Sequels to movies either surpass the original, think of movies like Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, or Pearl. Yes, those movies are from different genres but they all improved upon the original. My Spy: The Eternal City gives us another adventure in the lives of JJ and Sophie, played by Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman, and not only gives us an adventure worth watching but also an emotional adventure between the two main leads. My Spy: The Eternal City builds upon the original and is a step above it too.
Since we last saw JJ and Sophie things have changed in their relationship. JJ is now her stepfather and has put aside the on-field work to be at home more with Sophie. Instead of getting dirty out on the field, JJ is now in a suit and tie directing missions from the CIA’s office. While others preferred him to be an operative on the field, he enjoys this new life. Sophie on the other hand is now in high school and is being trained by JJ how to protect herself and do all of the spy stuff that he used to do.
While on a mission, Agent Christina, played by Nicola Correia-Damude, is intercepted and the package she acquired is now in the hands of a ruthless entity that is determined to use this device at the Vatican. It is up to JJ and Sophie to stop this but there are a few obstacles in their path. Sophie is going to Italy on a school trip with the choir, so she has to attend choir practice while on the mission. JJ has to go undercover as a chaperone and deal with the stern high school principal Nancy, played by Anna Faris. JJ may have had some tough enemies to fight on his missions, but nothing compares to following the rules that Nancy has placed on him during this trip.
Yes, this is a storyline that has been done more than a few times in action movies but it is the comedy in My Spy: The Eternal City that makes this movie enjoyable to watch. The combination of CIA chief and agents, Ken John, Kristen Schaal, and Craig Robinson, make the interactions between them and JJ hilarious. There is a specific scene between the chief and JJ involving small birds that is sure to have you looking at parakeets differently. Although the good guys have a good comedy team, the main tough guy for the villains is Flula Borg who plays Bishop Crane. Bishop and JJ have some history together and we learn a little about it during the movie. Flula does a great job of mixing his humor with the seriousness and toughness of being a bad guy.
As we stated at the beginning of this review regarding sequels, My Spy: The Eternal City improves upon the original film and is a fun film to watch with the family. Not only it is a great action movie it also has a lot of heart in regards to the relationship between JJ and Sophie. As a father, there were some moments when I connected with and felt JJ’s pain. We all know that being a parent is tough work and as much as we want to be there for our children there will be times when we have to step back. JJ learns a little about this balance and Sophie learns how to accept JJ in her life. Yes, the room got a little dusty and affected my eyes towards the end of the movie and Dave Bautista shows that he is more than a wrestler turned actor. Bautista has proved time and time again that he is a great actor and made me feel his struggles in raising a teenage daughter in this movie. Do JJ and Sophie save the day? I’ll let you watch the movie to find that out.
We were lucky to talk to the cast of My Spy: The Eternal City! Watch our video below!
We also talked to the villain, Flula Borg!
Final Thoughts: My Spy The Eternal City is a great continuation of the adventures of JJ and Sophie. The balance of action and tenderness helps us become more attached to the characters and want them to succeed in their mission. There are a few weak spots in the story but it’s nothing that will ruin the experience of the movie. The combination of Bautista and Coleman feels organic and like no time has passed since the first one came out 4 years ago. My Spy: The Eternal City is a fantastic summer movie that the entire family will enjoy!
Kid-Friendly: There are a few conversations and actions that Sophie and her high school friends have that might go over the heads of younger viewers. The theme of family and independence is a good one for kids to see. There are a few questionable words but nothing too crazy for kids.
Violence: There are some fantastic action scenes in the movie! JJ and Sophie take turns to shine and show off their fighting skills. The violence is not gratuitous and bloody but it is strong enough to prove a point. We do get to see a “Bautista Bomb” during the fight scene which is a great nod to Dave Bautista’s wrestling days.
Back by popular demand, My Spy’s dynamic duo, veteran CIA operative JJ (Dave Bautista) and his 14-year-old stepdaughter and protégé Sophie (Chloe Coleman), reunite to save the world when a high school choir tour of Italy is interrupted by a nefarious nuclear plot targeting the Vatican.