Spy Kids (2001)

Spy Kids (stylised as SPY kids) is a 2001 American spy family film written, edited, directed and produced by Robert Rodriguez, co-produced by Elizabeth Avellán, and starring Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Robert Patrick, Tony Shalhoub, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, and Mike Judge. The first installment in the Spy Kids film series, the film was theatrically released in the United States on March 30, 2001, by Dimension Films. which that premiered in the same date that The Fairly OddParents and Invader Zim came out.

Storyline
The children of secret-agent parents must save them from danger.

Plot
Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are spies who have two children, 12-year-old Carmen and 9-year-old Juni, unaware of their parents' career. The couple works for the Organization of Super Spies (OSS) doing desk work but are suddenly called back to active field work to find missing agents. Gregorio suspects children's television host Fegan Floop has kidnapped the agents and mutated them into his "Fooglies" – creatures on his show. The children are left in the care of their uncle, Felix.

The couple is captured by Floop's "Thumb-Thumbs", robots whose arms, legs, and heads resemble oversized thumbs, and taken to Floop's castle. Felix is alerted to the parents’ capture, activates the fail-safe, and tells the children the truth about their parents, and that he is not their uncle but an agent sent to watch over them. The house is assaulted by ninja Thumbs-Thumbs, and Felix is captured while the children escape alone on a submarine set to auto-pilot to a safe house. At the safe house, the children learn of their parents' past as they decide to rescue them.

Inside of his castle, Floop introduces his latest creation to Mr. Lisp, small robots in the shape of children. He wishes to replace the world leaders' children with these super-strong robots to control the world. The androids are "dumb", and cannot function outside of their inherent programming. Lisp is furious, demanding usable androids. Floop, along with his second-in-command Alexander Minion, interrogates Gregorio and Ingrid about 'The Third Brain'. Ingrid knows nothing of the subject, while Gregorio claims that he destroyed the brain years ago. After Floop leaves, Gregorio reveals to Ingrid that the Third Brain was a secret OSS project he once worked on: an AI brain with all the skills of the entire OSS. The project was scrapped as being too dangerous, but Gregorio couldn't bring himself to destroy the final prototype.

Back at the safe house, Carmen and Juni are visited by Ms. Gradenko, who claims she works for the OSS. Gradenko gives Carmen a bracelet as a sign of trust, and asks about the Third Brain, but Carmen does not know anything. Gradenko orders the house to be dismantled, and Juni sees Ninja Thumbs outside destroying the submarine. With Gradenko's intentions revealed, Juni accidentally exposes the Third Brain and a jetpack chase ensues. Carmen eventually gets the brain, and she and Juni escape.

Carmen realizes too late that the bracelet Gradenko gave her was a tracking device, and she and Juni are attacked by their robot counterparts. Though Juni tries to destroy it, he is unable and the androids fly off with the Third Brain. With it, Floop can achieve his goal, but he wishes to continue his children's show. Minion has different plans and takes over, locking Floop into his "virtual room," the chamber where he films his television series. The siblings receive reluctant help from Gregorio's estranged brother Isador "Machete" Cortez when they come into his spy shop. When Machete refuses to accompany them, they steal some of his gear and take his spy plane to fly to Floop's castle. After a few mishaps, Juni crashes the plane into the castle, and the two swim inside the underwater entrance.

While their children storm the castle, Gregorio reveals to Ingrid that Minion used to work for the OSS but was fired after Gregorio reported him tampering with the Third Brain project. Juni rescues Floop who helps him and Carmen release their parents. Together they trap Minion and, confronting Lisp and Gradenko, the family is beset by all 500 robot children. Machete busts through the window, reconciling with Gregorio and joining the family to fight. However, at the last moment, Floop is able to reprogram the robots to change sides. The 500 super-strong robots quickly overpower Minion, Lisp, and Gradenko.

With advice from Juni, Floop introduces the robot versions of Carmen and Juni on his show. The family's breakfast is interrupted by Devlin, the director of the OSS, who has a mission for Carmen and Juni. They both accept on one condition: that the Cortezes work together as a family.

Sound Effects Used

 * Hollywoodedge, Big Metal Clangthud CRT031902
 * Hollywoodedge, Bird Hawk Single Scre PE020801
 * Hollywoodedge, Bottle Rocket 2 Picco PE098501
 * Hollywoodedge, Crash Metal Shatter PE110401
 * Hollywoodedge, Explosion Large Shar PE097801
 * Hollywoodedge, Large Shatter Window PE283603
 * Hollywoodedge, Large Splash Or DiveW PE127201
 * Hollywoodedge, Lightning 08 CloseG SIG012601
 * Sound Ideas, BALLOON - BALLOON AIR SQUEAK 04
 * Sound Ideas, BOING, CARTOON - TROMBOING
 * Sound Ideas, CARTOON, WHISTLE - FALL WHISTLE, LONG
 * Sound Ideas, ELECTRICITY, SPARK - HIGH VOLTAGE SPARK, ELECTRICAL 02
 * SKYWALKER LIGHTSABER SOUND (Heard once for when Carmen and Juni uses mini glowsticks as one of their gadgets)
 * Sound Ideas, RICOCHET - CARTOON RICCO 02
 * Sound Ideas, TEETH, CARTOON - SCOOBY'S TEETH CHATTER, LONG
 * TAZ SPIN

Followed by
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002)

Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003)

Spy Kids 4-D: All the Time in the World (2011)

Spin-off
Spy Kids Learning Adventures: Mission - The Man in the Moon (2004) (Video Game)

Machete (2010) In both "Machete" and "Spy Kids", Danny Trejo plays a character named Machete" Both films were written and directed by Robert Rodriguez. Also, underneath the title screen in the original Grindhouse trailer, it is registered to 'Machete's Body Shop', which was the name of the Spy Kids character's business in the original film.

Referenced in
Lizzie McGuire: Timmy Turner's First Day of HillRidge Junior High (2001) (TV Special) Timmy mentions the "upcoming" Spy Kids movie (which is set in 2001) and explains that he was the one who has the special edition premiere at Disney's California Adventure. Bubbles talks about the film. Poster on wall in Lizzie's Room. Lizzie quotes Carmen Cortez by saying: "What would you do without me?". Kate Sanders says that her favorite character in this movie. Blossom mentioned this film in dialogue. Timmy pulls out a Junior Novel of this movie. Lizzie dressed up as the movie's main character. Invader Zim imitates Fegan Floop. Jo McGuire refers to her new kid Timmy as "Spy Kid." Gordo discuss the movie. The world premiere of the Spy Kids Special Edition at Disney's California Adventure, the main characters appears in the background.

Ebert & Roeper: Freddy Got Fingered/The Body/Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles/The Center of the World/Keep the River on Your Right (2001) (TV Episode) Referenced during the "The Center of the World" review.

Lizzie McGuire: Night of the Day of the Dead (2001) (TV Episode) numerous references, including: VHS is seen on display at Lizzie's House. Ms. Keane talks about the film. Lizzie and Timmy dressed up as Carmen and Juni. Kate Sanders is dressed as Ms. Gradenko. Bubbles discuss the film. Invader Zim is dressed as Fegan Floop.

Crossroads (2002)

Six Feet Under: I'll Take You (2002) (TV Episode) Keith mentions this DVD

The Powerpuff Girls Movie (2002) The scene where Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup flies across the city of Townsville in the same way as Carmen and Juni does in this movie.

Lizzie McGuire: Inner Beauty (2002) (TV Episode) Lizzie and Timmy quotes Carmen and Juni. Invader Zim mimics Fegan Floop. Ms. Keane discuss the movie. Blossom talks about this film. Poster is briefly seen at the Style Shack. Bubbles mentions the spy gadgets. Professor Utonium refers to the film. Buttercup mentioned Floop's castle.

Taz Wanted (2002) (Video Game) Poster seen in the level "Looningdales".

Lizzie McGuire: Lizzie's Misadventures in HillRidge (2002) (Video Game)

Jackie Brown: How It Went Down (2002) (Video) mentioned once

Lizzie McGuire: Xtreme Xmas (2002) (TV Episode) Carmen and Juni Cortez parade float.

Film Is Dead: An Evening with Robert Rodriguez (2003) (Video) briefly mentioned

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) Bubbles refers to Lizzie and Timmy as "Carmen and Juni" after they supposedly find Paolo. Miranda mentions that movie when she can find her music. Lizzie grabs Timmy in the same way that Carmen and Juni flies in the air from this movie. Invader Zim imitates Fegan Floop. Poster is seen during the motorcycle scene with Paolo and Vicky.

Atraco a las 3... y media (2003)

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) (Video Game) Spy equipment, gadgets and outfits from this movie are shown by Lizzie and Timmy.

Hilary's Roman Adventure: The Making of The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2004) (Video) Timmy (Tara Strong) mentions that movie once.

The Good, the Bad & the Bloody: Inside KNB EFX (2004) (Video) mentioned once

Inside Troublemaker Studios (2004) (Video) clearly visible poster in background

According to Jim: A Crying Shame (2005) (TV Episode) DVD on a shelf at the video store.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien: Episode #12.139 (2005) (TV Episode) Referenced during Kristin Davis' interview.

Grindhouse (2007) Danny Trejo plays a man named "Machete" in both films

The Rotten Tomatoes Show: Miss March/Race to Witch Mountain/Sunshine Cleaning (2009) (TV Episode) Ellen Fox says "Race to Witch Mountain" is no "Spy Kids" and "The Fairly OddParents"

Media Hunter: Cats & Dogs (2010) (TV Episode) The movie that Cats & Dogs feels like this movie.

Modern Family: Good Cop Bad Dog (2011) (TV Episode) referenced

AniMat's Reviews: Cars 2 (2011) (TV Episode) AniMat says Cars 2 has the same kind of spy comedy story as this film, but not as well written.

Hewy's Animated Movie Reviews: Cars 2 (2011) (TV Episode) One of the movies Hewy coughs into when he describes the premise for "Cars 2"

Midnight Screenings: Spy Kids 4D: All the Time in the World (2011) (TV Episode) Mentioned in dialogue.

Bad Movie Beatdown: Spy Kids 3D- Game Over (2011) (TV Episode) Film Brain talks about the past two movies

Mad: Spy vs. Spy Kids/The Superhero Millionaire Matchmaker (2011) (TV Episode) Alexa PenaVega & Daryl Sabara were referred to as the original Spy Kids from the first three movies.

DVD-R Hell: Mr. T's Be Somebody or Be Somebody's Fool (2012) (TV Episode) "Thank you, girl from 'Spy Kids,' for teaching me about rap.

Safe and Sound Video Remix (2013) (Video) Footage Shown

Machete Kills (2013) As KillJoy walks away, a few notes from the theme of this movie play. Alexa Vega co-starred in this movie.

Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge: Heads Up! (2014) (TV Episode) Title mentioned and poster shown during Beth Hathaway's introduction.

Jambareeqi Reviews: Hey Arnold! The Movie (2014) (TV Episode) mentioned during recommendation

Henry Gamble's Birthday Party (2015) mentioned in dialogue

I Hate Everything: the Search for the Worst: Cool Cat Saves the Kids (2015) (TV Episode) Poster is shown.

Crossing Lines: Obscura (2015) (TV Episode) Sebastian mentions that Erik loves Spy Kids

Mozart in the Jungle: Leave Everything Behind (2015) (TV Episode) mentioned by Lizzie

Top 5 Best/Worst: Top 5 Worst Stallone Performances (2016) (TV Episode) The movie is mentioned.

Joey Graceffa: Cutting Open Kids Toys - Baby Alive! (2016) (TV Episode) Mentioned by Joey.

The Nostalgia Critic: Clockstoppers (2017) (TV Episode) among the early 2000s spy craze

The Nostalgia Critic: The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2017) (TV Episode) "If you do, I'll make sure you never make another Spy Kids."

After Hours: Why Movies Want Us to Torture Adults (2017) (TV Episode) Discussed

Rick and Morty: Pickle Rick (2017) (TV Episode) Jaguar's character is based on Machete

The Nostalgia Critic: Dragonball Evolution (2017) (TV Episode) Film is mentioned

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Ice T/Meghan Trainor/The Avett Brothers (2018) (TV Episode) Meghan Trainor mentions that her fiancé Daryl Sabara starred in the movie

Nostalgia Critic Real Thoughts: Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2018) (TV Episode) Doug Walker and Rob Walker say this was the best Spy Kids movie

The Cinema Snob: The Illusionauts (2018) (TV Episode) The Snob mentions the spy kids.

Film Journeys: Robert Rodriguez (2019) (TV Episode) Review

The Simpsons: The Clown Stays in the Picture (2019) (TV Episode) "Spy Babies" movie poster

Jeopardy!: Episode #36.129 (2020) (TV Episode) Referenced in clue in category "The Meg".

Saturday Night Live: SNL At Home: Kristen Wiig/Boyz II Men (2020) (TV Episode) Title mentioned and poster shown during "Danny Trejo" rap.

AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Howard & Grant (2020) (TV Episode) Brought up in Richard Linklater's filmography.

Featured in
Ebert & Roeper: Spy Kids/Tomcats/Someone Like You/Amores Perros (2001) (TV Episode) Clips shown for the review.

Troldspejlet: Episode #26.5 (2001) (TV Episode) reviewed + footage used

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) (Video Game)

Bad Movie Beatdown: Spy Kids 3D- Game Over (2011) (TV Episode) detailing the rest of the series

Hollywood's Top Ten: Antonio Banderas Movies (2011) (TV Episode) Honorable mention, clips show

WatchMojo: Top 10 Kids' Movies That Don't Hold Up (2015) (TV Episode) Spy Kids is #4.

The Nostalgia Critic: The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2015) (TV Episode) Critic talks about the Spy Kids films and how they got progressively ridiculous

WatchMojo: Top 10 Worst Blue/Green Screen Effects in Movies (2015) (TV Episode) Child's Play is #2.

The Nostalgia Critic: Spy Kids 3D: Game Over (2016) (TV Episode) Critic praises the original

MsMojo: Top 10 Kickass Fictional Female Spies in Movies (2016) (TV Episode) Carmen Cortez is #9.

WatchMojo: Top 10 Movie Universes That You Didn't Know Were Linked (2018) (TV Episode) The "Spy Kids" franchise is #10 along with the "Machete" franchise.

Spoofs
Thelma & Louise (1991)

Dexter's Laboratory (1996) (TV Series)

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Lightsaber sounds are heard.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)