Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
By Sandie Angulo Chen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Positive messages can't save worst film in action series.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
Community Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Terrible reference to foster care
Report this review
A bit intense but is fine for older kids!
Report this review
What's the Story?
Undercover OSS agent Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) is married to TV presenter Wilbur Wilson (Joel McHale) and stepmother to his two kids, Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook). On the day she has her own baby, Marissa retires from life as a spy. A year later, the last criminal she put away -- time "stealer" Tick Tock -- has escaped from prison with the help of a nefarious villain called the Time Keeper. Together they've figured out how to make time accelerate so quickly that it will literally run out, and the world will end. The only thing that can stop this time Armageddon is a mystical crystal that's housed in a locket that Marissa gave her combative stepdaughter. Eventually the Wilsons end up back at the OSS, where Rebecca and Cecil must use their skills to bring down the time bandits and save their parents.
Is It Any Good?
This film continues the Spy Kids series' downward spiral and ruins the memory of what was once an exciting family film franchise. Writer-director-producer Robert Rodriguez has gathered an all-star cast of his friends (in addition to the Wilson parents, there's Jeremy Piven as OSS director, Ricky Gervais as the voice of a robotic dog Argonaut, a return cameo by Danny Trejo as Uncle Machete, and Spy Kids veterans Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara as Carmen and Juni Cortez), but their talent is wasted in this ill-thought installment.
Gone is all the passionate banter between Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino; they're replaced here by a bland Alba and McHale, whose dialogue lacks anything resembling chemistry. The kids are cute at first but quickly grow obnoxious, until near the end, when they're sickeningly sweet again. There are so many platitudes that even the villains can't help pushing the movie's commendable but annoyingly overt message that we should stop wasting time and start spending it with the people we love. Even the original spy kids can't add any oomph to this forgettable film; instead, we're left with a gimmicky trifle of a comedy filled with fart jokes and an accompanying "Aroma-Scope" card that's just a reminder of how much this movie stinks.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's message about time management and family unity. How do the characters all make choices that show they've learned the big lesson?
Do you think the movie's violence has less impact because it's cartoonish and no one seems to really get hurt? Is unrealistic violence less disturbing?
How does the movie compare to the other Spy Kids films? Do you think the series should continue?
How is Cecil's hearing depicted? Do his hearing aids affect him negatively or positively?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 19, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: November 22, 2011
- Cast: Alexa Vega, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, Joel McHale
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
- Inclusion Information: Latinx directors, Latinx actors
- Studio: Dimension
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Book Characters
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: mild action and rude humor
- Last updated: April 4, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate