SPY x FAMILY CODE: White will be released in selected cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland from 26th April 2024 in Japanese with English subtitles, and an English-language dub. You can grab your tickets here- www.spyfamilyfilm.co.uk
Synopsis
He’s a spy. She’s an assassin. Together, Loid and Yor keep their double lives to themselves while pretending to be the perfect family. However, their adopted daughter Anya, a telepath, knows both of their exciting secrets unbeknownst to them. While under the guise of taking his family on a weekend winter getaway, Loid’s attempt to make progress on his current mission Operation Strix proves difficult when Anya mistakenly gets involved and triggers events that threaten world peace!
Review
Let’s cut to the chase. SPY x FAMILY CODE: White is absolutely brilliant. There is no point beating around the bush, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White is without a doubt one of the best anime movies I’ve seen in cinema. Of course, you have cinematic wonders like The Boy and the Heron, but films like that are in a league of their own. SPY x FAMILY CODE: White is simply hilarious. If you thought the show was funny, which it absolutely is, then you are not prepared for the absurdity and hilarity of this movie.
The best thing about this original film is that it knows not to take itself too seriously, and it revels in that idea. The stakes are low, it’s very contained, and it serves as a decent entry point for new fans. With those in mind, they do not hold back at all. It takes everything that’s great about the series and ramps it up to 100. The family antics are pure gold, little Anya is at her absolute best, and the entire film is so comfortable with what it’s doing. In regards to the story, it’s really not that deep, but it’s an incredibly fun story that massively plays with the family element, so things like villains and their schemes somewhat fade in the background because the family dynamic hogs the limelight completely. And that’s not a criticism at all. To see the pure chaos the Forger family ignite is a gift in itself, and this film lunges at every possibility to show just why this disfunctional family is so extremely lovable.
It’s just an all-round good time. It’s as simple as that. I felt myself smiling throughout the entire thing, and any funny beat was met with a roar of laughter from everyone in the audience. In terms of both comedy and animation, it’s fair to say that CODE: White actually pushes the boundaries a lot more than the series does. Some of the gags are way more outlandish, brazen even, especially when compared to the show, and the animation shines a lot more on the big screen. The small details really pop and it felt as though most of the time and budget went into Anya’s gremlin-like expressions – there are tonnes of them. The most surprising thing was how playful some of the animation was. At its core, this film captures the spectacle of the series perfectly, but with a bigger budget there was an opportunity to really show off. CODE: White is bigger and louder in every way. To a degree… It’s even rather experimental.
Without going into details, there is a small scene that completely elevated this film. The animation absolutely flourishes unexpectedly, resulting in one of the funniest sequences of the entire film. Again, it leans into the absurdity and rolls with it without hesitation. It’s bold, chaotic, hilarious, and oddly enthralling. I found myself completely mesmerised by the stylish animation, and simultaneously bemused by what was happening. It’s a defining moment that will stick with you like glue. That’s a promise.
Verdict
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White is just wonderful. I have never laughed so much during a screening. This movie takes all of the best qualities of SPY x FAMILY and pumps them with adrenaline. The bond between the Forger family is tested in the best way possible and the unravelling chaos is just sublime. It all comes together perfectly in this beautiful concoction of baking, military secrets, potty humor, relationship quarrels and explosive action. CODE: White has it all. It’s a fantastic expansion for fans who love the Forger family, and a great introduction for new fans who are meeting these characters for the first time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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