The line between tacky and good old-fashioned fun can become dangerously thin in the domain of joyfully unserious spy action films targeted at younger audiences. While the original 2020 release of “My Spy” managed to balance poignant storytelling with a refreshing take on well-worn tropes, its sequel, “My Spy: The Eternal City,” delivers on conventional appeal and humor but falters in bringing anything groundbreaking to the table.
The initial emotional depth of “My Spy” has noticeably weakened in the sequel. The first film artfully depicted a hardened CIA agent, JJ, played by Dave Bautista, forming an endearing bond with a nine-year-old girl named Sophie, portrayed by Chloe Coleman. Their relationship evolved from mutual loneliness and a shared desire for companionship. JJ, a soldier-turned-agent, found his new role as a covert guardian, while Sophie dealt with her own emotional baggage, including her widowed mother’s overwhelming schedule.
In “My Spy: The Eternal City,” the narrative picks up with Sophie now an adolescent grappling with typical teenage angst. JJ, meanwhile, struggles with the new emotions he experiences as a father figure, which consequently pull him back from active field missions. On paper, these themes of parental bonding and adolescent growing pains appear promising, capable of providing substantial depth to the characters’ arcs. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Sophie’s character arc feels rushed, diving headfirst into a typical teen drama scenario where she chases after Ryan, the quintessential popular kid, played by Billy Barratt. The narrative predictably steers her towards an inevitable realization, prompted by the more introverted and meek Collin, portrayed by Taeho K, who harbors feelings for her. These character archetypes are overly simplistic, reducing their impact and relatability.
The film’s emotional quotient is further diluted by a hackneyed action plot that sidelines the personal stories. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Vatican City, Sophie, part of her school choir, ends up entangled in an international crisis. JJ accompanies her with the mission of thwarting a terrorist attack. The antagonists are a group of Russian terrorists searching for activation codes to a cache of suitcase nukes hidden by the KGB at the Cold War’s end. This run-of-the-mill spy thriller setup does little to invigorate the narrative.
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Adding to the layer of complexity, David Kim, played by Ken Jeong, who is Collin’s father and JJ’s superior, becomes embroiled in the villain’s plans. The antagonist remains shrouded in mystery for much of the film, only to reveal a stereotypical spy movie villain. The action sequences are peppered with genre clichés, with standout moments far and few between.
Bautista’s performance remains a highlight, showcasing his range across both emotional and action-packed scenes. However, the sequel fails to provide enough opportunities for his action-hero persona to shine beyond a couple of noteworthy fistfights. On the other hand, Chloe Coleman delivers a convincingly spirited portrayal of a rebellious teenager, injecting energy into both her dramatic and action sequences. In one particular scene, she uses taser guns with formidable skill, taking down two familiar adversaries.
The climax, unfortunately, devolves into a predictable save-the-world scenario, albeit laced with humor, and a surprising twist featuring a ‘blue’ angel. Kristen Schaal’s character, Bobbi, makes a comeback, offering much-needed comedic relief and dynamic energy. Her infectious humor and no-holds-barred approach to action scenes provide a welcome distraction from the otherwise formulaic finale. Notably, she imparts sage, if somewhat awkward, romantic advice to Sophie, leading to a memorable, albeit cringeworthy, moment.
“My Spy: The Eternal City” may not meet the expectations set by its predecessor, but it retains redeemable qualities that hint at the potential for future installments. The charm of the central characters remains intact, suggesting that with a more nuanced approach, writer-director Pete Segal, along with writers Erich and Jon Hoeber, could breathe fresh life into this franchise.
Despite its shortcomings, the film’s may appeal to fans invested in the characters and their evolving dynamics. The sequel, while far from ideal, isn’t a complete miss. “My Spy: The Eternal City” is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
In summation, while “My Spy: The Eternal City” struggles to find its footing and fails to bring new elements to the franchise, the established characters and humorous elements provide some measure of entertainment, leaving the door open for future storytelling possibilities.
