From 1997 to 2003, Mike Myers was dominating the world with his James Bond piss-take Austin Powers with is trilogy of films and catchy…. catchphrases. And with all good things, you need to stop while on a high.
With empty threats of a fourth film never really coming to fruition and DVD / Blu-Ray sets + merch that guarantees a healthy income for Myers for decades, there’s no other direction to go.
But after a binge-watch on rainy days with Netflix and rummaging through the extra features of deleted scenes and bloopers, you might need a little more. With thanks to the internets, it just takes a couple of clicks to find these – “gems”…. or so I “think”.
When promoting the first film in 1997, Myers did the usual thing any ex-Saturday Night Live cast member would do – host an episode. Season 22, Episode 16, 22nd March 1997 – to be precise.
While the mention is brief, it’s included in the promotion.
Then there’s crossing the TV border to aim at the Gen-Y department, hosting a special on MTV. In this case, it’s the Austin Powers’ Electric Psychodelic Pussycat Swingers Club show.
With the premise of an origin story, throw in some celebrities (Rosie O’Donnell doing a terrible “sock it to me, baby!” against her own will) and a bunch of music clips themed around the 60s with hired dancers, plus jokes used in the movie, the 42 minute special only appeals to the fans.
While we’re on MTV in 1997, throw in the MTV Movie Awards + make a parody using the popular movie of 1996, the DiCaprio / Danes version of Romeo & Juliet. Put in host Jenny McCarthy and you have an uncomfortable satire.
But hey, why stop there?!
Jumping to the 1999 sequel (The Spy Who Shagged Me) and it’s location premise for Dr Evil’s hideout – a hollowed out volcano – and bring in the MTV Movie Awards for the year and host – FRIENDS star Lisa Kudrow. But this time, bring out Dr Evil for a spin.
I wonder why none of these are on the DVD releases?
