Ratings: 2.5/5
In “My Spy: The Eternal City,” a CIA agent grapples with rogue elements threatening his newly established family life, compelling him back into the familiar cat-and-mouse game. Despite the four-year anticipation for this sequel, it presents a delightful sense of comedy but lacks innovation, earning it a 2.5-star rating.
Plot:
CIA agent JJ (Dave Bautista) has transitioned into the roles of trainer and guardian for Sophie (Chloe Coleman), the child he once protected, in this sequel to the 2020 film “My Spy.” Now a teenager, Sophie exhibits the typical rebelliousness and irrational anger towards JJ, who treats her like a daughter and seeks her well-being.
Their trip to Italy with the school choir sets the stage for predictable disruptions. Sophie’s best friend and son of JJ’s boss, Collin (Taeho K), is kidnapped. This prompts Collin’s father, CIA head David Kim (Ken Jeong), and his quirky tech assistant Bobbi (Kristen Schaal) to fly to Italy, where the situation deteriorates further.
Review:
Director Peter Segal infuses the movie with a blend of spy thriller excitement and kid-friendly humor. While the story moves briskly, it doesn’t consistently engage the audience, spanning locations from the CIA headquarters in Langley to scenic spots in Austria and Italy.
The plot, though, is weak and reminiscent of numerous other thrillers executed with greater conviction. Co-writers Erich Hoeber and Jon Hoeber fill the film with clichéd action-adventure tropes, never making us truly fear for the characters even in dire situations.
The comedy offers a refreshing break, especially with talents like Ken Jeong and Kristen Schaal providing delightful support. Dave Bautista, the wrestler-turned-actor, deserves some sympathy for his effort, though his potential, particularly in action scenes, remains underutilized.
Chloe Coleman, now a proficient performer, falls into the stereotype of a cranky American teenager with daddy issues, feeling clichéd and overdone. Anna Faris, with her Britney Spears-like persona, brings fun but her morally complex character could have been explored more deeply. While the chase scenes and violence are entertaining, they fail to leave a lasting impression.
