Juveniles undercover: Spy Kids

Who would have thought that Robert Rodriguez, director of such blood-letting epics as "Desperado" and "From Dusk till Dawn" and the pro-drug, teen sci-fi opus "The Faculty," would direct a PG-rated action adventure directed at the grade school set? \nBut "Spy Kids," an irreverent but original children's film, is a combination of a James Bond flick and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."\nThe film focuses upon a married pair of former special agents, Gregorio (Antonio Banderas) and Ingrid (Carla Gugino of "Snake Eyes") and their two young children, Carmen and Juni (newcomers Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara). \nAfter a nine-year absence from the espionage game, Mom and Dad are drawn back into the fold by Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming), a children's television host suspected of abducting agents and transforming them into mutant sideshow attractions. Gregorio and Ingrid are captured by Floop and his henchman Minion (Tony Shalhoub), and their rescue falls into the small hands of their progeny.\nRodriguez is every bit the filmmaker he was nearly 10 years ago during the premiere of the $7,000 "El Mariachi." Serving as the writer, director, producer and editor, Rodriguez is the personification of efficiency. Hence "Spy Kids" is a $35 million production that looks as though it should cost twice that. Rodriguez creates a surrealistic world in which great implausibilities occur, but these qualities are wrapped in a glossy veneer with style to burn, so it hardly registers. \nVega and Sabara are capable child actors, adding grace and charm to roles that could have led to annoyance. Banderas and Gugino are slightly underused, but good in their respective roles. The supporting cast is rounded out by talented, familiar faces including Cheech Marin, Robert Patrick ("Terminator 2"), Teri Hatcher and the infinitely cool Danny Trejo ("Heat"). Despite great performances all-around, "Spy Kids" belongs to Cumming. Floop is a revelation, a Willy Wonka on crack.\n"Spy Kids" is a visceral action flick with few problems (minus its occasional bouts with cheesiness and over-sentimentality) that should entertain kids and kids at heart alike.