Spy Kids: Teletubbies vs. Rugrats

[Dan]

Spy Kids(PG) at the Gaslight

Dad: 3 stars
Daughter: 3 stars

When I invited daughter Katherine, 14, to attend "Spy Kids,"
she sighed and began listing reasons why she didn't think she
could go......too much homework, other plans, need to walk the
dog.

But soon the real reason emerged: She had seen the ads, and
was pretty sure this was another cute film for pre-schooler- - a
type sh'ed "outgrown." But, after thinking it over, she agreed to
head for the movies.

Both of us were pleasantly surprised to discover that "Spy Kids"
is pretty entertaining, no matter what your age.

"It wasn't a complete disaster after all," said Katherine, "I thought that it
would be a complete waste of time because it seemed likely to be one of
those typical, "kids save parents and are heroes even though they're
only 7 or 8 years old." I hate those flicks. Actually, it proved to be a very
funny movie. I still maintain that it was totally far fetched and could
never really happen, but it was at least humorous.

The full house at the Gaslight indicated that families have discovered
"Spy Kids." It was the top grossing film in the U.S. last weekend.

"The movie is about a couple of kids whose parents are
international spies and are kidnapped," recalls Katherine, "The
kids have to rescue their parents even though they have no idea
how to run everything, and are barely out of their diapers."

The villain stars on a kiddie TV show- visions of PeeWee
Herman ran through my head.

"This was one of the only original ideas for villains' I've ever
seen," she said, "The diabolical villains turn out to be robots
made to be look like people made completely out of thumbs, or
as the creator called them, "thumb-thum's."

Katherine and I both enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the
heroes. Little brother gains confidence, and big sister learns to
stop being so pushy.

"They way the younger brother was being bullied was very close to the
truth," said Katherine, "it's interesting to watch as a kid's self esteem
rises when he or she finds support. it's hard for a person to believe in his
or her self until someone else believes in them first."

The messages are simple, but heartfelt.

"The moral of this movie is that you should never underestimate
your enemy - and never ever come between a kid and their
parents. If you do, you won't like the result."

"Spy Kids" has monster hit written all over it. A sequel has
already been started, and may be released one year from now.
In essence it's like the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, but with
high-tech toys to entertain a new generation. it's a family film
worthy of a Saturday outing.



[This message has been edited by Dan (edited 04-04-2001).]