My Spy

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 9, 2020 (Australia), June 26, 2020 (USA on Amazon Prime)

Genre
Action, Comedy, Family

Cast & Crew

• Dave Bautista as JJ
• Chloe Coleman as Sophie
• Kristen Schaal as Bobbi
• Ken Jeong as David Kim
• Parisa Fitz-Henley as Kate

Director
Peter Segal

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Get Smart (2008)
• 50 First Dates (2004)
• Anger Management (2003)
• Grudge Match (2013)
• The Longest Yard (2005)

Producer
Chris Bender, Peter Segal, Gigi Pritzker, Jonathan Meisner

Writer
Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber

Budget
$18 million

Production Company
STXfilms, MWM Studios

Running Time
99 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild action violence
• Language
• Light romantic themes

Movie Story
“My Spy” is an action-comedy that combines family-friendly fun with the thrills of a spy movie, starring Dave Bautista as JJ, a tough-as-nails CIA operative who finds himself way out of his depth when he’s assigned to surveil a precocious 9-year-old girl named Sophie (Chloe Coleman) and her mother Kate (Parisa Fitz-Henley). JJ’s mission is to gather intelligence on Kate’s brother-in-law, an arms dealer, but Sophie soon discovers the surveillance operation and blackmails JJ into becoming her new friend and mentor.

As JJ reluctantly agrees to Sophie’s demands, the two form an unlikely bond. Sophie, wise beyond her years, teaches JJ the importance of emotional intelligence and the value of relationships, while JJ shows Sophie some of his spy skills, albeit in a light-hearted and often comedic way. Their dynamic is the heart of the film, blending humor with heartfelt moments as they navigate the challenges of their situation.

Complicating matters is JJ’s partner, Bobbi (Kristen Schaal), who provides much of the comic relief with her over-the-top enthusiasm for spy work, and the constant threat posed by Sophie’s uncle, who is involved in illegal arms deals. As the plot unfolds, JJ must balance his professional duties with his growing affection for Sophie and Kate, leading to a series of action-packed and humorous scenarios.

The film reaches its climax with a daring rescue mission that tests everything JJ and Sophie have learned from each other. Ultimately, “My Spy” delivers a satisfying blend of action, comedy, and warmth, making it a fun watch for families.

Special Effects
The special effects in “My Spy” are well-executed for an action-comedy, featuring choreographed fight scenes, explosions, and spy gadgets that add excitement without overwhelming the film’s family-oriented tone. The action is designed to be engaging yet accessible, ensuring it remains appropriate for younger audiences.

Box Office Performance
“My Spy” had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic but found success as a streaming release on Amazon Prime Video. It was well-received for its mix of humor and action, particularly among family audiences.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Chicago, Illinois, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re a nine-year-old girl; I can’t be friends with you!” – JJ
• “This is the moment where you tell me I’m not cut out for fieldwork and you’ll never see me again.” – Bobbi

Behind-the-Scenes
Dave Bautista’s role as JJ was a significant shift from his typical action hero persona, allowing him to explore a more comedic side. Chloe Coleman’s performance was praised for its maturity and charm, making her a standout young actress in Hollywood. The chemistry between the cast was a focal point during production, contributing to the film’s overall success.

Awards

• Nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award (Favorite Movie Actor – Dave Bautista)

Final Verdict
“My Spy” is a delightful action-comedy that offers a fun, light-hearted experience for families. The film strikes a balance between its action sequences and comedic moments, anchored by strong performances from Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman. It’s an enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a mix of humor, heart, and action.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10