Cast
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Eddie Murphy
as Kelly Robinson
Owen Wilson
as Alexander Scott
Famke Janssen
as Rachel
Keith Dallas
as Lunchbox
Malcolm McDowell
as Gundars
Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe
as Beautiful Girl
Gary Cole
as Carlos
Bill Mondy
as McIntyre
Lynda Boyd
as Edna
Phill Lewis
as Jerry
Viv Leacock
as T.J.
Tate Taylor
as Lieutenant Percy
Sugar Ray Leonard
as Vegas Commentator
Larry Merchant
as Vegas Commentator
Jimmy Lennon Jr.
as Vegas Ring Announcer
Crew
Director
- Betty Thomas
Producer
- Betty Thomas
- Mario Kassar
- Andrew G. Vajna
- Jenno Topping
Reviews
JPV852
Hadn't seen this since it was released on DVD and... pretty much remember it being as mediocre as it was back then. Normally with these buddy films, you have one character who is off-kilter while the other is more serious, but here you had both off-kilter. Had this been today, would've been a good opportunity to be a spoof of Mission: Impossible; cast a normally serious actor to play opposite the outlandish character. **3.0/5**
Nov 6, 2019
Kamurai
Annoying watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend.
I like Eddie Murphy, I usually depend on him to carry movie given he's such a big personality. Unfortunately the character he is playing is every bit as annoying as Owen Wilson and that is amplified as, like I said, Eddie Murphy is a big personality and this character doesn't call for any nuance.
Malcolm MacDowell does a his great creepy villain vibe, and Famke Janssen ("Golden Eye": Xenia Onatopp) makes a great spy: I wish she had done more of it.
The majority of this movie is Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson playing some stupid characters and getting into situations that they can barely handle most of the time.
It definitely doesn't feel like a "spy movie" the same way that someone knocking over a set of steel plate armor doesn't. This is much closer to an action-comedy, maybe similar to "Rush Hour", but not as good.
I'm not saying there isn't anything to enjoy here, I'm just saying you can flip through Eddie Murphy's filmography to find a better movie, and there are a lot of other movies out there to see.
Jul 27, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, I Spy distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Betty Thomas 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 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of I Spy took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $70.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While I Spy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Magic in Town, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, I Spy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Abductors and The Jammed explore similar territory, I Spy stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 31, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $70,000,000
- Revenue: $51,386,477
Where to Watch
