My Spy: The Eternal City

The first movie ends with the characters having respect for each other and yet this one starts with Sophie being the overdone teen. Why do so many sequels have to reset any character development that happened in the prior movie? And why are so many characters in movies now one dimensional?

The first movie had charm, humor and likable characters. This one seems to be missing those. A lot of the performances feel like they are cold reading the lines rather than shooting the actual movie.

I'm curious how many of the positive reviews are from people that spent much of the movie looking at their phone. It may not be a bad 'background' movie.

Like a previous reviewer wrote the gags were not very original however it's still seems like even with the tension created between jjj and Sophie it will all work itself out in the end. The tech girl wasn't as funny as she was in first movie just a bit more strange this do round. So now I have to close out this review seeing as it's the first formal opinion I've ever shared. Forgive me but I like Ken jeong and Dave Bautista so I give them the benefit of the doubt this time they have both come a long way since their beginnings.i don't see the reason to render an opinion and it has to be mean scathing and insensitive when none of us are creators just viewers with opinions like you know what's. I wish I had the talent or fearlessness to put myself out there for all the world to judge.

The Eternal City (2024) attempts to blend comedy, action, and espionage in the picturesque setting of Rome, but struggles to recapture the charm of its predecessor. While Dave Bautista delivers his usual mix of gruffness and humor, the film's predictable plot and over-reliance on recycled jokes leave much to be desired.

The action sequences are decent, and the Roman backdrop adds some visual appeal, but the story feels formulaic and lacks the emotional core that made the first installment enjoyable. The supporting cast provides some laughs, but the humor often feels forced and uneven.

Overall, My Spy: The Eternal City is a passable but forgettable sequel that fails to elevate the franchise.

"My Spy: The Eternal City" reunites us with the unlikely duo of hardened CIA agent JJ (Dave Bautista) and whip-smart Sophie (Chloe Coleman), this time amidst the romantic of Rome. While the film delivers laughs and a charming central relationship, it struggles to recapture the magic of the original.

The chemistry between Bautista and Coleman remains a highlight. Their banter is effortless, and their bond feels genuine. Witnessing their dynamic evolve as Sophie enters her teenage years adds a relatable layer to their interactions.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, taking full advantage of the Italian setting. The plot, however, feels a bit formulaic, relying on familiar spy tropes without offering much innovation.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the tonal shift. The humor, while still present, has a cruder edge compared to the first film. This might alienate younger viewers who enjoyed the family-friendly vibe of the original.

Ultimately, "My Spy: The Eternal City" is a perfectly enjoyable summer flick. It provides laughs, action, and a heartwarming central relationship. However, when compared to its predecessor, it feels like a step down.

Honestly, what I enjoyed the most were the parts of the soundtrack that featured the La Cañada High School Chamber Singers. Their sound was impeccable and the 3 songs fit the (supposed) venue of the Vatican, although the recordings had obviously been made under indoor conditions with a professional sound set up, maybe in a recording studio.

The plot was essentially all the expected tropes, and the dialogue was boring. We watched the typical car crashes. Is that what they spend the budget on? Buying up the vehicles they need for the chase scenes? Oh, well. It kept my occupied while I ate my pizza.