This comedy was unfairly overlooked on release, mainly because of bad timing. If it was released a few years later, when the new wave of comic book movies like Spider-Man where released, it would have been a massive hit.
The story follows Mr Furious (Ben Stiller), The Shoveller (The fantastic William H. Macy) and the Blue Raj (played by Simpson's voice Hank Azaria) as they try and save the day and defeat Casanova Frankenstein. The only problem is, they've got rubbish super powers. Being able to shovel well, getting angry and throwing forks just doesn't cut it in the days of jet propelled heroes.
The film has some lovely parts in it, like the egotistical Captain Amazing, who uses his power in order to generate sponsorship money, with his costume covered in logos. The brilliantly dry performance by William H. Macy also has to be seen, and Tom Waits is it, and turns in a wonderfully weird performance.
It's brilliantly quotable to, with absolutely tonnes of classic lines, with the Sphinx in particular being a great character. He plays a mentor who mixes his metaphors and gives cliched advice. "We are number one. All others are number two, or lower. " is one of my favourite movie lines ever.
The other thing about the movie is that it's sweet. It isn't mean intentioned or offensive, it's just great fun, without being stupid, "kiddy" or watered down. Something that comedies have recently forgotten how to do.
So if you think William H. Macy delivering the line "We've got a blind date with Destiny - and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." in a droll voice, while dressed as a mine worker sounds like your kind of film, then order Mystery Men. You won't be disappointed.