Visitors Review

badar-bdr (2012-05-25 16:37)

Slows down your brain function, thats how bad it is!

I went to the cinemas, and i had to choose between 2 movies "FrgihtNight" and Spy Kids 4, and i made the worst choice of my life andperhaps the worst choice of humanity, i chose Spy Kids :( I regretted my decision but as soon as i walked in, thought maybe well,you know Jessica Alba's innit its probably gonna be funny, i mean whywould such a known actor do a lame and stupid movie, with fart-jokesfilled in it like my head was filled with self-humiliation when iwatched it? But sadly she did it :'( About 40 minutes into the movie and i was literally lost, there was nodirection, no story line and really lame jokes. It couldn't get anyworse, before that British-talking dog started talking, i was literallyabout to cry. The theatre was such a dead place, even the kids weren'tlaughing. Hell, me and my friend started playing Fruit Ninja, on ourphones. I could feel that i am going dumb. I, to be honest, lost my sense ofhumour after watching it and this will always stay with me. I used tothink about things in a different way, but sure as hell, not afterwatching this. The only scene, where i forced myself to laugh was well... i don't evenremember, it was something like going along with the crowd and feelingweird after about 3 seconds of awkward laughter. I wouldn't watch thismovie EVER again, even if was as the cost of my life!

Roz Laws (2012-05-25 05:11)

Kids will be mildly amused by it.

Dustin Putman (2012-05-24 02:33)

Let's make things clear right now: Spy Kids: All the Time in the World is juvenile, rough around the edges, and frequently clumsy. And yet...and yet...the film is so likably innocuous and unsuspectingly wise that it works better than it should.

Nathan Rabin (2012-05-23 15:22)

The Spy Kids series once seemed charmingly homemade. These days, it feels less charmingly homemade than maddeningly amateurish.

nate-217-195312 (2012-05-18 20:02)

Better than what I expected, but it was still awful

This movie that I realize has a great 4D option that was great, but thestory and how the characters work and relate is okay. The worst part,well there's a lot of stupid and useless parts. The first one is thestory line. The story line was a little waste of time for most people,but some people really loved it, unlike me. Second was some of theanimations that were used in some of the scenes. If you've seen thetrailer of how the dog talks, in the movie it was ten times worse thanthe trailer by far. Third, well there's nothing else awful. On theother hand, there was some good family humor that I loved, but itwasn't the best out there.

Adam (2012-05-18 05:42)

Every bit as enjoyable as the first three!

Anyone who hates this movie as much as some of the previous reviewersdo, has obviously forgotten what it's like to be a kid.The latest addition to the Spy Kids collection has at its core thevalues that all the previous movies had as well - it's all about kidsbecoming more mature, and about pulling together as a family. Sure, Icould do without quite as many fart gags, but I never liked those whenI was a kid, either. Featuring Jessica Alba as Marissa Cortez Wilson,and Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara returning once again as a grown upCarmen and Juni Cortez - the original Spy Kids - this movie has somegreat action sequences and special effects, and it all adds up to agreat experience for kids of all ages - even kids who are all grown up.I loved all three previous Spy Kids films, and even primed myself bywatching them again this past week. I took my 15 year old daughter tosee this one for her birthday today, and she absolutely loved it, asdid I. She hasn't seen all three of the other ones, so she didn'trecognise any of the cool gadgets at the OSS' Spy Kids Division, butthat didn't keep her from having a really good time. I hadn't watched amovie in 3D in probably 30 years - back when you had to wear thosegoofy green and red cardboard glasses, and if you didn't wear theglasses you couldn't make any sense of the picture - so watching thisin the relatively new RealD 3D format was a real treat.Score: One point off for the modernized version of the failed"SmelloVision." My daughter and I both decided to abandon the "AromaScope" cards after the first three scents really didn't smell like muchof anything. But a bonus point at the same time because unlikeSmelloVision, which blasted the smells right in your face, now you havethe option of not using the scratch-and-sniff cards if you don't wantto. So one point down, and one point up. But one point off for havingjust too many jokes and gags based on bodily functions. The movie wouldhave been just fine without them. I give it an 9 out of 10.

Tom Russo (2012-05-16 23:51)

Rodriguez's various family-geared movies - notably the "Spy Kids'' series - have been annoying creative clunkers, the one area where doing things his way has seemed like an iffy way.

collipal-1 (2012-05-16 15:40)

An entertaining family film

I liked the films Spy Kids and Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams verymuch because they captured the tone and sensibility of the best familycinema, naughty and subversive but without falling into the vulgarityand without insulting the audience's intelligence. However, I think thethird film of the saga (Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over) stretched the concepttoo much and lost the focus on the characters, making them lose anygrace. Now, the fourth film Spy Kids: All the Time in the World triedto resurrect the franchise with a new family of spies, some characterswe already knew and a potentially creative screenplay which did not endup being as ingenious as it could have been. The final result is anentertaining, but not very memorable family film, which is verysuperior to the third one of the saga, but very inferior to the firsttwo ones.The actors from Spy Kids: All the Time in the World make a good work intheir roles, starting by the kids Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook, whoare likable and spontaneous. Jessica Alba and Joel McHale have a goodchemistry with each other, and also feel natural and credible, withoutexaggerating the humor moments nor forcing their emotions during theobligatory scenes of family conflict (Oh, no! The father works a lotand doesn't have any time to be with his sons! The kids miss theirbiological mom and resent the arrival of their father's new wife!). Igenerally don't like Alba's performances, but I have to admit she madea competent work in here. However, what I most liked in Spy Kids: Allthe Time in the World is the dog Argonaut, in part because of theanimal's charm and ability, and in part because of Ricky Gervais'energetic voice work.As for Robert Rodriguez's direction in here, it feels kinda impersonal;like if Spy Kids: All the Time in the World was only a clause in hiscontract with Dimension Films, or a quick source of funding for him tomake a movie in which he is more interested. Nevertheless, I had a goodtime while watching Spy Kids: All the Time in the World despite notbeing very memorable, and I can give it a moderate recommendation as acasual entertainment to spend a pleasant time with the whole family.But if you wanna see genuinely creative family cinema, I recommend youthe first two films of this saga, or the underrated Shorts, which wasalso directed by Rodriguez.

Marc Savlov (2012-05-16 12:02)

Far more coherent than its immediate predecessor, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D benefits greatly from its two likable young leads and some of the series' wittiest, pun-filled writing.

Matt Brunson (2012-05-15 23:27)

The presence of Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino is sorely missed. Then again, more power to them for staying away from a movie that would smell in any dimension.

Ahmed Dawod (2012-05-15 16:07)

Very exaggerating

First of all, I was disappointed by the absence of "Antonio Panderas"from this movie. Another thing is the silly gadgets they used in themovie. HEY PEOPLE, "A SPY DETECTOR" !!!!!!!!!!! what the ......... ?This is the worst gadget movie I've ever seen. And why did they use thesame gadgets from the old parts? THIS MOVIE DOESN"T WORTH WATCHING IT. Even the story is very weak. talking about time machine AGAIN!!!!! Idon't mind making a movie about time machines but it should beinnovative and creative. AGAIN I advise you not to watch this movie. Itis very very very boring. I regretted that I wasted an hour and a halfwatching it.

Bill Gibron (2012-05-15 04:17)

a miserable excuse for underling entertainment

Henry Fitzherbert (2012-05-14 05:29)

Robert Rodriquez delivers another irritating Spy Kids movie, Spy Kids: All The Time In The World in 4D, with the redundant gimmick of scratch and sniff cards, designed to reveal on-screen aromas. Well, I didn't smell turkey. In fact, I smelt nothing.

Sara Maria Vizcarrondo (2012-05-13 19:48)

In Spy Kids 4, women are warriors and men freely cry about their fathers, and it's this inversion that made me love the movie a little bit extra.

tedg (2012-05-13 14:29)

Multiple Copies

I'm aware that many people like to encounter films as a small,unchallenging adventure. That isn't possible with me, but I havesomething similar: sometimes a simple film is a relaxed encounter withthe filmmaker, a sort of illustrated visit in his home.I like Rodriguez. I like his joy in image and his independententhusiasm. I do not ever expect him to produce something that changesmy life, like fellow Austinite Malick can. But sometimes you just wantto hang out. One thing that is impressive is knowing that he createshis films mostly in his own studio with greenscreen, networked tospecial effects subcontractors. He must have had to do things that fewothers do in order for his work to seamlessly integrate with his life.So, though there is nothing profound about him except his passion,visiting a film can simply relax into that passion. I am particularlyhooked on the Spy Kids franchise because the first one had so manyinside references to old AI tools and techniques that I assume heworked very closely with someone from that era, perhaps even someone Iknow. Perhaps it was a side effect from setting up his personalproduction infrastructure.But it also because I know he is coming at this as a dad who enjoys hiskids and basically wants to share at a cinematic level. That is why,for instance that I tolerate the over top 'dad message' about theimportance of spending time with your kids now rather than be absent ina studio. (Yes, that is the basic plot.)The first film was themed on AI as mentioned. The second on genetics,and the third on a Tron-like game. This one plays — in the mostsuperficial way — with speculations on parallel universes and timejoins. Others will inform about the amazingly bad acting by both pairs ofsiblings, the really off- beat pacing and the general heavy-handednature of the thing. But under all that is a genuine human, beinggenuine and open, inviting us into the world he decorated himself(there's a joke about that). Where else but with Rose's influence willyou get a superspy kicking butt first as she goes into labor and laterwith the baby strapped on her chest. That alone will stick with you.Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

Linda Barnard (2012-05-13 01:04)

A pleasant time-waster kids will love with a pro-family togetherness message parents can appreciate...

changmoh (2012-05-10 21:01)

A Juvenile Effort Meant for those Under Five

I have often said that in order to enjoy mindless movies like"Transformers", we should "leave our brains at the door of thecineplex". Well, in order to enjoy this "Spy Kids" sequel, we need tolower our IQ to the level of four-year olds! 'Mindlessness' doesn'tquite cut it, it is juvenile indulgence, meaning, it is only for kidsbelow five.And if you have been following the cinema ads and promos, you wouldknow that this movie comes in 4D - with the added dimension of 'smell'.For that, viewers are given a numbered card (called Aroma-Scope) sothat they can scratch-and-smell when the number appears on the screen.This is a childish gimmick aimed at kids. For adults, it is more of anuisance because the scents are faint and the exercise distracts usfrom the action on the screen. Although there are many fart and poopscenes, the Aroma-Scope only provides scents of chewing gum and otheredible stuff (thank goodness for that). History has demonstrated thatall smell-o-vision gimmicks mostly stink.Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) is such a dedicated spy that evenwhen she is nine months pregnant, she manages to take down notoriousvillain Tick Tock (Jeremy Piven) before going into labor and retiringfrom her spy duties. Her aim is to devote all her time to her newbornand her step-kids, Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook) andhubby Wilbur (Joey McHale).Soon, however, she may not have that much time. One year later, TickTock and accomplice, The Timekeeper (also Piven), are back at theirattempt to rob the world of 'time' - and Rebecca, Cecil and their'guard dog' Argonaut (voice of Ricky Gervais) must save the world (whatelse?). Also, they team up with Marissa's niece and nephew, Carmen andJuni Cortez (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara reprising their former SpyKids roles) to make this mission a family reunion of sorts.Writer-director Robert Rodriguez seems to be milking the same oldcinema-script cow, urging parents to spend more time with their kids.This 'message' has been used by almost all family movies throughout thedecade. The time-theft and time-travel conceits can be puzzling tochildren even if they allow Rodriguez to make use of all sorts oftime-related gags. Of course, Rodriguez cannot resist the poop and fartgags, as well as throwing food all over the place. These, I understand,are the laugh-out-loud staple for American kids below five.Among the cast, Blanchard and Cook are suitably cute and effective asthe new title characters. Bringing back former Spy Kids, Vega andSabara, is a good idea, adding a nostalgic touch for parents in theaudience. Ditto that for Danny Trejo's short cameo as Uncle Machete.However, the irony of Daddy Wilbur being a 'Spycatcher' on TV is loston the kids and scores no points with the adults.As for Jessica Alba (as Marissa, the younger sister to AntonioBandera's character), she provides the main box-office lure, nothingmore. Strictly kids' stuff. (limchangmoh.blogspot.com)

John DeSando (2012-05-10 14:17)

It smells . . .

"I don't like to go to the movies to see violence or some kind of spything with all kinds of information you have to assimilate tounderstand the plot." Pia ZadoraThe scratch and sniff card accompanying each admission to Spy Kids: Allthe Time in the World in 4D is one of the most coherent parts of theexperience. Eight times sniffing with some barely discernible smellsmakes sense, so to speak, if you're writer/director Robert Rodrigueztrying to outdo the vibe of his El mariachi or even a previous Spy Kidmovie. He needs antihistamine for clarity of purpose and unity ofstory.Jessica Alba is called back to service as a spy to stop the Time Keeperfrom taking the world's time so he can go back to his dad. Straight outof Bat Man's Joker. Oedipus this is not although the film would havedone well to explore more fully the Freudian undercurrents. At best,Rodriquez sprinkles around a kid's vomit, a dog's flatulence, and adirty diaper for laughs and for critics like me to discover hiddenmeanings (I'm still thinking). New spy-step kids help pregnant Marissa in the fight while feckless dad(Joel McHale), a TV spy catcher, is sidelined with identity issues thatSophocles and Freud would have appreciated. Even old spy kids return,but to no avail because the plot is a series of set pieces with somenifty graphics but no depth.The "super rich sensory multidimensional experience" promised by atalking dog in the beginning of the film doesn't quite jibe with what Iheard a young boy in the men's room say to his friend: "What a cheesymovie!"That's as bald an indictment as I have heard about any filmaimed at this 10 year old. Although the effects are not cheesy, thestory line and characters are. Robert Rodriquez is not, at least when he's not cranking out his fourthSpy Kids.

Cynthia Fuchs (2012-05-08 21:01)

The stars of the old Spy Kids movies are no longer kids, of course. Spy Kids 3D: Game Over was released way back in 2003.

Andrew Barker (2012-05-08 03:24)

A cheap-looking, vaguely depressing echo of Robert Rodriguez's well-loved kidpic trilogy, assembled with minimal imagination or effort.