Movie Review: Spies Like Us (1985)

★★★★★

My brother introduced me to this film, and it instantly became one of our go-to comedies. The mix of absurd spy antics and classic Chevy-Dan!

James L.

Canada

When it comes to 1980s buddy comedies, Spies Like Us doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. Directed by John Landis and starring the comedic dream team of Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd, this Cold War romp is goofy, charming, and surprisingly insightful in its own quirky way.

I recently revisited this film for BoxReview.com, and I have to say, while it’s far from a flawless piece of cinema, it’s one of those rare comedies that’s funnier on the second (or third) watch. And not just because of the jokes, but because of what it says, however unintentionally, about the political anxieties of its time.

A Plot Full of Misfits and Missiles

The premise is classic fish-out-of-water. Two underqualified government employees, Emmett Fitz-Hume (Chevy Chase) and Austin Millbarge (Dan Aykroyd), are mistakenly assigned to a high-stakes espionage mission after being used as decoys for real agents. They're thrust into a global arms race they barely understand, stumbling through a gauntlet of Soviet satellites, shady allies, and nuclear weapons, all while staying blissfully unaware of how dangerous their mission actually is.

This isn't a slick spy thriller; it's Looney Tunes with warheads.

The Underrated Satire Beneath the Slapstick

Most reviews of Spies Like Us tend to focus on the physical gags and one-liners, and sure, those are a big part of the charm. But what gets overlooked is the surprisingly sharp layer of political satire beneath it all.

The film mocks Cold War paranoia, the absurdity of military bureaucracy, and the way governments use underprepared people as pawns. There’s a darkly comedic moment when the U.S. military sets up a fake mission just to distract attention from their real operation—and our two clueless protagonists are the perfect distraction.

It’s funny, yes, but it’s also a commentary on how little control anyone actually had in the nuclear era. That blend of comedy and quiet cynicism gives the film a bit more weight than it initially lets on.

Chase & Aykroyd: Comedy Chemistry in Action

Let’s talk about the real reason to watch Spies Like Us: the chemistry between Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. Both were at the height of their powers in the mid-80s, and this movie lets them bounce off each other like cartoon characters in a spy novel.

Chase plays his usual role of smug sarcasm with a dash of cluelessness, while Aykroyd leans into the awkward, nerdy genius archetype. They’re polar opposites, but it works. What’s especially fun is how neither character ever becomes a true “hero.” They don’t transform into super spies by the end. They stay goofy and ill-equipped, but somehow, that’s what saves the day.

What Other Reviews Miss

While many reviews cover the basics, funny moments, Cold War gags, and memorable cameos (yes, that’s B.B. King as a drive-in usher), they often miss the subtle world-building this film pulls off.

From snowy Soviet bases to high-tech missile silos, the movie actually gives us a stylized but coherent look at a world on the brink of chaos. It's no Dr. Strangelove, but it’s not trying to be. What it does manage to do is walk the tightrope between ridiculous and relevant, and it does so with surprising ease.

Also, can we talk about the music? The score, composed by Elmer Bernstein (yes, the Ghostbusters guy), is playful but dramatic, adding a layer of mock-seriousness that makes every goofy moment feel just a little more epic.

Why It Still Works Today

In a post-Cold War world, Spies Like Us might seem like a relic, but there’s a strange relevance to watching a film where clueless bureaucrats are accidentally handed immense power. It’s a reminder (in the most hilarious way possible) that governments, like people, are fallible—and sometimes, hilariously so.

For fans of vintage comedy, political satire, or classic SNL alumni, this one’s still worth your time. It’s a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously, but quietly says something serious anyway.

Final Thoughts

Watching Spies Like Us again for Box Review reminded me of why I love rewatching '80s comedies: they’re never just jokes. Beneath the surface of this silly, snow-covered caper is a surprisingly smart take on Cold War absurdity. It’s one of those films that sneaks up on you, just like a couple of fake spies stumbling their way into history.

If you’ve never seen it or haven’t watched it in years, give it another look. You might find that it’s smarter, funnier, and more relevant than you remember.