Barely Lethal: A Hit(?) and Miss

Alright folks, just saw “Barely Lethal” and lemme tell you, it’s a curious mix of spy flick and high school romcom. Directed by Kyle Newman and starring the ever-talented Hailee Steinfeld, Jessica Alba, and Samuel L. Jackson, you’d think it’s a blockbuster waiting to happen. But it’s more like a half-full cinema on a Wednesday afternoon.

So, Steinfeld plays Megan, this teenage assassin craving a taste of ordinary teenage life. She stages her own death to escape her artificial existence and join high school life—an idea that sounds far-fetched in my book but hey, this is Hollywood. I mean, I remember being 16 and thinking I could maybe conquer a summer job at ICA, not international espionage.

The plot’s got some cool action scenes but moves quicker than a greased weasel during a chase. Some parts felt like snacking on salted licorice without checking if it’s fiscal or fishy flavored—you know you’re getting something but you’re not sure if you like it yet. There’s charm in the high school shenanigans but does it gel well with the secret-spy theme? Well, kinda like putting lingonberry jam on a burger—it might work for some.

And let’s chat about Samuel L. Jackson—always a force on screen, but here he feels like that one teacher who tries to be hip but just misses the mark. Not bad, but you sit there wondering if he’s saving the best of himself for another movie.

Maybe it’s not Oscar-tier, but it’s a decent pick for a popcorn night with some pals. I guess the takeaway here is, even secret agents want some ‘lagom’ now and then. Catch it if you can, and let me know if you find it ‘lethal’ or ‘barely’.

Skål! 🍿

Check the trailer below