SPY KIDS 2

The children stars behave like children acting out their wildest fantasies, and we are with them all the way. We can imagine ourselves at that age, pretending to pilot a transporter, or rescue a damsel in distress. You don’t need to have seen the original Spy Kids to enjoy this one, and we are quickly transported into this fun reality, where kids are kings and are in control of the coolest gadgets that even 007 himself would envy. Expect the unexpected – from Grandpa (Ricardo Montalban) in a wheelchair with wings, to Steve Buscemi’s wonderfully wacky mad scientist on the invisible island, whose vision has gone skew-wif. 

It’s witty, funny and never takes itself too seriously. Antonio Banderas manages to instil just the right amount of caricature into his spy dad character to bring some gravitas to the role. He makes the most of every moment and he is wonderfully entertaining to watch. Carla Gugino is lovely as spy mother, and there are some amusing moments with the uninvited grandparents, but it’s the kids who are the stars, and their interaction is refreshing. 

Shot on high-definition digital video, the colours are bright and sharp and absolutely conducive to this fast-paced fantasy adventure. I like the way the gadgets are used in the film – at first it’s like a showcase, but when the kids reach the Island, the gadgets don’t work, and they are forced to use their heads to solve problems. The production design emphasises clean, sharp lines and I love the bizarre hybrid animals on the island – from miniature to giant – cat fish, spider-monkeys, dragon-like serpents and even a pig that flies. Alex Vega and Daryl Sabara are great spy kids, and the Gerties (Matthew O’Leary and Emily Osment) add their own elements of charm, providing conflict and sibling rivalry. I’m sure it won’t be too long before there’s a Spy Kids 3 and who knows about the video game opportunities, soft toys and books that could follow.