!!!!!" (2/25/00)

cootmoors@yahoo.com gives this movie  stars: "Not since Cable Guy has there been a movie filled with such hilarity and zany hijinx. I LOVED this movie. The plot, a brilliant piss-take on todays aging super-hero population. An extra 3 stars for Sphinx costume. Now I know what I want for Christmas." (1/27/00)

catbarb@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "I am a big Mystery Men fan I loved it the cast was wonderful and I loved the costumes and Paul's hair even though it was a wig it made him look handsome and I do love all the Mystery Men characters but my #1 favorite one is Spleen he is funny and he has a sweet personality and he makes one cool superhero I would love to have a autograph pictu re of Paul as Spleen cause I love Spleen so much and I am telling the truth I give Mystery Men 5 stars cause it's a #1 movie and that is the truth and I give it two thumbs way up I happen to be a big Mystery Men fan thanks." (12/28/99)

Colin Jenott gives this movie  stars: "I was impressed by this movie!" (8/13/99)