Barely Lethal [patched] -

For fans of Spy Kids who grew up and want something slightly edgier, or for parents looking for an action movie that won't traumatize the kids but doesn't talk down to them, is the hidden gem you have been searching for.

Released in 2015, is an action-comedy that attempts to bridge the gap between high-octane international espionage and the equally treacherous landscape of American suburban high schools. Directed by Kyle Newman, the film stars Hailee Steinfeld as Megan Walsh (Agent 83), a teenage special ops agent who fakes her own death to experience a "normal" adolescence. Narrative Core: From Assassin to Adolescent Barely Lethal

After botching a mission to capture a notorious arms dealer (a delightful cameo from Jessica Alba as the adult assassin "Victoria"), 83 fakes her own death. She hijacks a new identity and enrolls in a suburban high school, expecting the hallways to be filled with the drama she has seen in John Hughes movies. Instead, she discovers that navigating the social jungle of teenage girls is far more terrifying than any covert operation. For fans of Spy Kids who grew up

In an era of grim, nihilistic spy shows that glorify child soldiers (looking at you, The Americans ), dares to be silly. It asks: Is it actually cool to train a 15-year-old to kill? The answer, delivered via a pie-throwing montage and a cheesy prom dance, is a resounding no. Narrative Core: From Assassin to Adolescent After botching

: Megan initially embodies traits like "butch realness" and "male mimicry," which she must trade for more "feminine" social cues to blend into her new suburban environment.