Spies, positive messages, and a sprinkling of potty humor. Spies in Disguise had all of our favorite things rolled up into one story. Read my family-focused review on the Blue Sky Studios film coming to theaters Christmas Day.
I was invited to a complimentary screening to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) is the world’s most awesome spy. He’s got swagger to match his skills. But things go awry when quirky scientist Walter Beckett (voiced by Tom Holland) accidentally transforms Sterling into a pigeon.
Together the unlikely duo must stop Killian (Ben Medelsohn) who is set on destroying Sterling and other members of the spy agency. The buddy film is full of fun animated fight scenes, great messages for kids, and chuckles for the grown-ups, too.
The all-star cast also features Rashida Jones as Marchy Kappel, a government agent; Reba McEntire as Joy Jenkins, Sterling’s boss; and a flock of well-meaning, trash-eating pigeons.
My five-year-old falls into the category of kids who is a little intimidated by violence or scary images. Thanks to Walter Beckett’s influence, the animated fight scenes were not frightening. His ingenius creations include debilitating “Serious String” (not the commonplace Silly String you or I may be using to cover our moody tweens in sticky goo after the 100th eye roll of the day). But it’s this take on spy technology that has Walter Beckett struggling to make his place in an agency dependent upon tech that annihilates all foes.
One scene shows a minor character being dropped over the side of a cliff. This was the only “scary” moment for my kindergartener.
Slightly sensitive, my little one was delighted by the sprinkling of potty humor. She gleefully delighted in each joke including a tranquilized villain who globs across the screen as a gelatinous Jabba the Hut. I giggled at the bird puns because puns rule.
One of my favorite things about watching Disney movies is the embedded life lessons or messages. They’re great conversation starters, since they’re packaged with relatable characters in humorous situations. Spies in Disguise is no different!
Did you know Spies in Disguise is a Disney movie? Blue Sky Studios is a part of 21st Century Fox, acquired by Disney in 2019.
Watch the Spies in Disguise trailer!
The suave Sterling and underappreciated Holland may not seem like the perfect pair. But the rapport between the two is enchanting and provides great opportunity for discussing bullying, celebrating individuality, and what constitutes a “good guy.” We walked out of the theater, perfecting our “Let’s get weird!” mantra and corresponding fist bump.
Spies in Disguise comes to theaters Christmas Day.
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Looks like a great holiday movie to see with the nieces and nephews this season. Will Smith is a favorite and the premise seems like a lot of fun.
This looks like an amusing movie. I bet my kids will like it. We might have to go watch over the holiday break.
Looks like such a cute movie! I’m going to take my kids soon!
I saw a trailer for this when we went to see Farmaggedon – it sounds like so much fun! Definitely one I would go and see – I’m such a big kid.
I’ve been wanting to see this movie. I will most likely take my daughters out to see it. I’m sure we are going to enjoy it.
I have almost forgotten all about this movie. Thank you for the reminder and it is one that my family is going to have to see.
I previewed this movie as well. It was very cute! I enjoyed watching, and thought Tom Holland and Wil Smith did great jobs!
I haven’t heard of this movie yet, so thanks for the review. I now want to go see it with my girls. It looks so fun!
This movie looks like so much fun! I wonder if I can take my little one and have it be his first theatre movie?!
I keep hearing about this film, and cannot wait to see it. I hope my kids will watch it with me, but if not, I will be watching Spies in Disguise on my own 😉
My son loves any and everything spies! He can’t wait to see this one.
This looks like an awesome movie to watch with the family. I bet my kids would really enjoy Spies in Disguise!
I love Will Smith. I think this movie will be really good! I can’t wait to watch this movie with my family!
Excited about this movie!
Aww luck you got invited to preview. Thank you for the details!! I want my 9 years old to see this. I know she will so enjoy this!!
It looks like a fun movie! I’m glad it only had one slightly scary scene, I think that it is important to minimize violence in kids’ movies.
This is the first time I heard about this movie. It looks like it’s going to be a good one! I definitely want to take my nieces to see it, we haven’t been to the movies in a long time!
I haven’t heard of this movie! I’m sure the kids will enjoy watching this one. It seems like it’s packed with adventure.
This is my first time to learn about this movie and reading this makes me interested. My little one for sure would love to watch this.
Oh my! My niece would love this show too. Thanks for having time reviewing this movie and sharing it with us.