"At The Movies

The Spy Next Door (G) * * * *

Secret Agent Man!

By ROBERT WALDMAN

Spies are in. Secret agent man Jackie Chan gets down to business in The Spy Next Door, a delightful lark fit for small fries from Alliance Films now holding court at Tinseltown, (on Pender, free parking), Empire Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Anything is possible when it comes to intrigue and the mark of a good spy is being able to go unnoticed. Forget about that handsome dude known as James Bond with his license to kill. Real defenders of the realm blend in and go unnoticed. Such is the technique of Bob Ho. Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) is in his element as the on loan to the C.I.A. Chinese national. Being an ace operative has taken its toll on our hapless hero. Down time for Bo sees him carry on life as normal in the suburbs.

Cover is everything for a spy and Bo has managed to conceal his true identity from virtually everyone expect those at the Agency and the usual bad apples. Off hours sees Bo befriend Gillian, a neighbour. Down home gal Amber Valletta (Hitch) loses the glamour and turns up the motherhood as a parent to three tikes whose become rather smitten with her new beau, Bo. Unfortunately, the kids don’t exactly appreciate the budding romance.

Children mean everything for parents, especially those trying to raise little ones on their own. Even at the best of times kids can have their off days and the unhappiness they display to Bo is rather extreme. Being a good guy Bo just goes with the flow but things get a bit “testy” when the bad guys discover where Bo is living.

At the heart of The Spy Next Door is the family dynamic. Director Brian Levant (The Flintstones) has a proven track record directing hit family friendly flicks and spices it up here with some flambouyant heroics only a Jackie Chan can pull off. Chan is wonderful with the kids and you will get hooked on them, their antics and the lukewarm romance that hits a snag or two along the way.

Spy films need evil enemies and here it’s that good old Russian menace out to foil the American way. What stands in the way of these foolish thugs, all stereotyped in the extreme, is good old spy know how and a race against time to save the children – and the world.

Unexpected cameos in this spoofy story by the likes of BiIly Ray Cyrus (Hanna Montana: The Movie) and George Lopez (Balls of Fury) serve to heighten the zaniness during this comic frenzy. Here the pacing is frantic, the performances engaging and the slapstick somewhat restrained for a Jackie Chan effort. Still you can’t help but like Chan and with those adorable kids and crazy meanies the production works. And that’s not surprising since The Spy Next Door is produced by Bob Simonds, the king of comedy aided and abetted by his study as she goes producing cohort in crimes to the funny bone Ira Shuman. Laughs come often and there’s a degree of sweetness present that’s always characteristic whenever these two creative heavyweight talents attach their names to any project. Families everywhere with kids will be glad this spy is on your side. Sorry Mr. Connery.

Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com"