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* [[Allison Janney]]
* [[Allison Janney]]
* [[Jude Law]]
* [[Jude Law]]
* [[Peter Serafinowicz]]
}}
}}
| music = [[Theodore Shapiro (composer)|Theodore Shapiro]]
| music = [[Theodore Shapiro (composer)|Theodore Shapiro]]
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| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $65 million
| budget = $65 million<ref>{{cite news|last=Ryzik|first=Melena|title=The Director Paul Feig Prepares 'Spy' With Melissa McCarthy|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/03/movies/the-director-paul-feig-prepares-spy-with-melissa-mccarthy.html|access-date=May 14, 2015|date=May 1, 2015|archive-date=September 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921163318/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/03/movies/the-director-paul-feig-prepares-spy-with-melissa-mccarthy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| gross = $235.7 million
| gross = $235.7 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |title= Spy (2015) |url= https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=susancooper.htm |website= [[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date= November 7, 2015 |archive-date= November 12, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151112214530/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=susancooper.htm |url-status= live }}</ref>
}}
}}


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==Plot==
==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summary should be between 400 to 700 words. -->
Susan Cooper is a 40-year-old, single, desk-bound [[CIA]] employee who assists her partner, [[field agent]], Bradley Fine, remotely on a mission. Fine, accidentally kills arms dealer, Tihomir Boyanov, failing to learn the location of a [[suitcase nuke]] from him.
Susan Cooper is a 40-year-old, single, desk-bound [[CIA]] employee who remotely assists her partner, [[field agent]] Bradley Fine, on a mission. Fine accidentally kills arms dealer Tihomir Boyanov, without learning the location of a [[suitcase nuke]] from him.


Susan uncovers evidence that Rayna, Boyanov's daughter, who has contacted terrorist middleman, Sergio De Luca, so Fine infiltrates her home. Rayna appears to shoot him dead, while Susan watches helplessly online. Rayna then reveals she knows the identities of the agency's field agents, including Rick Ford and Karen Walker. Susan, who is an agent but has never served in the field and is thus unknown, volunteers to track her. When her boss, Elaine Crocker, reluctantly agrees, the ultra [[Machismo|macho]] Ford objects due to Susan's lack of experience and quits in protest.
Susan discovers Boyanov's daughter Rayna has contacted terrorist middleman Sergio De Luca, so Fine infiltrates her home. She appears to shoot him dead, while Susan watches helplessly online. Rayna then reveals she knows the identities of the agency's field agents, including Rick Ford and Karen Walker.


Susan, who is an agent but has never served in the field so is unknown, volunteers to track Rayna. When her boss Elaine Crocker reluctantly agrees, the ultra [[Machismo|macho]] Ford objects due to her inexperience so quits in protest.
⚫
With her best friend and colleague Nancy providing remote intelligence, Susan goes to [[Paris]]. A rogue Ford shows up and warns her she will fail because of her inexperience. She discovers that De Luca's office has burned down, but finds a photo of a man standing next to the fire. Ford appears, argues with Susan again and leaves. She sees the man from the photo switch Ford's backpack with one containing a bomb. Susan warns Ford in-time, prompting him to throw the bomb into the [[Seine]], interrupting the nearby [[Verka Serduchka]] concert, before pursuing the man, accidentally killing him during the ensuing fight. She finds proof, on his body, that De Luca is going to [[Rome]]. Now more determined than ever, Susan is sent to Rome by Crocker.


With her best friend and colleague Nancy providing remote intelligence, Susan goes to [[Paris]]. A rogue Ford shows up, insisting she will fail. Susan discovers De Luca's office has been burned down, but finds a photo of a man standing next to the fire. Ford appears, argues with Susan again and leaves.
⚫
In Rome, Susan meets her contact, Aldo, a lustful Italian who repeatedly tries to seduce her. She follows De Luca into a casino, where she saves Rayna's life from an assassination attempt in which her drink was [[Spiking of drinks|spiked]] with a highly-corrosive [[acid]]. She invites Susan into her inner circle, taking her by private jet to [[Budapest]]. In mid-flight, the steward kills Rayna's crew, but Susan subdues him and takes control of the plane. Rayna believes her to be a CIA agent, but Susan convinces her that she was hired by her father to protect her.


⚫
Susan sees the man from the photo switch Ford's backpack with one containing a bomb. She warns Ford in-time, prompting him to throw it into the [[Seine]], interrupting the nearby [[Verka Serduchka]] concert. Pursuing the man, he accidentally kills him during the ensuing fight. Susan finds proof that De Luca is going to [[Rome]]. Now more determined than ever, she is sent after him.
⚫
Nancy joins Susan in Budapest, using a code name. After being shot at, Susan pursues and catches the would-be assassin: Karen, who sold Rayna the names of the agents. She tries to shoot Susan, but an unseen sniper kills her. Susan, Nancy and Aldo accompany Rayna to a party to meet Rayna's contact, Lia. Nancy creates a diversion, jumping on guest performer [[50 Cent]], so that Susan can apprehend Lia, but Ford's inopportune intervention lets her escape. Susan catches her and, during a brutal fight, is saved from death by Fine, who is revealed to have faked his murder and is Rayna's lover and associate.


Susan's contact there is Aldo, a lustful Italian who repeatedly hits on her. Following De Luca into a casino, Susan saves Rayna's life from an assassination attempt in which her drink was [[Spiking of drinks|spiked]] with [[acid]].
⚫
Rayna imprisons Susan and Aldo, but Fine visits them, revealing he is gaining Rayna's trust to locate the nuke, and he was the one who killed Karen. Susan and Aldo escape, and she follows Fine and Rayna to De Luca's mansion. There, she convinces them that the CIA has mistreated her, and she will do anything to protect Fine, admitting she loves him.
⚫
[[Terrorism|Terrorist]] Solsa Dudaev arrives, gives De Luca a [[Terrorism financing|suitcase full of diamonds]], and Rayna produces the device. De Luca has Dudaev and his men killed, revealing his plan to resell the device to another buyer, then prepares to shoot Rayna. Ford arrives and unintentionally distracts him, allowing Susan to kill his men.


⚫
Rayna invites Susan into her inner circle, taking her by private jet to [[Budapest]]. In mid-flight, the steward kills Rayna's crew, but Susan subdues him and takes control of the plane. Rayna believes her to be a CIA agent, but Susan convinces her she was hired by her father to protect her.
⚫
De Luca escapes by helicopter with the device and the diamonds, but Susan grabs onto the landing gear. Ford, not wanting Susan to mess things up, chases after and grabs onto her but falls into a lake. In the ensuing struggle, Susan throws the diamonds and the device into the lake below. De Luca attempts to shoot Susan, but Nancy, following in 50 Cent's helicopter with Aldo piloting, shoots him before he can. De Luca falls out of the helicopter into the lake.


Nancy joins Susan in Budapest undercover. After being shot at, Susan pursues and catches the would-be assassin: Karen, who sold Rayna the agents' names. She tries to shoot Susan, but a sniper kills her first.
⚫
The nuke is retrieved and Rayna is arrested, but she makes peace with Susan. Aldo reveals himself to be a MI6 agent named Albert. Ford, realizing he had underestimated Susan, finally compliments her skills. Crocker tells her she will remain a field agent, and that her next assignment is in Prague. Fine invites Susan to dinner, but she opts for a night out with Nancy. The next morning, Susan wakes up in bed next to Ford and screams, while Ford claims she "loved it".

⚫
Susan, Nancy and Aldo accompany Rayna to a party to meet Rayna's contact, Lia. Nancy creates a diversion, jumping on performer [[50 Cent]], so Susan can apprehend Lia, but Ford's inopportune intervention lets her escape. Susan catches her and, during a brutal fight, is saved from death by Fine, who is revealed to have faked his murder and is Rayna's lover and associate.

⚫
Rayna imprisons Susan and Aldo, but Fine visits them, revealing he is gaining Rayna's trust to locate the nuke, and he was who killed Karen. Susan and Aldo escape, and she follows Fine and Rayna to De Luca's mansion. There, she convinces them that the CIA has mistreated her, and she will do anything to protect Fine, as she loves him.

⚫
[[Terrorism|Terrorist]] Solsa Dudaev arrives, gives De Luca a [[Terrorism financing|suitcase full of diamonds]], so Rayna produces the device. De Luca has Dudaev and his men killed, revealing his plan to resell the device, then prepares to shoot Rayna. Ford arrives and unintentionally distracts him, allowing Susan to kill his men.

⚫
De Luca escapes by helicopter with the device and the diamonds, but Susan grabs onto a landing skid. Ford, not wanting her to mess things up, chases after and grabs onto her but falls into the lake. In the ensuing struggle, Susan throws the diamonds and the device into the lake below. De Luca attempts to shoot Susan, but Nancy, following in 50 Cent's helicopter with Aldo piloting, shoots him first. De Luca falls out of the helicopter into the lake.

⚫
The nuke is retrieved and Rayna is arrested, but she makes peace with Susan. Aldo reveals himself to be MI6 agent Albert. Ford, realizing he had underestimated Susan, finally compliments her skills. Crocker tells her she will remain a field agent, and that her next assignment is in Prague. Fine invites Susan to dinner, but she opts for a night out with Nancy.

The next morning, Susan wakes up in bed next to Ford and screams, while Ford claims she "loved it".


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{Cast listing|
{{Div col}}
* [[Melissa McCarthy]] as Susan Cooper
* [[Melissa McCarthy]] as Susan Cooper
* [[Jason Statham]] as Rick Ford
* [[Jason Statham]] as Rick Ford
Line 94: Line 107:
* [[Paul Feig]] as a drunken guest at the Paris hotel (uncredited)
* [[Paul Feig]] as a drunken guest at the Paris hotel (uncredited)
* [[Yuri Buzzi]] as Roman waiter
* [[Yuri Buzzi]] as Roman waiter
}}
{{div col end}}


==Production==
==Production==
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===Casting===
===Casting===
On July 25, 2013, it was confirmed that [[Melissa McCarthy]] was in negotiations to play the title role. [[Zooey Deschanel]] was originally slated to play the role of Elaine Crocker but left the project.<ref name=Melissa>{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Melissa McCarthy May Play Female James Bond in Comedy|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/melissa-mccarthy-may-play-female-james-bond-in-comedy-1200568311/|access-date=February 21, 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=July 25, 2013|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407135259/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/melissa-mccarthy-may-play-female-james-bond-in-comedy-1200568311/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 17, [[Rose Byrne]] joined the cast of the film playing the main villain.<ref name=Rose>{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title='Bridesmaids' Reunion: Rose Byrne to Join Melissa McCarthy in Paul Feig's Spy Comedy|url=https://www.thewrap.com/bridesmaids-reunion-rose-byrne-join-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feigs-spy-comedy-exclusive/|access-date=February 21, 2014|newspaper=thewrap.com|date=October 17, 2013|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034037/http://www.thewrap.com/bridesmaids-reunion-rose-byrne-join-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feigs-spy-comedy-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout 2014, [[Jason Statham]],<ref name=Jason>{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Jason Statham to Join Melissa McCarthy in Fox's 'Susan Cooper'|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/jason-statham-melissa-mccarthy-in-foxs-susan-cooper-1201121612/|access-date=February 27, 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=February 26, 2014|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111190346/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/jason-statham-melissa-mccarthy-in-foxs-susan-cooper-1201121612/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jude Law]],<ref name=Jude>{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title=Jude Law Nearing Deal to Join Melissa McCarthy's Spy Comedy 'Susan Cooper'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/jude-law-nearing-deal-join-melissa-mccarthys-spy-comedy-susan-cooper-exclusive/|access-date=March 7, 2014|newspaper=thewrap.com|date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307035555/http://www.thewrap.com/jude-law-nearing-deal-join-melissa-mccarthys-spy-comedy-susan-cooper-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nargis Fakhri]],<ref name=Nargis>{{cite news|last=Qazi|first=Umer|title=American born Pakistani-Czech ethnic actress Nargis Fakhri to appear in Hollywood film featuring Jason Statham|url=http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/50-movies/162016-nargis-fakhri-to-appear-in-hollywood-film-featuring-jason-statham.html|access-date=April 3, 2014|publisher=brecorder.com|date=March 12, 2014|archive-date=March 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314203752/http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/50-movies/162016-nargis-fakhri-to-appear-in-hollywood-film-featuring-jason-statham.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Miranda Hart]],<ref name=Miranda>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Paul Feig Taps Miranda Hart For Female Spy Comedy|url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/03/paul-feig-taps-miranda-hart-for-female-spy-comedy/|access-date=March 28, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 28, 2014|archive-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331192711/http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/paul-feig-taps-miranda-hart-for-female-spy-comedy/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bobby Cannavale]],<ref name="Bobby-Nia" /> [[Peter Serafinowicz]], [[Björn Gustafsson]].<ref name="Peter-Bjorn">{{cite news|url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/04/paul-feig-taps-offshore-talent-for-melissa-mccarthy-spy-tale/|title=Paul Feig Taps Offshore Talent For Melissa McCarthy Spy Tale|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=April 24, 2014|access-date=April 25, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=April 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427014547/http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/paul-feig-taps-offshore-talent-for-melissa-mccarthy-spy-tale/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Morena Baccarin]],<ref name="Morena">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/homeland-actress-morena-baccarin-joins-700299|title='Homeland' Actress Morena Baccarin Joins Melissa McCarthy in 'Spy'|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=April 30, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=May 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504030834/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/homeland-actress-morena-baccarin-joins-700299|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Allison Janney]],<ref name="Allison">{{cite news|url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/04/allison-janney-spy-cast-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feig-cbs-mom/|title=Allison Janney Joins Powerhouse Cast Of Paul Feig's 'Spy'|last=Patten|first=Dominic|date=April 30, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=May 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503023652/http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/allison-janney-spy-cast-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feig-cbs-mom/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Zach Woods]]<ref name="Zach">{{cite news|url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/05/adrian-lester-joins-grey-lady-zach-woods-cast-in-spy/|title=Zach Woods Cast In 'Spy'|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520155907/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/adrian-lester-joins-grey-lady-zach-woods-cast-in-spy/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Jessica Chaffin]] joined the cast, along with [[50 Cent]], who would be playing himself,<ref name="Cent-THR" /> and [[Nia Long]], who did not appear in the finished film.<ref name=Jessica>{{cite news|last1=Ford|first1=Rebecca|title='New Girl' Actress Joins Paul Feig's 'Spy'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-girl-actress-joins-paul-708069|access-date=June 2, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 29, 2014|archive-date=June 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603235944/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-girl-actress-joins-paul-708069|url-status=live}}</ref>
On July 25, 2013, it was confirmed that [[Melissa McCarthy]] was in negotiations to play the title role. [[Zooey Deschanel]] was originally slated to play the role of Elaine Crocker but left the project.<ref name=Melissa>{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Melissa McCarthy May Play Female James Bond in Comedy|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/melissa-mccarthy-may-play-female-james-bond-in-comedy-1200568311/|access-date=February 21, 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=July 25, 2013|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407135259/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/melissa-mccarthy-may-play-female-james-bond-in-comedy-1200568311/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 17, [[Rose Byrne]] joined the cast of the film playing the main villain.<ref name=Rose>{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title='Bridesmaids' Reunion: Rose Byrne to Join Melissa McCarthy in Paul Feig's Spy Comedy|url=https://www.thewrap.com/bridesmaids-reunion-rose-byrne-join-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feigs-spy-comedy-exclusive/|access-date=February 21, 2014|newspaper=thewrap.com|date=October 17, 2013|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221034037/http://www.thewrap.com/bridesmaids-reunion-rose-byrne-join-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feigs-spy-comedy-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout 2014, [[Jason Statham]],<ref name=Jason>{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Jason Statham to Join Melissa McCarthy in Fox's 'Susan Cooper'|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/jason-statham-melissa-mccarthy-in-foxs-susan-cooper-1201121612/|access-date=February 27, 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=February 26, 2014|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111190346/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/jason-statham-melissa-mccarthy-in-foxs-susan-cooper-1201121612/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jude Law]],<ref name=Jude>{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|title=Jude Law Nearing Deal to Join Melissa McCarthy's Spy Comedy 'Susan Cooper'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/jude-law-nearing-deal-join-melissa-mccarthys-spy-comedy-susan-cooper-exclusive/|access-date=March 7, 2014|newspaper=thewrap.com|date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307035555/http://www.thewrap.com/jude-law-nearing-deal-join-melissa-mccarthys-spy-comedy-susan-cooper-exclusive/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nargis Fakhri]],<ref name=Nargis>{{cite news|last=Qazi|first=Umer|title=American born Pakistani-Czech ethnic actress Nargis Fakhri to appear in Hollywood film featuring Jason Statham|url=http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/50-movies/162016-nargis-fakhri-to-appear-in-hollywood-film-featuring-jason-statham.html|access-date=April 3, 2014|publisher=brecorder.com|date=March 12, 2014|archive-date=March 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314203752/http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/50-movies/162016-nargis-fakhri-to-appear-in-hollywood-film-featuring-jason-statham.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Miranda Hart]],<ref name=Miranda>{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Paul Feig Taps Miranda Hart For Female Spy Comedy|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/paul-feig-taps-miranda-hart-for-female-spy-comedy-706004/|access-date=March 28, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 28, 2014|archive-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331192711/http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/paul-feig-taps-miranda-hart-for-female-spy-comedy/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bobby Cannavale]],<ref name="Bobby-Nia" /> [[Peter Serafinowicz]], [[Björn Gustafsson]].<ref name="Peter-Bjorn">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/04/paul-feig-taps-offshore-talent-for-melissa-mccarthy-spy-tale-719319/|title=Paul Feig Taps Offshore Talent For Melissa McCarthy Spy Tale|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=April 24, 2014|access-date=April 25, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=April 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427014547/http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/paul-feig-taps-offshore-talent-for-melissa-mccarthy-spy-tale/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Morena Baccarin]],<ref name="Morena">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/homeland-actress-morena-baccarin-joins-700299|title='Homeland' Actress Morena Baccarin Joins Melissa McCarthy in 'Spy'|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=April 30, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=May 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504030834/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/homeland-actress-morena-baccarin-joins-700299|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Allison Janney]],<ref name="Allison">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/04/allison-janney-spy-cast-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feig-cbs-mom-722102/|title=Allison Janney Joins Powerhouse Cast Of Paul Feig's 'Spy'|last=Patten|first=Dominic|date=April 30, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=May 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503023652/http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/allison-janney-spy-cast-melissa-mccarthy-paul-feig-cbs-mom/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Zach Woods]]<ref name="Zach">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/adrian-lester-joins-grey-lady-zach-woods-cast-in-spy-723488/|title=Zach Woods Cast In 'Spy'|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520155907/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/adrian-lester-joins-grey-lady-zach-woods-cast-in-spy/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Jessica Chaffin]] joined the cast, along with [[50 Cent]], who would be playing himself,<ref name="Cent-THR" /> and [[Nia Long]], who did not appear in the finished film.<ref name=Jessica>{{cite news|last1=Ford|first1=Rebecca|title='New Girl' Actress Joins Paul Feig's 'Spy'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-girl-actress-joins-paul-708069|access-date=June 2, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 29, 2014|archive-date=June 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603235944/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-girl-actress-joins-paul-708069|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Filming===
===Filming===
Line 114: Line 127:
==Reception==
==Reception==
===Box office===
===Box office===
''Spy'' grossed $110.8 million in North America and $124.8 million in other territories for a global total of $235.6 million, against a budget of $65 million.<ref name="BOM" />
''Spy'' grossed $110.8 million in North America and $124.8 million in other territories for a global total of $235.6 million, against a budget of $65 million.<ref name=BOM>{{Cite Box Office Mojo |access-date=2024-12-11}}</ref>


In North America, the film made $1.5 million from its early Thursday night showings<ref name="TT">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/insidious-chapter-3-entourage-spy-box-office-1201438262/|title='Insidious: Chapter 3′, 'Spy' Get The Busy Frame Started With Previews – Box Office|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=June 5, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814103141/http://deadline.com/2015/06/insidious-chapter-3-entourage-spy-box-office-1201438262/|url-status=live}}</ref> and an estimated $10.3 million on its opening day from 3,711 theaters, coming at second place at the box office behind fellow new release ''[[Insidious: Chapter 3]]''.<ref name="THROP">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-spy-laughs-past-800188|title=Box Office: 'Spy' Laughs Past Rival Comedy 'Entourage,' Horror Film 'Insidious 3'|author=Pamela McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=June 6, 2015|access-date=June 6, 2015|archive-date=June 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606230711/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-spy-laughs-past-800188|url-status=live}}</ref> It would go on to top the box office in its opening weekend, earning $29 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4064&p=.htm|title=Weekend Report - 'Spy' Eyes $30M Weekend|author=Keith Simanton|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|date=June 7, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2015|archive-date=June 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609095158/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4064&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The film dropped 46% in its sophomore weekend to $15.6 million, finishing second behind newcomer ''[[Jurassic World]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/jurassic-world-weekend-box-office-spy-entourage-insidious-chapter-3-1201441812/ |title='Jurassic World' Domestic Record $208.8M Bow Lifts Industry – Box Office Final |author=Anthony D'Alessandro and Anita Busch |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=([[Penske Media Corporation]]) |date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2018 |archive-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224191200/https://deadline.com/2015/06/jurassic-world-weekend-box-office-spy-entourage-insidious-chapter-3-1201441812/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In North America, the film made $1.5 million from its early Thursday night showings<ref name="TT">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/insidious-chapter-3-entourage-spy-box-office-1201438262/|title='Insidious: Chapter 3′, 'Spy' Get The Busy Frame Started With Previews – Box Office|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=June 5, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814103141/http://deadline.com/2015/06/insidious-chapter-3-entourage-spy-box-office-1201438262/|url-status=live}}</ref> and an estimated $10.3 million on its opening day from 3,711 theaters, coming at second place at the box office behind fellow new release ''[[Insidious: Chapter 3]]''.<ref name="THROP">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-spy-laughs-past-800188|title=Box Office: 'Spy' Laughs Past Rival Comedy 'Entourage,' Horror Film 'Insidious 3'|author=Pamela McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=June 6, 2015|access-date=June 6, 2015|archive-date=June 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606230711/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-spy-laughs-past-800188|url-status=live}}</ref> It would go on to top the box office in its opening weekend, earning $29 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4064&p=.htm|title=Weekend Report - 'Spy' Eyes $30M Weekend|author=Keith Simanton|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|date=June 7, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2015|archive-date=June 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609095158/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4064&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The film dropped 46% in its sophomore weekend to $15.6 million, finishing second behind newcomer ''[[Jurassic World]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/jurassic-world-weekend-box-office-spy-entourage-insidious-chapter-3-1201441812/ |title='Jurassic World' Domestic Record $208.8M Bow Lifts Industry – Box Office Final |author=Anthony D'Alessandro and Anita Busch |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=([[Penske Media Corporation]]) |date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2018 |archive-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224191200/https://deadline.com/2015/06/jurassic-world-weekend-box-office-spy-entourage-insidious-chapter-3-1201441812/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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===Critical response===
===Critical response===
''Spy'' received praise for Feig's direction and screenplay, McCarthy and Byrne's performances, as well as Statham's surprise comedic role.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/melissa-mccarthy-spy-sxsw-review|title=Melissa McCarthy Gets Her James Bond On in Spy|author=Joanna Robinson|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=March 14, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081521/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/melissa-mccarthy-spy-sxsw-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/film/reviews/article4460333.ece|title=Spy|work=The Times|access-date=March 14, 2016|last1=Muir|first1=Kate|archive-date=February 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221191834/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/film/reviews/article4460333.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/17/melissa-mccarthy-s-best-role-yet-from-bridesmaids-to-ass-kicking-cia-spy.html|title=Melissa McCarthy's Best Role Yet: From 'Bridesmaids' to Ass-Kicking CIA 'Spy'|work=The Daily Beast|date=March 17, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|last1=Yamato|first1=Jen|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517103111/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/17/melissa-mccarthy-s-best-role-yet-from-bridesmaids-to-ass-kicking-cia-spy.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/sxsw-film-review-melissa-mccarthy-in-spy-1201453420/|title='Spy' Review: A Brilliant Showcase for Melissa McCarthy - Variety|author=Justin Chang|work=Variety|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-date=March 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318212157/http://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/sxsw-film-review-melissa-mccarthy-in-spy-1201453420/|url-status=live}}</ref> On review aggregator website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] the film has an approval rating of 95% based on 259 reviews, with an average rating of 7.30/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Simultaneously broad and progressive, ''Spy'' offers further proof that Melissa McCarthy and writer-director Paul Feig bring out the best in one another — and delivers scores of belly laughs along the way."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spy_2015/ |title=Spy |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901023221/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spy_2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]] the film has a weighted average score of 75 out of 100, based on 40 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/spy|title=Spy Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=June 6, 2015|archive-date=June 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602181935/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/spy|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[CinemaScore]] polls, audiences gave the film an average score of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="THROP" />
''Spy'' received praise for Feig's direction and screenplay, McCarthy and Byrne's performances, as well as Statham's surprise comedic role.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/melissa-mccarthy-spy-sxsw-review|title=Melissa McCarthy Gets Her James Bond On in Spy|author=Joanna Robinson|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=March 14, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081521/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/melissa-mccarthy-spy-sxsw-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/film/reviews/article4460333.ece|title=Spy|work=The Times|access-date=March 14, 2016|last1=Muir|first1=Kate|archive-date=February 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221191834/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/film/reviews/article4460333.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/17/melissa-mccarthy-s-best-role-yet-from-bridesmaids-to-ass-kicking-cia-spy.html|title=Melissa McCarthy's Best Role Yet: From 'Bridesmaids' to Ass-Kicking CIA 'Spy'|work=The Daily Beast|date=March 17, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|last1=Yamato|first1=Jen|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517103111/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/17/melissa-mccarthy-s-best-role-yet-from-bridesmaids-to-ass-kicking-cia-spy.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/sxsw-film-review-melissa-mccarthy-in-spy-1201453420/|title='Spy' Review: A Brilliant Showcase for Melissa McCarthy - Variety|author=Justin Chang|work=Variety|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-date=March 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318212157/http://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/sxsw-film-review-melissa-mccarthy-in-spy-1201453420/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{RT data|prose|consensus=Simultaneously broad and progressive, ''Spy'' offers further proof that Melissa McCarthy and writer-director Paul Feig bring out the best in one another — and delivers scores of belly laughs along the way.|ref=yes}} {{MC film|75|40|ref=yes|access-date=2024-12-11}}


McCarthy's performance was praised by critics. [[Richard Roeper]] of ''[[The Chicago Sun Times]]'' called her "as funny and as winning as anyone in the movies these days".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roeper|first1=Richard|title=Spy Review|url=http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/enwiki/w/spy.aspx|access-date=February 9, 2016|archive-date=February 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216045521/http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/enwiki/w/spy.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Tom Russo of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' credited the film's success to McCarthy, writing, "part of what makes the action comedy such a loopy blast is the identity shifts she pulls on the audience."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Russo|first1=Tom|title=Melissa McCarthy pulls off her latest comic role, secret agent, in 'Spy'|website=[[The Boston Globe]]|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2015/06/04/spy/y3xzy513n5dRSdI2zURKFM/story.html|access-date=February 9, 2016|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716134730/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2015/06/04/spy/y3xzy513n5dRSdI2zURKFM/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bill Goodykoontz of ''Arizona Republic'' called the film McCarthy's return to form, writing "Finally, after the promise shown in ''[[Bridesmaids (2011 film)|Bridesmaids]]'', but sold short since by weak scripts in films like ''[[Tammy (film)|Tammy]]'' and ''[[Identity Thief]]'', Melissa McCarthy gets a movie vehicle worthy of her talents."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bill|first1=Goodykoontz|title=Review: Melissa McCarthy makes a terrific 'Spy'|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/06/04/review-melissa-mccarthy-makes-terrific-spy/28359263/|access-date=February 9, 2016|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922080549/https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/06/04/review-melissa-mccarthy-makes-terrific-spy/28359263/|url-status=live}}</ref>
McCarthy's performance was praised by critics. [[Richard Roeper]] of ''[[The Chicago Sun Times]]'' called her "as funny and as winning as anyone in the movies these days".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roeper|first1=Richard|title=Spy Review|url=http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/enwiki/w/spy.aspx|access-date=February 9, 2016|archive-date=February 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216045521/http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/enwiki/w/spy.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Tom Russo of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' credited the film's success to McCarthy, writing, "part of what makes the action comedy such a loopy blast is the identity shifts she pulls on the audience."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Russo|first1=Tom|title=Melissa McCarthy pulls off her latest comic role, secret agent, in 'Spy'|website=[[The Boston Globe]]|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2015/06/04/spy/y3xzy513n5dRSdI2zURKFM/story.html|access-date=February 9, 2016|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716134730/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2015/06/04/spy/y3xzy513n5dRSdI2zURKFM/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bill Goodykoontz of ''Arizona Republic'' called the film McCarthy's return to form, writing "Finally, after the promise shown in ''[[Bridesmaids (2011 film)|Bridesmaids]]'', but sold short since by weak scripts in films like ''[[Tammy (film)|Tammy]]'' and ''[[Identity Thief]]'', Melissa McCarthy gets a movie vehicle worthy of her talents."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bill|first1=Goodykoontz|title=Review: Melissa McCarthy makes a terrific 'Spy'|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/06/04/review-melissa-mccarthy-makes-terrific-spy/28359263/|access-date=February 9, 2016|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922080549/https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/06/04/review-melissa-mccarthy-makes-terrific-spy/28359263/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/spy}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title|3079380|Spy}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{mojo title|susancooper|Spy}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|spy_2015|Spy}}
* {{Metacritic film|title=Spy}}


{{Paul Feig}}
{{Paul Feig}}
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[[Category:Films with screenplays by Paul Feig]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Paul Feig]]
[[Category:TSG Entertainment films]]
[[Category:TSG Entertainment films]]
[[Category:English-language buddy films]]

Latest revision as of 01:57, 17 December 2024

Spy
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPaul Feig
Written byPaul Feig
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyRobert Yeoman
Edited by
Music byTheodore Shapiro
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release dates
  • March 15, 2015 (2015-03-15) (SXSW)
  • June 5, 2015 (2015-06-05) (United States)
Running time
120 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$65 million
Box office$235.7 million

Spy is a 2015 American spy action comedy film written and directed by Paul Feig. It stars Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, and Jude Law, with Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Peter Serafinowicz, Morena Baccarin, Nargis Fakhri, and Allison Janney appearing in supporting roles. The film follows unorthodox secret agent Susan Cooper (McCarthy) as she tries to trace a stolen portable nuclear device.

Produced by Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Feig, and Jessie Henderson, Spy had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 15, 2015, and was theatrically released in the United States on June 5, 2015, by 20th Century Fox. Spy received praise for Feig's direction and screenplay, McCarthy and Byrne's performances, as well as Statham's surprise comedic role. The film grossed $235 million worldwide against a $65 million budget. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for McCarthy.

Plot

[edit]

Susan Cooper is a 40-year-old, single, desk-bound CIA employee who remotely assists her partner, field agent Bradley Fine, on a mission. Fine accidentally kills arms dealer Tihomir Boyanov, without learning the location of a suitcase nuke from him.

Susan discovers Boyanov's daughter Rayna has contacted terrorist middleman Sergio De Luca, so Fine infiltrates her home. She appears to shoot him dead, while Susan watches helplessly online. Rayna then reveals she knows the identities of the agency's field agents, including Rick Ford and Karen Walker.

Susan, who is an agent but has never served in the field so is unknown, volunteers to track Rayna. When her boss Elaine Crocker reluctantly agrees, the ultra macho Ford objects due to her inexperience so quits in protest.

With her best friend and colleague Nancy providing remote intelligence, Susan goes to Paris. A rogue Ford shows up, insisting she will fail. Susan discovers De Luca's office has been burned down, but finds a photo of a man standing next to the fire. Ford appears, argues with Susan again and leaves.

Susan sees the man from the photo switch Ford's backpack with one containing a bomb. She warns Ford in-time, prompting him to throw it into the Seine, interrupting the nearby Verka Serduchka concert. Pursuing the man, he accidentally kills him during the ensuing fight. Susan finds proof that De Luca is going to Rome. Now more determined than ever, she is sent after him.

Susan's contact there is Aldo, a lustful Italian who repeatedly hits on her. Following De Luca into a casino, Susan saves Rayna's life from an assassination attempt in which her drink was spiked with acid.

Rayna invites Susan into her inner circle, taking her by private jet to Budapest. In mid-flight, the steward kills Rayna's crew, but Susan subdues him and takes control of the plane. Rayna believes her to be a CIA agent, but Susan convinces her she was hired by her father to protect her.

Nancy joins Susan in Budapest undercover. After being shot at, Susan pursues and catches the would-be assassin: Karen, who sold Rayna the agents' names. She tries to shoot Susan, but a sniper kills her first.

Susan, Nancy and Aldo accompany Rayna to a party to meet Rayna's contact, Lia. Nancy creates a diversion, jumping on performer 50 Cent, so Susan can apprehend Lia, but Ford's inopportune intervention lets her escape. Susan catches her and, during a brutal fight, is saved from death by Fine, who is revealed to have faked his murder and is Rayna's lover and associate.

Rayna imprisons Susan and Aldo, but Fine visits them, revealing he is gaining Rayna's trust to locate the nuke, and he was who killed Karen. Susan and Aldo escape, and she follows Fine and Rayna to De Luca's mansion. There, she convinces them that the CIA has mistreated her, and she will do anything to protect Fine, as she loves him.

Terrorist Solsa Dudaev arrives, gives De Luca a suitcase full of diamonds, so Rayna produces the device. De Luca has Dudaev and his men killed, revealing his plan to resell the device, then prepares to shoot Rayna. Ford arrives and unintentionally distracts him, allowing Susan to kill his men.

De Luca escapes by helicopter with the device and the diamonds, but Susan grabs onto a landing skid. Ford, not wanting her to mess things up, chases after and grabs onto her but falls into the lake. In the ensuing struggle, Susan throws the diamonds and the device into the lake below. De Luca attempts to shoot Susan, but Nancy, following in 50 Cent's helicopter with Aldo piloting, shoots him first. De Luca falls out of the helicopter into the lake.

The nuke is retrieved and Rayna is arrested, but she makes peace with Susan. Aldo reveals himself to be MI6 agent Albert. Ford, realizing he had underestimated Susan, finally compliments her skills. Crocker tells her she will remain a field agent, and that her next assignment is in Prague. Fine invites Susan to dinner, but she opts for a night out with Nancy.

The next morning, Susan wakes up in bed next to Ford and screams, while Ford claims she "loved it".

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

On June 18, 2013, it was announced that Paul Feig was developing Susan Cooper, a female spy comedy, for 20th Century Fox. Feig wrote and directed the film.[2] Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping produced the film under the Chernin Entertainment banner, with Feig and Jessie Henderson for Feigco Entertainment.[3] On November 12, 2013, Fox announced a release date of May 22, 2015.[4] On March 28, 2014, the film's title was changed to Spy.[5]

Casting

[edit]

On July 25, 2013, it was confirmed that Melissa McCarthy was in negotiations to play the title role. Zooey Deschanel was originally slated to play the role of Elaine Crocker but left the project.[6] On October 17, Rose Byrne joined the cast of the film playing the main villain.[7] Throughout 2014, Jason Statham,[8] Jude Law,[9] Nargis Fakhri,[10] Miranda Hart,[11] Bobby Cannavale,[5] Peter Serafinowicz, Björn Gustafsson.[12] Morena Baccarin,[13] Allison Janney,[14] Zach Woods[15] and Jessica Chaffin joined the cast, along with 50 Cent, who would be playing himself,[3] and Nia Long, who did not appear in the finished film.[16]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography and production began on March 31, 2014, in Budapest, Hungary.[11][17] On May 27, filming was under way in Budapest and was about to wrap up.[18] Apart from tax breaks, shooting was primarily done in Budapest because its architecture and location could allow it to appear as other places where the story took place, including Paris.[19] A prosthetic was used for shots of Nicola (Julian Miller) exposing himself. The production team of Spy had to present prosthetics used in the shots to the MPAA for rating.

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

The US release of film was originally scheduled for May 22, 2015, by 20th Century Fox.[4] In March 2015, the date was pushed back to June 5, 2015, which was first assigned to B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations and Paper Towns; the former of which being taken off the schedule and cancelled, while the latter moved to July.[20] Prior to its official release, Paul Feig stated that Spy went through about 10 test screenings, a process – which includes recording the audience laughter for each version – he does "religiously", with Judd Apatow (who produced the Feig-directed Bridesmaids) commenting on its usefulness for a comedy film: "It doesn't work very well if a movie is supposed to make you feel difficult emotions. If you're making a David Lynch movie, it doesn't work at all. But for comedy it's often the best way to refine jokes."[21]

Spy was released on May 21, 2015, in Australia, Malaysia and Vietnam,[22] and of May 28, 2015 in Israel and May 29, 2015, in Norway.

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Spy grossed $110.8 million in North America and $124.8 million in other territories for a global total of $235.6 million, against a budget of $65 million.[23]

In North America, the film made $1.5 million from its early Thursday night showings[24] and an estimated $10.3 million on its opening day from 3,711 theaters, coming at second place at the box office behind fellow new release Insidious: Chapter 3.[25] It would go on to top the box office in its opening weekend, earning $29 million.[26] The film dropped 46% in its sophomore weekend to $15.6 million, finishing second behind newcomer Jurassic World.[27]

Outside North America, Spy opened in ten foreign markets on May 22, 2015, earning $12.7 million in its opening weekend from 1,810 screens, and coming in fourth place at the box office (behind Mad Max: Fury Road, Tomorrowland, and Pitch Perfect 2).[28] In the UK, Ireland and Malta, it opened with $3.9 million.[29] The film had successful openings in South Korea ($4.8 million), Russia and the CIS ($3.1 million), Australia ($2.9 million), Mexico ($1.6 million) and Taiwan ($1.3 million).[28][29]

Critical response

[edit]

Spy received praise for Feig's direction and screenplay, McCarthy and Byrne's performances, as well as Statham's surprise comedic role.[30][31][32][33] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 259 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The website's consensus reads: "Simultaneously broad and progressive, Spy offers further proof that Melissa McCarthy and writer-director Paul Feig bring out the best in one another — and delivers scores of belly laughs along the way."[34] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 75 out of 100, based on 40 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[35]

McCarthy's performance was praised by critics. Richard Roeper of The Chicago Sun Times called her "as funny and as winning as anyone in the movies these days".[36] Tom Russo of The Boston Globe credited the film's success to McCarthy, writing, "part of what makes the action comedy such a loopy blast is the identity shifts she pulls on the audience."[37] Bill Goodykoontz of Arizona Republic called the film McCarthy's return to form, writing "Finally, after the promise shown in Bridesmaids, but sold short since by weak scripts in films like Tammy and Identity Thief, Melissa McCarthy gets a movie vehicle worthy of her talents."[38]

In addition to McCarthy's, many of the supporting cast members' performances were praised, particularly Byrne's and Statham's. John Boone of Entertainment Tonight said Statham "twists his action hero persona into a delightfully delusional version of the same thing", and praised Byrne's performance, writing "For every joke that McCarthy's Susan Cooper ends up as the butt of, Byrne is the one teeing it up with perfectly understated wickedness. She can so easily spit out lines as offensive as, after Cooper delivers a punny cheers, "What a stupid, f**king toast," but make it...charming?"[39] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone called Byrne's comedic timing "bitchy perfection".[40]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Category Recipients Result
Critics' Choice Movie Awards[41][42] Best Comedy Nominated
Best Actress in a Comedy Melissa McCarthy Nominated
Best Actor in a Comedy Jason Statham Nominated
Evening Standard British Film Awards Award for Comedy Nominated
Empire Awards[43][44] Best Comedy Won
Georgia Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actress Rose Byrne Nominated
Glamour Awards Comedy Actress Melissa McCarthy Nominated
Rose Byrne Won
Golden Globe Awards[45] Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Nominated
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Melissa McCarthy Nominated
Golden Trailer Awards Best Comedy "Secret Agent" Nominated
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Best Comedy Film Nominated
MTV Movie Awards[46] Best Comedic Performance Melissa McCarthy Nominated
Best Fight Melissa McCarthy vs. Nargis Fakhri Nominated
People's Choice Awards[47][48] Favorite Comedic Movie Nominated
Favorite Comedic Movie Actress Melissa McCarthy Won
Phoenix Critics Circle Best Comedy Film Nominated
Saturn Awards[49] Best Action or Adventure Film Nominated
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Best Film – Comedy Nominated
Teen Choice Awards[50] Choice Summer Movie Nominated
Choice Summer Movie Star: Female Melissa McCarthy Nominated
Choice Movie: Hissy Fit Nominated
Choice Movie: Villain Rose Byrne Nominated
Utah Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actor - Female Won
Village Voice Film Poll Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Women Film Critics Circle Best Comedic Actress Melissa McCarthy Nominated

Possible sequel

[edit]

In a May 2015 interview with The Guardian, Paul Feig said he was already writing a sequel, that includes Jason Statham's Agent Ford,[51] though the project doesn't have a producer.[52] In 2019, Feig explained that although a sequel to Spy could still happen, "there hasn't been any interest from the studio" in the project.[53] In May 2023, McCarthy confirmed that everyone wants to do the sequel, but it hasn't been greenlit yet.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "SPY (15)". British Board of Film Classification. April 17, 2015. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  2. ^ Sneider, Jeff (June 18, 2013). "Paul Feig Developing Female James Bond Comedy 'Susan Cooper'". thewrap.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Kit, Borys (April 1, 2014). "50 Cent Joins Melissa McCarthy in 'Spy'". Archived from the original on April 3, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Ford, Rebecca (November 12, 2013). "Fox Shifts 'Fantastic Four' Reboot to Summer 2015, Dates Paul Feig's 'Susan Cooper'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
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  7. ^ Sneider, Jeff (October 17, 2013). "'Bridesmaids' Reunion: Rose Byrne to Join Melissa McCarthy in Paul Feig's Spy Comedy". thewrap.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
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  11. ^ a b Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 28, 2014). "Paul Feig Taps Miranda Hart For Female Spy Comedy". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
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  52. ^ "Will 'Spy' Get A Sequel? This Badass Melissa McCarthy Deserves One More Than Anything, That's For Sure". bustle.com. June 6, 2015. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
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