It will not shock readers when informed that The Spy Who Dumped Me is not a cinematic masterpiece. This is not to belittle the filmmakers’ efforts from the off, but it’s important to reset your expectations. Susanna Fogel’s film is a surprisingly entertaining affair, and that’s almost entirely down to Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon’s partnership.

Their natural comedic ability and talents are clear for all to bask in. They are the driving force of all joy in the movie. It often feels their best bits are on the cutting room floor or in the spontaneous comedic inventions between takes. McKinnon is the film’s superhero. She’s never not charming and further solidifies her credentials as an extraordinary comedian. She’s always entertaining, emoting, and catching the eye at every imaginable opportunity. The greatest outcome of this film should be propelling her into several blockbuster lead roles; it’s the least she deserves.

As for the rest of the film, there are issues aplenty. Matching a strange ever-increasingly popular trend, there’s a surprisingly level of violence throughout the film. There’s an understandable desire to add that authenticity to a spy genre flick, but it’s a square peg in a round hole. All the violence does is disjoint the jovial tone and jolt the focus.

The Spy Who Dumped Me tries so hard to keep its feet in the camps of light buddy comedy, and full-blown action thriller, it undoubtedly loses its balance – especially in the film’s conclusion. It really doesn’t help that Paul Feig’s Spy has already done this gag, undeniably executing it better in every way.

The Spy Who Dumped Me is an enjoyable, if familiar, action flick that hangs on the talents of Kunis and McKinnon. Thankfully the latter is one of the finest comedic actors working today.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Justin Theroux

DIRECTOR: Susanna Fogel

WRITERS: Susanna Fogel, David Iserson

SYNOPSIS: Audrey and Morgan are best friends who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy.