Plot: What’s it about?
In Champion City, Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear) is the top dog when it comes to super heroes. But when his arch rival Cassanova Frankenstein (Geoffery Rush) makes parole thanks to a lull in work for Amazing, the good Captain ends up in the clutches of Cassanova and his Disco Boys. With Amazing held hostage, who will protect the city, and who will rescue Amazing? Well, that’s where a trio of wanna be’s comes in. Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), The Blue Raja (Hank Azaria), and The Shoveler (William H. Macy) are dead set on becoming top notch super heroes, but they usually end up getting their asses kicked. After a failed attempt to save Amazing, they agree they need to add some new talent to their roster. Quickly, Invisible Boy (Kel Mitchell) and The Spleen (Paul Reubens) join the team, and a super hero try-out reveals that The Bowler (Jeneane Garofalo) is the logical next member. But thye eventually realize they need a leader, so The Sphinx shows up, and down the road they add weapons designer Heller (Tom Waits). With a full team of hopefuls, they set off to Cassanova’s place, in search of Captain Amazing. But Cassanova has assembled all the crime gangs and it won’t be easy for our heroes. Can they implement the might sword of teamwork and the hammer of not bickering, and restore peace to fair Champion City?
Mystery Men was all but forgotten in the theaters, critics hated it and exit polls were dismal. I went to the movies to see it, and I have to admit, it was my favorite movie of the year. It is filled with hilarious lines and comic book style, and the visuals are excellent. The movie has a very comic book feel, with bold lines and stunning backgrounds. Also, the color is juiced about three levels, so colors are rich and full, and blacks are deep and solid. The director, Kinka Usher, has done a fine job of giving this movie a comic book look and feel, which all the more sets the tone for the heroes in the film. Another thing I really liked about this movie are the costumes, which are also comic book like, with bulky pads and tons of accessories. The costumes are also rich in color, and full of detail. If for no other reason, you check this film out because of the excellent visual style, it’s truly amazing.
In addition to the breathtaking visuals, Mystery Men sports one of the finest comedic ensemble casts I have ever seen. With a large cast like this, chemistry could be off, but all the actors are in tip top shape, and turn in rock solid performances. Ben Stiller (The Cable Guy, Reality Bites) is hilarious as Mr. Furious, who relies on his “boundless rage” for his power, which is pretty much yelling and banging his fists on things, then getting knocked out. Hank Azaria (Godzilla, Heat) plays The Blue Raja, who plunders his mother’s silverware for weapons to throw with deadly accuracy, but only forks and spoons, no knives. Kel Mitchell (Goodburger) stars as Invisible Boy, who can turn transparent, but only when no one is watching, he can’t even look at himself! Janeane Garofalo (Now and Then, 200 Cigarettes) is The Bowler, who uses a bowling ball with her dead father’s skull inside as her weapon. As soon as she’s avenged her father’s death, she’s going back to graduate school, no matter what her father’s skull says. Paul Reubens (Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) plays The Spleen, who thanks to a gypsy curse, always produces near lethal gas when he farts. William H. Macy (Fargo, Mr. Holland’s Opus) is The Shoveler, who is a dedicated father and husband, who can “shovel well.” Thier super villian, Cassanova Frankenstein is played by Geoffery Rush (Shakespeare in Love, Shine). Also starring are Greg Kinnear, Tom Waits, Lena Olin, Claire Forlani, and Wes Studi.
Video: How does it look?
This disc looks excellent, which is a must because of the visuals used in the film. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, Mystery Men looks very good, with very little wear signs or flecks. Colors are so bright and rich, they almost leap off the screen, and thankfully no bleeding or oversaturation occurs. Black levels are very deep, sometimes a little too dark, but nothing serious. I didn’t see any compression errors either. A fantastic visual transfer for a movie that relies heavily on looks and style, yes!
Audio: How does it sound?
Mystery Men will have you speakers rockin’! Your subwoofer will need a vacation after this work out, I tell you that much. The disc takes advantage of the surrounds very well, especially during the battle scenes. Dialogue is high quality, always clear and audible, never overshadowed by the effects or music.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This could be a Collector’s Edition by Universal’s usual standards, but it’s not, so you get all the extras for a lower price. A running commentary by director Kinka Usher is included, and it is a fun listen. He tells about some deleted scenes, casting choices, and other making of anecdotes. For a first timer, he does a good job of keeping the commentary flowing, and he even has a sense of humor, pointing out flaws in his own movie. A behind the scenes featurette is also on the disc, and it’s full of interviews and other footage during the film’s shooting. Ben Stiller has some very funny moments on this featurette, and it’s worth a watch, but a little short. A reel of deleted scenes is also included, which I think are excellent, and I am glad Universal included them. One scene I like is how the team tried to find the Sphinx first, but ended up just missing him. A music video by Kel is inside the music presentation, as well as production notes, talent files, and the theatrical trailer.
