Spy Kids
Dimension Films | Release Date: March 30, 2001 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
71
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Critic Reviews
Positive:
24
Mixed:
3
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
89
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
There is a whole lot to be said for fun -- especially fun that can be shared by all -- and in this regard Spy Kids saves the day. Read full review
88
New York PostLou Lumenick
The most delightful family movie since "Stuart Little."
88
Charlotte ObserverLawrence Toppman
The film's full of in-jokes, from the Spanish-language billboards to the name of Banderas' character. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
An intelligent, upbeat, happy movie. Read full review
80
Film.comErnest Hardy
A highly recommended treat. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
Lively, imaginative, with a playful sense of humor. Read full review
75
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
It's Alan Cumming who takes over the movie as the impish mastermind Fegan Floop. Read full review
75
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
If I were 8, I would want to see it 800 times.
75
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
Yummy and weightless.
75
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
An adorable family movie. Read full review
75
Chicago TribuneMark Caro
A throwback to the family films of the 1970s, like one of Disney's goofy capers crossed with "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Read full review
75
Boston GlobeJay Carr
Wacky enough and gadget-driven enough to appeal to bored kids looking for fresh energies.
75
USA TodayAndy Seiler
By emphasizing surreal humor and fast-paced action instead, Rodriguez has crafted a prepubescent version of James Bond without aping that series' style. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
It's entertaining and inoffensive. Read full review
72
Mr. ShowbizMichael Atkinson
Rodriguez has made a movie for kids, and the most and least that can be said about it is that parents, while hardly being catered to, will experience profound relief that the movie knows how to entertain and does so. Read full review
70
Washington PostStephen Hunter
As a piece of almost dadaist filmmaking, Spy Kids is great fun with its continual spirit of invention. Read full review
70
SalonStephanie Zacharek
One of those gentle surprises, a kids' picture made with enough thought and care to keep adults entertained too. Read full review
70
The New York TimesA.O. Scott
An enjoyable and charming if overactive fantasy. Read full review
70
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Has an intemperate vitality that's hard to resist. Read full review
70
Dallas ObserverAndy Klein
It's funny and exciting on enough levels that adults are likely to enjoy it just as much as the rug rats. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderReece Pendleton
A slyly subversive adventure tale that should appeal to children and adults alike. Read full review
70
L.A. WeeklyPaul Malcolm
It's whiz-bang, techno fun, with a touch of Latino flavor. Read full review
70
VarietyLael Loewenstein
Fulfills kids' empowerment fantasies and features enough techno-wizardry and cool f/x to satisfy those weaned on videogames. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
The high-profile cast -- play their roles with just the right mix of seriousness and tongue-in-cheek self-awareness. Read full review
50
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Energetic and slickly done, but also somewhat soulless. Read full review
50
Baltimore SunChris Kaltenbach
The movie's not nearly as cool as the setup.
42
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
One lousy little movie -- utterly devoid of any real originality or charm. Read full review
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