Common Sense Media Review
Witty comic-book story is edgy, with lots of potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mystery Men
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 is a semi-successful attempt at a post-modern comic-book style story that has it both ways. It archly comments 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about individual abilities, and what superpowers each member of the family would most like to have. Also, what accessory would your action figure be sold with?
How do the superheroes in this movie differ from traditional superheroes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 15, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : August 15, 1999
- Cast : Hank Azaria , Janeane Garofalo , William H. Macy
- Director : Kinka Usher
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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