Spy movies are all over the cinemas right now, from Jennifer Lawrence’s ballerina-turned-spy in Red Sparrow, the recently released sixth installment of Tom Cruise’s blockbuster series, Mission Impossible – Fallout, and the upcoming Rowan Atkinson starrer, Johnny English Strikes Again. Now comes another one to add to the roster.
The Spy Who Dumped Me follows Audrey (Mila Kunis) and Morgan (Kate McKinnon), two thirty- year old best friends in Los Angeles, who are thrust unexpectedly into an international conspiracy when Audrey’s ex-boyfriend shows up at their apartment with a team of deadly assassins on his trail. Surprising even themselves, the duo jump into action, on the run throughout Europe from assassins and a suspicious-but-charming British agent, as they hatch a plan to save the world.
The film stars Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Sam Heughan, Justin Theroux with Gillian Anderson, and is directed by Susanna Fogel.
There isn’t really much to expect from the story of the film. Basically, The Spy Who Dumped Me is your typical average-person-getting-caught-up-in-espionage movie. And given its R-rating, expect plenty of swearing and violence (for a comedy film, there’s a lot of blood in here). Despite that, the film manages to exceed expectations for a typical R-rated comedy by delivering loads of girl powered, knockout laughs.
The script, written by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, is full of witty banter between its two main characters. The film also offers some hysterically funny gags that are definitely not for children, one of which involves Mila Kunis and a flash drive. There is enough action to add some excitement and thrills occasionally. The car chase scene is truly uproarious and exhilarating at the same time.
Director Susanna Fogel carefully balances the comedy and action all throughout the film and the result is crazy fun.
Another thing that I also loved about the film is that it manages to deliver a woman-centric story without being too moralizing. The narrative focuses on how these two best friends manage to transform from average people to these powerful women that will stop at nothing to finish the mission that they have started.
Plus, the unbreakable friendship between these two characters really felt so genuine and true. Their bond is essentially unbreakable and they manage to overcome all of these obstacles together, despite not being professional spies themselves. And the way this story unfolds is so delightful and uplifting that once the film ends and the credits roll, you’ll leave the cinema with a smile because of its feel-good effect on you.
The film also knows the capability of its two lead actresses, and it uses them to full advantage.
Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon are both committed to their characters as Audrey and Morgan. They both have great comedic timing. Kate McKinnon in particular steals some of the moments at times, but Mila Kunis is able to keep up with her in delivering their punchlines. They manage to grab audience’s attention from start to finish. It’s a bonus that Kunis and McKinnon share some great chemistry together. They do look and feel like they’ve been friends and have known each other for a long time. So whenever they are together onscreen, they manage to be believable.
Sam Heughan, who plays Kunis’ love interest is oozing with charm that fills up the screen every time he’s in the frame. He’s like a Bond agent, only much younger and sexier. He is the perfect match to Mila Kunis.
Gillian Anderson is also a great addition to the cast though her appearance is quite short. But her scenes with McKinnon are outright hilarious.
Despite the familiar set-up of the film, The Spy Who Dumped Me delivers what a spy comedy promises: some gut-busting laughs, plus a bit of electrifying action. Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon will surely make you laugh out loud in this movie, and give you a funny good time at the cinema, leaving you wanting for more.
RATING: 5/5
