Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive messages can't save worst film in action series.
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Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say that the latest installment in the series is a hit or miss, with some praising it for its humor and family-friendly essence while others criticize it for childish jokes, a weak plot, and insufficient character development. Many reviews reflect a sense of nostalgia for the earlier movies, feeling that this sequel fails to measure up and often resorts to toilet humor and puns that fall flat.
- mixed reviews
- nostalgic feelings
- poor plot
- childish humor
- unimpressive sequel
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 : Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Dimension
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action and rude humor
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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