Spy Kids Review

        We continue with my look into Robert Rodriguez’s filmography. With the success of El Mariachi, Rodriguez started to become the next great action director. His films like Desperado and From Dusk Til Dawn helped him differentiate himself from other directors. In fact, when he got word that a child saw Desperado, he was taken aback that he decided that his next film will be mostly kid oriented. Spy Kids showed that Rodriguez had what it takes to make a family film. 

1. Family of Spies

        This was my first exposure to Robert Rodriguez. I remember my parents took me and my brother to see the movie and of course I enjoyed thoroughly. Occasionally, I would catch the movie and see the charm that it has imbued. The movie is mostly straightforward to follow. Since it does involve double crossing and elaborate stories, the overall plot doesn’t get too complicated. 

        Carmen and Juni live a somewhat normal life, their parents were former spies, but they hardly believe them. When Gregorio and Ingrid get word that they’re associates are missing, they get captured by a quirky children’s tv host. Meanwhile, both brother and sister come to grips about their family’s background and mount a rescue. Along the way, they meet double crossing agents and an unexpected family member.  

        What I like about the film is that there’s a certain level of believability when we see the family interact with each other. Like obviously, the young kids steal the show. We honestly believe that they are indeed brother and sister. They bicker and argue with each other and it’s necessary to have the chemistry basically work when we’re following them for a good hour and 20 minutes. Seeing their growth to being a great spy duo shines on when they attempt to rescue their parents. 

        For as much as they argue, there’s those tender moments where they do look out for each other. It shows us that while they can’t stand each other, they still bond. And that’s the thing where they basically team up and find a way to rescue their kidnapped parents. Each of them has a unique trait where they can basically be a superior spy. For instance, Juni while he’s portrayed as kind of slow, he does have a great intuition of any possible danger. 

        It’s those character traits that sell them high whenever they come across any threat. Some might complain that we don’t have those moments with the parents. Like it’s ironic that we see them try to escape but easily get captured or outmaneuvered. I believe that what they know is not applicable to a place where anything is but normal. What I also like is that the overall plot McGuffin has ties to the family itself. While too convenient, I’ll let it pass since the Dad has been secretive.

        The villains as well are anything but diabolical. For one thing, I think it was sort of ingenious to have a tv show host be the main villain. I mean after all, his kidnapped victims are used as characters in his show. What I found interesting that he was mostly a figurehead, since the actual villain was his minion who has connections with the kid’s father. Prompting him to make artificial kids to restart a research.

        With Floop, he has this child like insight where he doesn’t know between good or bad. So much so that he admits that his own TV show is missing an element despite it being about as weird as you can get. Other than that, when the kids meet their uncle, he doesn’t like his brother. And this interesting contrast since Carmen complains about Juni while their uncle has grievances with their father. Inevitably, they learn to put it aside and stick together. 

        Lastly, the movie isn’t overtly violent. For as much as the spy genre practically prides itself with shootouts or any that’s risqué. Spy Kids is mostly toned down for what it’s going for. The crazy gadgets are the stand ins for actual weapons and they’re creative for what they are. And I find it interesting where the stuff that they use is from their own uncle. Again, highlighting the family aspect that the movie is going for.  

2. Legacy

        The film was another great success for Robert Rodriguez. He ultimately created a franchise out of this one that has endured for three sequels and another franchise. The last movie I watched in theaters was the sequel. After that, the film’s slowly started to tank in quality. Inevitably I watched the third in 3-D. It was gimmicky and the special effects were quite awful. I think because Rodriguez liked making these kids movies that he decided to make another one, this by basing it off on superheroes with The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl. I’ve seen it and, well it’s bad. 

        If there’s one thing where I’ll give credit to is that the film does mostly contain an all-Hispanic cast. I wouldn’t say that it was groundbreaking, but it has that representation going for it. While not having the usual stereotypes of a Mexican family, I can at least interpret it that the parents are mostly keeping it about as basic as you can get. Thus, making the kids realization that they were spies more hilarious. 

        One last thing, Danny Trejo’s character is probably the last person to even be considered for his own movie. Now, I’ve watched Machete and we’ll dive into it. It’s such a, and no kidding, a different movie than this one. Not to get too ahead of myself but I’m pretty sure Rodriguez had a plan but wanted to make sure if Trejo was up to the task of playing a twist up version of his character. 

3. Overall

        Spy Kids is a product of the times, but it doesn’t feel dated at all. The effects have aged badly, but it doesn’t hurt the movie by being a great family film.