Title: The Spy Who Dumped Me
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Susanna Fogel
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Justin Theroux
Runtime: 1 hr 57 mins

What it is: Two best friends, Morgan (McKinnon) and Audrey (Kunis), are dragged into an international conflict after one of them finds out their boyfriend is a spy.

What we think: A movie that actually had me laughing out loud– this adventure and comedy film is packed with moments of humor and clean-cut action. I find that in a lot of action films, the actual parts containing action, like fight scenes, can be messy and hard to process as a viewer. However, The Spy Who Dumped Me is a phenomenal example of not just having action, but showing it well. I could see every punch, kick, and grab easily. In terms of the characters, they each had their own quirks and personalities that stood out, creating an interesting dynamic between everyone. Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon both have the seldom quality of comedic timing, which ALWAYS plays a huge role (if not, the most important aspect) in comedy films. They perform their characters well and have true chemistry onscreen as best friends. McKinnon’s character, Morgan, had the same train of thought as the audience and was quick to point out cliches as the plot developed, which felt as if she was slightly breaking the 4th wall (in a good, funny way). There are moments that show the characters’ weaknesses, strengths, and especially growth. The entire film exhibits the progression of the protagonists’ skills and emotional maturity. I enjoyed the pacing of the film for the first hour and a half; it didn’t waste any time going straight into the action and gave us well-placed flashbacks. However, the following 27 minutes felt off. It seemed as if the climax arrived early, and the falling resolution and conclusion of the film dragged on. I would’ve liked to see the film have a better plot structure so the timing of events didn’t seem so off– the movie should’ve been wrapped up a lot earlier.

Our grade: B-. Despite the somewhat odd timing and placement of events towards the end, this film is entertaining and hilarious. Its simple plotline gives it a lot of room to be creative! I recommend spending your coin to watch this amusing movie from Fogel.