Tedious action comedy with a few good moments

Teddy Robin Kwan, an actor shorter than average but not short enough to be classified as a midget, plays the manager of an all-girl music band ("The Playgirls"), who becomes the target of spies from different agencies when he comes into possession (without even knowing it) of a top-secret microfilm containing the map to stolen Taiwan treasures. "To Spy With Love" is about 85% comedy, and the comedy is largely unfunny. You may laugh a little here and there, but mostly it's really tedious. Teddy Robin Kwan does not have enough charisma, comic or of any other type, to be the lead of a film. The film threatens to come to life after an hour, with its one major action sequence that begins with a motorcycle firing a missile at a truck and ends with a rather unique chase on large ice-cubes! But the other action set-piece, the climactic fight between Nina Li and Sibelle Hu, with Kwan caught in the middle, is disappointingly gimmicky. Not really a recommended movie. (*1/2)

Cantonese cinema from Hong Kong is globally recognized for its action films, martial arts epics, and romantic melodramas. Its innovation in choreography, editing, and atmosphere continues to set new standards for genre filmmaking.

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

The band features rock enthusiast Teddy and his bosomy Playgirls. They have just signed into a rock bar when the trouble starts. Two Japanese hit men, hired to get spy Yap and the treasure map hidden on her ample self, wreak great havoc.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Teddy Robin Kwan and Shing Fui-On in To Spy with Love!! (1990)

Sibelle Hu, Teddy Robin Kwan, and Nina Li Chi in To Spy with Love!! (1990)

To Spy with Love!!

Photos11

Top Cast23

User reviews4

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed