Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Occasionally funny fish-out-of-water comedy is violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
True Memoirs of an International Assassin
What's the Story?
Sam Larson (Kevin James) is a wannabe at the opening of TRUE MEMOIRS OF AN INTERNATIONAL ASSASSIN. Stuck in a dead-end bank job, he's committed to being a serious novelist with an unflappable spy called Mason Carter, as his protagonist and as Sam's alter ego. Sam's a lucky writer, as well: One of his dear friends is Amos (Ron Rifkin), a former consultant to the Israeli Mossad, who fills him in on the remarkable life of a man known only as "The Ghost," one of the Mossad's most lauded ex-operatives. Enter Kylie Applebaum (Kelen Coleman), an online publisher and the only one willing to take a chance on Sam's book. To Sam's utter disbelief and dread, Kylie markets the novel as nonfiction. To the world, Sam the loser is now Sam the assassin, aka "The Ghost." Hired against his will to kill a South American leader, as well as a vicious drug dealer, Sam's alter ego takes flight. The mayhem begins.
Is It Any Good?
Some funny moments, a literal mustache-twirling Andy Garcia, and Kevin James' innocent nebbish character who's in over his head make this Netflix original movie watchable ... barely. There are no surprises here, not even a mini-twist near the film's end. Forgoing nuance or wit, True Memoirs of an International Assassin treats the audience to the usual assortment of baddies (including the relentless appearance of a Speedo-clad Andrew Howard chewing the scenery) and bumbling law enforcement types, the larger-than-life sexy "spy-ess," and the over-the-top, silly, but often deadly violence. In this genre, the adage "less is more" simply does not apply. If there is to be one assassination target, why not two? Or three? If one character dies with a knife in the chest, how funny will it be in multiples? This film is only so-so for Kevin James fans who like mindless entertainment coupled with some spurting blood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why "Everyman" adventure movies like True Memoirs of an International Assassin are so popular. How is Sam Larson different from an expected movie hero, both physically and mentally, at the beginning of this movie? What traits make Kevin James right for this role?
Think about what propelled Sam to overcome his ordinariness and behave heroically. Who was he trying to save? Do you agree with the idea that sometimes our better selves appear when we're concerned about others rather than ourselves? Give an example of this concept from an event in your life.
Why do you think comic movies like this one so often portray government officials or law enforcement officers as dim-witted and/or laughable? How do those portrayals help establish the hero's strength, effectiveness, and smarts?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2016
- Cast : Kevin James , Andy Garcia , Zulay Henao
- Director : Jeff Wadlow
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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