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I Spy (PG-13, 2002)

common sense media says

TV classic remade as a forgettable buddy movie.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie is rough for a PG-13, with some raunchy humor and many knee-to-the-groin scenes.

Violence: Mostly comic violence, lots of shooting and explosions.
Sex: Sexual references.
Language: Strong language for a PG-13, raunchy humor.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: None
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on I Spy

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why it was so hard for Scott to tell Rachel how he felt.

What's the story?

What's the story?
I SPY is a refresh of the classic 1960s TV series featuring a spy duo with a twist – one African American guy and one white guy. In this action-packed film version, egotistical heavyweight champion Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy) is teamed up with spy Alex Scott (Owen Wilson) on a mission to find a top secret military fighter jet (which can turn invisible), before unscrupulous black market arms dealer Gundars (Malcolm McDowell) sells it to the highest bidder.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This film version of I Spy fails to capture or recreate the coolness of the classic TV show, which starred Robert Culp and Bill Cosby as smart, laid-back guys who traveled around to exotic and romantic locations saving the world. Instead, this is a forgettable buddy movie that feels like a rejected script for Rush Hour 3. Murphy mugs, Wilson pines for his beautiful fellow spy (Famke Janssen), stuff blows up, and the credits roll. This movie is designed to be forgotten before you get the popcorn out of your teeth.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Betty Thomas
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Famke Janssen, Owen Wilson
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: November 1, 2002
DVD release: March 11, 2003
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: action violence, some sexual content and language
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

zrylettc
teen, 14 years old
12
 
SWEAR SWEAR SWEAR
A WHOLE BUNCH OF SWEARS
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
masterchief117
kid, 12 years old
10
 
good movie
this movie is funny and is a bit violent but when people are shot theres not bullet hole of blood and it cuts to them half way falling to the floor. some bad language like the s-word is said around 20 times. the b-word is said around 4 times and other mild language
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
fredn
teen, 15 years old
14
 
not a kid movie
a lot of bad crap and wasnt funny at all.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
sweetie1025
teen, 16 years old
10
 
I love this movie 4.5/5 it has a really good mix of comedy and action. I don't know why they put frowny faces at messeges and wrote 'Inter-racial teamwork' - Why would that be a frowny face?
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
SD
teen, 14 years old
 
horrible and violent!!!!
The movie sucks!
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
GreenMaple
teen, 16 years old
12
 
Not funny
Way too much swearing.
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