Spies Like Us: Cold War Comedy That's Still Kinda Relevant?
Okay, so I just re-watched "Spies Like Us" (1985) and it's… well, it's definitely a product of its time. The Cold War paranoia is palpable, even if the execution is pure slapstick. Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd are perfectly cast as the total goofballs, Emmett Fitz-Hume and Austin Millbarge. I find their commitment to the absurdity so impressive. The whole concept of them being expendable decoys for nuclear annihilation is darkly hilarious! There are moments that feels strangely relevant with today's tensions, maybe that is just me? I think what makes it work, despite some of the dodgy (and probably offensive by today's standards) humor, is that Chase and Aykroyd have great chemistry. The scene where they're “studying” foreign languages cracked me up, especially Aykroyd’s accent. Also, the little cameos from real spies at the end! It's almost too clever to just pass over it. Some parts haven't aged well (some of the cultural depictions are definitely cringe), but the goofball physical comedy held up pretty well for me. Honestly, it's not high art, but it's a fun, goofy watch if you’re into 80s comedy and don't mind a little bit of questionable humor (or if you just want to see Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd at their most ridiculous). I'd say its rating gets a boosted thanks to nostalgia. Anyone else have thoughts on this one? I'd love to hear what others think, especially from those who saw it when it first came out! Let me know if I'm the only one who finds a weird kind of charm in this flick.
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