Directed by:
Betty ThomasCinematography:
Oliver WoodComposer:
Richard GibbsCast:
Eddie Murphy, Owen Wilson, Famke Janssen, Malcolm McDowell, Gary Cole, Phill Lewis, Keith Dallas, Tate Taylor, Crystal Lowe, Mike Dopud, Simone Bailly (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
When the Air Force's newest stealth bomber--complete with cloaking device--disappears, secret agent Alex Scott (Owen Wilson) is sent to Budapest to find it. To Scott's dismay, he is teamed with undefeated middleweight champion Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy), who is slated to fight in Budapest where suspected Stealth thief, arms dealer and boxing fan Arnold Gundars (Malcolm McDowell) is throwing a party in honor of the boxers. Scott uses cool spy equipment to encourage the egotistical Robinson to work with him. Initially at odds with each other, the two eventually bond as they're chased through Budapest by Gundar's henchmen, using spy tools and street smarts to foil the bad guys. To complicate matters, Scott has a crush on a sexy agent, Rachel (Famke Janssen), who may or may not have her own agenda. Gary Cole plays superstar agent Carlos, the envy of the other agents and the guy with the coolest spy toys. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (3)
Another in a series of below-average comedies in which Eddie Murphy gradually depreciated his talent. The subject is worn-out, the script superficial and unremarkable, and any attempts at jokes usually miss the mark. This kind of comedic production for the thoughtless crowd completely passes me by. Overall impression: 25%.
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I Spy is dumb and easily forgettable, but it’s rather entertaining. The central duo go together superbly. Their joint infiltration of Famke Janssen’s bed brought me to my knees with laughter. A less sophisticated comedy than Showtime, but much funnier.
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There are a couple of funny moments, but I was bored for most of the 100 minutes of the film. I didn't mind the hackneyed "the bad guys stole our plane and we, the US government, want it back" scheme, but rather that many scenes want to be terribly funny, but aren't, and many times miss the point. Eddie Murphy has once again squandered his rare comedic talent and I'm afraid this film will not be his return to the limelight.
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