My Spy: The Eternal City is Insane, Crazy Fun

In 2020, My Spy debuted only to close two days later.  Yet, the film would have the last laugh when it became the #3 film of that year.  Now, four years later, veteran CIA agent JJ (Dave Bautista) and his protégé/partner in crime Sophie (Chloe Coleman) reunite to prevent a catastrophic nuclear scheme aimed at the Vatican disrupting a high school choir trip to Italy. Yup…you heard me right.

Directed by Peter Segal, My Spy:The Eternal City is high octane fun right from the start, With an lengthy, insane opening  action sequence complete with flying and  jetpacks, the audience gets set up for great fun along with co-stars Ken Jeong and Kristen Schaal.  Jeong, mostly known for his comedic prowess, is more dramatic this time as a head CIA operative letting peeks of humor (enhanced through his coupling with Schall) make for some great giggles. Even though every action adventure trope known to cinema exists in this film, which makes it drag every once in a while, it is the chemistry between Bautista and Coleman that makes it all worthwhile.

Coleman steals the show exuding vulnerability and raw emotions that come along with all of that it means to be a 14 year old girl and action hero. Her physical prowess is super impressive and it is lovely to witness how she has matured into quite the beautiful young lady able to hold her own amongst a cast of heavyweights. Bautista expands on his softer side exposing his vulnerability at the possibility that losing Chloe won’t deprive him the opportunity to be a real Dad in every sense of the word.

Shot mostly in Italy and South Africa, this film feels like a James Bond action adventure comedy for the younger set sprinkled with a little Sister Act action.  Yes, we have seen all of this before, but it won’t stop audiences from having  some light fun while enjoying the absurdity of it all.