Cast
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Leslie Nielsen
as Dick Steele
Nicollette Sheridan
as Veronique Ukrinsky
Charles Durning
as The Director
Marcia Gay Harden
as Miss Cheevus
Barry Bostwick
as Norman Coleman
Andy Griffith
as General Rancor
Stephanie Romanov
as Victoria / Barbara Dahl
Talisa Soto
as Desiree More
Robert Guillaume
as Agent Steve Bishop
Carl Ciarfalio
as Thug #1
Keith Campbell
as Thug #2
Esau McKnight
as Skippy, Warrior on Cell Phone
Taylor Negron
as Painter
'Weird Al' Yankovic
as Himself
Alex Trebek
as Agency Tape Recorder (Voice)
Crew
Director
- Rick Friedberg
Producer
- Jeffrey Konvitz
- Rick Friedberg
- Doug Draizin
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I think Leslie Nielsen ought to have re-considered his involvement with this really cringe-making comedy. His "Agent Dick" and "WD40" monikers are the stuff of "Carry On" films, and the rest of the humour and dialogue is almost as childish. It's a "Bond" spoof, right from the Maurice Binder-inspired titles, but the plot is far inferior to even the worst of Ian Fleming's works. Nicolette Sheridan ("Ukrinsky") does her best as his Russian counterpart as they both seek out a not-so-ruthless "Rancor" (Andy Griffith) who, of course, wants to take over the world - but the ensuing escapades border all to often on the ridiculously slapstick. The juice has already been well and truly squeezed from the "Drebin" style of hapless character with the daft expressions and double-entendre ridden lines; and this film seems to go on for far longer than the eighty minutes running time. Maybe it just serves to remind us how entertaining the "Naked Gun" franchise was in the beginning, but I can see little else to applaud with this poorly thought out and really derivative attempt at entertainment.
Jul 14, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Spy Hard distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Rick Friedberg brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Spy Hard took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Spy Hard shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, which focuses more on action than character development, Spy Hard offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Airplane! and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery explore similar territory, Spy Hard stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 24, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $27,000,000
