Heroics and homework

>> Spy Kids gets children's entertainment right

by MARK SLUTSKY

Hats off to Spy Kids, the first really commendable live-action kids' movie in a long, long time. Written and directed by Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Desperado), Spy Kids is a colourful, exciting adventure movie that shies away, thankfully, from the two trends animating most children's entertainment these days: boring wholesomeness (Most Valuable Primate) and depressingly crass gastro-intestinal humour (See Spot Run).

As its title suggests, Spy Kids is an espionage flick featuring youngsters in the James Bond roles. Carmen and Juni Cortez (Alex Vega and Daryl Sabara) are the children of two retired, ex-rival secret agents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino). Their parents' real identities are a secret to them, but when the folks are captured by a slightly insane kids' show host and killer robot designer Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming) the kids have to spring into action. Giving away any more of the plot might spoil much of the fun--suffice it to say that a great deal of action and adventure ensues.

There's very little down time in Spy Kids--the movie's terrifically fun to watch, with kids pulling Matrix-style moves, running up walls, flying around in jet packs and playing around with an assortment of super high-tech gewgaws. In a classy touch, there's not a gun in sight, a trend started by Charlie's Angels, even more appropriate for a movie aimed at children. Also admirable is the fact that the lead characters are all Latino, something the film doesn't try to congratulate itself for. It's refreshing to see non-whites in more than just sidekick roles.

The great cast adds to the film's overall appeal--also a rarity in children's entertainment. Besides Banderas and Cumming, the movie features the likes of Robert Patrick, Tony Shalhoub, the great character actor Danny Trejo, and a certain unnamed marquee star in a very funny surprise cameo. Spy Kids is actually quite hilarious in parts, with some great set-ups that the adult set should also enjoy. Admittedly, it errs a little on the corny side, but it's hard to say whether that's really a fault in a movie of this kind. It's obvious a lot of thought went into Spy Kids; with any luck it should start a trend of good kids movies, made by and starring actual talent.

Spy Kids opens Friday, March 30