Forget going on a trip with My Spy: The Eternal City

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Forget going on a trip with My Spy: The Eternal City

As a passionate gamer and movie enthusiast with a soft spot for action-comedy films, I’ve seen my fair share of cinematic gems and duds throughout the years. Having grown up watching classic Italian movies and American productions filmed in Italy, I can’t help but feel a pang of excitement when I hear about another American production set in the beautiful European country. However, my enthusiasm is often met with disappointment when these films fail to live up to my expectations.

Over the past 15 months, there has been a surge in new American films that take place either entirely or partially in Italy. Some examples include “Mafia Mamma,” “Fast X,” “The Equalizer 3,” “Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning,” and “Immaculate.” Italy’s rich cinematic history makes it an attractive location for filmmakers, and this recent trend is not surprising. The latest addition to this list is “My Spy: The Eternal City,” which follows in the footsteps of many other films by moving its production to Europe. Unfortunately, like many movie sequels, “The Eternal City” also imitates other productions in distracting ways.

J.J., the skilled undercover agent portrayed by Dave Bautista, has embraced his new life as a doting father to his stepdaughter Sophie (Chloe Coleman). He’s traded in his lethal techniques for playdates and baking scones. However, Sophie, a typical teenage girl, yearns for independence. Unfortunately, her wish for some personal space is put on hold when J.J. volunteers to accompany her on the choir trip to Italy as a chaperone.

During my gaming experience, I found myself in a critical situation where villains, led by Crane (Flula Borg), abducted one of Sophie’s schoolmates. Leaving behind the tranquil Italian landscapes and their initial plans, J.J. and Sophie were compelled to revive their old super-spy roles. With David Kim (Ken Jeong) from the CIA supporting us, we must thwart an imminent evil plan that revolves around nuclear launch codes. The future of the world hangs in the balance, yet what matters most is whether our father-daughter bond can withstand these trials.

The Eternal City” stand out a bit, appearing more refined than typical comedy movies streamed online. I’ve witnessed less appealing options, such as “Game Over, Man!”, “The Wrong Missy”, and “Vacation Friends”. These titles feature overly bright cinematography that feels unsettlingly dull to me. Given my past experiences, “The Eternal City” comes across as a somewhat improved production. Notably, director Peter Berg and cinematographer Larry Blanford add vitality and motion to specific shots.

As a fan, I’d describe it this way: I follow J.J.’s lively exposition about Italian landmarks from the perspective of a bored student at the back of the bus. The camera glides through the bus, capturing the disinterested faces of my fellow classmates. But when we reach the front, I’m drawn in by J.J.’s infectious enthusiasm.

At the helm of cinematography, artists like Maria von Hausswolff and Claire Mathon aren’t kept awake by ordinary, never-before-seen details. Instead, they thrive during moments when the imagery deviates from the expected at an Imagine Dragons concert.

The Eternal City” by Happy Madison, while having wider shots than usual in this production company’s Netflix films, fails to offer anything fresh or interesting. It’s hard to believe that there was a demand for a sequel to “My Spy” after four years. The writers, Segal and Erich & Jon Hoeber, seem to be following a predictable script without room for innovative humor or storytelling. Everyone involved adheres closely to the established formula, leaving little opportunity for exciting deviations.

When the screenplay aims for humor, it often relies on outdated pop culture references. You’ll encounter endless dating app jokes, frequent mentions of “Star Wars” characters, and Dave Bautista uttering “Dua Lipa.” The funniest moments in “Eternal City,” however, come from J.J.’s earnest attempts to fit in with Sophie’s social circle. Who can resist the image of Dave Bautista enthusiastically handing out White Claws to a group of teenagers? Yet, it’s essential to remember that these early gags may bring a chuckle without fully considering their potential implications.

In the spirit of maintaining a humorous comedy film series tradition, “My Spy: The Eternal City” adheres to the common practice of excluding the original installment’s romantic interest. Precedents such as “Anchorman,” “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” and “Ted” have set this trend, which seems oddly persistent in this sequel. Kate (Parisa Fitz-Henley), who was Sophie’s mom in the first “My Spy,” now has a role in “The Eternal City” that is limited to just two brief appearances. This diminished presence of Kate highlights the predictable and derivative nature of this comedy sequel.

As a gamer, I’d say: If I manage to survive the challenging levels of “The Eternal City” game, it’s most likely Dave Bautista leading the way. From his sincere response of “You really think I could play the tuba?” in the initial cutscene, this guy radiates an enjoyable vibe that keeps you engaged. In contrast to Jason Statham or Dwayne Johnson’s characters, Bautisa can convincingly lose fights in the game! This unique trait adds a layer of authenticity to his portrayal of J.J. Unfortunately, the script fails to provide him with material worthy of his exceptional skills. Nevertheless, if anyone manages to snicker a few times during “The Eternal City’s” puzzling 111-minute gameplay, it will most certainly be Bautista’s performance that delivers the laughter.

While I have great admiration for Dave Bautista as a performer, I must admit that his presence alone isn’t enough reason to watch “My Spy: The Eternal City.” The sequel doesn’t seem significantly improved compared to typical streaming comedies. Like its predecessor, “The Eternal City” attempts to blend Disney Channel-style humor with the action of Asylum films, but it fails to deliver on both counts. If you’re specifically searching for a movie featuring Flula Borg and Anna Faris scowling, then congratulations, you’ve found it. However, if not, I would strongly suggest exploring other Italian films or even recent American productions shot in Italy. For instance, consider watching “Dead Reckoning” or “The First Omen,” which offer superior storytelling and production quality.

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2024-07-17 19:15