Mystery Men (1999)

A group of inept amateur superheroes must try to save the day when a supervillain threatens to destroy a major superhero and the city.

Director:

Kinka Usher

Writers:

Neil Cuthbert, Bob Burden (comic book series)

Stars:

Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, William H. Macy

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hank Azaria	...	Blue Raja / Jeff
Janeane Garofalo	...	Bowler
William H. Macy	...	Shoveler / Eddy
Kel Mitchell	...	Invisible Boy
Paul Reubens	...	Spleen
Ben Stiller	...	Furious / Roy
Wes Studi	...	Sphinx
Greg Kinnear	...	Captain Amazing / Lance
Geoffrey Rush	...	Casanova Frankenstein
Lena Olin	...	Dr. Anabel Leek
Eddie Izzard	...	Tony P
Artie Lange	...	Big Red
Pras Michel	...	Tony C (as Prakazrel Michel)
Claire Forlani	...	Monica
Tom Waits	...	Doc Heller

Storyline

In order to generate more endorsement revenue, Champion City's resident superhero Captain Amazing arranges for the release of super villain Casanova Frankenstein, only to be captured by him. The city's fate rests in the hands of seven loser superhero wannabes: the fork-flinging Blue Rajah, the shovel-wielding Shoveler, the possessed bowling ball-hurling Bowler, the flatulent Spleen, the only-when-nobody's-looking Invisible Boy, the mysterious Sphinx, and the perpetually-angry Mr. Furious.

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Plot Keywords:

troubled production | action hero | retirement home | superhero spoof | bowling ball | 

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Taglines:

They're not your average superheroes.

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for comic action violence and crude humor

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Janeane Garofalo, the Bowler's bowling ball was about 30 pounds.

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Goofs

After the battle at the retirement home, Captain Amazing rips off the Pepsi emblem on his right shoulder, but throughout the rest of the movie the emblem is still there.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Dr. Heller: [offering an old lady candy at the Senior dance] Would you like something sweet?
Old Lady: [impressed] Oh!

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Crazy Credits

There is a statement in the closing credits: "Dockers Khakis are the official khakis of Champion City."

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Alternate Versions

PG-rated home video versions in the UK were cut by the BBFC to get a PG rating (although the UK cinema version was passed uncut with the same rating). A double ear clap was removed, as well as the (apparent) sound of a head-butt. The film was finally passed uncut with a 12 rating in January 2020.

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Connections

Spoofs What's Up, Tiger Lily? (1966)

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Soundtracks

Keep, Keep Movin'
Written by Jason O'Bryan, Barry Ashworth, T.K. Lawrence, Willie Woods (as Willie J. Woods), Junior Walker (as Autry Dewalt) and Harvey Fuqua
Performed by Dub Pistols
Courtesy of 1500 Records/A&M Records, Inc.
Under License from Universal Music Special Markets
Courtesy of BMG Entertainment International U.K. and Ireland Ltd.

User Reviews

Great fun

This movie is a lot of fun. What makes it great especially are two things: one is the straightforward way the characters embrace the stereotypes, with discussions of their costumes and superpowers. There's an endearing earnestness to the parody that's very appealing; the second is basic sweetness of the characters and the quality of the chemistry. Claire Forlani deserves particular note as the object of Mr. Furious's desires. There's a boatload of talent here. I realize some with high expectations may have been disappointed, but this movie is a lot of fun, and kind of sweet.

Details

Official Sites:

Bob Burden Productions (Comic Book) Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 August 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mystery Men

Filming Locations:

Universal City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$68,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,017,865, 8 August 1999

Gross USA:

$29,762,011

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$33,461,011

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Golar Productions, Dark Horse Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1