Mystery Men (1999) Retrospective / Review

[@ChuckD008]

It still holds up & was WAY ahead of its time. Esp as a satire of the Schumacher Batman films

[@hailtothechin955]

This film was 10/15 years too early.

[@johnwentworth1368]

This movie was just in time...to steal my heart.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*easily...but fortunately it was made and produced when it was, otherwise the tone would have been vastly different*

[@macmcleod1188]

If one seeks to make a timely movie, it must first be made in its time.

[@brettg82au]

Can you imagine today's snowflake actors trying to fulfill these legendary positions? Don't think so

[@mbryson2899]

@Mac mcleod , I see what you did there... ;)

[@johnwentworth1368]

This movie is a national treasure.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*imagine a matrix version of this movie being made*

[@TheMultiGunMan]

This is an EXTREMELY underrated movie and my personal favorite movie.

[@robotpanda77]

Casanova Frankenstein is the best villain name of all time.

[@luithemc226]

It really is

[@peterkrug4124]

Casanova himself may not be the best villain, but he definitely has the best villain name.

[@ItsRichyMo]

Captain Casanova Frankenstein Barbosa.

[@garyedwards3269]

Casanova-Frankenstein refers to the opposites of DESIRE and FEAR. In classical literature Casanova is considered to be the ultimate object of Desire while Frankenstein is the ultimate object of fear. Casanova Frankenstein represents the VATICAN which uses the carrot & stick dichotomy of HEAVEN and HELL to alternately instill both fear & desire. Remember that Casanova says at the parole hearing "My heart is split in two!" Tony P and Tony C represent PROTESTANTS and CATHOLICS while DISCO MUSIC itself represents religion... which the movie's producers consider passe. CASANOVA-FRANKENSTEIN's gangs represent the SEVEN DEADLY SINS. ALSO... CAPTAIN AMAZING represents AMERICA. THE REDEYES represent COMMUNISM. THE SHOVELER represents the WORKING CLASS.... The BLUE RAJAH represents the THIRD WORLD... MISTER FURIOUS represents ANGRY YOUTH...Etc... Why would someone do this with a movie? Here's a clue... The Big Clock in the Disco Room is stopped at 1:19...which is 9-11 backwards. The movie is an allegorical masterpiece. The fun is in the deciphering.

[@ItsRichyMo]

@@garyedwards3269 Absolutely brilliant deciphering buddy. I always watched it as just a comedy/parody but you have blown me away with your interpretation. Can you tell me what The Spleen, Invisible BoyThe Sphinx and the Bowler represent please. You've opened my eyes to watch it again with a different mindset.

[@nocturne000]

I remember my dad taking me to this movie when I was about 13. I thought the tone was fantastic, but realized me and my old man were the only ones laughing in the theater, or rather laughing at the jokes that weren't the reveal of "ballerina man". Obviously comedy is subjective by nature as is the medium of film, I guess the dark/dry comedy this movie portrays is my cup of tea. I also thought the aesthetics of the city were fantastic and just added to the fairly well established universe this movie takes place in, which was accomplished very efficiently with its design. Great film in my opinion.

[@nocturne000]

​@Noise Pollution More power to ya.

[@matthewronsson]

MM is still one of the most fun and entertaining movies 20 years later. I recall reading about the root of the problem was an almost complete lack of promotion, which happens in cinema for various reasons from time to time. As others have said, it was 'ahead of its time' in the sense of timing, say a decade too soon, before comic book movies were mainstream.

[@WalkBesideMe]

One of the most underrated comic book/superhero adaptations out there. I loved this movie as a kid and I still love it now. It was so ahead of its time. And that cast. Ben Stiller, Tom Waits, Geoffrey Rush, William H. Macy, Hank Azaria just to name a few.

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

Yes, I took my dad to see this in 99, and he really liked it. We both think its hilarious. My father still quotes lines from it every now and then. It's too bad it's a kinda forgotten about film.

[@random3x70]

When I was in secondary school me and my friends created a mini story series we called "The Super-Zeroes". The idea was basically all the worlds greatest heroes were called to a conference to solve the problems of the world. But a major disaster (can't exactly remember what did it) kills them all. This left the world to be defended by those not invited the super zeroes. Great heroes such as Sponge Man with the power to absorb small amounts of liquid. Dr. Disease who gave anyone he came into contact with every disease from history and my personal favorite The Pope with Choir Boy. We ended it with the villains being so bored by having no challenge they with actual powers become heroes just to actually get a challenge. Then Southpark came along and made Captain Hindsight and we felt annoyed at the simple brilliance.

[@niallreid7664]

Jesus Dr. Disease sounds legit.

[@neiloppa2620]

I know it's been a minute, but if you guys wrote a comic I'd buy it.

[@Larry]

I was into importing DVDs from the US at the time (because of the lousy release difference), so I had a copy of this long before it arrived in cinemas here. I've always liked the movie. Though the jokes work better the more you know about other comic characters, loads of in-jokes in that respect.

[@TimedropStudios]

Man you're like the where's waldo of KZbin

[@darkhall8227]

i used to do the same i had the punisher war zone well before it came on dvd here. i also had a vhs player that played ntsc tapes i had mortal kombat 2 on vhs whilst it was still at the cinema here. there is still a few films not available on dvd here like quick change, stay tuned, oh heavenly dog

[@Rschr101]

"Deathman is dead."

[@scottmantooth8785]

*really?...are you sure?...he's gotten very good at faking over the years, and to the untrained eye could APPEAR to be dead and then when people stand around weeping and being all sad he leaps up and laughs at them while shouting "FOOOOOLED YOU!!!* *but if that's not the case and he truly is and completely dead then that's pretty poor timing on his part* *just sayin'*

[@logandarklighter]

Love the... er... DEADPAN delivery of that line! ... Right. I’ll just see myself out.

[@HoustonSoto]

This movie takes me right back to me childhood. My dad took me to see it when me brother and mom went to see Blair Witch. It surprisingly is more relevant now than ever! We are so bombarded by comic book based superhero films that a satire about the fringe nobody characters making a name for themselves feels appropriate lol. Excellent review as always, Oliver!

[@raptorfae.6645]

So what your saying is this movie works just as well as a satire of late 90s superhero films like batman and robin and spawn as it is as modern movies like guardians of the galaxy and Shang chi...?

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@raptorfae.6645 w this was yet before x men came out so supheto.movies back in the 90s are petty fiffrng

[@toonbat]

I adore this movie. At the time I saw it, I was so tired of the cliche of the 'guru' who was supposed to be wise because he talked slowly, ominously stated the obvious and used clumsy metaphors to oversimplify things that when the Sphynx came up and just burned that damn trope to the ground, I just thanked God.

[@alucard624]

Wes Studi was awesome as the Sphynx. I kept cracking up at everything he said, especially the line where he tried to insult Mr. Furious by saying "you dress in the manner of a male prostitute". Holy hell that was funny.

[@tenchiofJurai67]

Man, what WAS Hollywood's affinity for Smash Mouth's "You're an All-Star" in the late 90's, Man? Seemed like every other movie either referenced it in their trailer, or added it to their soundtrack.

[@ericrhodes5174]

IKR?! It really wasn't that great of a song lol I remember when I was a kid and that song came on the radio. I was like "This song AGAIN?!"

[@alucard624]

It only really got infamous once it was used in the first Shrek film too from what I remember.

[@tonyjohnson5669]

Epic Voice Brony this was the first movie it was used in. It is actually in the music video for the song, which leads me to believe it was made for this movie. Edit: changed go to to

[@justsomenerd8925]

It was an anthem all of the femi-nazi, soy boi, cucks, could rally behind.

[@terry9238]

It was just a “fun”, upbeat song. From time to time something like that catches on.

[@manuelching579]

words to sum this movie up: 1) underrated 2) brilliant 3) masterpiece a movie created waaaay beyond its time

[@FrancoisDressler]

What Terry Gilliam's Watchmen would've been like.

[@FrancoisDressler]

Omer Khan Me too

[@adamw116]

Watchman was flawless to me!

[@scottmantooth8785]

*i can easily see that one*

[@ElectricChairJ]

Dude...

[@realar]

Underrated super hero film. I especially love Heller and the Blue Raja.

[@bencousins7311]

say it with me heller

[@johnnyq1233]

I still watch this movie as I love the characters. Still laugh at all the jokes and the situations. Gonna keep watching this every time I need a good laugh!

[@BigGator5]

I agree. Despite its flaws, I love this movie.

[@bobbyshaddoe3004]

BigGator5 its a flawed but enjoyable and entertaining film. That's good enough for me. I also agree that it was very much ahead of its time in being both a satire and spoof of hero films. I love the actors in this film, they all work so well and each one is given great material to work with despite the production issues.

[@user_name_redacted]

I periodically chuckle at my favourite joke where Roy says "I drive a harley... compatible." Mr Fantastic's death because he didn't know how to deactivate the machine always stuck with me since childhood too

[@BatMaam7585]

It was disturbing to me, too. I saw it first when I was 7.

[@GoldBOya666]

Literally watched this movie yesterday ! One of my favorites!!

[@edcliffe2988]

Mr Furious failing to remove the Corvette hood ornament always gets me roaring.

[@17091ira0072]

i adored this film as a kid and recently re-watched it and was reminded why.

[@AvroBellow]

I have personally always loved this movie. The cast is phenomenal and the premise is great. My favourite line from the trailer - "We're not your classic heroes, we're the other guys!" That line alone made me see it in theatres.

[@Janzer_]

you know, mystery men is actually a nice reflective look at youtubers and livestreamers now. everyone has a feeling like they're something special and work hard on their graphics, brand, etc. but when it comes down to producing, they don't have anything special at all, just talk about how great they are. that being said, your channel actually brings meaty content to the table each video, not just generic and trite comments or "top 10" lists.

[@shlockofgod]

...and it looks like she's ordered the lobster.

[@SamJawBone]

This film is an overlooked gem.

[@joesmith201212]

The Roy story arc is wonderful, basically he lived a life of being insecure being Roy so he hides behind furious, and he's living a life of delusion, but when he finally became comfortable as Roy he finds love and success. The lesson is we all need to stop with delusions and find ways to be our selves first

[@LostOneOmega]

Great observation

[@langbo9999]

And Roy safe day not MR.Furious.

[@fortawesome1974]

This movie was freaking awesome!! I love it even today and my son, now 13, loves it as well!!

[@garyaugustus1009]

And I don't recall any spoken vulgarities...

[@Drforrester31]

We had this on VHS in the early 2000s and there was like a two month period where my brother and I watched it at least once a week. It's definitely underrated, especially in light of how huge superheroes have become. The jokes it makes about superheroes are very relevant today

[@ThornsOfOurTime]

I still remember the day when I saw it in Manhattan theater as a teenager with my good friend, it was raining and we had a lot of fun

[@midnightmosesuk]

This film has been a favourite of mine for years now. I saw it at the (mostly empty) cinema and I just 'got it.' The film appeals to my sense of humour and my love of the ridiculous and surreal. I have a copy on DVD and watch it quite regularly. I would disagree with you on the point about Mr Furious not having superpowers, I think he does have powers, he just isn't able to access them. It's not until he has a someone he truly cares about in harm's way that he able to tap into his boundless rage and open up a Pantera's box of whup-ass on Casanova Frankenstein!

[@DeusExAstra]

One of my favorite superhero movies. Very underrated.

[@Brush19138]

Mystery Men for me was like Galaxy Quest. An awesome flick that has that right cast, story and humor. I just loooooove this movie.

[@leejones8582]

I watched the film again last night I think it was ahead of it's time now there is a new comic book movie every month and this would have fit in nicely.

[@nicholasjoost5111]

I've loved this movie since I was about 10. Rented it for a sleepover I had for my birthday with a bunch of friends and will never forget it. Mr. Furious always made me die laughing!

[@mbryson2899]

I ran a double feature of "Mystery Men" and "Thor: Ragnarok" for my 17 year old grandkid and some of her friends for a sleepover in the summer of '19. That skeptical group of teens howled with laughter and discussed the similarities for the rest of the night. I enjoyed the film when it came out and still do. And it has Ricky Jay in a role seemingly tailor made for him!

[@The1uptriforce]

OMG I was singing this movies praises yesterday to my friend such a fun memorable silly superhero movie Im soo happy to this show up on my page today im showing this to my friend thank you.

[@armandojmendoza]

I finally watched Mystery Men on HBO a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I don't know if I would have "gotten it" when it came out, but glad I waited and now understand what this movie was going for.

[@UCNXonline]

For anyone wondering, the techno cover of "Fifth of Beethoven" that plays during The Shovler's fight scene in Casanova's mansion is by the techno-industrial band Transmutator. They also did a neat cover of "Macho Man" at one point too.

[@nassmatic]

So underrated! Great movie....now we're saturated with so many Superhero movies and this one was ahead of it's time in terms of making fun of the genre...

[@TonyBaseballs23]

Absolutely ahead of its time, it's the best superhero parody ever made. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@Doongie4ever]

This was the best super hero movie of the 90's

[@harpseal9234]

Doongie4ever What about blade ?

[@narnett9290]

Mystery Men is the best superhero movie of all time

[@whatseatontim918]

My favorite movie from '99. I want a sequel to be honest.

[@BrotherApexx]

This and Galaxy Quest are two guilty pleasures of mine from the late 90's. Nice review. Subscribed!

[@Maniac536]

I loved this film. I still think it holds up as a great comedy. It has a great cast, witty writing, and a great production value. I still quote the egg salad monologue

[@richardkluchnik7991]

This was one of my favorite movies as a kid.

[@Grouncontrol]

I’ve recently found your channel and have been bingeing the content therein, and have got to say, LOVE IT! Love your writing, narrating, and think you do an incredible job! So glad I found this channel, and will binge until I’ve caught up to your newest vids, and you’ve got a fan here!

[@themanwhosoldtheworld3284]

I have so much nostalgia for this movie.. Iconic.

[@ViktorKruger99]

Another spot-on review Oliver! I love the scene were they attack Casanova's limo. "The roof! The roof! The roof is on fire!"

[@Rubytyr]

Might have been the only movie he directed, but I loved it - back 15-16 years ago, and now too.

[@internziko]

This movie always reminded me of The Tick

[@mike-kn5jf]

The Tick! BatManuel! That was the best , right there with Mystery Men. You have the cosmic sense of humor, a rare blessing, use it well.

[@mbryson2899]

@mi ke , you misspelled Der Fledermaus. ;)

[@mike-kn5jf]

@@mbryson2899 And me being German! And French, Polish, Russian, Moor, Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Greek, Carthaginian, Phoenician, Sicilian, Brahman, Norman, Dardanian, Roman. At least that's what ANCESTRY told me.

[@MickPsyphon]

I thought that Mystery Men was a fun film, with some pretty good moments. Truly worth the money spent to see it in the theater.

[@alucard624]

I remember seeing this in theaters with my dad and we both enjoyed it a lot. It was goofy as hell and yet entertaining at the same time and has aged quite well IMO. Wish I had grabbed the action figures they made of some of the characters as I saw them only once and boom they were gone from the shelves since the movie didn't do all that well originally.

[@equusquaggaquagga536]

The Disco Boys deserve their own "Joker" style origin story.

[@deBebbler]

That 'blind date with destiny' line cracks me up every time.

[@thedungeondelver]

I love this movie; it's one of my favorites.

[@DonF222]

I've always enjoyed this movie. Thanks for the review!

[@Thepopcornator]

One of my all-time favourite comedies. Loved it in the theatre as a kid and still love it today. It's a crying shame it didn't do well--it deserved a half-dozen sequels.

[@LetsPlayPC]

This movie is underrated and underappreciated.

[@ripleyjlawman.3162]

I just watched this movie, and I loved every minute of it.

[@scottmantooth8785]

this was a fun movie to watch and had an awesome look to the set pieces.

[@TedShatner10]

Having seen this on Amazon Prime earlier this evening before seeing the review I must say it felt easier and funnier to sit through than the more misjudged Kick-Ass 2 (which also suffered from oversized cast ensemble).

[@entropynme]

My siblings and I used to quote this movie religiously growing up. Still enjoy it to this day

[@runningsuperska]

Love this movie. Remember choosing this instead of bond on a cinema trip. My dad wasn't impressed!

[@richardgolgowsky6456]

One of my favourite ever comedies! Thank you for this retrospective. Love your work :)

[@OliverHarper]

+Richard Golgowsky Cheers Richard!

[@Whatsdogpee]

I think this movie, more than any other, I quote, or at least its images come to mind. Loved all the scenes with captain amazing. He plays the human/flawed hero hilariously. Also, I enjoy how a lot of the jokes are subtle. You actually have to pay attention to fully appreciate. My only complaint is the length of the movie. I was shocked to hear a lot got cut cuz it was already over 2 hrs. I felt my attention wane around the middle desert scene, only to have it come back in the rising action.

[@GeahkBurchill]

As for the Tim Burton myth; people need to remember that Tom Waits is a HUGE liar. I don't mean that as an insult. He does it for comedic effect. Tow Waits LOVES pulling legs (As fans of his albums already know) He will tell any story, no matter how ridiculous with a straight face just to see who believes it.

[@squidsweat]

i was about to say that about tom....

[@KillerOrca]

I wonder if Bay's exposure to this movie helped cement his love of things exploding.

[@lipranditoys]

Perfect review, finally someone that understands editing and development.

[@cyberpunkholiday]

I would like to point out that Paul Reuben's character is wearing a jacket almost exactly the same as Hunter S. Thompsons. Its one of those things that somebody in the wardrobe department got away with and I LOVE IT!

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

Saw this in theater when I was 12, I went with my best friends older brother and parents (I know, weird) and had an awesome time. Loved it on VHS, haven't seen it since I was 16 or 17, though.

[@TedShatner10]

Casanova Frankenstein as a villain is perhaps the most heavily modelled on Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor, but he also has shades of the Joker with that psychiatrist girlfriend who becomes a partner in crime like Harley Quinn and a flamboyant style. Hank Azaria nearly stole the show.

[@dax9431]

We all learned who was who, good or not so good, came to love em all, then......NO PART two! I'm still awaiting!!!!! (PS....that song is ONLY for 'Mystery Men')

[@nachosuarez8180]

one of my favorite movies of all time!

[@TheRealKaiProton]

IVe always loved this movie, and thought back then it was ahead of its time, and today with the Marvel universe, this film needs a remake, Id just love to see the blue raja again

[@Darkem-ur5ho]

One of my first dvds. Got it region free from U.S.A so managed to watch it months before the U.K release

[@jpofgwynedd3878]

Refreshing to have an intelligent critique on a movie for a change. Balanced and thoughtful. Well done.

[@jacobray8189]

I don't comment often but I truly appreciate all the effort you put into this for comparatively little views. I wish I could donate money or write an elaborate comment, or even help with your retrospectives! Just keep at it Oliver, never stop.

[@Psykiro]

The movie was great, I still have the ActionFigures of The Bowler & The Blue Raja

[@YoutubeBuild-b7b]

there were action figures?!??!! omg

[@CaptainEO27]

"We are number one! All others are number two, or lower."

[@LiamTheGreat]

I remember the Vids (very late night, channel 4 show) review of this, saying the main failing is with so many heroes, there's not enough time to explore everyone's character and comedic potential. A tighter movie could've been the millennial version of Ghostbusters. I think it's a rough diamond, like Buckaroo Banzai. It doesn't quite make it, but you love it for trying.

[@GameplayandTalk]

I really enjoy how deep your retrospectives go. Even with spoilers, it gives me an excellent idea on whether I will actually like a movie like this or not. I haven't seen this film, but I do remember the ads for it back when it was new. Something about it just wasn't appealing to me at the time (maybe it was the Smash Mouth song? Totally overplayed in the United States). However, watching your retrospective, I really want to check it out now.

[@switch651_]

I'm going to have to hunt down a copy with the deleted scenes..have only ever seen the release version

[@tylerskiss]

"briefcase bearing bastards!" Ab-so-lute-ly brilliant!! I loved this retrospective. I agreed with every point, especially the criminally underused Eddie Izzard. And I learned a lot of things I didn't know, making me appreciate it even more.

[@ImaginArt24]

I grew up with this movie its great.

[@raptorfae.6645]

This was one of those underappreciated childhood movies for me along with Wes Anderson's fantastic Mr fox...

[@corthew]

I can only be invisible when no-one is looking...not even me.

[@j.j.q1379]

I did have the soundtrack of this movie. i bought it at universal studios Hollywood. I love this movie, to be honest, it as many others said it was ahead of its time. if it was out today i think it would have done well.

[@aarons1811]

I found this movie hilarious. It's due a re-watch.

[@CinemaGulp]

I love this movie. Thanks for doing this one Oliver.

[@robertwebb5648]

Has Oliver ever considered doing trailers? His intros are my favorite part of his retrospectives.

[@Trollificusv2]

Waaay underrated. Sure you can get into cineaste mode and point out flaws, but that mostly just demonstrates what a connoisseur of fine cinema (a-hole) you are. It actually just bubbles over with creativity, from the odd symbols for monetary units to unusual automobiles and clothing styles to little bits like how long-suffering but still loving The Shovelers' wife is despite the strain of his chosen avocation. The randomness of The Blue Rajas' whole schtick and Dr. Hellers' insistence on "non-lethal weaponry"...all odd and off-kilter, to the point that Claires' normal appearance and common-sense attitude stand out as beauty and wisdom by contrast. I mean, they _could_ have made this without a Herkheimer Battle Jitney, sure. But then we'd never have seen one.

[@Battury]

The skunk humping The Spleen's leg always kills me. "Just go with it."

[@joeharris3878]

What a movie ! With the best quote of the last century : "Not necessarily "

[@ejl423]

"Oh my God we killed him!" "What do you mean we? I was right here." Classic! XD

[@mrblobby7864]

I really need to watch this movie again. I only ever saw this movie once about 8 years ago when it was on TV and I remember enjoying it.

[@kurukblackflame]

One of my favourite films :)

[@TheKyozo]

Regardless of what people think of the film, I think we can all agree on one thing...Disco is life.

[@garyaugustus1009]

Disco is NOT dead...!!