Spies in Disguise (2019)

Spies in Disguise is the kind of animated caper that takes a familiar spy-movie swagger and flips it into something unexpectedly sweet, clever, and consistently funny, powered by the lively chemistry between Will Smith’s smooth super-agent and Tom Holland’s anxious, big-hearted inventor. It moves with the snap of a good action comedy—gadgets, chases, and globe-trotting set pieces—yet it keeps finding room for a surprisingly earnest idea: heroism doesn’t have to mean maximum damage. The vibe is bright, brisk, and family-friendly, with jokes that land for kids and a wink or two for adults, all wrapped in slick, colorful animation. If you’re allergic to cartoon chaos or mild rude humor, it may not be your thing, but if you want a crowd-pleasing adventure with charm to spare, this one delivers.

Spies in Disguise is clearly aiming for a slick, kid-friendly spy spoof with a clever high-concept twist and a “brains over brawn” message, and on that level it mostly delivers light fun. The problem is the premise is funnier than the movie’s follow-through, with a plot that turns pretty formulaic and a pace so frantic it doesn’t leave much room for the characters or jokes to really land. The messaging can feel a bit heavy-handed, and if you’re hoping for a sharp, memorable animated comedy, this may come off as pleasant but forgettable. Still, Will Smith and Tom Holland have solid buddy energy, the gadget ideas are playful, and it’s an easy watch for families who just want breezy action without anything too intense.