When Champion City’s hero Captain Amazing is kidnapped by the recently paroled supervillain Casanova Frankenstein, a trio of average, everyday superheroes — Mr. Furious, the Shoveler and the Blue Raja — assemble a new super team to save him.
“Mystery Men” is a 1999 superhero comedy film directed by Kinka Usher and based on Bob Burden’s Flaming Carrot Comics. The film features an ensemble cast, including Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, William H. Macy, Janeane Garofalo, Paul Reubens, Kel Mitchell, Wes Studi, Greg Kinnear, Geoffrey Rush, and Eddie Izzard.
The story centers around a group of amateur superheroes with somewhat unimpressive powers who band together to save their city. The team includes:
- Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller) : His power is fueled by his rage, though it’s often more bluster than actual strength.
- The Shoveler (William H. Macy): A blue-collar worker who wields a shovel as his weapon of choice.
- The Blue Raja (Hank Azaria): A master of cutlery who throws forks and spoons with great accuracy.
- The Bowler (Janeane Garofalo): Wields a bowling ball that contains the skull of her deceased father, which she can control telekinetically.
- The Spleen (Paul Reubens): Has the ability to generate powerful flatulence that can incapacitate opponents.
- Invisible Boy (Kel Mitchell): Claims he can become invisible, but only when no one is looking.
- The Sphinx (Wes Studi): A mysterious mentor with vague and often nonsensical advice.
The unlikely heroes must come together to rescue the city’s beloved and successful superhero, Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear), who has been captured by the evil villain Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush). Throughout the film, the group navigates their personal insecurities and the challenges of teamwork to save the day.
“Mystery Men” is a parody of the superhero genre, blending comedy with action and satire. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its unique humor and the performances of the cast but criticized its uneven tone and pacing. Despite its initial lackluster box office performance, “Mystery Men” has gained a cult following over the years for its quirky take on superhero tropes and its memorable characters.
