Stars: Mike Myers, Beyonc? Knowles, Seth Green, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer and Michael Caine.

The third instalment to “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” (1997) and “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999), this next film introduces Austin’s (Mike Myers) father, “Nigel Powers” played so well by Michael Caine. It also introduces Beyonc? Knowles in her acting debut as “Foxxy Cleopatra”.

Story

Dr Evil (Myers), along with the rest of the Evil Gang, has teamed up with “Goldmember” (also Myers) to kidnap Austin’s father. As a sideline, the whole ‘world domination and hold it for ransom for billions of dollars’ that Dr Evil always had going on in previous films, is also on the agenda.

This, of course, means that Austin has to investigate and time travels his way back to 1975 in ORDER to rescue dear old dad. He meets up with “Foxxy”, played surprisingly well by Destiny’s Child singer, Beyonc? Knowles and the battle against Evil (excuse the pun) ensues!

Cast

The original cast is there, including Michael York as “Basil Exposition”, Seth Green as “Scott Evil”, Robert Wagner, who plays deadpan so, so well as “Number 2″, Mindy Sterling as the hilariously funny but scary “Frau Farbissina” and of course, Verne Troyer as “Mini Me”. If you ever wondered whatever happened to Fred Savage (Kevin from the television series “The Wonder Years”), wonder no longer, he’s here as “Number 3″.

Mike Myers plays 4 characters this time -: “Austin Powers” of course, “Dr Evil”, “Fat Bastard” as horrid as ever, and the new bad guy on the block, “Goldmember”. How Mike Myers managed to keep the accents straight for each of his 4 characters is a mystery, especially with “Goldmember”. You do forget that it is the one man portraying each character. Myers has the Writers and Producers cap on as well - Busy Man.

Keep an eye out for Aaron Himelstein as the “Young Austin” and Josh Zuckerman as the “Young Dr Evil” who are so very well cast.

Extras

The Special Features on this disc are quite extensive and include music videos by Beyonc? Knowles and Britney Spears as well as the Theatrical Trailers.

The ‘Beyond The Movie’ section includes a short documentary: ‘MI6: International Men of Mystery’ about the British spy industry of the ’50’s and ’60’s. It also features interviews with the set designers for 1975 era of the movie in ‘Fashion vs. Fiction’ and ‘Disco Fever’.

Interestingly, it also has an ‘English, English’ section - which includes interviews with Mike Myers and Michael Caine about the Cockney Rhyming Slang which is used in the movie by the two ‘Powers’ men.

The ‘All Access Pass’ section of the Special Features has the obligatory Filmmaker Commentary with Director, Jay Roach and star Mike Myers. Not only does it feature the Deleted scenes from the cutting floor, but it also includes alternate scenes with an optional Director Commentary.

There is also ‘The World of Austin Powers’ - which includes the making of the opening sequence stunts, which are truly spectacular (and dangerous) once you know how they actually did them! Interviews with the cast, the director, the set and costume designers and the dance sequence Choreographer, Marguerite Derricks round the Special Features off.

Also not to be missed the “Dr Evil” and “Mini Me” Music Video ‘Hard Knock Life’ rap.

Overall

Really, this is standard “Austin” fare, with the obligatory sight jokes and send ups of spy movies such as the Bonds, Mission Impossible and Charlies Angels. The opening sequence, however, is quite thrilling and hilarious. Look out for cameo appearances by high profile, ‘A’ List stars.

If you’re looking for light hearted laughs and you have seen the previous “Austin” movies, then you know what to expect - however, there are a couple of twists and turns along the way.