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When you think about new concepts for a spy movie, it could be difficult. James Bond has its own spy franchise that seems to always introduce new or old ideas, Marvel’s Black Widow are facing the same challenge with creating a compelling espionage film after decades of seeing different cliches thrown on the big screen and Spies in Disguise is not any different. A common theme of spy films are usually death and betrayal and revolve around violence. The question about the appropriateness of violence is argued and is the driving force of this film.
Spies in Disguise is based on the animated short Pigeon: Impossible by Lucas Martell. Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is not. But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and invention, creating the awesome gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions. But when Lance turns into a pigeon, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril.
In a way, Walter and Lance see the pigeon experiment in different ways. For Walter it allows a spy to go undercover, and they’ll be able to uncover important information without harming anyone or being harmed in return. It supports Walter’s feelings about removing violence entirely. It also helps Lance as he is being targeted and needs a new disguise. A lot of the humor is made of Lance’s pigeon body. The transformation is extremely drawn out but brings unique and hilarious moments. They have to take on the mastermind villain known as Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) who has an evil bionic claw instead of a hand; a symbol of the potential of evil technology that Walter has made it his life’s work to avoid.
Honestly both Smith and Holland provide a joy for the audience, and something that all ages will highly enjoy. There’s not much to say about it as it goes as you expect, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The comedic timing between the two and the bond that evolves throughout the film is worth seeing. Obviously it is not a film to break down into layers and decipher for years to come, but as a Christmas film it succeeds in its mission; to provide joy and enjoy the time with family.
There are some great laughs and fun as Smith and Holland provide the bickering dialogue. With several family-animated films, it sticks with the safe side and doesn’t try to do a lot of risks, but even while it stays safe, it is still a well-entertained film that all ages will enjoy.
Rate: 3/5[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A05s7OM-8Oc” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Just a guy that grew up on DC and the MCU, anime, and video games and loves traveling across the world and learn about different cultures.
