Review of Spy Kids: Armageddon
As a fan of the Spy Kids franchise, I was excited to watch Spy Kids: Armageddon, despite some reservations. The movie definitely lives up to the campiness of the original films, which is a key characteristic of the series. Although the special effects could have been more advanced considering we’re in 2023, I can’t be too mad about it since it’s a Spy Kids movie and not a James Bond film.
An Overused Storyline
However, the storyline of Spy Kids: Armageddon is the weakest in the franchise. It deals with the idea that technology is taking over our lives, which has been done many times before. The movie feels like an attempt to recreate Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over with modern-day video games, but it falls short. The ending is also unrealistic and detracts from the overall enjoyment of the film.
A Closer Look at the Family Dynamic
One aspect I appreciated in Spy Kids: Armageddon is that the children, Carmen and Juni, work more closely with their parents. While the trope of parents being trapped and needing to be saved is still present, the fact that the kids are aware of their parents’ spy status adds an interesting dynamic to the story. The film also showcases the family coming together in the end, which is heartwarming.
Lackluster Sibling Chemistry
The chemistry between the two new child actors, Connor Esterson and Everly Carganilla, who play siblings in the movie, is somewhat lacking. Unlike the original actors who portrayed Carmen and Juni, these new actors don’t quite convince me that they are siblings. Their comedic timing is great, but the bond between them falls short.
A Valiant Effort by the New Parents
Zachary Levi and Gina Rodriguez, who play the parents in Spy Kids: Armageddon, give it their best shot. However, they can’t quite match the smooth and charismatic performances of the original parents, Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino. The chemistry between Banderas and Gugino was undeniable, and their portrayal of the characters was exceptional.
An Unnecessarily Long Runtime
Spy Kids: Armageddon could have benefited from a shorter runtime. The movie surpasses an hour and a half, and much of the unnecessary fluff could have been cut out. A shorter runtime would have maintained the same story while improving the overall pacing and keeping the audience more engaged.
A Passable Movie, but Unlikely to Watch Again
While Spy Kids: Armageddon ranks higher than Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, it falls short compared to the earlier films in the franchise. Although the movie has its entertaining moments and some enjoyable action scenes, it doesn’t capture the magic of the original Spy Kids movies. As an adult viewer, I don’t see myself watching this movie again. Perhaps it’s time for the Spy Kids franchise to take a break and reevaluate its approach, as the concept of children risking their lives as spies may be wearing thin.
Looking Forward to Other Movies
Despite my disappointment with Spy Kids: Armageddon, there are plenty of other exciting movies to anticipate. The 2024 movie schedule is filled with thrilling action films and enjoyable kids’ movies. If you’re still searching for something to look forward to after Spy Kids: Armageddon, make sure to check out one of the upcoming releases.
