The Forger family hits the big screen!
There was once a time when seeing an anime film on the big screen was difficult. While most Studio Ghibli movies graced cinemas in the past, it was challenging for folks to watch anime films in theaters that weren’t a part of their line-up. Yet, thanks to the small anime resurgence that spiked after releases like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball Super, and others, anime has found its way into theaters, much like Hollywood productions.
Although most series don’t receive the theatrical treatment, Spy x Family is no longer a part of that group. Enter Spy x Family Code: White, a feature film set in the beloved Spy x Family universe crafted by Tatsuya Endo. In it, we follow the Forger family, consisting of Anya, Loid, and Yor. After Handler informs Loid that someone may replace him for the Operation Strix mission, he returns home somewhat defeated.
Fortunately, Loid finds a smidge of hope to latch on to regarding Anya and her academy’s upcoming cooking competition. After Anya relays details about the competition to Loid and Yor, Loid suggests Anya make a “Meremere” dish that’ll appeal to the competition’s lead judge. He says they can try this dish at a restaurant located in the winter-like area called Frigis.
Thus, the Forgers pack their belongings and head to Frigis to experience this succulent dessert. What starts as a comfy family getaway in the snow, results in a thrilling and charming affair that could put the world’s peace in jeopardy. Although Spy x Family: Code White holds no significance to the series’s overarching narrative, this movie provides source material enthusiasts and non-anime fans with a cute, funny, and fun-filled family outing worth experiencing in cinemas.
Spy x Family Code: White’s story offers audiences a nice mix of drama, action, and comedy, much like the mainline series. From exploring casual settings to fighting off numerous crooks on an intricately built battleship, the mainline series’s core elements remain intact in Code White. Additionally, this film features snippets of recap, allowing all audiences to engage in the Forger’s wacky, authentic, and exhilarating endeavors.
Code White also includes various subplots. These evoke similar feelings as the episodic chapters found within Spy x Family’s first and second seasons. From Yor’s relationship concerns to the various theme-park activities Anya indulges in, fans will find these slice-of-life and drama segments enjoyable. Nonetheless, Spy x Family wouldn’t be complete without a few over-the-top action sequences, which Code White offers plenty of.
For instance, Yor and Loid’s battle with Type F and Colonel Snidel will get fans’ hearts pumping at the speed of sound. The former’s battle, in particular, will amaze anyone who loves watching a fight between two formidable powerhouses. Additionally, both fights require some effort on Loid and Yor’s part, which is a plus for those who adore seeing powerful characters get challenged. Even the action scenes that leaned more toward the comedic spectrum were creative and fun to watch.
Nevertheless, Spy x Family Code: White’s tale has a few problems. As mentioned earlier, Code White’s content holds no weight on the mainline series’s continuity. In the anime community, many would refer to this as a filler outing. With that notion in mind, it makes matters feel predictable and less engaging.
Moreover, the Yor and Loid romance subplot shouldn’t have been included. Although it led to a heartfelt interaction between the two and is in line with the problems Yor encounters during the mainline series, many would’ve preferred a different drama-filled journey to occur between the two. Also, the comedy in the movie won’t be to everyone’s liking.
Although there are jokes and gags fans will laugh at, Code White heavily leans into feces-themed humor (at some point). This is an area of comedy many aren’t fans of. Simultaneously, some won’t like the notion of Anya’s feces being pivotal to the film’s plot. Granted, some may argue it fits in line with Anya’s character since she’s a child. Yet, others may feel Endo could’ve leaned more into the dark spectrum of matters involving Colonel Snidel and Anya.
All in all, Code White’s comedy carries mixed baggage, which may leave most viewers satisfied and others disappointed. Alongside having some essence of plot convenience and having a bland resolution for the cooking competition, Code White’s tale doesn’t offer the most wonderfully written family-themed cinematic experience. Story aside, there’s some fun to be had with Code White’s cast, particularly the main trio of Loid, Yor, and Anya.
From beginning to end, nothing about these three feels different for better or worse. Whether you’re new to Spy x Family or not, Code White keeps Loid, Yor, and Anya’s personalities, habits, and skills intact. Where Loid utilizes his incredible disguises to fool evildoers, Yor ensures audiences that nasty individuals will get their comeuppance if they deserve it.
As for Anya, she’s still the same likable goofball and snarky child in Code White as she is in the mainline series. This treatment carries over to Spy x Family’s supporting cast. From Nightfall to Bond, everyone feels stagnant. This could either delight or disappoint fans. Therefore, it’s best to go into Code White expecting more of the same from its returning cast.
However, Endo throws in a few new faces regarding Code White’s antagonists to give diehard fans a bone to chew. Unfortunately, these antagonists from Colonel Snidel to Type F lack significant depth to feel like memorable foes. While an argument can be made for Type F because of his Terminator-like design, the villains’ motives were lackluster and simplistic.
While the new cast members may disappoint, Wit Studios and Cloverworks Studios brought their A-game with this film’s production quality. Code White’s animation and imagery looked as smooth as butter from the casual chit-chat segments to the intense physical altercations. One scene or two, in particular, that’ll stand out to fans most involves Anya’s poop-centric fantasy.
That scenario’s crayon-like aesthetic will be the talk of the town. Modern anime enthusiasts will compare that scenario to the off-the-wall segments found in anime like Bocchi the Rock and Nichijou: My Ordinary Life. Mostly the former, which was another Cloverworks Studios production. Regardless, Code White’s visuals and animation remained fluid and engaging from beginning to end.
The soundtrack was a delight too. The music gave the thrilling and dramatic scenes the necessary oomph and impact to make audiences feel something. Even though the Yor and Loid subplot wasn’t necessary; the scene where Yor and Loid reconcile with each other will motivate audiences to respond accordingly. Lastly, the Japanese and English dub cast performed their roles well, and fans will appreciate all their effort.
Overall, it’s exciting to see more anime receive feature films in today’s age. Even if an anime isn’t to a viewer’s taste, it’s great to see more manga and light novels reach levels of notoriety to the point where they’re offering newer and long-time fans a cinematic tale to experience. Unfortunately, Spy x Family Code: White delivers a film that doesn’t fall within the faultless storytelling realm.
Nonetheless, viewers should visit their local theater and immerse themselves in this pleasant family “ooting,” as Anya would say.
Read More: Spy X Family Code: White Ending Explained
Feel free to check out more of our movie reviews here!
-
Verdict - 7.5/10
7.5/10