CIA operative JJ (a tough-looking Dave Bautista) doesn’t do subtle. In My Spy’s opening scene, he blows his mission by blowing up too many people. The violence is somewhat comical and artsy, but JJ does a lot of killing for a PG-13 film (available on Amazon Prime).

JJ’s boss gives him one more chance with a new mission: Surveil widow Kate and her 9-year-old daughter Sophie. Kate’s brother-in-law Victor is a bad dude up to no good.

JJ and partner Bobbi (hilariously played by character actor Kristen Schaal) embark on a routine, boring assignment, until young Sophie (Chloe Coleman) busts them.

The plot unfolds without too many surprises: Sophie learns how a spy thinks and acts. JJ helps her with the challenges a kid without a dad faces.

Although contrived and predictable, the movie is enjoyable and genuinely funny at times. In an idyllic skating scene, Sophie asks JJ what he sees around him: “Ninety civilians. Minimal security. Soft perimeter. No cover.”

“I just see people smiling and having fun,” she responds.

Viewers may wonder about the intended audience of the poorly reviewed film: too much violence and coarse language for youngsters, but not sophisticated enough for adults. Producers are careful to avoid F-bombs in a PG-13 movie but have no filter when it comes to using God’s name in vain. Viewers may want to pass.

Top-Grossing Spy Movies

1. Despicable Me 2 (2013): $368 million

2. Skyfall (2012): $304 million

3. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007): $227 million

4. Mission Impossible II (2000): $215 million

5. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002): $213 million