Spy Kids (2001)

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

Director:

Robert Rodriguez

Writer:

Robert Rodriguez

Stars:

Alexa PenaVega, Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas

2 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Antonio Banderas	...	Gregorio Cortez
Carla Gugino	...	Ingrid Cortez
Alexa PenaVega	...	Carmen Cortez (as Alexa Vega)
Daryl Sabara	...	Juni Cortez
Teri Hatcher	...	Ms. Gradenko
Cheech Marin	...	Felix Gumm
Robert Patrick	...	Mr. Lisp
Danny Trejo	...	Machete
Guillermo Navarro	...	Pastor
Johnny Reno	...	Agent Johnny
Norman Cabrera	...	FoOglie #2 / Tall & Skinny
Trant Batey	...	FoOglie #3 / Too Too
Andy W. Bossley	...	Brat
Jeffrey J. Dashnaw	...	Brat's Dad (as Jeff Dashnaw)
Kara Slack	...	Carmen's Friend

Storyline

Gregorio and Ingrid are the two greatest secret agents the world has ever known: masters of disguise, mavens of invention, able to stop wars before they even start. Working for separate countries, they are sent to eliminate their most dangerous enemy...each other. But in an exotic corner of the world when they finally come face to face, they fall in love instead and embark on the most dangerous mission they have ever faced: raising a family. Now nine years later, after their retirement, having exchanged the adventure of espionage for parenthood, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are called back in to action. When their former colleagues, the world's most formidable spies, start disappearing one by one, the Cortez's are forced to take on techno-wizard Fegan Floop and his evil, egg-headed sidekick, Minion. But when the unthinkable happens and they too disappear, unfortunately there are only two people in the world who can rescue them...their kids.

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Plot Keywords:

machete cortez character | secret agent | rescue | spy | espionage | 

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Taglines:

Real Spies... only smaller

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for action sequences

Details

Official Sites:

Bac Films [France] (French) Miramax [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

30 March 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mini espías

Filming Locations:

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$26,546,881, 1 April 2001, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$112,719,001

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$147,934,180

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dimension Films,Troublemaker Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX SDDS DTS-ES

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jennifer Aniston were considered for the role of Ingrid Cortez.

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Goofs

Reflected in the mini spy plane beside Carmen is a man holding a white screen.

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Quotes

"Uncle" Felix Gumm: Hey churros! Last time I saw you, you were *this* big
[motions his hand above Juni's head]
"Uncle" Felix Gumm: You're shrinking."

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Crazy Credits

Dedicated to Mum and Daddy-O

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Alternate Versions

A longer version of the film, titled "Spy Kids: Special Edition" was re-issued in US theaters on August 8, 2001. It contained a new scene involving a cave full of sleeping sharks. The scene was always intended to be in the movie, but the original budget did not allow for the special effects needed. After the movie was a hit, Rodriguez was able to complete the scene. This scene was not included in the DVD release of the film, which featured the original theatrical version. However, this scene is available on the Blu-ray.

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Connections

Referenced in Mad: Spy vs. Spy Kids/The Superhero Millionaire Matchmaker (2011)

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Soundtracks

Cortez Family Theme
Written by Harry Gregson-Williams

User Reviews

A Boost For The 'Family Unit'

This was a silly kids' adventure story but still fun the younger ones and for adults, thanks to colorful scenes, great special effects, decent humor and a nice family tone to it. The kids are alright, except the girl is a little bossy, and the villains aren't too nasty. This also looks very good on DVD.

Included in the color and characters are "the thumb people" who were especially fun to watch.

The only problem I found with it is the last 30 minutes in which it got too silly and emphasized (typical Hollywood) how the kids can do the job better than the adults, which a ludicrous film cliché. However, overall "family unity" gets a big boost in this here, even in the end, and that good message is probably a big reason this movie was such a success.