Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Video-game-inspired sequel has kids in peril, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spy Kids: Armageddon
What's the Story?
Tony Tango-Torrez (Connor Esterson) is obsessed with video games in SPY KIDS: ARMAGEDDON. So much so that he's willing to go around his parents' rules and cheat in a contest to win the latest version of his favorite game, even when his more honest sister, Patty (Everly Carganilla), tries to dissuade him. What Tony doesn't realize is that when he downloads the game at home, he'll allow in an evil game developer (Billy Magnussen) who wants to steal his dad's powerful code, called Armageddon, to control technology around the world. Now, mom Nora Torrez (Gina Rodriguez) and dad Terrence Tango (Zachary Levi) have to reveal their spy identities to their kids to swing into action and save the world. Or will the kids save the day with Tony's video gaming skills and Patty's integrity?
Is It Any Good?
There are a lot of young viewers who will probably get a kick out of this latest video-game-themed entry in the franchise where kids always rule. In Spy Kids: Armageddon, the tech-savvy kids outsmart all the adults -- their parents, spy agency chiefs, and even a game designer gone rogue. Parents may find the authority swap a tad uncomfortable, especially because the takeaway seems to be that your kids will only be successful in this world if you give them unfettered access to technology. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that original idea came from director Rodriguez's son Racer, who co-wrote the script with him.
Nonetheless, the cast here successfully picks up the mantel from the previous four films in the anthology: Carganilla (Yes Day) and Esterson are adorable and play well off each other, Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) brings a pleasant earthiness to all her roles, and Levi comes across as a likable cross between Ben Affleck and John Krasinski.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Patty's message of peace and honesty in Spy Kids: Armageddon. Do you think she's right? Why or why not?
How does Patty demonstrate integrity through her actions? Does anyone else adapt this trait?
What did you think of the video game world of villain The King and his plans for world domination? Did the setting look like video games you've played?
What did you make of Tony's line that "not everyone has to be a gamer"? How about The King's concept that "anything can be fixed with game theory"?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 22, 2023
- Cast : Gina Rodriguez , Everly Carganilla , Connor Esterson
- Director : Robert Rodriguez
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Robots
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of action
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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