Movie Review: Spies in Disguise

By Ryan Grow | January 3, 2020

Will Smith and Tom Holland have great chemistry in their new animated buddy-comedy, which gives this film its charming, crowd-pleasing energy. 

Superspy, 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 events take an unexpected turn, 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.

The world of animated films is very familiar with talking animals, and it also doesn’t shy away from the idea of humans being turned into animals. With Spies in Disguise, the filmmakers take that idea and combine it with a James Bond-type spy drama – but with pigeons. The movie brings in Smith and Holland and makes good use of this oddball idea and its two stars with a twist on spy thrillers that everyone can enjoy. 

Spies in Disguise does a great job of tackling the film’s themes like teamwork and trying to break the cycle of violence to create a safer future, in a way that younger viewers can easily understand. It also pokes fun at spy dramas in general. There are some things that never quite get explained, like Walter’s fascination with pigeons. But, as the movie goes along, it does offer some inspiring lessons on accepting help and using non-violence. 

Smith and Holland not only give the film its star power but also provide much of its heart.  Holland has proven himself to be a scene-stealer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he delivers and similarly charming voice performance. Smith brings his classic charm to his character, and it is just hysterical hearing his voice come out of a pigeon. Holland and Smith are a perfect match, helping to shape the movie’s more ridiculous moments with some well-placed emotional ones.

There really isn’t anything new with the animation but there are some pretty awesome visuals in the movie that plays with lighting and color that stand out. Holland and Smith’s performances help tie the animation together and with the help of Mark Ronson’s soundtrack, create an entertaining animated movie.

Spies in Disguise delivers plenty of fun for viewers – silly knee-slapping comedy for kids and some dark humor for adults. Viewers of all ages will be pleased with what Spies in Disguise have to offer.

Critic Rating: 4/5 stars

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