#REVIEW: “MY SPY”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When hardened CIA Field Operative JJ (Dave Bautista) blows his cover, he gets demoted to the Surveillance Department. His first mission there is to spy on overworked nurse and single-mother Kate (Parisa Fitz-Henley) and her intelligent nine-year-old daughter Sophie (Chloe Coleman). However, it isn’t long before Sophie catches onto JJ and blackmails him into teaching her how to become a spy.

JJ might be excel at responding to things physically however, he lacks emotional intelligence. Sophia is the opposite, emotionally-intelligent but lacking the physical skill and ability that JJ possesses. Together, they learn from each other. That is exactly what Screenwriters Erich and Jon Hoeber do with  with the duo and what  ensues is an Action-Comedy with a lot of heart.

Director Peter Segal adds  his own flair to the Kids-turned-Spies genre. He has crafted entertaining action sequences and many genuinely-funny moments. Yet, the Film’s best moments with JJ and Sophie are when the Comedy and Action merge as one.

We have seen Bautista use his self-proclaimed “Resting Action Face” as Drax, but in My Spy, we see that and more of his comedic range. Although his JJ is closed-off, it’s when he begins opening-up to Sophia that Bautista’s  Physical Comedy comes alive.  The star of the Film however is Coleman, who lights-up the screen. She has a captivating presence and quick wit that compliments the ever-clever Sophia. Regardless how young the targeted audience is, the talented Cast makes the Movie fun for the whole family.

Elevation Pictures release MY SPY Friday, March 13, 2020.