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Since the release of Robert Rodriguez’s first Spy Kids adventure in 2001, generations of adventure-loving kids have enjoyed the over-the-top action and silliness. Now, more than a decade after Spy Kids 4 hit theaters, Rodriguez introduces a new generation of young spies in Netflix’s Spy Kids: Armageddon.
Spy Kids: Armageddon follows a couple of kids in their quest to save the world’s technology. Tony and Patty (Connor Esterson and Everly Carganilla) have no idea that their strict parents (Zachary Levi and Gina Rodriguez) are brilliant super spies. But when Tony cheats his way into winning the new edition of his favorite video game, he allows a vengeful game developer known as The King (Billy Magnussen) to break into the family’s database, allowing him to unleash a powerful computer virus. And it’s up to Tony and Patty to defeat the game and save the day.
Their parents may have years of spy experience, but this mission is one for the kids. Not only does The King force the world to play his game in order to be given access to any of their electronic devices, but Tony and Patty and their parents also find themselves facing off against real-life versions of the game’s villains. Suddenly, these once sharp and skilled adults are completely out of their league. And while the grown-ups come off as generally incompetent, the kids immediately take to their five minutes of spy training and set out in confidence to battle the bad guys.
As is often the case with Rodriguez’s kids’ movies, there are plenty of things here that viewers could pick apart. It’s all pretty silly—and it doesn’t always make a whole lot of sense. But it’s also flashy and fun, with video-game-style action and cool spy gadgets—and it tells the story of a couple of kids who jump in to save the world when their parents can’t.
The characters here may be more than a little overdone, but their big personalities help to present the film’s not-so subtle message. And while kids are following these young spies on their all-important mission, they’ll also be reminded of the importance of kindness and honesty.
Like his other films for kids, Rodriguez’s Spy Kids: Armageddon is wacky and over-the-top, with daring young heroes who take on the bad guys and learn a lesson or two along the way. It definitely isn’t a brilliant film, but it’s an imaginative and action-packed adventure that a new generation of young viewers will enjoy.
Your whole family can join the adventure when Spy Kids: Armageddon premieres on Netflix on September 22, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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