Spy Kids: All the Time in the World

Unofficially known as Spy Kids 4 (and, perhaps wisely, not screened for critics during its original theatrical run), the latest entry in director Robert Rodriguez's long-running family film series introduces new secret agents: closeted spy and new mom Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba); her unaware husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), who is—ironically—the star of a reality TV series called Wilbur Wilson: Spy Hunter; and Wilbur's kids (their mother died), Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook). When the evil Timekeeper (whose identity is only revealed late in the film, but is blatantly printed right on the back cover) and his henchman Tick Tock move forward with plans to launch Project Armageddon (a fuzzily explained doomsday scenario tied to the ability to manipulate time), Marissa—who owns a necklace encasing the Chronos Sapphire (the only item capable of stopping the Timekeeper)—and her extended family find themselves racing against (you guessed it!) time to thwart the villains. Original Spy Kids Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni (Daryl Sabara) make a third-act return here to help the Wilsons save the world. Adults will be worn down by the never-ending puns about time, not to mention the plethora of poop, puke, and fart jokes (although I did laugh at the helium-voiced Tick Tock's verdict on a Wilson baby fart: “That smells like lentils and desperation.”). But kids will likely enjoy the pint-sized antics, modest array of gadgets, and the scene-stealing robot dog Argonaut (voiced by Ricky Gervais). A strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)