As with most spy movies the plot is rather simple. As with most good satires the film playfully steals from the classics of the genre. Master criminal Dr. Evil is set on world domination. The only man that can stop him is British secret agent, Austin Powers. When trapped Dr. Evil has himself cryogenically frozen to return thirty years later.
Powers is also frozen.
In the late nineties both men are defrosted to resume the battle. Sight gags are plentifully in this lighthearted farce in a manner reminiscent of British sitcom classics like Fawlty Towers and Monty Python. Each character is perfectly crafted to poke fun at one or more of the adversaries we love to hate in the Bond films. The result is an hour and a half of enjoyment without the need to think or analysis the film. The performances are what truly bring this film to life.