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Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
- Review Date: August 19, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Positive messages can't save worst film in action series.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the fourth installment in the Spy Kids series (the first in 3D) features the same level of action/fantasy violence as the previous versions, with an added dose of toilet humor thanks to the Baby Spy. The language is unremarkable save for a couple of insults ("butt head," etc.) and the famous "shi...take mushrooms" line from the other movies. There's more noticeable product placement here than in the first three films (particularly car companies and Apple computers), as well as many more scatological jokes. Overall, though, the message is positive and family focused: Don't waste time or delay what's important.
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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- Teens & kids
Educator and Parent of 5 and 8 year old
August 19, 2011
AGE
Fun with some good discussion starters but troubling language
Kids who liked the other movies will like this one. The scratch and sniff cards that make the movie "4D" add some fun over a typical movie experience. The blended family and hearing impaired child can be good discussion starters, and perhaps even the reaction of the husband's boss to the wife taking her baby on a job with her. The shitake mushrooms quote was alarming in a way it wasn't in the other movies.
What other families should know:
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Adult
August 24, 2011
AGE
We give it a thumbs UP! We liked it!
We have seen all the Spy Kids Movies and were thrilled to see a new one. My 10 year old loved it. As an adult I was entertained and somewhat bored in parts, but please bear in mind ... it's a kid's movie. We especially liked seeing the Carmen and Juni characters/ actors all gown up. So I have to give this movie a thumbs up!
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Kid, 12 years old
August 20, 2011
AGE
Yeeeeeeee-OUCH!
The Moral says you shouldn't Waste Time, and that's exactly what this movie is if you liked the older ones: A Waste of Time.
It has some of the best villians and heros in the seroius, Semi-Funny, and of course, Juni and Carmen.
However, there are some problems: First, Juni and Carmen are almost downright IGNORED and only put in so this Movie isn't the same "In Name Only" (Look it up). The Characters it WANTS you to focus on are covered with spikes (Not literally). So don't fall for it, or your Hopes'll meet the same fate as the quarter that the Kids droped to see how strong the gears were: Shattered.
I wish there was a feature where you could put "On/Pause/Off for ages [Insert age number here] to [Insert age number here]", Because this movie will not please older fans, and is too violent for younger kids
Edit: How this gets more attention then my Rango review, I have no idea
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Parent of 10 year old
August 20, 2011
AGE
Worth seeing for children
Positive message overshadows any other negatives.
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Teen, 14 years old
August 24, 2011
AGE
the best film
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Parent of 9 and 9 year old
August 23, 2011
AGE
fun
We've watched the other Spy Kids movies and have enjoyed them. If I had to sit thru this movie alone, without children, I would maybe rate it a 1 star, but the kids & I enjoyed this, especially with the aromavision card (which was not fantastic, but added another dimension). No content issues here.
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Parent of 9 and 12 year old
August 24, 2011
AGE
Definitely a young kid's movie
As a parent it's a one star, but I gave it three because my 9 year old and 12 year old really enjoyed it. Generally, I'd say most 7-10 year olds will enjoy the movie and the silly humor.
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Teen, 16 years old
August 25, 2011
AGE
Family movie
Good for the whole family to watch.
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Kid, 10 years old
August 27, 2011
AGE
Great movie but not what expected
I don't if it's because I watched too many pg 13 movies or that I'm too old for this but I didn't this very intresting so I had stop in the middle of it.
Just not my type.
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Adult
August 29, 2011
AGE
Go!
I thought this movie was going to be horrible! It ended up being so good! I would recomend it but it can be a little scary to some kids... in one part shi% is used but otherwise, go see it!
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| Topics: | adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Dimension |
| Director: | Robert Rodriguez |
| Cast: | Alexa Vega, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, Joel McHale |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 89 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 19, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | November 22, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild action and rude humor |
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