Spies In Disguise – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Spies In Disguise

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A smooth spy gets turned into a pigeon and has to team up with the nerdy inventor who did it—hijinks and teamwork ensue.

6.8/10

77%

7.6

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Spies In Disguise

movie

PG, 2019

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A smooth spy gets turned into a pigeon and has to team up with the nerdy inventor who did it—hijinks and teamwork ensue.

6.8

77%

7.6

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6.8/10

77%

7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Spies In Disguise is a solid, entertaining family film that won't change your life but also won't make you want to claw your eyes out during family movie night. The spy-turned-pigeon concept delivers genuine laughs, and the odd-couple pairing of smooth Lance and nerdy Walter teaches kids about teamwork and valuing different perspectives.

The action is age-appropriate—think cartoonish chases and gadgets rather than anything truly scary—and Walter's emphasis on non-violent solutions is a nice counter to typical action-hero tropes. It's not Pixar-level profound, but it's entertaining enough that kids will stay engaged and parents won't be checking their phones.

Released in 2019, it's recent enough to feel modern and visually appealing. It's basically a fun popcorn movie with some heart—perfect for a rainy afternoon or when you need 102 minutes of peace.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12. Younger kids will enjoy the slapstick pigeon antics, while older elementary kids will appreciate the buddy-comedy dynamic and spy action. Teens will likely find it too juvenile.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The premise centers on two opposites learning to work together—Lance the suave spy and Walter the awkward inventor—which naturally models cooperation and valuing different strengths. The buddy-comedy dynamic promotes teamwork and acceptance. As a family-oriented animated film, tone is age-appropriate with humor that doesn't rely on mean-spiritedness. Pacing is typical for modern animated action-comedies (brisk but not chaotic). Loses a few points for the action-spy genre potentially including some conflict/peril that may feel intense for very young viewers.

Imaginative

The central conceit—a spy literally turned into a pigeon—is absurd and creative, offering visual comedy and problem-solving scenarios that are inherently imaginative. Walter's role as an inventor showcases gadgetry and creative thinking. The film invites kids to think about unconventional solutions (how do you be a spy as a bird?). However, it's still operating within familiar spy-movie tropes and doesn't push boundaries as far as truly original animated films. It's clever but not groundbreaking.

Safe

As a PG-rated animated family film from Blue Sky Studios (Ice Age, Rio), this follows the safe formula: action and peril are cartoonish, no gore, no inappropriate content for kids. Spy action means there are chases, fights, and a villain, but these are presented in a slapstick, non-graphic way appropriate for the genre. The 'unexpected' element is minimal—parents choosing a PG animated spy comedy know what they're getting. No toxic messaging or traumatic content. Slightly lower than a pure safety score because spy action does include weapons, danger, and mild peril that might startle very young or sensitive kids.

Enriching

The film explores themes of non-violence (Walter prefers peaceful gadgets), valuing intelligence over brute force, and embracing differences. The odd-couple dynamic teaches empathy and the importance of diverse skill sets. There's character growth as Lance learns humility and Walter gains confidence. However, it's primarily an entertaining action-comedy—the messages are present but not deeply explored. Kids will enjoy the ride more than walk away with profound insights. TMDB rating of 7.6 suggests it's well-received and entertaining, which matters for engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely funny premise (spy-as-pigeon) that delivers visual comedy kids will love
Models valuing brains over brawn and working with people different from you
Walter's character promotes non-violent problem-solving and creative thinking
Fast-paced action keeps kids engaged without being overly chaotic
Solid entertainment value with a 7.6 TMDB rating—it's actually enjoyable to watch

⚠

What to Watch For

Spy action includes cartoonish violence, chases, and weapons (all age-appropriate but present)
Some peril and danger that might be intense for very young or sensitive kids
The humor is silly and physical—if your kid prefers slower, quieter stories, this might feel frenetic

Conversation Starters

"Walter doesn't like weapons and tries to solve problems peacefully—what do you think about that approach?"
"Lance and Walter are total opposites. When have you worked with someone really different from you?"
"If you could invent a gadget like Walter, what would it do?"
"Why do you think it was hard for Lance to ask for help at first?"
"What would be the worst animal to turn into if you were a spy? The best?"

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