 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mystery Men
- Review Date: July 14, 2003
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 1999
Common Sense Media says
Decent depiction of post-modern comic-book story.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that much of the humor will be above the heads of most teens, and that what is left tends to be potty humor. Furthermore, though the violence is comic book style, three characters are incinerated in a scary manner. Almost as scary is the way that no one seems to care about that very much, even though one of them is one of the good guys. It is nice to see a female superhero (despite the title), and Garofolo's Bowler is first among equals in self-possession, maturity, and ability. Families should discuss individual abilities, and what superpowers each member of the family would most like to have.
What's the story?
In MYSTERY MEN, Champion City is just about idyllic now that its superhero, Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear) has thoroughly vanquished all the bad guys. But without bad guys, Captain Amazing's visibility -- and his corporate endorsements -- are declining. He arranges for the release of an old arch- enemy, Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush), so that they can battle again. Things do not go as he planned, however, and Frankenstein captures him. A group of secondary superheroes with quirky powers come to his rescue, including the Blue Rajah (Hank Azaria), who throws utensils for weapons; Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), whose anger gives him strength; The Bowler (Jeaneane Garofolo) and her powerful bowling ball; Invisible Boy (Kel Martin), who can't disappear if anyone is looking; The Shoveler (William H. Macy), who shovels very, very well; and The Spleen (Paul Reubens), who has killer flatulence.
Is it any good?
This semi-successful attempt at a post-modern comic-book style story that has it both ways, archly commenting on superhero sagas while actually giving us a new and cooler version of one at the same time. That is an all but impossible task, and Mystery Men comes closer than many, with its sensational production design and cast members who know how to nail dialogue with just the right spin of irony ("Maybe you'd better put on some shorts," says Jeaneane Garofolo as The Bowler to the Invisible Boy who has just become visible, "if you want to keep fighting evil today.").
Guided by the Delphic Sphinx (Wes Studi), the superheroes learn the importance of self-esteem and teamwork, as though they had wandered into some Mighty Ducks movie.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about individual abilities, and what superpowers each member of the family would most like to have.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Parents, run right out and get this movie...
so that everyone can have a good laugh. Probably the best ensemble acting ever, with a stellar cast. The violence is cartoonish but clever, there is no racial stereotyping (check out William H. Macy in a bi-racial marriage) and everyone plays it for laughs. There is no language that is objectionable, a first for Hollywood, the humor is quirky, the kitsch is over-the-top (us products of the '70s gotta love that disco theme ;-) and the good guys triumph in the end. Note that, when Greg Kinnear gets incinerated, he deserves it -- Jeanene Garofalo tries to clarify whether or not she's doing the right thing and he keeps saying, flip the switch...
This rates as one of our all-time family movies.
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AGE
Funny Movie
This is a good spoof movie. It will be funny for most teenagers.
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AGE
it should be mystery kids
its very wekid i give it 4 stars lol
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AGE
One of our family's favorites! Watch more than once, for sure.
This movie has hilarious lines. We watch it over and over, and find ourselves quoting it often, while laughing. It is a spoof, so the violence doesn't seem bad, if the child is old enough to understand the movie's humor. There is some language, and a scene where a shrink ray shrinks some girls' clothing, which is uncomfortably inappropriate. But overall, it's a little known jewel of a movie.
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AGE
Very funny and great role models for girls. ('Tho hopefully the PMS avenger who tries out for the team will go right over their heads.) Kinda wondering about the rating of 11 yrs. old and up. This movie is so innocent and sweet.
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AGE
Great Movie!
There is a little violence and some barely recognizable language, but it is a very good movie and well worth seeing.
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| Topics: | superheroes |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Kinka Usher |
| Cast: | Hank Azaria, Janeane Garofalo, William H. Macy |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 121 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 15, 1999 |
| DVD release date: | August 15, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and some language |
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