Spy Kids is the LETNetworks Movie of The Week
If you grew up in the early 2000s, you definitely remember Spy Kids. Who could forget Carmen’s legendary line: “My parents can’t be super spies! They’re not cool enough!” It was a franchise that defined a generation. I can still remember my friends eagerly asking if I’d seen Spy Kids 2 yet and all the birthday parties with viewings of the various features. At it’s heart, Spy Kids is just fun and that’s what makes it LETNetworks’ Movie of the Week.
The first Spy Kids movie was released in 2001, chronicling the events of Carmen and Juni Cortez, two children who find themselves in over their heads after discovering their parents’ super spy background. Director, Robert Rodriguez had his heart set on creating a family of Latin heroes and was adamant that the main characters be at least half Latin. Rodriguez himself is of Mexican descent just like the series’ Cortez family, allowing him to throw in some personal touches and a sense of authenticity. For a children’s film that relies on the bizarre (there are walking thumb people in this movie), it’s refreshing to have certain elements grounded in reality.
The wonderfully weird villain, Fegan Floop, is played by Alan Cummings, an actor who perfectly encapsulates the zany elements of the film. And who could forget Antonio Banderas’ Gregorio Cortez? The cast always seemed to be having the time of their lives in Spy Kids, resulting in a flick that’s infectiously fun. Even Danny Trejo has a part in the movie, portraying Carmen and Juni’s wacky uncle, Isador “Machete” Cortez.
The original Spy Kids is now streaming on Hulu. So sit down, pop some popcorn, and indulge in some good old fashioned nostalgia.
