I Spy
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
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.
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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?
This film version of I Spy fails to capture or re-create the coolness of the classic TV series. The show 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it was so hard for Scott to tell Rachel how he felt.
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 1, 2002
- On DVD or streaming: March 11, 2003
- Cast: Eddie Murphy, Famke Janssen, Owen Wilson
- Director: Betty Thomas
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: action violence, some sexual content and language
- Last updated: May 7, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Starsky & Hutch
Silly, but lots of fun for older teens.
-
Rush Hour
Buddy cop fun amidst explosions, bad guys, and language.
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