Spy Kids (DVD)

...rescue using all the latest spy gadgets. In the truest sense Carmen and Juni become Spy Kids.

Spy Kids is the first film of the Spy Kids trilogy, directed and written by Robert Rodriguez. Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara also star in the film which was released back in 2001.

The first Spy Kids was a feature film that was extremely popular with children and so they released another 2 movies. What is funny about this film is ...
...Cumming) and Minion (Tony Shalhoub). Spy Kids was a huge success much more so than was ever anticipated. Due to the huge success of this film an extended version was made that includes special effects not shown in the original film. Special effect sequences were shown on this that were not previously affordable in the previous budget. These are shown on the DVD.
This is definitely a film worth watching for its entertainment factor. It is ... more

Plot

The first scene shows a young mother putting her kids to bed. They want a bedtime story and the mother recalls the story of how she met her love. Little do the kids know she is actually telling a true story about her own life.

Gregorio and Ingrid are the two best secret agents in all the world. They have the ability to stop wars before they even begin. They work for different Countries, but are sent to destroy their worst enemy, each other. Rather than hate each other when they finally meet in an exotic corner of the world they fall in love with one another. Instead of destroying one another they raise a family and have children. Nine years later when they retire swapping espionage for being a parent Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are called back to their original job as an espionage.

Suddenly their previous colleagues start to disappear one after the other and the Cortez's have no choice but to fight the techno-wizard Fegan Floop and his evil, egg-headed sidekick, Minion. Soon afterwards the Cortez's disappear leaving Carmen and Juni to come to the rescue using all the latest spy gadgets. In the truest sense Carmen and Juni become Spy Kids.

Spy Kids is the first film of the Spy Kids trilogy, directed and written by Robert Rodriguez. Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara also star in the film which was released back in 2001.

The first Spy Kids was a feature film that was extremely popular with children and so they released another 2 movies. What is funny about this film is that whilst Gregorio and Ingrid's children (Carmen and Juni) think their parents are boring they are really hiding a secret. The secret couldn't be further from the truth of what the children believe. Their parents were two of the worlds greatest secret agents. They were in charge of inventing amazing disguises and top of the range gadgets.

The film is colourful, creative, fast paced and a brilliant fantasy adventure for all kids. As an adult I can also say that this film is an enjoyable watch. It appeals to the imagination with all the wild ideas, characters, creative sets and wonderful gadgets. It grips you to the seat, but towards the end of the film it seems to lose momentum a little. Unfortunately it doesn't deliver much of a powerful punch at the end which I would have liked.

The acting is very good and quite believable. I also like the way all the heroes were Latino and all the villains American WASP types. It is a film that provides a lot of fun for around an hour and a half and what's more is it is suitable for all age groups. There is quite a bit of humour and it is good to see the actors responding well to comical script. It is not funny all the time, but there is a good mixture of funny lines. A lot of the time it is tongue in cheek and not to be taken too seriously. The set is really good providing some imaginative effects. Visual effects are plenty and the wizardry is believable. The cast chosen is excellent and the supporting roles are also very good. Even if you don't fancy watching this film and have your own preconceptions of what it is going to be like watch it and you might be surprised. It is a roller-coaster of a film that heads off with a speed similar to a roller coaster and carries on in the same pace until unfortunately it reaches the end on a much slower pace. You'd expect it to have as good an ending as it did start, but sadly this isn't the case. However don't write it off because it does have a great plot and some other fantastic elements that make this a film worth watching. It is probably quite similar to films you might have seen before, but it does have quite a good twist. It is certainly worth watching so don't write it off just because it isn't exactly original.
Floop is the ultimate enemy a melancholy character that likes to mess with criminal activities. However Floop is manipulated by Minion and the two build an army of monstrous children without any minds. Quite the good guy, bad guy type of film.

The heroes are heart warming and admirable. The actors put their heart and soul into their characters and there are some wonderful character actors. It is a delight to watch true actors at work and they make the characters more believable.
This movie is a real treat for the whole family. It is a film where you can get the popcorn out and sit in front of the television together to watch this. It is the perfect film for rainy days like today. There is a lot of action, but without all the violence and gore. The director has aimed this film at kids with a sense of fun and playfulness.
Fegan Floop is played by (Alan Cumming) and Minion (Tony Shalhoub). Spy Kids was a huge success much more so than was ever anticipated. Due to the huge success of this film an extended version was made that includes special effects not shown in the original film. Special effect sequences were shown on this that were not previously affordable in the previous budget. These are shown on the DVD.
This is definitely a film worth watching for its entertainment factor. It is bright and colourful throughout and gadget focussed. Fantasy is something that features strongly in this film. It is positive, light hearted, warming and a film that will help your family enjoy quality time together. There is no offensive wording or anything in the film that would otherwise cause offence. It is clever and well written. Keeping the family together is something that focusses strongly in this film as it shows the relationship between family members. The characters in this film make it all the more worthwhile watching. Although the parents do come off well it is more about the children and the fact that they save the day. What makes this all the more realistic is that the children are just normal kids carrying on their daily lives. Both of the children are very likeable and other children will be able to relate to them. The moral of the film at the end of the day is about family togetherness.
I found this an interesting film considering that director Robert Rodriguez usually writes crime thrillers. I also like the fact that this wasn't hyped up to the eye balls like other films. It isn't trying to be something that it's not.

It was an enjoyable movie that was simplistic and a bit silly. The sillier this movie got the more enjoyable it became. This has Robert Rodriguez's style all over it. It was a sweet and innocent film although it had an evil twist.

It has a fantastic cast including; Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Alan Cumming, and Tony Shalhoub.

Setting
The movie is set in Mexico.

Director
The film was directed and written by Robert Rodriguez.

U (for action sequences and brief language)

Producer
Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Cary Granat, Mary Stuart, Kristen Branan

Writer
Ehren Kruger

Duration
01:30:00

Official Site
http://www.bvimovies.co.uk/spykids/

Release
Friday April 13 2001

Genres
Family, Comedy, Action/Adventure

Distributor
Buena Vista International

USA: Dimension Films

UK: Buena Vista International

Special Features
1.85Wide Screen
DVD 9
English
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
English
The DVD contains
Deleted scenes
Out-takes
Trailer: Theatrical

 

...less