review for Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine on AllMovie

Something of an ancestor of the Austin Powers movies, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine is best appreciated by those who enjoy laughing at rather than with a movie. While it is far from the worst movie ever made, its spoof of 1960's "hipsterdom" (as filtered through the lens of a way-over-40 director), James Bond and Roger Corman movies makes it a strange bird indeed. Director Norman Taurog's decision to film this as if it were just another Jerry Lewis comedy makes a certain amount of sense when one considers that the humor in the script never rises to a higher level -- but it also makes the spoof elements of the film seem grafted on. Nevertheless, there's a certain lunatic charm to the proceedings; one can't help but smile, even when smiting one's head at how corny so much of it is. Vincent Price is in high camp form, seeming to relish the absurdity of just being involved in such a film, and enjoying the chance to poke fun at his villainous image. Dwayne Hickman and Frankie Avalon are less inspired, but Susan Hart is a delight as the lead fembot. The Supremes sound great on the ridiculous title track, and the bargain-basement fashions are extremely enjoyable. Most viewers will lose patience with Goldfoot long before it is over -- and rightfully so - but cult movie fans will want to experience it at least once.