Austin Powers - Goldmember Details

Co-writer, producer and star Mike Myers doesn't take many risks with this enjoyable third outing for the groovy secret agent and his nemesis Dr Evil, sticking to his tried and tested formula of cool catch phrases, bad-taste buffoonery and surreal slapstick. He perhaps overstretches himself this time, taking on the additional role of eponymous Dutch villain Goldmember, and there's a distinct feeling of déjà vu about his comic shtick. But, despite the occasional lacklustre sequence, there are memorable contributions from the most colourful supporting cast of the series. Former Destiny's Child front woman Beyoncé Knowles is a knockout as sassy 1970s chick Foxxy Cleopatra, while Michael Caine is a dentally challenged delight as Austin's randy dad. Although the comedy peaks too early with a show-stopping film-within-a-film parody, director Jay Roach knows how to shoot a gag and the increased budget means this episode has a more vibrant, cinematic sheen than its predecessors. Myers fans may be disappointed by his personal below-par contribution, but when he does hit the target, the results are comedy gold.

Amiable spy spoof, though most of the jokes are of a rude and rudimentary kind; in the end, though, its childish glee wears you down.