Bob Ho is a spy who is about to retire after having a Russian terrorist, Anton Poldark, incarcerated. He also lives next door to a woman named Gillian, who has 2 children of her own and a stepdaughter. Their names are Farren, Ian, and Nora.

Gillian acts like a typical parent, even for Farren. For instance, she tells Farren that short skirts are inappropriate for school.

Shortly after, Gillian falls in love with Bob and dates him. However, their night out is cut short when Bob has to go to work for an emergency.

Despite their romantic relationship, though, Farren, Ian, and Nora dislike Bob. They think that he is boring.

But an unexpected emergency comes up for Gillian’s father. She needs to fly to Colorado. But she also needs someone to watch her children. So, she selects Bob, who says that he can make the kids like him.

Yet that doesn’t happen – at least not so far. But Bob tries his best.

For instance, he makes the kids breakfast, even if he burns parts of it. He also drops off Farren and Ian at school.

Because Nora is only 4, she doesn’t have to go to school. So, Bob takes her to the mall to buy her a Halloween costume. He also helps Nora get ready for bed that night and even sings her a Chinese lullaby.

Farren, however, continues to dislike Bob and not respect him. Regardless of that, though, he gives her advice on coping with her father being away and her mother dying many years ago.

Ian starts getting interested in his gadgets. That’s one reason he starts liking Bob. Yet he doesn’t know that Bob is a spy.

Later, something happens and Bob decides to have him and the kids hide in a Chinese restaurant. Farren becomes interested in this college guy, Larry – which Bob disapproves of due to their age difference.

Not only that, but Larry also turns out to be a Russian henchman and tries to kill Bob. Bob then takes the children into a hotel as sanctuary.

Farren calls Gillian and reveals that Bob is a spy. But Gillian won’t believe her. Bob then confirms that it’s true.

Horrified by all the danger her children went through, Gillian breaks up with Bob and forces him to go. But peril is still coming.

Despite how this movie did poorly, I ended up enjoying it a lot. I haven’t seen too many films starring Jackie Chan. But I admire his depiction of a kind and soft character while also fighting against villains.

I also loved the action moments, especially the unique and funny ones. For instance, one evil woman falls into the family’s backyard pool after being defeated.

The kids were believable and relatable. Farren’s irritability made her feel like a real 13-year-old girl. Ian’s interest in spy gadgets and technology could make real tween boys relate to him. And Nora’s energy levels as well as maturity levels made her credible for a 4-year-old.

Although this movie is an action one, it had an overall lighthearted tone and funny moments. That also catergorizes it as a comedy.

The pacing was quick, and the film felt fast for it being around an hour and a half. The action and fighting also contributed to that.

Another aspect that I admired was including Billy Ray Cyrus as Bob’s coworker, Colt. It was interesting to see him outside of Hannah Montana.

Overall, I liked The Spy Next Door. Its action and fighting scenes are family-friendly. That means kids can watch it.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.