Espion junior

I remember seeing this with a bunch of my friends the night it came out. Back in seventh grade, I thought this was the coolest, funniest movie I'd ever seen. I wanted to BE Richard Grieco in that movie. I loved how he started out as a gawky American guy lost in Europe, and slowly transformed into an ersatz James Bond. It's not a big, great movie. Just a fun, humorous action flick. Gotta love Gabrielle Anwar in this. Roger Rees was also a very cool villain.

Overall, for a fun time that's not taxing on the brain, definitely rent this. I loved it back then, and I still do now.

For a long time, I refused to watch this flic because I thought it was just a vehicle for "teen idol" Grieco, and I usually don't enjoy stories contrived to promote TV to films career moves. Then I saw "The Man Who Knew too Little" with Bill Murray, laughed out loud, and decided to try this similar, mistaken-for-a-spy spoof. I'm glad. The plot is artless, totally ridiculous & full of contradictions. Yet, the terrific cast carries the implausible story to entertaining heights with scenery-chewing, tongue-in-cheek glee. A really hot sex scene turns into a gorefest, the villains are outrageous, and the heroics are spectacular. WB threw sfx money at this one.

I especially enjoyed Robin Bartlett as the "French Teacher".

This movie is for the fans of light hearted adventures mixed through out with comedy (sometimes so stupid it's hilarious!!) When Michael Corbin's lethargy in his high school French class keeps him from graduating; his adventure begins. Even though he (Richard Grieco) is considerably older than the part he is portraying; he does pull it off. I particularly enjoyed the hotel bedroom scene: SEXY and HILARIOUS!! His (Michael Corbin) "goof-off teenager" attitude solidifies the part for Grieco through out the entire movie. All of the supporting actors: the French Teacher, Helen Hunt and his friend on the tour bus that uses his shaving water to rinse his toothbrush (which I was expecting to see him even pick his nose next which thank God he dosen't!!!) keeps the minor scenes in check with the genre of the movie. Keep in mind that this movie is a "comedy"...nothing more, nothing less. It was not made to be picked apart...just watched. I have seen this movie about 6 times and have even added it to my collection. Granted, there are many more movies that are more realistic and have better acting, but what the hell...I still enjoy watching it!!! Only because it dosen't qualify as a "Classic", but because it is a VERY funny and entertaining movie for all ages, it gets an 8 out of 10.

I am rating this to up the rating. And reviewing it, just to add my piece of mind.

First off, the french teacher. Hilarious. Best part of the whole movie. "I want all references to the operative, the french teacher." Next, the dialog. It's funny. Most of the time, it's great. At least I find it funny most of the time.

The lead actor did a pretty good job. He's as flat as a pancake. But I think he's supposed to be a superficial high school student. They could have made him a bit more bright. He does save the day in the end. And it would be slightly more believable if he came across as a bit brighter from the start. But, you know, it's a comedy. You can't be too critical.

I realize this is sort of a demographic movie. I am sure it's aimed at teens as a fantasy. At 45 though, I still appreciate a mindless fantasy/comedy/adventure. And this is a pretty good one. I think it deserves a better rating - I rate movies with based on similar movies. I don't compare this to Das Boot, for example. I compare it to say, Hackers or something like that.

"If Looks Could Kill" deserved to do better at the boxoffice. This is another instance of a studio throwing away a perfectly good film by giving it ZERO promotion. This spy spoof, while not a masterpiece, is fast-paced, light and consistently amusing. Perfect non-think entertainment. Richard Grieco is hip and quite likable in his role as Michael Corben, who is prevented from graduating from high school due to a flunking grade in french class. He wrangles his way onto a trip to France with another class and, through hilariously convoluted circumstances, gets mixed up in an espionage plot and mistaken for a master spy. He soon finds himself somewhat enjoying the masquerade but as the plot thickens, has to rely on his wits and ingenuity to keep himself alive and catch the bad guys.

The gags and one-liners spoofing James Bond and other spies come fast and furious, thanks to a clever script by Fred Dekker and Darren Star and fleet-footed direction by William Dear.

Had this movie been released in the Summer instead of the dead of Winter, it probably would have done better. Do yourself a favor and catch it on video now. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised.