Lance Sterling (Will Smith) is the world’s best spy, but his latest mission working with gadget specialist Walter (Tom Holland) involves him being turned into a pigeon.

Spies in Disguise is an absolute delight from start to finish hitting all the marks a family film needs to. It opens like a classic Bond film with Sterling completing a mission in spectacular fashion before rolling into an opening credits scene worthy of any Bond film. After this the plot set up is pretty simple, the villain of the piece, voiced perfectly by Ben Mendelsohn (Hollywood’s current favourite bad guy) aims to get his hands on a database that gives him the name and location of all secret agents and frame Sterling in the process. So far, so Mission Impossible. From here, Sterling befriends Walter and utilises his crazy gadgets to assist him, whilst he is a pigeon.

The strong message for youngsters, which is startlingly prescient right now is that returning force with stronger force creates a cycle of violence that is difficult to stop. Pointing out that pacifism, understanding and love should be our first approaches to aggression is a message that I’m happy for my children to hear especially when it’s wrapped up in such a fun story. For the adults you can admire the allusions to Bond and Mission Impossible as well as the voice acting from all involved. For the children you have some pretty hilarious comic relief from the pigeons that make up Sterling’s flock as well as cat glitter.

Highly recommended.