5. Reading is fundamental Coming out on the same day as Phantom is Damon Wayans' book, Bootleg. Wayans' edgy comedy makes the goofy antics of computer-animated aliens about as funny as being Jabba's seat cushion. "You can read my book butt naked," says Wayans. "And it's hilarious. I just think my book is smarter than Star Wars. Because I wrote it."

6. Turn online, tune in, drop out You'd think cyberspace would be the last place to go to flee Phantomania, but there are pockets of peace out there. Log on to Disney.com May 24, 1999 to chat with Britney Spears. Or join Joan "Can we type?" Rivers on America Online May 25, 1999. Why go digital rather than attend the movie event of the decade? "If you're chatting with me," says Anthony Michael Hall, who'll be at Yahoo! Chat May 21, 1999, "at least you don't have to worry about sitting next to someone who hasn't showered in weeks because they were waiting in line to buy tickets."

7. Only 21 days left... Want to talk about a real movie event? In just three short weeks, the most highly anticipated comedy of all time — well, at least in our office — will open. So now may be a good time to go stand in line...for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

(Additional reporting by Daniel Fierman and Dan Snierson)

Originally posted May 28, 1999 Published in issue #487 May 28, 1999 Order article reprints
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