Review: New 'Spy Kids,' Same Old Tricks

By Michael Lopez

Often times it's hard to review a movie aimed solely at the little ones. From a grown-up perspective, the jokes can be corny and the plots may make little sense. But if you're under 10, doggie "butt bombs" and scratch-n-sniff aromas equal big laughs and a lot of fun. Spy Kids 4D has all the essentials to keep the pre-teens happy, but Mom and Dad may have a tough time signing up for the new "mission."

Quite a lot has changed since we last saw the Spy Kids. In fact, even the Kids themselves have been replaced. Though original stars Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara are back in more "mature" cameos, their cute little faces are sorely missed.

Writer/director Robert Rodriguez had told us that he fully intended to end the series with 2003's Game Over. But fan interest (and probably a big pile of money) changed his stance. Giving the franchise a fresh start, Robert cast newbies Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook as the latest Kids. He also added Jessica Alba as sexy step mom Marissa and even a Spy Baby!

In this story, the Kids are twins and very competitive. Marissa initially has a tough time connecting with her mischievous step children. But when trouble erupts and it is revealed that Marissa is actually a spy, the family unites to save the world.

All of the elements that made the last Spy Kids movies fun are thrown back into the mix. There are cool gadgets, comic relief characters (this time a hilarious Spy Dog voiced by Ricky Gervais), and an over-the-top villain. And though everyone in the cast seems to be trying their hardest to make things work, something about the overall movie feels stale and uninspired.

Rodriguez mentioned how he likes to be innovative with each film in this series. The addition of a "4D" scratch-n-sniff card does seem fun, but never lives up to its potential. Similarly, the 3D effects don't click and quite a bit of the CGI seems overdone. Of course that's the grown up critic talking, we're sure if this review came up on "Blogamole Jr." you'd have an entirely different perspective.

Bottom line: Believe it or not, there is such a thing as a kids' movies that entertain adults (check out Cars 2 to see what we mean). Sadly, Spy Kids 4D isn't one of them. With its bland storyline and uninspired characters, it may very well be the weakest movie of this franchise. But with this being Robert’s official followup to the R-Rated Machete, you definitely have to admire his range.

Are you a fan of the Spy Kids series? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alexa Vega, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Daryl Sabara, Jessica Alba, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Robert Rodriguez, Spy Kids, Spy Kids 4D