Blogamole › Robert Rodriguez

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

By Michael Lopez

You've got to hand it to Robert Rodriguez, he always comes up with something original. After breaking new ground with the shoot-em-up retro flick Machete, the maverick director is back at it again, this time with a couple of "4D" Spy Kids. Speaking to Tr3s an press conference for the film, Rodriguez opened up about his film-making process.

"Spy Kids was always a scrappily innovative series," he said. "So when it came time for the fourth movie, I knew I had to go 4D."

Robert definitely has a point. Whether it was the heavy use of CGI, the 3D elements, or just the ambitious plots (remember the Island of Lost Dreams?), the Spy Kids movies definitely went over the top in the creativity department.

Rodriguez hopes to push the envelope even further with his 4D concept. Yup, he's introducing a fourth dimension for moviegoers. What does that mean exactly? A new "scented" experience that Robert calls Aroma-Scope.

"I kept changing the smells," Rodriguez said. "I shot footage for 10 or 11 additional aromas, but things kept changing around."

Having seen the movie, we can definitely attest that each odor captures its accompanying scene perfectly. But be warned, they're not all pretty (particularly the dog scents).

Outside of the 4D concept, Robert seemed very proud about what he had accomplished with this series. In fact, he said it was the ongoing fan support that encouraged him to make a fourth installment.

"A lot of families kept coming up to me saying how much they loved the Spy Kids movies," he explained. "Even my own kids are big fans."

For this particular outing, Rodriguez assembled a new pre-teen duo who he was very excited about.

"These two kids, Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook, they really stood out," Robert said. "For me, they were absolutely perfect."

As cute as they are, something tells us Rodriguez won't be bringing them along for his next project, the extra-bloody Machete 2. Though he was still secretive about the plot, Robert did drop some teasers about the upcoming sequel.

"We are going to do Machete 2," he said. "And we've even got a trailer for a third movie called Machete In Space!"

We can only imagine the aromas that will come out of that movie.

Are you a fan of Robert Rodriguez' work? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Machete, Machete 2, Movies & CineMás, Robert Rodriguez, Spy Kids, Spy Kids 4D, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight long years since we last caught up with the Spy Kids. Though many thought the family-friendly franchise wrapped up with 2003’s Game Over, Robert Rodriguez has decided to resurrect it again with All The Time In The World. And at a recent press event, stars Jessica Alba and Alexa Vega spoke very enthusiastically about the upcoming sequel.

"It was surreal," Vega said about the experience. "I hadn’t been on a Spy Kids set since I was 14 years old. It was a great experience to be back."

Obviously at 22-years-old, Alexa is hardly a Kid anymore. But Rodriguez made sure there was room for her and big-screen brother Daryl Sabara in the latest installment. Now a grown-up operative at the Organization of Super Spies (OSS), Vega’s Carmen character enjoyed plenty of interaction with the franchise’s latest young stars.

"It’s a happy/sad moment passing that torch to new kids," she explained. "No matter how bad you want to go back to being a Spy Kid, you have officially graduated into being a woman spy."

Another famous woman spy in Kids 4 is Jessica Alba, who is introduced as agent Marissa Cortez. Alba’s character happens to be a new mom, which meant there were several scenes with the movie’s hilarious Spy Baby.

"It was awesome," Jessica said when shooting the infant scenes. "The twins we worked with were very sweet."

Alba was also quick to sing the praises of Spy Kids mastermind, Robert Rodriguez.

"As a friend we have a good relationship and as a director we have a good relationship," Jessica said. "I really respect him and I love working with him. He inspires me."

Speaking with Alexa, it was clear she felt the same way. She even mentioned how Robert walked her down the aisle of her recent wedding. So obviously, if the option of a Spy Kids 5 came up, both actresses seem more than willing to sign on.

"I would love to be a part of anything that Robert’s a part of," Vega enthusiastically said. "I would go back [for another Spy Kids] if Robert went back."

You can see Jessica, Alexa, and Robert’s handiwork when Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World hits theaters on August 19.

Are you planning on watching the new Spy Kids movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags "Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World", Alexa Vega, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Jessica Alba, Movies & CineMás, Robert Rodriguez, Spy Kids, Spy Kids 4, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

This is it, the movie that put legendary director Robert Rodriguez on the map and reinvented the modern shoot-em-up Western. Yup, this week's P and P flick is none other than El Mariachi! Made for a meager budget of $7,000, this 1992 classic isn't just fun to watch, it’s a piece of history.

Anyone out there with dreams of becoming a movie director should use El Mariachi as an inspiration. Rodriguez created this masterpiece when he was just 24-years-old and looking at the way he intricately laid out each scene, you can see his promise as a filmmaker.

Originally intended for the Spanish straight-to-video market, El Mariachi wound up competing at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. With its fast-paced action, intricate storyline, and dynamic visuals, it caught the eye of execs from Columbia Pictures and soon got Robert a multi-picture deal.

But enough about the backstory, let's get into the specifics of why this movie rocks! For one thing, it's got a very engaging lead in Carlos Gallardo (who would be replaced by Antonio Banderas in the sequel). There is also some intense gun battles, evil drug lords, and an ending that'll make your jaw drop.

The story itself involves a down-on-his-luck musician who gets entangled in a gang war simply because of his black guitar case. El Mariachi, as he's called, soon finds himself falling in love with a lady bartender and mistakenly labeled an escaped assassin.

Sure Rodriguez carried out the scenario with a much bigger budget in 1995's Desperado. But on many levels, this modest movie comes off better. You can tell El Mariachi was done with a lot of heart and it basically became the blueprint for some of Robert's more action-heavy projects.

Do yourself a favor. Turn on Tr3s this weekend, break out your acoustic guitar, and get ready to have a blast!

What’s your favorite Robert Rodriguez movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Carlos Gallardo, El Mariachi, Movies & CineMás, Pelis and Popcorn, Robert Rodriguez

By Michael Lopez

Yes, we were all a bit sad when we heard that Robert Rodriguez was replacing Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara in his new Spy Kids sequel. But, with Alexa now 22 and Daryl pushing 19, it seems like it would be quite a stretch to keep them in the pre-teen mold. Thankfully, Rodriguez has still made room for both actors in this August's Spy Kids: All The Time In World, albeit in smaller supporting roles.

Looking taller and much more mature than they did in the original 2001 film, Alexa and Daryl have some memorable moments in the new Spy Kids trailer. This time, their characters are seasoned vets and passing along knowledge to the next generation of pint-sized butt kickers (now played by Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook).

Adding even more flavor to the eclectic cast will be Jessica Alba, as a super spy stepmom, and Jeremy Piven, playing the evil Timekeeper. Rodriguez regular Danny Trejo will be back in action as well, returning as "Machete" Cortez for the fourth time.

Believe it or not, it's been eight years since the last installment hit movie screens. And judging from the viral buzz that's already generating, audiences are eager to have the franchise back. Let's just hope that the new Kids can live up to Daryl and Alexa's legacy.

Are you looking forward to Spy Kids 4? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Jessica Alba, Movies & CineMás, Robert Rodriguez, Spy Kids, Spy Kids 4, Spy Kids: All The Time In The World

By Michael Lopez

Oh how we wish this was a feature film! Unfortunately the Kobe Bryant and Robert Rodriguez Black Mamba collaboration is just a high-profile commercial for Nike shoes. But it’s set to be one heck of a TV spot. Kanye West, Bruce Willis and Danny Trejo are all in the cast list for this epic court battle.

So far, Nike's released :30 teasers to build buzz for the six-minute film. Set to debut during this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend, the Black Mamba promises explosions, helicopters and wild-eyed zombies on the court.

Best of all, it looks like Danny Trejo’s Machete may pop in for an appearance too. We’re totally guessing here, but it is being made by the same team that created the 2010 cult classic. The style of the trailer (and that distinctive Trejo growl) make this promo seem very Machete-esque.

One other interesting thing to point out about Machete is that it too started as a short trailer. Originally featured in the Robert Rodriguez film Grindhouse, its underground popularity led the filmmaker to expand it into a full-length feature film. Let’s hope the same kind of buzz works with Black Mamba!

Are you excited about Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba spot? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags basketball, Black Mamba, Bruce Willis, Danny Trejo, Hot Stuff, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, Nike, Robert Rodriguez, Sports

By Michael Lopez

Any Blogamole fan knows how much we loved Machete. Robert Rodriguez' slash ‘em up action flick delivered heavy explosions, sexy Jessica Alba scenes, and an underlying political message that’s very relevant to the Latino community. Best of all, it gave us Danny Trejo wielding big knives in his first ever starring role! Recently, we were able to talk with Danny about Machete sequels, Machete merchandising, and the Machete DVD that drops this week.

Obviously, the most exciting treat from the movie will be the Special Edition DVD that arrives on Tuesday (January 4). According to Danny, fans can expect, “More blood, quite a bit of behind-the-scenes info, and outtakes of me kissing Jessica Alba. If you enjoyed Machete, you’re going to love the DVD!”

And that’s only the beginning. Having already browsed through a copy of the disc, Team Blogamole discovered an entirely new character and plot twist. Though we can’t dive into spoilers here, let’s just say that Alba fans will not be disappointed.

Danny also went on to describe the merchandising bonanza that the movie seemed to spawn. Peek inside any comic store and you’ll be likely to find Machete T-shirts, fake Machete knives, and Danny’s personal favorite, the Machete action figure! “It seems like I sign Machete dolls all day long. They even have all of my tattoos!”

In case you haven’t noticed, Trejo’s celeb status has been growing by leaps and bounds lately. According to Danny, there are plenty of other projects in the works. “I just did Modern Family and I’ll be in Death Race 2. Trust me, when you see [star] Tanit Phoenix, you’ll know why I took that part!” Of course, we just had to ask him about that upcoming Muppets role. “Wait until you see The Muppets. I’m going to be playing Danny Trejo in the movie!”

By the sound of things, 2011 looks to be a very busy year for Trejo. But before we could finish off the interview, we had to ask about the rumored sequel, Machete Kills. According to Danny, “In Robert's own words, Machete Kills is wrote.” Now the question is, how long will it take to get to the big screen?

Are you planning on picking up the Machete DVD? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Danny Trejo, Exclusive Entrevistas, Hot Stuff, Machete, Machete DVD, Movies, Robert Rodriguez

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that Halloween is only two weeks away and just to make sure you’re all caught up, here’s our Blogamole checklist. Costume info? Check. Tickets to see La Llorona? Check. The only thing missing now are some super scary films to pop in your DVD player (or stream) for a midnight movie fest!

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too. Here’s a list of five screamworthy classics (all with a Latino twist, of course) that are perfect to get you in the muerto mood.

Image: Miramax Films

Mimic – Who doesn’t love a great creature feature? Especially when it comes from the mind of Guillermo del Toro. In one of his first mainstream outings, the master Mexican director unleashes giant cockroaches in the subways of New York! Yea there’s cheesy moments, but you’ll never look at those bugs in the RAID commercials the same way again.

Image: Versus Entertainment

Buried – You may have to go to the theatre to see this one, but it’s well worth it. Buried delivers the scares on a purely psychological level, which is actually freakier than any slasher with a butcher knife. Ryan Reynolds stuck in an underground box and fighting his own mental demons? We’re giving major kudos to Spanish director Rodrigo Cortes for giving us more of a thinking-person’s Halloween flick.

Image: Dimension Films

From Dusk Till Dawn – Literally the movie that launched Robert Rodriguez, From Dusk Till Dawn still stands as one of his crowning achievements. Plus it launched the film careers of George Clooney and Salma Hayek Pinault. It’s got all of the Rodriguez regulars (Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin) busting heads and sucking blood! Yea it came out 14 years ago, but to us this movie never gets old.

Image: Universal Pictures

The Wolfman – The Wolfman is a ferociously fun monster flick and even though it got mixed reviews, we think it’s awesome. Benicio del Toro delivers a “fierce” performance as the tortured hairy beast, who could easily kick the hell out of Taylor Lautner. Any chance we could get Benicio in a Wolfman vs. Chupacabra movie anytime soon?

Image: Universal Pictures

Dracula – Yes, we’re talking about the 1931 movie. Classic film buffs have raved about Bela Lugosi as the o.g. Edward from Transylvania, but did you know there was a Spanish movie released at the same time? Shot simultaneously with the original Dracula (and on the same sets), Dracula en Espanol featured Carlos Villarías in a creepy performance that historians say is actually better than Lugosi’s! Well worth checking out.

What are your favorite Halloween horror flicks? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Buried, Dracula, From Dusk Till Dawn, George Clooney, Guillermo del Toro, Halloween, mimic, Movies, Movies & CineMás, random cool, Robert Rodriguez, Salma Hayek, Salma Hayek Pinault, The Wolfman

By Michael Lopez

If you recall, way back in July we got the word that Spy Kids’ star Alexa Vega was on her way to getting hitched. Well now just a few short months later, 22-year-old Vega and her producer fiancée, Sean Covel, have made it official with a lavish ceremony at a South Dakota opera house!

Just as promised, Robert Rodriguez was right there to walk her down the aisle. Little sister Makenzie Vega (who stars in the show, The Good Wife) was on hand too as a bridesmaid and even Wilmer Valderrama showed up for the ceremony.

Alexa’s new hubby Sean also has some major ties to the entertainment biz, having produced hits like Napoleon Dynamite. There’s no official word on whether any of his movie star buddies were on the guest list, but we’re seriously hoping Pedro made an appearance.

Of course all eyes were most certainly on Alexa, who was said to have looked ravishing in her Ian Stuart gown. Though the pictures haven’t been posted yet, she did send her Twitter followers a funny pic showcasing the massive gifts that have been piling up.

Perhaps Alexa put it best herself, when she Tweeted:

“Ahhhh. I'm married!!!!”

Congrats to the happy couple!

Source: [TV Guide]

Can you believe 'Spy Kid' Alexa Vega is all grown up and married? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alexa Vega, Hot Stuff, Robert Rodriguez, Spy Kids, Weddings, Wilmer Valderrama

By Sharmaine Jones

Calling all Spy Kids fans! If you're a victim of spy-kid-mania, then you're in for a pleasant surprise. “Spy Kids 4: All The Time in the World” will star our favorite action heroine Jessica Alba and funnyman Joel McHale!

Image: Getty Images

Jessica Alba and director Robert Rodriguez – who Jessica worked with on Machete and Sin City- will team up once again for the next installment of the popular series. Alba will play a retired spy who has been reactivated to stop the villain known as “The Time Keeper” and will require the assistance of her two preteen stepchildren. How lucky are these kids to have a super cool spy step-mom as gorgeous as Jess!

Alba's husband will be played by The Soup host Joel McHale who also happens to be an investigative reporter itching to get a spy-related story. We're willing to bet he has no idea that the scoop he's searching for is right under his nose – literally. We love it!
Although Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara – the original spy kids – will be replaced by a new batch of younger actors, (unless they want to rename the movie Spy Teens) Vega and Sabara, as well as Antonio Banderas will pop up in the movie in some capacity. Maybe a passing-of-the-torch type of moment.

Image: Dimension Films

Each of the first two Spy Kids films were solid family entertainment but Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over was far less than its predecessors as it lacking ingenuity and imagination. Honestly, it sucked! The fact that it was shot in 3D made it somewhat worth watching because you were able to enjoy the novelty of the experience rather than non-engaging story. Rodriguez will have his work cut out for him in assuring that the fourth reboot lives up to the first two but this time around he has a very secret weapon: the lovable Jessica Alba.

Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World will be shot in 3D and is set for an August 19, 2011 release.

Is Jessica Alba's character luring you to see “Spy Kids 4” or has the franchise run its course?

Tags "Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World", Antonio Banderas, Jessica Alba, Joel McHale, Robert Rodriguez