My Spy: The Eternal City is a sequel of the 2020 action-comedy film My Spy, starring Dave Bautista as the ever grumpy and loveable CIA agent JJ and Chloe Coleman as sassy Sophie. The movie is directed by Peter Segal, who also co-wrote the script with Jon and Erich Hoeber, picking up the light-hearted international spy saga where family comic relief clashes with international intrigue. The sequel, released by Amazon MGM Studios in 2024, further takes the action to the continent of Europe and the picturesque and cinematographic city of Rome, Italy – “The Eternal City!”
Synopsis
It has been a number of years since JJ and Sophie’s paths crossed in the original film. Sophie’s now a teenager and is a brave, confident and increasingly independent young adult. JJ has moved on to a desk job at the CIA, and it appears as though he continues to be overly protective. Their marriage follows the first film’s events and Sophie’s maternal life is reportedly calm and largely stable with her mother Kate who lives with them.
The film features a plot kickoff when Sophie’s high school choir gets invited to perform at the international G7 summit in Rome. JJ, perhaps sensing an opportunity to spend more time with Sophie, and perhaps a little on suspicion of foreign travel and global security, volunteers as a chaperone. His plan is to supervise Sophie closely, who is dealing with the typical sociological barriers of teenage life, including crushes and exercising her independence.
However, banter takes a swift shift when one of Sophie’s classmates, Collin—the son of JJ’s CIA boss David Kim—gets abducted by a bunch of armed mercenaries. Along with this kidnapping subplot of Sophie’s classmate lies much broader world objectives, such as the undisclosed agenda of ruthless operative Crane.Setting the kidnappers agenda into context, they demand a surrender of Soviet-era nuclear codes, which adds international significance into this world.
While starting their investigation, JJ and Sophie are shocked to find out the primary abductor is an “intelligent woman” known as Nancy, the vice principal of Sophie’s school. The vice principal has a vendetta for the untimely of her husband, who was a disgraced intelligence asset, suddenly emerges out of nowhere for terrorism in the summit.
What follows is a high-speed excursion of JJ and Sophie’s relentless chase through Rome, including its famous landmarks, categories of hidden pathways, and ancient catacombs where they decipher clues and try to avert an international calamity. Suspense reaches its peak as it climaxes at the Vatican while the choir is about to perform. JJ and Sophie must collaborate in neutralizing the threat, saving Collin, and stopping Nancy’s designs before they result in mass destruction.
The film wraps up the father-daughter bond, showing the relationship of JJ and Sophie. Now, Sophie appreciates JJ’s overprotectiveness, and in turn, JJ absorbs the need to give space and acknowledge her growing adulthood.
Cast & Crew
Dave Bautista is back as JJ and he will be back in larger action as his trademark blend of physical violence and comedic delivery strangles the character. Bautista further cements his reputation as action star with heart. JJ, still a fierce fighter, sinks deeper into the emotions.
Chloe Coleman reprises her role as Sophie. Older and viewed far more self-confident than the last time we saw her, her casting was a no brainer. Bautista has remained strong with her, and in the movie, she manages to take the audience through the transition from a shy girl to a courageous one.Kristen Schaal reprises her role as Bobbi, JJ’s eccentric ex-colleague and CIA tech analyst. Schaal’s comic timing with her nerdy charm brings lightness to some of the darker scenes in the film.
Ken Jeong reprises his role as David Kim, the CIA Director and father of the kidnapped son, Collin. Jeong’s character is more nuanced this time around, depicting a man who is caught up with his responsibilities along with his personal issues.
Anna Faris comes in the cross as the villainous Vice Principal Nancy, whose unanticipated twits to the dark side becomes one of the surprises in the story. This is unlike Faris in a way that expects any point of the film, she performs in a manner that is terrifying.
Flula Borg portrays the role of Crane, the mercenary villain who does Nancy’s dirty work. His rich sense of fashion, flamboyance as well as his large frame makes him an even more dauting secondary villian.
Billy Barratt plays Ryan, a classmate of Sophie’s who has a crush on her, adding a layer of youthful romance and societal relationships.
Taeho K stars as Collin Kim, the son of David Kim who is abducted at the beginning of the story, whose danger fuels the narrative.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Peter Segal also directs and shares a screenplay credit with other writers alongside Sean Blakemore, drawing on his own experiences from the comedy and action genre in Get Smart and 50 First Dates. The film is scored by Sean Segal with cinematography done by Larry Blanford. Jason Gourson is credited for editing.
My Spy: The Eternal City imbd ratings and criticism summary.
As of now, my spy the eternal city has an imbd score of 5.4/10 which in other words translates to mediocre rating. Viewers largely appreciated the Bautista-Coleman dynamic underneath the father-daughter bond that serves as the spine of the movie, who share a genuine, tender relationship, albeit amidst the action and comedy.
Critics, however, noted that the sequel doesn’t hit the mark as the original did, capturing the “fresh take” id rather unsuccessful. Some found the plot to be somewhat predictable, and the humor fell flat at times. The addition of teenaged angst, although understandable, annoyed a portion of the audience because it took away from the primary focus of the film: the spy theme. A number of people disliked how poorly the villains reasoning was presented, though most agreed that Anna Faris’s acting was decently executed.
Although the film has some shortcomings, it is still considered entertaining and whimsical and suitable for families. The beautiful European views and the Vatican climax provided a visually fitting spectacle of grandeur for the film.
Conclusion
My Spy: The Eternal City carries on the adventure of JJ and Sophie with a blend of action, comedy, and drama. It does not expand upon the originality of the first film, but does build upon the emotional elements of the characters and increases the stakes. The film is supported by the performance of its cast, especially Bautista and Coleman, as well as the picturesque European setting, making it a great watch for fans of family-friendly spy comedies.
Laughter, action, or the tender moments of an unexpected family dynamic—the film has it all. While some might consider this sequel a lackluster follow-up to its 2020 predecessor, the sequel succeeds at paving the way for further adventures.
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