SPY KIDS

 While Director Robert Rodriguez has been overpraised for some of his flashy, mediocre films, “SPY KIDS” is a rare gem! It’s great fun for children and adults alike.  Rodriquez’s talents are all on display throughout almost every scene of the film, and the film’s incredible opening sequence deserves to make him the first-choice for any future James Bond films!  It’s during this sequence where the audience learns, in truncated format, of the history of the two parent/spies in the film. Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino are perfect in their roles, but it’s the supporting cast that carries the film.  When the parents are kidnapped by the film’s main villain, it’s up to their son and daughter to save the day. 

We don’t want to give away too much, but most of the characters in the film are revealed to have different motivations than we expect. Some of the villains aren’t really that bad at all, and some of the “nice guys” ,…well,…they’re not nice!  There are loads of special effects, and Rodriguez’s imagination runs wild and never fails to entertain.  However, there are a few brief effects sequences that actually look shabby for some inexplicable reason.  Still, most of the film looks so great, these brief flaws are easy to overlook.

BUENA VISTA has preserved the film’s correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  This is a flawless transfer! It’s demonstration quality throughout the film!  The detail is incredible in every scene and there’s incredible depth.  The colors are vibrant and the contrast is perfect with deep, deep blacks and grays.   

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is extremely active, although the opening sequence didn’t live up to the same level of surround activity as we heard in the theater.   However, after the beginning, all speakers come to life in what has to be one of the best surround/directional environments of the past few months.  The LFE channel is active in just the right spots, adding to the film’s action sequences.

There is a trailer and some teasers.