“Spy Hard” is a parody comedy film released in 1996, directed by Rick Friedberg. The movie stars Leslie Nielsen as Dick Steele, a bumbling secret agent known as Agent WD-40, and Nicollette Sheridan as Veronique Ukrinsky, a fellow spy and Steele’s love interest.
The story follows Dick Steele, a washed-up spy who is called back into action to stop an evil villain named General Rancor (played by Andy Griffith) from destroying the world. As Agent WD-40, Steele is known for his comedic and clumsy approach to espionage.
Throughout the film, Steele finds himself in absurd and over-the-top situations, facing numerous parodies of classic spy film tropes and iconic characters.
“Spy Hard” is known for its slapstick humor, absurd gags, and Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan delivery. The film takes aim at popular spy film franchises, particularly James Bond, spoofing their clichés and action sequences.
The movie received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its comedic elements, while others found its humor too broad and predictable.
“Spy Hard” serves as a touchstone for viewers seeking a lighthearted and ridiculous comedy that parodies the spy genre. It remains a fun and amusing film that offers a comedic take on the world of espionage and action-packed adventures. The film’s humor is best appreciated by fans of Leslie Nielsen’s brand of comedy and those who enjoy exaggerated parodies of classic movie genres.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Hollywood Pictures
- Year Released: 1996
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $26.9 million
- IMDB Link
Cast
- Leslie Nielsen: Dick Steele
- Nicollette Sheridan: Veronique Ukrinsky
- Charles Durning: The Director
- Marcia Gay Harden: Miss Cheevus
- Barry Bostwick: Norm Coleman
- John Ales: Kabul
- Andy Griffith: General Rancor
- Elya Baskin: Professor Ukrinsky
- Mason Gamble: McCluckey
- Carlos Lauchu: Slice
- Stephanie Romanov: Victoria and Barbara Dahl
- Joyce Brothers: Steele’s Tag Team Member
- Ray Charles: Bus Driver
- Hulk Hogan: Dick’s tag-team partner
- Roger Clinton: Agent Clinton
- Robert Culp: Businessman
- Fabio Lanzoni: Himself
- Robert Guillaume: Steven Bishop
- Pat Morita: Brian the Waiter
- Talisa Soto: Desiree More
- Mr. T: a helicopter pilot
- Alex Trebek: Agency Tape Recorder
- Taylor Negron: Painter
- Clyde Kusatsu: Noggin
- Curtis Armstrong: Pastry chef
- Tina Arning: Dancer #1
- William Barillaro: Blind Driver
- Michael Berryman: the man with the oxygen mask
- Downtown Julie Brown: Cigarette Girl
- Stephen Burrows: Agent Burrows
- Keith Campbell: Thug #2
- Carl Ciarfalio: Thug #1
- Brad Grunberg: Postal Worker
- Wayne Cotter: Male Dancer
- Rick Cramer: Heimlich, Rancor Terrorist
- Eddie Deezen: Rancor guard that gets spit on
- Joey Dente: Goombah, Dead Wise Guy
- Paul Eliopoulos: Agent #1
- Andrew Christian English: Paratrooper
- Johnny G: Agent #2
- Michael Lee Gogin: Short Rancor guard
- Bruce Gray: The President
- John Kassir: Rancor guard at intercom
- Sally Stevens: Vocal conductor/singer
- Thuy Trang: a Hawaiian-dressed waitress
- “Weird Al” Yankovic: Himself
- Larry Walsh: Musician
- Rawle D. Lewis: Boatman #1
- Angela Visser: Georgeous Blonde
Crew
- Director: Rick Friedberg
- Producer: Rick Friedberg, Doug Draizin and Jeffrey Konvitz
- Writers: Rick Friedberg, Dick Chudnow, Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer
