Here are five movies from various platforms that families may want to consider, as recommended by the Deseret News arts and entertainment department. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations or ratings are included.
From James Bond to Jason Bourne, movies about spies have been popular for decades. “Spies in Disguise,” currently in theaters, brings the action to a family-friendly level. Here are five films about spies for families to consider.
In theaters: ‘Spies in Disguise’
When a brilliant young inventor (voiced by Tom Holland) accidentally turns super-spy Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) into a pigeon, the two must work together to change Lance back while also saving the world from a mysterious terrorist who is using technology to disguise himself as the spy. Common Sense Media gave “Spies in Disguise” 4 out of 5 stars and said that it has “worthy messages about teamwork and accepting help from others,” while also noting that it “promotes nonviolent (or at least nonlethal) means of negotiating and stopping criminals.” Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 8 and up.
Netflix: ‘Spy Kids’
Two of the greatest secret agents in the world (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) retired from their spy work to get married and start a family. But several years later their past begins to catch up to them, and their two children (Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara) are the only ones who can save them. Common Sense Media gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, saying that it has “just the right combination of giddy fantasy, exciting adventure, wonderful special effects and sly comedy.” Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 7 and up.
Hulu: ‘Harriet the Spy’
Harriet M. Welsch is a spy who writes down everything she observes in her secret notebook so that she can one day become a writer. But when Harriet’s friends discover what she has been writing about them, Harriet has to find a way to keep her friends while still continuing to write. Common Sense Media gave “Harriet the Spy” 3 out of 5 stars, saying that while it is a “great story,” “there’s too much plot and not enough character development.” Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 9 and up.
Netflix: ‘Get Smart’
In this remake of the classic TV series, Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart, an analyst working for a secret government agency who is elevated to a field agent when the headquarters is attacked. Common Sense Media gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, saying that the cast “attacks the admittedly lightweight material with zest” and “manages to elevate the material.” “Get Smart” is rated PG-13 for some rude humor, action violence and language.
Hulu: ‘Agent Cody Banks’
Fifteen-year-old Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz of “Malcolm in the Middle”) attends a CIA-sponsored summer camp, becomes a junior secret agent and receives his first assignment — to get close to the daughter of a scientist (Hilary Duff), as her father is unknowingly developing technology for an evil organization. Common Sense Media gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, saying that “Muniz and Duff are always fun to watch, and there are some nice stunts.” Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 9 and up.