
"Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," released in 1997, initially received mixed reviews from critics who appreciated its quirky humor and nostalgic homage to 1960s spy films but were unsure about its broad comedic style. Despite this, the film performed well at the box office and quickly gained popularity among audiences for its memorable characters—Mike Myers' dual portrayal of the exuberant British superagent Austin Powers and his nemesis Dr. Evil, as well as Elizabeth Hurley's charming Vanessa Kensington. Over time, the movie's reputation has significantly improved; it is now celebrated as a cult classic that cleverly parodies spy genre tropes and 1960s culture, blending slapstick, satire, and camp in a way that resonates with both fans of the genre and comedy lovers. Far from being a dated relic, "Austin Powers" has been embraced as an underrated gem that helped define late-90s comedy and launched a successful franchise.