Spy Kids

Starring: Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Tony Shalhoub, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Robert Patrick, Danny Trejo, Richard Linklater, George Clooney (cameo)
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After their spy parents (Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino) are kidnapped, two kids (Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara) must channel their own inner-spies to save them.

Review:

Tim: I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting with Spy Kids, but this was not it. I figured, Robert Rodriguez changing things up, directing a kid's movie, collecting a truly impressive cast- this should be a great movie. However, I felt the film was incredibly weak, stupid, boring, and overall, a complete mess. This is a very, very bad movie.

Now, kid's films are not my favorite genre, but I have watched quite a few over the years. The best children's movies involve a story simplistic enough for children to enjoy, but complex enough for adults to find enjoyment in as well. There really needs to be enough to appeal to viewers of all ages. This film does not have enough to appeal outside of the youngest, most naive audience members.

The story is beyond ridiculous. I actually love the initial premise of children of spies being forced to step up and act as spies themselves. However, the film takes this idea to ridiculous lengths. The crazy gadgets, for example, just don't adhere to reality. The jet packs are absurd. The chewing gum that is electric is another idea that is funny to kids, but to no one else. These kids of things permeate the movie. There's a whole plot about a children's show, strange mutations, and much more. I found the whole thing completely ridiculous. I am not suggesting this movie needed to be a fully realistic, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold type film, but some realism would have been appreciated.

I really think some people claim they like this movie simply because it's directed by Robert Rodriguez and has a great cast. That is truly not enough. Let's talk about the cast, though. Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino are well cast as the kids' parents. They don't do a great job of acting (how could they, with this script?), but they are fine, for the most part. Alan Cumming is fine, although he does overact a little too much. I thought Tony Shalhoub was a nice addition and brought some needed strength to the film. Cheech Marin was a fun addition, but has far too little to do. Teri Hatcher was very much wasted. I wondered why Robert Patrick bothered to do this film, but I did like seeing him. Danny Trejo is always fun to see, especially when he's in a children's film (not what I would expect from him). Also, watch for a short but fun cameo by George Clooney at the end. The cast is made up of terrific actors, but overall, no one really has an ability to impact the film. This movie belongs to Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara, and neither seems like very good actors. Their sibling banter felt forced and unnatural. I never believed them as brother and sister.

In theory, this movie should have worked. The idea of kids having to act as spies is fun and certainly appeals to the younger audience. I would have loved the opportunity to use cool gadgets, defeat the bad guys, and save the world when I was very young. However, even at a very young age, I would have recognized the major flaws apparent in this film. I wanted to like this movie, but it was almost unwatchable. I really struggled to buy into the story or the world Rodriguez tries to create here. Rodriguez tried to do something with Spy Kids, but it just feels like this is a complete and total failure. I know many critics disagree with me, but I thoroughly disliked this film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams