DVD SPECS
Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: PG (mild action, rude humor)
Running time: 88 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 (anamorphic)
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Spanish
Special Features: Six deleted scenes, Robert Rodriquez interview with a kid reporter, "Passing the Torch" featurette, Rowan and Mason's Video Diary, "How to Make a Robotic Dog" featurette, "Ricky Gervais as Argonaut" featurette, "Spy Gadgets" featurette.
THE SET-UP
An OSS spy (Jessica Alba) tries to juggle her job with a new baby and two stepkids (Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook), as well as her spy-hunting husband (Joel McHale). Things get complicated when a mysterious villain out to control time targets her family for a necklace that holds the key to his quest.
Written and directed by: Robert Rodriquez
THE DELIVERY
Like the previous three Spy Kids films, All the Time in the World is a dizzying mix of imaginative special effects and corny sight gags. I could never get into any of the films, this one included, but I also realize that if I were 12 years old, I would love them. Thanks, Robert Rodriquez, for reminding me how old I am.
Part 4 manages to be a reboot of sorts, in which the original spy kids (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) pass the torch to a new brother and sister duo whose mother (Jessica Alba) happens to be a spy. The family gets mixed up in a plot to save the world from The Timekeeper, and with Joel McHale, Jeremy Piven, and a robotic dog along for the ride, assorted wackiness soon ensues.
Of course, the plot is ridiculous, the acting is hammy, and the movie relies on 3D and "Aroma-Vision" (which was available only for the theatrical release, not the home video version unfortunately) to tell the tale. However, director Robert Rodriquez makes it work, because he picks regular kids as leads who ground the film and are instantly relatable. The plot focuses on the importance of family, and gives a good message. This is not a film for fanboys or film snobs; it is for kids, and unabashedly so, and it should be celebrated for that.
Spy Kids 4 is silly, but it is fun and even an old coot like me couldn't help but laugh many times. Kids will love it, and parents won't have to worry about inappropriate content. Sit back with your little ones and enjoy the ride.
VIDEO AND AUDIO
The standard DVD shows an excellent picture, with a nice reproduction of colors and flesh tones. The digital special effects blend well, and image edges are fairly sharp. The audio is 5.1 Dolby Digital in English only, which I find odd considering the strong Latino influence on the picture. I was expecting at least a Spanish soundtrack.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD is loaded with special features, which are actually fun to watch. Six deleted scenes are included, with finished special effects. A featurette focuses on Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega as they discuss their roles in the previous three films and the "passing of the torch" to a new generation of kids.
New spy kids Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook document their time on the set with personal video cameras in a fun little featurette, and director Robert Rodriquez sits down for an interview conducted by a kid reporter.
Two more featurettes focus on the robotic dog Argonaut (who, by the way, is a rescue dog), and how Ricky Gervais brought him to life. Finally, a featurette on the gadgets used in the film rounds out the extras.
THE BOTTOM LINE: BUY IT OR REDBOX IT?
Ratings
Movie: B+
Video: B+
Audio: B
Extras: A
Overall grade: B+
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World is fun and action packed, but aimed squarely at the 12 and under set. The jokes are silly and mostly fart-based, and the Blu-ray features the 3D version of the film, which kids will go crazy over. We recommend a "buy" for this kid flick. Do your little ones a favor and pick this one up.
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World is now available from Anchor Bay Home Entertainment.
