You had me at Big Willy Smith
I didn’t realize I wanted a kid-friendly spy movie but that’s what I got in the new Christmas animated film “Spies in Disguise” that has more of a cohesive message than most live-action movies.
The animated film from Blue Sky Studio that is known for it’s “Ice Age” films has left the ice age and gone tech in this kid-friendly spy movie that touches on war, tragedy, friendship and even a wolf needs his/her pack. The film is directed by Troy Quane and Nick Bruno, the screenplay was written by Lloyd Taylor and Brad Copeland and based on Lucas Martell’s short film Pigeon: Impossible.
The animated film from Blue Sky Studio that is known for it’s “Ice Age” films has left the ice age and gone tech in this kid-friendly spy movie that touches on war, tragedy, friendship and even a wolf needs his/her pack.
Lance Sterling (Will Smith) is the ultimate spy that can take down the bad guys without a sweat who does it alone under the order of Director Joy Jenkins (Reba McEntire) and the H.T.U.V. superspy tech division support team. Lance realizes things are a little off-kilter on his latest derring-do when his spy toys don’t work as usual. He learns the culprit is Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) who believes in a better way to get the bad guys and bring world peace. Lance meets his match in the evil villain Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) aka robot hand. Killian is a bad guy out for vengeance for a reason and personal vendetta with Lance. When Lance is framed he seeks out Walter all while being pursued by Mercy Kappel (Rashida Jones), Eyes (Karen Gillan), Ears (DJ Khalid), AND Killian in very exotic locations with the help of his trusty BMW that has more toys than 007. Once Lance is piegeoned he and Walter are out to clear his name, get the secret weapon, and turned back to man since it’s hard to karate chop Masi Oka (Katsu Kimura) with feathers.
I found the animated film funny and the message it sends to young kids that it’s OK to be weird, sometimes new is better, it’s better to have friends and family was delightful. This is a kids’ movie that can spark an interesting conversation but has enough humor for adults to enjoy as well. I found the movie charming and recommend it for families and animation fans to add to their ‘go see list’. Make sure you stay till the end for a little surprise.
I’m giving Spies in Disguise a B
Spies in Disguise
Directors: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane
Writers: Brad Copeland & Lloyd Taylor
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, Rashida Jones, Karen Gillan, Rachel Brosnahan, Katsu Kimura, DJ Khalid
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1h 41m
Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi