Spies In Disguise: Absolutely Crazy and Charming!

Probably my favorite ‘Blue Sky Studios’ movie to date, “Spies in Disguise” which is loosely based on the animated short, “Pigeon: Impossible” is not your typical “spy film” as it does not focus its narrative on the suave, super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) but is actually the story of Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) the “weird” tech kid, who is obsessed with K-Drama and creates gadgets that actually keep people safe, instead of the traditional “blowing up” approach.

Unlike most spy films, which will open to an explosive action sequence, featuring impressive fight scenes and intense car chases, “Spies In Disguise” opens to a sunlit room where a young Walter is seen having a tender moment with his mom, who is a Police Officer, before she leaves for duty. We get an understanding that Walter is a genius who wants to create gadgets to keep his mom safe while at work. (I could already tell what was going to happen next, thankfully, they kept everything very kid friendly).

We then move forward, years later and meet Lance Sterling, the very epitome of a super spy, handsome, dashing, debonair and with all the cool catch phrases and all the right moves. (Will Smith is perfect, probably because he has played these characters before) we also learn that he is a bit of a lone wolf, who chooses to work alone and may have trouble following authority at times.

In Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios “Spies in Disguise”, (L-R) Tom Holland is the voice of Walter Beckett and Will Smith is the voice of Lance Sterling. “Spies in Disguise” opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 25, 2019. TM and © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

After another successful mission, despite a little meddling from Walter’s “Kitty Bomb” (you’ll have to watch the movie, to see how his genius works), Lance takes in all the praise and worship from his colleagues. He then confronts Walter, who teases Lance with some new tech that can make him “disappear”.

The tides quickly shift and Lance may need to disappear sooner than he thinks, what he doesn’t know is that, it means turning into a pigeon!

While learning how to “be” a pigeon, Lance goes out to try and clear his name, along with help from Walter. The two team up and along with help from some feathered friends go on an epic mission. It is a hilarious adventure, which kids would absolutely enjoy and its just bonkers enough for adults too!

The film has a lot of good lessons for kids, and in turn has opportunities for parents to talk to their kids about being true to yourself, which resonates in Walter’s mom saying, “What’s wrong with weird? The world needs weird.” and even lovingly raising the flag for Team Weird, hey, I’ve been part of Team Weird myself and I would not have it any other way. Some of the lessons of the film also include never underestimating anyone, that violence isn’t always the answer and the importance of being part of a flock/team.

In Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios “Spies in Disguise”, Will Smith is the voice of Lance Sterling. “Spies in Disguise” opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 25, 2019. TM and © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

“Spies in Disguise” is so hilarious parents accompanying their kids would enjoy it as well. A perfect family date!