by Heinrich Domingo

When one thinks of comedy films, she or he is reminded of stupidity, lameness, and shallow storyline. One kind of movie that is often void of comedy is that of spies and secret agent films. They are required to include serious script, futuristic technology, and complex plot. Spy counters these preconceptions and creates a method that proves to be both innovative and effective. As it combines action and comedy, it delivers a craft that gives hope to a new brand of movie.

The movie uses the formulaic beginning of many spy films. A male secret agent is assigned to a mission. Audiences are brought into a patriarchal world run by macho spies with sexy women behind their backs. After this initial tour in the typical spy film, Spy continues its storytelling through an introduction of its main character. Surprisingly, the agent it speaks of is not a macho male agent but a fat clumsy female one. With this, the movie sets a paradigm-changing theme.

In order to further mock the convention, the script employs funny but witty lines that usually disturb the formal setting. It is seldom that viewers see a spy film ridiculing its own kind. In this movie, the filmgoers can feast on endless flow of subtle criticisms on the unrealistic nature of agent films. Included were issues of formality, luxurious living, and combat techniques. Through exaggeration, Spy shows that there is so much to explore in spy and agent films.

More than the laughter of the viewers, the film speaks of deeper matters that need to be discussed. Topics of gender equality, feminization of secret agents, and romanticizing crimes and violence are for the first time talked about. For a crowd that has been craving for intellectually deep movies spiced up with comedy, this film is a must-see.

The beautiful integration of comedy in the action-packed plot defined the storytelling of Spy. As the script delivers an effective kind of humor, it does not belittle the minds of the audience. Editing might not come as one of this film’s strengths but as it tried to be factual in its fight scenes, small errors can be forgiven. With powerful punch lines, the film can be remembered as media that tried to offer a new material to the public. For those who wish to consume a fresh take on agent films, this one is for you.