I Spy (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When the Switchblade, the most sophisticated prototype stealth fighter created yet, is stolen from the U.S. government, one of the United States' top spies, Alex Scott, is called to action. What he doesn't expect is to get teamed up with a cocky civilian, World Class Boxing Champion Kelly Robinson, on a dangerous top secret espionage mission. Their assignment: using equal parts skill and humor, catch Arnold Gundars, one of the world's most successful arms dealers.
Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 37m
I Spy earns its PG-13 rating with frequent action violence, moderate language, and some sexual content. The film follows spy Alex Scott and boxer Kelly Robinson on a mission in Budapest, which serves as a backdrop for numerous shootouts, car chases, explosions, and fistfights. While the violence is largely comedic and not graphic, its frequency is high. Parents should be aware of consistent profanity (including 'shit' and 'ass') and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is I Spy appropriate for kids?
I Spy earns its PG-13 rating with frequent action violence, moderate language, and some sexual content. The film follows spy Alex Scott and boxer Kelly Robinson on a mission in Budapest, which serves as a backdrop for numerous shootouts, car chases, explosions, and fistfights… Read more — free account
Content severity in I Spy
What happens in I Spy, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:28 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in I Spy
There are some sexual innuendos and situations. A notable scene involves one character, Kelly, coaching another, Alex, on how to seduce a woman by feeding him lines from the song "Sexual Healing." This leads to a scene where Alex and a woman begin to kiss and remove clothing before being interrupted. Another scene involves women briefly seen in bras and shorts, and there are some verbal references to sex.
Violence and gore in I Spy
The film contains frequent and sometimes intense comedic action violence. There are multiple large-scale shootouts with automatic weapons, fistfights, and extended car chases that result in explosions. Boxing matches feature heavy punches with slow-motion impacts. A character is shown with a severely broken leg at the start, and later another character is tortured for information, appearing beaten and bloody. A key character is also presumed dead after their car explodes.
Language in I Spy
Language is moderate but frequent throughout. The IMDb parents guide notes dozens of uses of "shit" and "ass." Other words like "bitch," "damn," and "hell" are also used. The slur "retard" is used on two occasions.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I Spy
Substance use is very mild. Characters are shown drinking champagne and other alcoholic beverages socially during a party scene.
Mature themes in I Spy
The primary themes involve espionage, betrayal, and the threat of terrorism. A major plot point involves a stolen stealth fighter jet armed with a nuclear weapon. Betrayal is a key theme, as a trusted agent is revealed to be a double agent, leading to emotional conflict for the main character. The apparent death of a friendly character is also a significant moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Spy appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests I Spy is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. I Spy earns its PG-13 rating with frequent action violence, moderate language, and some sexual content. The film follows spy Alex Scott and boxer Kelly Robinson on a mission in Budapest, which serves as a backdrop for…
What age rating does I Spy have?
I Spy is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is I Spy about?
I Spy earns its PG-13 rating with frequent action violence, moderate language, and some sexual content. The film follows spy Alex Scott and boxer Kelly Robinson on a mission in Budapest, which serves as a backdrop for numerous shootouts, car chases, explosions, and fistfights. While the violence is largely comedic and…
Is there sex or nudity in I Spy?
There are some sexual innuendos and situations. A notable scene involves one character, Kelly, coaching another, Alex, on how to seduce a woman by feeding him lines from the song "Sexual Healing." This leads to a scene where Alex and a woman begin to kiss and…
How violent is I Spy?
The film contains frequent and sometimes intense comedic action violence. There are multiple large-scale shootouts with automatic weapons, fistfights, and extended car chases that result in explosions. Boxing matches feature heavy punches with slow-motion…
Is the language in I Spy appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate but frequent throughout. The IMDb parents guide notes dozens of uses of "shit" and "ass." Other words like "bitch," "damn," and "hell" are also used. The slur "retard" is used on two occasions.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in I Spy?
Substance use is very mild. Characters are shown drinking champagne and other alcoholic beverages socially during a party scene.
What mature themes appear in I Spy?
The primary themes involve espionage, betrayal, and the threat of terrorism. A major plot point involves a stolen stealth fighter jet armed with a nuclear weapon. Betrayal is a key theme, as a trusted agent is revealed to be a double agent, leading to…
How long is I Spy?
I Spy runs 97 minutes, directed by Betty Thomas, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full I Spy parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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