Charlie Cochet's Top 5 Movie Spies

Hello, all! My latest release Love and Payne features jittery, foul-mouthed, butt-kicking cheetah shifter spy Austen Payne. Austen works for TIN (Therian Intelligence Network), the shifter equivalent of the CIA. What is it about these agencies that fascinates writers? I’m sure it’s not as exciting as we see in the movies, but let’s pretend it is. 😉 

In honor of Austen, I’m listing five of my favorite movie spies/assassins/secret agents. Who’s your favorite?

1. Harry Hart - Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) – These movies are a lot of fun, and Colin Firth does a stellar job as Harry Hart, a sophisticated, posh British gentleman who looks like he belongs in a 60s spy flick with his retro glasses, elegant tailored suit, and neat haircut. When it’s time to kick some serious butt, Harry’s got what it takes and then some. 

2. Jason Bourne – When these movies first came out they were in a class of their own. Jason Bourne didn’t have any fancy gadgets or an intelligence network behind him. He didn’t even have his memories. What he did have was his instincts and his training. The fight sequences were impressive. I studied those sequences to improve writing action. Bourne can take someone down with a pen or magazine, but really all he wants is a normal life. 

3. Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (The Marvel Cinematic Universe) - Let’s face it, Black Widow kicks some serious booty and deserves her own film. As a member of the Avengers, she doesn’t have a shiny suit like Iron Man, or any enhanced abilities like Captain America or the Hulk. She relies on her force of will and her training. Watching the Black Widow in action is amazing, and her character history is fascinating. 

4. Napoleon Solo and Ilya Kuryakin - The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015) – These guys come as a pair, so they’re both number four, and yes, they’re very pretty to look at, but I love the chemistry between the characters and the wonderful rivalry that turns to a somewhat reluctant friendship. I absolutely loved this movie, and it’s filled with all manner of delicious tropes.  

5. James Bond – How can we have a spy/assassin list without the suave and charismatic 007?  I’m sure everyone has their favorite, but mine so far is Daniel Craig. There’s something about watching that Bond intro that really gets you in the mood for some MI-6 goodness. Who’s your favorite Bond?