You can’t say that Robert Rodriguez wasn’t ahead of the curve when it came to the current 3D fad/revolution. The technology might have been primitive compared to what’s being used these days, but 2003’s “Spy Kids 3D: Game Over” was the first wide 3D release in literally decades, predating the work of better known advocates in the field like James Cameron and Robert Zemeckis, and, for better or worse, paving the way for the current glut of stereoscopic releases.
The best part of a decade on and Rodriguez is returning to the format, and to the long-dormant mini-franchise for a semi-reboot, “Spy Kids; All The Time In The World,” which lands later in the summer. With original franchise stars Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega now firmly in their twenties, it’s time for a fresh start, with newcomers Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook taking over as the pre-teens who discover that their step-mom (Jessica Alba) was, unbeknownst to their dad (an evidently phoning-it-in-hardcore Joel McHale), a one-time superspy, and the family need to come together to battle an evil madman, the Timekeeper (a totally unrecognizable Jeremy Piven, in a Billy Ray Cyrus Halloween costume, who seems to get something of a makeover from the picture above).
We can’t say that we’re big fans of Rodriguez’s kids fare, but then, we’re not the target audience: the films are aimed specifically at kids, with little in the mix to keep the parents interested. Although we suppose Jessica Alba may help win over the dads this time out… And make no mistake, Rodriguez knows how to reel in the kids, with vomit gags, gadgets, colorful sets, the return of the original, now grown-up spy kids, and a talking, kung-fu fighting dog sidekick (voiced by Ricky Gervais).
The trailer also promises a release in 4D, which we’re going to assume isn’t literal, but then, Rodriguez was ahead of the curve on 3D, so maybe he’s got some tricks up his sleeve… (no, he doesn’t). “Spy Kids: All The Time In The World” lands on August 19th and, as the only kids flick of the next few months, will likely clean up nicely. [Coming Soon]