Dave Bautista's Latest Film Struggles to Find Its Tone
- Dave Bautista reprises his role as a CIA agent in 'My Spy: The Eternal City', set against the vibrant backdrop of Rome.
- The film follows Bautista's character as he navigates action-packed scenarios to protect his stepdaughter from nuclear threats.
- Critics have noted the film's implausibility, questioning Bautista's effectiveness as a spy, yet it promises entertaining action.
Former wrestler Dave Bautista showcases his comedic potential in the sequel to *My Spy*, but his performance as a CIA agent falls flat. In *My Spy: The Eternal City*, Bautista plays JJ, a tough guy turned overprotective stepdad, whose lackluster delivery leaves audiences questioning his character's credibility. Critics note that at times, Bautista appears almost comatose, likening his demeanor to a tranquilized bear, which detracts from the film's overall impact. Set five years after the original, the film sees JJ now married to Sophie’s mother and struggling to balance his family life with his CIA duties. His stepdaughter, Sophie, portrayed by Chloe Coleman, views him as an embarrassment rather than a hero, especially when he is assigned to chaperone her school choir trip to the Vatican. The plot thickens as JJ must navigate both family dynamics and a looming threat involving a Soviet suitcase nuke. While the film features commendable performances from supporting actors like Ken Jeong and Anna Faris, it suffers from tonal inconsistencies. It oscillates between light-hearted family entertainment reminiscent of classic babysitter comedies and intense action sequences that warrant a PG-13 rating. One particularly bizarre scene involves trained killer budgerigars, which exemplifies the film's erratic nature. Ultimately, while Bautista has proven his comedic chops in the past, this film struggles to convince audiences of his suitability as a CIA agent, especially with a unicorn tattoo prominently displayed on his neck.