Critic Reviews

Spy Kids (2001) Rank 4 Reviews

Expert Review Summary

Movie critics combined give Spy Kids (2001) a score of 2.9323 out of 4

based on (212) reviews

Click on the numbers to the right of the graph to see reviews of that rating

Excellent

(29)

Very Good

(164)

Good

(16)

Fair

(3)

Poor

(0)

Reviews by Score:

The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider)

All that wholesomeness (there's a poop joke or two, but nothing serious), and it's funny, clever and exciting, too. It's the rare film that is both "good" (i.e., inoffensive and uplifting), and "good" (i.e., well-made). Take the kids and enjoy. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider)

Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)

Spy Kids is a true family-oriented film. It is one which children will want to see more than once and parents might not even mind if they do. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)

eFilmCritic Reviews

They are the Cortez family: Gregorio (Antonio Banderas) and Ingrid (Carla Gugino), whom we meet years later, when their kids are in grade school. Bossy sister Carmen (Alexa Vega) and hapless little brother Juni (Daryl Sabara) have no idea of their ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at eFilmCritic Reviews

Film Blather (Eugene Novikov)

Watching Spy Kids, I thought that this is what Inspector Gadget had commercialism not triumphed over all artistic instinct. The films are somewhat similar in plot and almost identical in production design, but while Gadget was a travesty, Spy Kids is ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Film Blather (Eugene Novikov)

Christian Pyle

Once upon a time, two rival spies, Gregorio (Antonio Banderas) and Ingrid (Carla Gugino), decided to get married instead of killing each other. They retired to a beautiful house by the sea and had two kids, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni (Daryl Sabara). ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Christian Pyle

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Eleanor Ringel Gillespie)

Hits the screen running and never lets up. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Eleanor Ringel Gillespie)

Decent Films Guide - faith on film

But here at last is an entertainment thatâ��s actually worth going to theaters to see: an "eye candy" movie thatâ��s actually bright and colorful and fun to look at (contrast the oddly dismal-looking Grinch); a gadget-driven spy spoof that uses its ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Decent Films Guide - faith on film

Ultimate Movies! Review

Parent Previews

Every parent has secrets from their children (like where they've hidden the Easter candy), but Gregorio (Antonio Bandera) and Ingrid Cortez (Carla Gugino) have a big one: They are former top international spies. After marriage and the arrival of their ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Parent Previews

Austin Chronicle (Marjorie Baumgarten)

There is a whole lot to be said for fun -- especially fun that can be shared by all -- and in this regard Spy Kids saves the day. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Austin Chronicle (Marjorie Baumgarten)

Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)

The film's full of in-jokes, from the Spanish-language billboards to the name of Banderas' character. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)

Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

An intelligent, upbeat, happy movie. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

Dallas Morning News (Nancy Churnin)

Wildly imaginative and funny. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Dallas Morning News (Nancy Churnin)

Homer Yen

Meanwhile, the villain, Fegan Floop (Alan Cummings), is a popular children's television show host. He resides in a magnificent palace whose interior seems to be lifted from the blueprints of Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory. There, he carries out his ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Homer Yen

Moviepie.com

You know, I might understand that you all think I'm praising this film just because the studio gave me some free copies of the DVD to review and give away. But that's not true! Spy Kids is an unexpectedly delightful and thrilling kids flick for people of ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Moviepie.com

MovieFreak.com (Steve Tradd)

"I do not like kids movies." That is what my little brother, Derek, usually hears when he wants me to take him to see the latest Disney cartoon or the next installment to the Pokemon series. He then badgers me until I take him. So, this being true, I ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at MovieFreak.com (Steve Tradd)

Reel Movie Critic (George O. Singleton)

Gregorio (Antonio Banderas) is a spy out to eliminate Ingrid (Carla Gugino), who is also a spy out to eliminate Gregorio. They decide that enough is enough and after becoming friends, eventually they get married. They leave the spy business and have two ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Reel Movie Critic (George O. Singleton)

DVD MovieGuide

Every once in a while a movie comes along that looks like it just might be absolutely terrible. Actually, a lot of films are released that appear to be bad, but some seem more cringe-worthy than others. I recall when I first saw the previews for 1995â��s ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at DVD MovieGuide

Reel.com

Parents' Note : Spy Kids is rated PG for action scenes, and the morphing content may be spooky for very young kids. Ages 5 & up. ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Reel.com

filmcritic.com (Max Messier)

There are few respectable filmmakers in the world that would take on the difficult challenge of creating a children’s movie. I don’t mean those hack directors who just sit behind the camera and yell "action" and "print," ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at filmcritic.com (Max Messier)

The Movie Mom (Nell Minow)

Imagine James Bond crossed with "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and you might have an idea of what to expect in "Spy Kids," the best family movie of the spring. It has just the right combination of giddy fantasy, exciting adventure, wonderful ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at The Movie Mom (Nell Minow)

The Reel McCoy (Patrick McCoy)

(Also now available: my review for Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams ) Spy Kids takes a wonderful idea and brings it to life. It seems like we and Hollywood never seem to tire of valiant adventures where such admirable and memorable characters as ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at The Reel McCoy (Patrick McCoy)

JoBlo's Movie Emporium ("JoBlo")

A colorful kickass kid's adventure packed with cool gadgets, groovy tunes, funky stunts and plenty of fun for the whole family, including moms and pops. And considering that I am neither a kid, a mom or a pop, I even dug the movie a lot, so I can't ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at JoBlo's Movie Emporium ("JoBlo")

Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)

After films like Desperado and From Dusk Til Dawn, you wouldn't exactly expect Rodriguez to turn his skills to a kids' movie, but that he has! And it's easily one of the most kinetic, hilarious family thrill-rides in ages. Gregorio and Ingrid (Banderas ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)

Austin Chronicle (Marjorie Baumgarten)

It's going to come as a surprise to many people that Robert Rodriguez -- the filmmaker they associate with blazing action show-stoppers like El Mariachi, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, and The Faculty -- has not only gone out and made a PG-rated kids ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Austin Chronicle (Marjorie Baumgarten)

Chris Jarmick

It has been a long, long time since I had this much fun at a so-called family film. A family film where I didn't worry that it was perhaps a little violent, or dark, or had a little too much gross-out humor than I wanted the kids to see. And for right ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Chris Jarmick

Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)

In many ways, this film resembles 1971's Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, not only because it features a quirky recluse locked in a fantastic palace full of surprises, but because of its wildly colorful visual design which recollects the trippy, ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Jack Garner)

Perhaps the best compliment I can pay to a film aimed at children is to wish that I could be a kid again to view it from that uniquely innocent perspective.That's not to say I didn't enjoySpy Kidsfrom my more advanced viewpoint -- ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Jack Garner)

Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

"Spy Kids" is giddy with the joy of its invention. It's an exuberant, colorful extravaganza, wall-to-wall with wildly original sets and visual gimmicks, and smart enough to escape the kids ...read the complete Spy Kids movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

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