Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kid-friendly spy parody is silly but very predictable.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Junior Spy Agency
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Hot on the trail of a long-missing chalice owned by Russian royalty, Sam Steele (Jacob Hays) and Emma (Katherine McNamara) are back in business in THE JUNIOR SPY AGENCY. What they don't know is that a surprising Russian undercover agent, as well as three ridiculously inept thieves, are after the chalice, too. The Agency's mission takes them to the Presidential Suite of a luxury hotel and a house once occupied by the valet of Peter the Great. Sam and Emma even come to suspect the kindly antiques dealer (Dee Wallace) who hired them in the first place. The clues pile up, and danger accelerates as the villains learn of the kids' involvement. It's only a matter of time until their paths cross and the fate of Crystal Chalice is resolved.
Is It Any Good?
Kids will probably enjoy the antics of Sam Steele as he indulges in his spy-like behavior. He can roll his eyes and use a magnifying glass on a moment's notice. But, beyond the gestures, he's not very effective, and it's up to Emma to provide the smarts. The villains will get laughs, too, but watching a very dumb crook dance with a mop can only sustain interest for a few moments. Adult performances, with few exceptions (Dee Wallace), are abysmal. The writing and directing is by the numbers at best. So, although it may have a certain charm for young viewers, there are many better alternatives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why and how often filmmakers use comic, bumbling villains in movies for kids. Since they can't use realistic, scary antagonists, can you think of alternatives for providing the necessary conflict?
Look up the word "parody." How is The Junior Spy Agency a parody?
Though Emma and Sam are partners, they work in different ways. How does each complement the other?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 15, 2014
- Cast : Jacob Hays , Kevin Sorbo , Katherine McNamara
- Director : Tom Whitus
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Inception Media Group
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate