I Spy (2002)

A Disappointing Continuation

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Alex Scott (Owen Wilson) is a mediocre spy, jealous of the better credentialed, better equipped and better-looking around him.When he teams with a (literal) heavyweight, the undisputed boxing World Champion Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy), who boasts not only a 57-0 record (often), he also boasts about just about everything else that one man can boast about.The impossible duo try to utilize Robinson's fame and renown to gain access to a top secret US spy plane that has been stolen, using an upcoming Robinson fight in Eastern Europe as cover. Famke Janssen is also on board as a co-spy and love interest.Fortunately to fast track proceedings the new bout for World Title clinching 58-0 is being hosted by Gunders (Malcolm MacDowell), the very same bad guy that is selling the plane to the highest bidder – he too is using the fight as cover.Being a long time Champion Robinson is used to being fawned over and getting things his way, he lives 'the life'; jewelry, stretch limousines, private jets, referring to himself in the first person constantly, transvestites… (whoops confusing real life and movie life there). Robinson and Scott argue over who is controlling the mission, Robinson thinks he should as he is the bigger name, Scott thinks he should because, well he's the spy and all. Scott tries to seduce Robinson into doing things his way by showing him the spy-toys and gadgets, only to repeatedly learn that the only thing to seduce Robinson – is Robinson.I-Spy is heavy on the light comedy, and light on the heavy action, choosing to favour and rely on Wilson's 'Awww shucks' likability and Murphy's bravado. It is a combination that very nearly works, this is Murphy's best film since Bowfinger, and his cockiness and misguided self confidence complements Wilson's 'Wilson-isms'.The ridiculous action is pretty fun, frivolous and forgivable given the chuckles that it elicits, but it must be said that the final 15 minutes are not so successful, and ends the film on a flat note.I-Spy has a couple of genuinely funny scenes, lots of inoffensive action and enough bright colours to keep most amused. It is the perfect low key Sunday arvo DVD, where it doesn't matter if you sleep through 25 minutes or so.Final Rating – 5.5 / 10. I-Spy is a diluted version of many other admittedly better mismatched buddy action comedies. It is a shiny expensive forgery of a superior original, but that by no means makes it worthless. Another film that might be tough to choose, but easy enough to watch.

I was expecting something really lame when I slipped this DVD in. However it turned out to be quite okay. Eddie Murphy is in really good shape and Owen Wilson delivers.It is well made from a comedy point of view, but surprisingly also fairly well made in the action aspect (for a comedy that is). It has good pace and doesn't leave you bored for long. I actually found some really big laughs in this, especially from Wilson.I'm not a big fan of director Betty Thomas, I thought "28 Days" was really flat. I thought she was a weird pick for this one - however, she surprises me with both comedy and action skills that I've never seen before (but in truth I haven't seen much of her rather extensive work for TV). I tip my hat of to the lady who brings this plane in for a sufficiently smooth landing.If you like action comedies and don't expect anything more then to pass an hour and a half, you should be quite fine with this one.

I know what you're all thinking- "Owen Wilson! Eddie Murphy! Wow!" Try not to fall too deep into such thoughts though, because this is the movie that would scar any actors career. What makes this movie so bad is the fact that the people involved in it actually Tried to make a decent movie... in other words, they didn't go into the project knowing a 'B movie' or 'cheezy sequel' or 'concept flick' would be created; yet they failed sooo damn miserably! This was supposed to be a serious "buddy-movie", but with no chemistry between buddies, no comedy, no action, and No Ending, this movie is my pick for worst film of all time (that I've seen, at least). Plan 9 From Outer Space deserves an Oscar when placed next to this floater.

Another pretty lame sidekick movie from two actors who are normally very good. The problem is that Owen Wilson does Owen Wilson very well and Eddie Murphy does Eddie Murphy just as well, but all with very few actual jokes. Interesting to see it filmed on location in Budapest as, at the time of writing this review, I had just visited the city and was pleased to see many of the sights I had visited just weeks before. Other than this the excitement, which should be top draw for a spy movie (even a spoof one), never really appeared and both script and plot are thin and poor. Wilson and Murphy do well playing themselves with very little to work with but I doubt they'll be listing it as one of their career best. If you want spoof espionage stick to Austin Powers.