SPIES LIKE US is a likable 1980s comedy that basically consists of Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd goofing around for just over an hour and a half. There's no more or less to it than that, but as a fan of the two actors I was completely fine with the premise. The story brings in a Cold War background and features the two stars as 'decoy' agents parachuted into Asia in order to do battle with the nefarious Russians.
I think Chase and Aykroyd are two of the funniest comedians of the era so watching them get the opportunity to team up is a no-brainer for me. Chase plays as always the showier role of the two and peaks earlier with the hilarious exam room set-piece. Aykroyd is slightly more subtle and offers plenty of warm character humour from his nerdy agent. The rambling storyline is basic and episodic but the jokes come thick and fast and there's a good mix of wry and witty one-liners, slapstick humour, and more surreal moments.
The film was directed by John Landis who as ever does a good job with it and takes the time to throw in a few film references for the fans, including cameos for Terry Gilliam, Ray Harryhausen, and even Bob Hope. Sam Raimi and Joel Coen are also present in blink-and-you'll-miss-'em parts. The ending is a little contrived but when the overall result is a good-natured comedy with two stars at the top of their game then it's difficult to criticise too much.
I think Chase and Aykroyd are two of the funniest comedians of the era so watching them get the opportunity to team up is a no-brainer for me. Chase plays as always the showier role of the two and peaks earlier with the hilarious exam room set-piece. Aykroyd is slightly more subtle and offers plenty of warm character humour from his nerdy agent. The rambling storyline is basic and episodic but the jokes come thick and fast and there's a good mix of wry and witty one-liners, slapstick humour, and more surreal moments.
The film was directed by John Landis who as ever does a good job with it and takes the time to throw in a few film references for the fans, including cameos for Terry Gilliam, Ray Harryhausen, and even Bob Hope. Sam Raimi and Joel Coen are also present in blink-and-you'll-miss-'em parts. The ending is a little contrived but when the overall result is a good-natured comedy with two stars at the top of their game then it's difficult to criticise too much.