OK for kids 7+
Positive messages can't save worst film in action series.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the fourth installment in the Spy Kids series (the first in 3D) features the same level of action/fantasy violence as the previous versions, with an added dose of toilet humor thanks to the Baby Spy. The language is unremarkable save for a couple of insults ("butt head," etc.) and the famous "shi...take mushrooms" line from the other movies. There's more noticeable product placement here than in the first three films (particularly car companies and Apple computers), as well as many more scatological jokes. Overall, though, the message is positive and family focused: Don't waste time or delay what's important.
- Families can talk about the movie's message about time management and family unity. How do the characters all make choices that show they've learned the big lesson?
- Do you think the movie's violence has less impact because it's cartoonish and no one seems to really get hurt? Is unrealistic violence less disturbing?
- How does the movie compare to the other Spy Kids films? Do you think the series should continue?
- How is Cecil's hearing depicted? Do his hearing aids affect him negatively or positively?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Rodriguez' movies are all about entertainment.
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Messages: The movie's overall message is a positive one -- that you should never put off spending time with the people you love or doing what's truly important, because time goes by quicker than you imagine. Even the villain's message is that people deserve to be punished for "wasting time." Several characters reinforce the theme that if you don't spend time wisely, you'll live with regret.
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Role models: The Wilson parents prioritize their families over their jobs, and the kids learn to stop mistreating their stepmother. Juni and Carmen stop bickering to work together as a spy "team" again. Cecil has hearing aids, but the fact that he's hard of hearing is never portrayed as an impairment -- if anything, his aids give him an edge.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Cartoonish violence and action sequences in which people fall but aren't fatally injured. No one bleeds or dies in the action scenes, even though the agents are using hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, and high-tech gadgets to fight their enemies. The kids use mechanized weapons that include an electrified lasso or whip and special gloves that can do serious damage.
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Sexy stuff: A husband and wife share a couple of kisses and some embraces. Marissa and Carmen wear form-fitting, occasionally cleavage-revealing outfits and skin-tight spy uniforms.
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Language: Mild insults include "butt head," "bobblehead," and a brattily uttered "STEP-mother." Carmen says the memorable "shi...take mushrooms" (a reference to the exclamation in previous installments). A few utterances of "oh my God."
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Consumerism: Several products and designer brands are prominently featured, including car companies Mercedes (and its subsidiary Smart Car), Mustang, and Mazda; the ubiquitous Apple computer; and some watch companies.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
2
Spy Kids all the time in the world by donnatickets
We did not like the film. On a scale of 1-10 all categories were a negative!!! Do not waste your money.
5
Great for kids and Dad by PJKNICE
What better excuse to see Jessica then taking kids to a PG movie. She even look shot pregnant.
Fun film too. Kind of like Goonies with the onus of J.A.
5
2-D Version Was Very Entertaining by ginahaun
I didn't want to spend the extra money for a 4-D scratch and sniff card. The story is excellent, with great family values! This Spy Kids movie reminded me of the quality presented in the original Spy Kids movie. I appreciate how the writers promote how love and family are so important. The message that you can't get back lost time speaks to all generations.
4
aroma what?! by kidmovies2
movie was good, action packed even if predictable! but the scratch/rub cards? what a joke! smelled like a sweet fruit from the moment they handed it to us and everytime we used it throughout the movie!! but the bottom line is my 6 and 7 year olds loved it!!!
5
AWESOME! by sfnest
The best movie my 6 1/2 yr old ever saw! Left the theatre wanting to go hunt for bad guys! Lots of cool gadgets and mild violence.
5
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World review by sports12345
Best Spy Kids movie ever!!!!!
4
The Critics Are Wrong...It's A Lot Of Fun And Created For Kids, Not Critics. by Alon Patterson
Another spy adventure made for kids, about kids, starring kids. It's unlikely anyone over the age of 12 would enjoy this half as much as would that former age group. It's definitely not a bad movie and even includes a novel Aroma add-in the kids should love. If you're looking for an epic and sweeping drama look elsewhere, but as kid?s movies go, this one is far from bad. Want to see a bad kids movie? See Cars 2 or the Smurfs. Otherwise I think most kids would enjoy this, but there's always that overly stimulated group who've become desensitized to this type of entertainment because of the internet and video games. You be the judge. The kids I saw it with thoroughly enjoyed it and I laughed aloud at the jokes and gags a number of times myself. It's fair to say this is worth the price of today's tickets if you want a fun adventure with the kids. There are far too few kid-safe movies like this one being made these days. See it. You won't be disappointed.
3
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World review by jess crush
this movie was not realy what we wanted but it was ok family fun for the night in with the family and the mesage of the movie was great but threre are far better choices out there than this so please be smart and if your kids do not realy want to see this one pick someting else