Tone:
* More Slapstick: "Goldmember" leaned heavily into slapstick comedy, with more over-the-top physical humor and gags than the previous films.
* Less Sophisticated: The jokes in "Goldmember" were generally considered less clever and more childish compared to the earlier films' wittier humor.
* More Outrageous: The film pushed the boundaries of absurdity, incorporating increasingly outrageous characters and situations, which some found excessive.
Story:
* Simpler Plot: The plot of "Goldmember" was arguably less intricate and more straightforward compared to the previous films, which had more complex narratives and twists.
* Less Character Development: The character development of Austin and Dr. Evil was less prominent in "Goldmember," focusing more on the comedic interactions and the main plot.
Characters:
* New Villains: "Goldmember" introduced a new main villain, Goldmember, who was flamboyant and comical, but lacked the depth of Dr. Evil.
* Increased Cast: The film featured an expanded cast of supporting characters, including Mini-Me's clone, Fat Bastard, and several celebrity cameos, which diluted the focus on the main characters.
Music:
* More Pop-Oriented: The soundtrack of "Goldmember" featured a more pop-driven approach, with contemporary hits and catchy tunes, moving away from the groovy 1960s and 1970s music of the previous films.
Overall:
While some found "Goldmember" to be a hilarious and fun continuation of the Austin Powers franchise, others felt it lost some of the charm and sophistication of the original films. The shift towards more slapstick humor and a less complex story, coupled with the introduction of new, perhaps less nuanced, villains, made it feel like a departure from the first two films.