Agent movies remain a popular genre. With a new James Bond film slated for release (November 12th, contingent on current plans) and two new Mission Impossible installments on the horizon, the genre’s appeal shows no signs of diminishing. This review focuses on Spies in Disguise, a unique take on the agent film.
Master spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) believes he has successfully completed another mission, only to discover he has been framed for a crime. His only hope lies with the young and innovative Walter (Tom Holland), who has developed a groundbreaking form of disguise. Together, they must confront the villainous Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) and find a way to reverse Lance’s transformation – into a pigeon.
Blue Skye Studios, known for the Ice Age franchise, presents Spies in Disguise as their latest animated feature (potentially their last, given Disney’s acquisition of Fox). While the Ice Age films sometimes lacked the visual polish of Disney productions, they often compensated with compelling narratives. In Spies in Disguise, the animation quality is significantly improved, featuring dynamic and fast-paced action sequences. However, the film doesn’t quite reach the same level of emotional resonance achieved by Disney in films like Frost II.
Will Smith, a prominent figure in cinema for decades, continues to deliver engaging performances, even if his recent films, Gemini Man and Bad Boys for Life, have had mixed reception. His voice acting is perfectly suited for the confident and assured Lance Sterling. Tom Holland, a rising star who has achieved acclaim as the definitive live-action Spider-man (most recently in Spider-man Far From Home), imbues the character of Walter with charm and charisma. The dynamic between Smith and Holland forms the core of the film’s appeal.
The core concept of the film feels relatively original. However, a closer examination reveals familiar narrative tropes: two initially incompatible individuals finding common ground. Despite this, the film’s energetic pacing and outlandish scenarios – including pigeons driving cars and explosive action – allow viewers to overlook these familiar elements and enjoy the overall experience.
Regrettably, a UHD release of Spies in Disguise is not available in Sweden; therefore, the Blu-ray version was evaluated. The image quality is sharp and clear, exhibiting deep blacks and vibrant colors, effectively maximizing the capabilities of Blu-ray in Full HD. The DTS-HD audio, however, is less impressive. The soundscape is more restrained than typically found in this genre, with a noticeable emphasis on the front channels. The surround effects are less pronounced than desired during action sequences. The supplementary material provides informative and entertaining content, and similar to Birds of Prey, viewers have the option to watch the film with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews integrated into each scene.
In conclusion, Spies in Disguise offers a fast-paced and entertaining experience, although its content is better suited for a slightly more mature audience due to its action violence. The film’s more adult undertones are appreciated, leading to a warm recommendation for Spies in Disguise.
