It is a formula we all know too well. A tough guy gets assigned to watch a cute kid. And far too often the comedy feels forced. Where My Spy sets itself apart is with a good script that has a lot of heart and jokes that land.
When the bad guy gets away, JJ (Dave Bautista), a former army ranger, and Bobbi (Kristen Schaal), the tech genius, are sent to keep an eye on his family. With the brains and brawn on the mission, the two CIA agents feel ready for anything. The only thing they didn’t expect to happen was being outsmarted by a nine-year-old named Sophie (Chloe Coleman).
Sophie coerces JJ into teaching her how to be a spy, and that’s where the film takes off. Watching the two interact is one of the best parts of this movie. Seeing Sophie shock JJ with her skills is funny on its own, but it’s the added quips from Schaal that turns a chuckle into full-blown laughter.
The jokes and gags often walk the line of absurdity. That being said, the humor is well written and well-timed. The delivery from veteran comedians and the supporting actors also help a lot of the comedy land. The music choice in some of the scenes also adds another funny element. There’s something about Dave Bautista singing Britney Spears that is just comedy gold to me.
The one thing the movie does lack is action. For a spy film, there’s not nearly enough. It may start with a bang, but the action stays pretty mellow until the end. Also, if you’re hoping to see cool gadgets, you may be disappointed. There is no Bond-style tech in this. That being said, it doesn’t take away from the film’s charm.
The cast is stellar. You can tell Dave Bautista enjoyed every second of making this, and Chloe Coleman completely steals the show. She’s a true professional at only 11. And Kristen Schaal is adorably awkward and a joy to have on-screen. There’s also a slew of side characters that add to the film, including Ken Jeong, who is just a scene-stealer.
In conclusion, My Spy will have you smiling from start to finish. It has many laugh out loud moments and is thoroughly enjoyable. There’s the occasional curse word, but not enough to stop it from being perfect for watching with your family.
My Spy is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.
Review: My Spy
Review
Review Nation Score
My Spy will have you smiling from start to finish. It may lack in action and be a little campy at times, but it's an enjoyable film to watch with the family.