The Spy Next Door

Cast: Jackie Chan, Amber Valletta, Madeline Carroll, Will Shadley and Alina Foley

Director: Brian Levant

Release Date: 2010

Running Time: 1hr 34 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: PG

Format: Amazon Prime UK

Synopsis:

Former CIA Spy Bob Ho takes on his toughest assignment yet, looking after his girlfriends three kids who aren't particularly fond of him.

Jackie Chan has not only proved he's capable of producing terrific family films, he's also shown the world his remarkable martial arts skills. Gillian's (Valletta) three children don't like the idea of their mother dating Bob Ho (Chan), unbeknownst to her, Ho is a secret CIA agent. His biggest assignment however will be babysitting Gillian's three kids, things soon go wrong when one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a secret formula, causing Bob's enemy a Russian terrorist to visit the family. The mayhem that unfolds is fantastically cheesy and entertaining. Jackie Chan is an exceptionally unique talent, it's no surprise that actors jumped at the chance to work with him.

Despite the cheesy outline of the film. The storyline very nicely focuses on real life issues, broken families, divorce and the challenge of single parenting. The story is very toned down compared to Chan's normal action packed movies, allowing it to really appeal to family's and children of all ages. Jackie Chan is really quite remarkable to watch, excellently trained in Wu-Shu and Wing-Chun, Chan's stunts are beautifully choreographed. Nora, Ian and Farron really steal the show with their mayhem and antics, doing everything they can to trip Bob up.

Chan is wonderfully entertaining as Bob Ho, not only does he deliver terrific comic timing, he becomes the ultimate family man. Madeline Carroll, Will Shadley and Alina Foley all deliver excellent performances as Gillian's three children, Ian, Nora and Farron. Each of them work beautifully alongside Chan. Every great spy movie comes with a bad-ass bad guy. Katherine Boecher is excellent as Creel, who works alongside bad guy Glaze played fantastically by George Lopez. Chan makes his stunts look easy, the choreography is absolutely outstanding. Not to be taken too seriously, Chan once again delivers the perfect family film.

3/5 stars