In a sea of tough guys with kids movies, it’s hard to set yourself apart. While a lot of movies play it safe and even just downright fail – there are some that set themselves up for success even before they hit the theater. We all remember Kindergarten Cop, and if you’re of a certain age – may still even quote it. But it’s still a super safe movie. So how do movies bridge the gap of being the same story over and over with a different lead and keeping that kid safe rating?
The easiest answer – shoot for a little bit older of an audience. My Spy pairs Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman as the ultimate tough guy and kid combo in the upcoming release. With Bautista taking on the role of JJ, a former military operative turned Spy set on assignment to monitor Sophie’s (Coleman) family. Instead of all slapstick and kid antics in a movie, instead My Spy shot for a PG-13 rating and starts the movie out with a handful of curse words before the opening credits even roll.
Being a spy is weird to me. Being a soldier came naturally, this not so much
JJ
With that rating the movie is able to open up the story some, and while there is only one F-bomb throughout the film it is implied and mouthed a couple other times. While this may seem out of place for a kids movie, it does follow the standards for the PG-13 movie and many kids in the theater didn’t notice the language through the film. But this rating does offer some other things as well – like the option to show some pretty intense fight scenes and death (both without blood of course) and take the story in some unique directions. There are no sexual scenes or nudity in the movie which is a good thing to note when it comes to kids watching the movie.
What if i told you, I was thinking of being a spy when I grow up?
Sophie
And while we’ve seen this pairing over and over again, that tough former wrestler and those cute kids – My Spy excels over the others. It not only brings a story with a lot of heart but also will have you laughing through the whole movie. It shows the difference in children today and their use of technology compared to what we’ve seen in the past. Sophie isn’t a helpless child that just needs protected. Instead, she’s a worth opponent and gives the spies and bad guys a battle when needed. She’s smart, and albeit manipulative, like most children are and she’s not played down as a character that isn’t able to do things just because she’s a kid.
You’re my hero dude, I liked watching you become a normal person
Bobbi
Overall, My Spy has a lot of heart, and laughs through the movie. Yes, some are cheap jokes and others are moments you didn’t see coming. But you will enjoy laughing along at this spy comedy that seems to bridge the gap between the little kid movies and the Bourne and Bond films we all love. Probably the biggest note we have about the film is it takes advantage of the softer side of Bautista that he seems to be bringing to more and more of his roles, and that like ability is what will bring this movie a lot more viewers.
Even though the movie is skewed to a younger audience, you will find teens and adults enjoying it. It has a great balance of cast, comedy and heart all mixed in it’s explosive exterior.
About My Spy
MY SPY follows JJ a hardened CIA operative (Dave Bautista) who has been demoted and finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, named Sophie (Chloe Coleman) where he has been sent undercover begrudgingly to surveil her family. When Sophie discovers hidden cameras in her apartment she uses her tech savviness to locate where the surveillance operation is set. In exchange for not blowing JJ’s cover Sophie convinces him to spend time with her and teach her to be a spy. Despite his reluctance JJ finds he is no match for Sophie’s disarming charm and wit. Starring Dave Bautista, Kristen Schaal, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Chloe Coleman and Ken Jeong. Directed by Peter Segal. (STX ENTERTAINMENT)
This film is rated PG-13.
