By Cameron Graf – Staff Reporter

The movie “Spy Kids” from 2001 is a family adventure film directed by Robert Rodriguez. The movie shows action, comedy, fantasy and advanced technology for its time. This movie presents a high-tech spy world designed for younger kids, while also entertaining adults.

The movie follows Carmen and Juni Cortez. These siblings unexpectedly go on a mission. Their parents are spies, and the kids do not know. They keep things covered and are sort of like the FBI. The kids step into their shoes and help take down villains and prevent disasters that may happen. The journey they take shows teamwork, courage, and the two bonding together while also navigating the world they are in with gadgets, villains and vivid imaginations. The film balances humor and adventure while leaving suspense and plot twists.

“Spy Kids” stands out due to its creativity and how entertaining it is throughout the entire movie, not just in one scene. This movie is like no other when it comes to its setting. It has many memorable moments, such as when the siblings test out high-tech gadgets and escape from traps and villains. The sound effects enhance the tension and fun, making action sequences more exciting. Carmen says,  “Family comes first, even in the spy business.” This captures the heart of the film and shows how it is centered around family and its importance.

Some special effects, while ambitious for the time, are dated by modern standards, which can cause a few scenes to feel less effective today. A handful of side characters do not get fully developed, and more explanations into the motivations would be helpful. Certain comedic moments are too silly and take away from the action sequences.

The movie is open to viewers of any age, especially those with active imaginations. Its inventive gadgets memorable moments make it a standout family film of the early 2000s, despite minor weaknesses in visual effects and character depth.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Some information courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes)