Has it really been 10 years since this film series began? And I’ve missed it all that time as well? Thank goodness Lionsgate, as part of their releasing Miramax films to blu-ray, has decided to include the three films in the series. Yes, there is a fourth just out in theaters, but that won’t be out for a while. Just be glad these three are.
The first of the three is a treat. The story revolves around Carman (Alexa Vega) and Juni (Daryl Sabara) Cortez, two seemingly normal kids who live with their parents Gregorio and Ingrid (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) in some far off land. The thing is they have no idea that their parents are the two best spies in the entire world who’ve retired with the occasional gig should the world face imminent danger.
One such event occurs and both parents are captured by the evil Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming), a creative genius and children’s TV show host who is developing a group of robotic children to replace those of government officials for bad guy Mr. Lisp (Robert Patrick). With henchman Alexander Minion (Tony Shaloub) assisting him, the plan seems destined to work. Only Gregorio has the solution to one final problem.
To coerce the two into working for them, Floop sends his henchmen to capture the kids. Their “uncle” Felix (Cheech Marin) helps them escape and reveals to them the fact that they are the offspring of the best spies that exist. How cool is that? Tossed into the world they weren’t quite aware of, the duo takes naturally to the gadgets and danger associated with being spies. With the help of the OSS, the organization that employs their folks, the kids set out to take down Floop.
So what makes this movie so good? Well to begin with it not only entertains kids but adults as well. The kids get the joy of seeing someone their age being able to use what we as kids loved most about Bond flicks, the gadgets. The parents get to see an entertaining movie with a great cast that all work well together. The combination succeeds on all levels.
Director Robert Rodriguez has made some of the most entertaining films in recent years, in various genres. So to think that he couldn’t do right by kids movies would have been a losing bet. He brings off the wonder that kids find in all things bright and colorful, a kid’s view of the world, innocence, while at the same time giving them adult responsibilities. Don’t get me wrong though, this is not the “real” world here. The film takes place in a world that seems brighter than most filled with all sorts of off beat locations and sets.
The acting is well done and never overplayed by the cast. Most of it is played for laughs by the adults but they come off as normal in this world. The kids, Vega and Sabara, work well together sparring back and forth like siblings do but caring about each other deep down. Neither seems to be performing and that makes their performances seem real, a step up from many actors their age.
What makes this film work is, well, everything. It’s acted and directed well. It looks visually stunning. And most importantly it’s fun, not just for kids watching the movie but for adults as well. It’s rare these days to find a film that will entertain both groups, but this one does so in spades. Sure, there are the occasional gross out jokes, but kids will laugh at them and adults will roll their eyes, all the while snickering so the kids don’t see.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. Then again I don’t think Rodriguez has made a movie yet that I didn’t enjoy. The blu-ray transfer makes the colors pop off the screen and the clarity of picture makes it a joy to watch. This movie, and the two sequels, are not movies to rent but to add to your collection.
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