Spies Like Us – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Spies Like Us

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1985

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two bumbling government workers become spy decoys in this 1985 Cold War comedy that's aged about as well as a VHS tape left in the sun.

35%

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Spies Like Us

movie

PG, 1985

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two bumbling government workers become spy decoys in this 1985 Cold War comedy that's aged about as well as a VHS tape left in the sun.

35%

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this movie was barely good in 1985 (critics gave it a 35% and a brutal 22 on Metacritic), and it hasn't improved with age. It's the kind of comedy that makes you realize how far we've come—the sexist jokes, the crude humor, the incompetent-men-bumbling-around premise that was tired even then.

The Cold War spy parody concept had potential, but the execution is forgettable slapstick that doesn't land. Your kids won't find it funny, and you probably won't either unless you're feeling deeply nostalgic for a very specific era of comedy.

Is it harmful? Not really. Is it worth watching in 2025? Absolutely not, unless you're doing some kind of film history project on how comedy has evolved. There are dozens of better spy comedies, better Cold War movies, and better uses of 102 minutes. Skip it.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 12+, which seems right given the sexual innuendo and Cold War themes. But honestly, even teens will find this painfully dated. This is really only for adults who have nostalgia for 80s Chevy Chase movies.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This 1985 comedy features bumbling protagonists in a Cold War spy parody. While it aims for lighthearted humor, the tone is dated and includes period-typical sexist jokes, some crude humor, and a general lack of positive role modeling. The protagonists are incompetent decoys rather than heroes displaying cooperation or kindness. The pacing is uneven and the comedy style feels juvenile by modern standards.

Imaginative

The premise of decoy spies during the Cold War has some creative potential, but the execution is formulaic 80s comedy without much originality. It doesn't invite curiosity, exploration, or creative thinking—it's a straightforward slapstick comedy that relies on tired tropes. The spy gadgetry and international setting provide minimal imaginative spark, especially viewed through a 2025 lens.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 12, suggesting moderate content concerns. The movie includes Cold War nuclear war themes, some violence (though comedic), sexual innuendo and objectification of women typical of 80s comedies, and mild language. No graphic content, but the nuclear war premise and period-typical sexism create some safety concerns for younger viewers. Not shocking for the era, but dated content that hasn't aged well.

Enriching

Minimal enrichment value. While it's set against Cold War geopolitics, it's purely played for laughs without meaningful insight. No real skill-building, limited empathy development, and the humor is mostly physical comedy and incompetence. The entertainment value itself is questionable—critics panned it (35% RT, 22 Metacritic) and even audiences were lukewarm (56% RT audience). It's not particularly funny or engaging by modern standards.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

If you're nostalgic for 80s comedy and Chevy Chase's particular brand of humor, this might scratch that itch
The Cold War spy setting could spark conversations about that historical period (though you'd need to provide all the actual context yourself)
Harmless slapstick comedy that won't traumatize anyone, just bore them
Available free on multiple platforms if you want to see what comedy looked like 40 years ago

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What to Watch For

Sexist jokes and objectification of women that are cringey by today's standards—good opportunity to talk about how comedy has evolved
Nuclear war premise might be heavy or confusing for younger kids without context
The humor is dated and your kids will likely find it painfully unfunny—be prepared for 'why are we watching this?'
Some mild language and sexual innuendo throughout

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think comedies from the 80s had so many jokes about women that we wouldn't find funny today?"
"What was the Cold War and why were people so worried about nuclear weapons back then?"
"What makes something funny? Why do you think comedy changes so much over time?"
"If you were a spy, what would be the most important skill to have? (Spoiler: probably not being a bumbling idiot)"

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