Off-Brand Mike Myers

Rating: 3/10 (1 March 2020)

I only recently discovered the Austin Powers movies, but I personally loved them. As such, I won't be the first to tell you that Mike Myers is a talented actor, director, and writer, and that he CAN have charisma on-screen.
I saw this movie as one of the "Similar to" movies that came up when you searched for Austin Powers, and I thought that it looked like classic Mike Myers antics. After watching this movie, I felt that it didn't live up to the expectations I had.
All throughout the movie, I felt like I was watching a movie that wanted to be like Austin Powers, but couldn't conjure up the comedic genius or the iconic protagonist. The Guru is annoying, cocky, crude (and not in the funny way), and overall forgettable. His backstory isn't interesting, the plot isn't intriguing, and the comedy just doesn't fill in the gaps. There's jokes that are funny, sure, but occasional jokes that make me blow air through my nostrils aren't enough to hold this movie up, especially when it's a comedy.
The acting feels particularly terrible as well. The Guru switches between having an Indian accent and a slightly-British accent? Everyone fawns over the Guru, but nothing feels genuine. Verne Troyer isn't even good, either.
This movie is supposed to be a parody, and parodies are fun! That's the reason I and everyone else love the Austin Powers series. But this feels like it's trying too hard to find things to parody. Comedy cannot be forced, but this movie really wants to try and shove it down your throat. If you like it, you like it. If you don't, you don't. All I can say is that if you wanted the same charm as Austin Powers, you'll be disappointed.