Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1 1/2

Although he's a 1960s British spy, Austin Powers (Mike Myers) isn't quite as sophisticated as James Bond. A fashion photographer when he's not sleuthing, he favors crushed velvet suits, bellbottoms and hip euphemisms like "fab" and "cheeky." He's also got very bad teeth. This comedy begins in 1967 as arch-nemesis Dr. Evil (Myers again) fails to eliminate Austin. To escape capture, Dr. Evil has himself frozen cryogenically and launched into orbit. Austin volunteers to be placed in suspended animation until Evil returns. The scene shifts ahead 30 years, as the villain finally reappears, steals a nuclear bomb and makes plans to hold the Earth hostage. Austin is thawed out and swings into back into action, aided by Agent Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley), the sexy daughter of his former sidekick. But Austin discovers a world that has changed dramatically, with CDs replacing LPs and safe sex taking precedence over free love. Austin Powers has fun spoofing the conventions of spy flicks, especially with both hero and villain adjusting to a different era. Fans of Wayne's World will probably enjoy Myers' latest goofy creation.

In addition to his starring roles, Myers wrote the screenplay and clearly delights in being sexually suggestive while still avoiding an "R" rating. Twice Austin parades around naked, but with his private parts conveniently hidden by various obstructions; the second time Vanessa is also unclothed but covered up in a similar fashion. Rear male and rear female nudity is present, however. Austin's dialogue includes some mild sexual innuendoes, and a female character has a sexually suggestive name that can't be repeated here. Moderate violence includes gunfire and shootings with no blood, along with some fistfights with punches and kicks. Foul language isn't overwhelming, although three s-words and two profanities are totally unnecessary. Because of this undesirable language and the sexually suggestive nature of much of the comedy, Austin Powers isn't appropriate for the audience of teens and young adults it hopes to attract.

Preview Reviewer: Mark Perry
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 575 8th Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10018