These days, films are targeted toward a specific audience. Mystery Men is for the slapstick loving moviegoers, no matter what age. With an all-star comedy cast, it is basically a mock-up of Batman without the grave feeling of Gotham City. Rather than wishing you were one of the Mystery Men heroes, you will want to laugh at them and see how they achieve everything through mishaps.
In attempt to rescue the brave hero and keep the city criminal-free, a group of seven super heroes is formed: Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), Shoveler (William H. Macy), Blue Raja (Hank Azaria), The Bowler (Janeane Garofalo), Invisible Boy (Kel Mitchel), The Sphinx (Wes Studi), and Spleen (Paul Reubens). Their powers range from blazing fury to having the ability to fling forks with precision, from mass destruction with a bowling ball to highly dangerous flatulence.
The movie is based on Bob Burden’s comic book, Mystery Men, and lacks one main character, Flaming Carrot. But hey, what actor would actually enjoy wearing a tall carrot mask for the duration of filming? The best special effect is the bowling ball made from Bowler’s father’s skull; it flies around and does some horrific damage to desired targets.
Director Kinka Usher utilizes each super hero well. Having Janeane Garofalo in this film was a wise decision and major highlight. She is one of those actors people want to see on the big screen, even if the movie isn’t very good. Oh, and I can’t forget Ben Stiller, so amusing to watch, with the exception of excessive rage spasms. The surprise character is Spleen; you would never expect Paul Reubens to make the transition from the beloved PeeWee Herman to the forever flatulent hero with such ease. Well, okay, maybe you could.
The crowd received the movie well. The diversity of the low-life super heroes is so tedious that it’s quite comical. This movie is clever and will offer a challenge to those expecting conventional comedy. Mystery Men will not hit box office records, but you will remember some of its scenes for life.
+ kim hutchison
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