What could have been a one-joke movie – superspy Will Smith gets changed into a pigeon – is actually a fun, enjoyable animated adventure for kids too young to see the latest James Bond film.
Supercool Lance Sterling (Smith) is on the trail of evil genius Killian (Ben Mendelsohn), but finds himself framed for Killian’s crimes and kicked out of his spy agency. His only hope is to prove his innocence with the help of the tech geek he just got fired, sweet-hearted Walter (Holland) – whose idea for a weapon against baddies is a bomb that explodes glitter and images of cute kittens.
Unfortunately, Sterling accidentally drinks one of Walter’s new inventions and finds himself in the body of a pigeon, which isn’t going to make his mission easy.
Packed with fun nods to the spy movie genre – Sterling’s headquarters are hidden under the pond in front of the Washington Monument, Killian has a robotic arm like a Bond villain – this zips along at a good pace and has fun gags throughout. The animation works best in some of the city scenes – particularly in Venice – and both Smith and Holland clearly have fun in their roles.
An entertaining twist on spy movies, buddy flicks and even body swap comedies, this may not be the most original movie but it definitely will be a hoot (sorry) for everyone.
Is Spies In Disguise suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Very young – under age 6 – viewers may be frightened by Kilian and his drones.
Both Sterling and Walter are often in danger, and there are some fights and weapon attacks, as well as gunfire.
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