Spy Kids 2 Island of Lost Dreams

A fun sequel directed by the old young maverick, this despatches the Lara Croft-like child spy Carmen Cortez (Vega) and younger bro Juni (Sabara) on another 'save the world' comedy action adventure. All-rounder Rodriguez (see credits above) applies much the same cheeky schtick. The knowingness and self-parody, Heath Robinson gadgets, B-movie design, Latino family homilies and sexual egalitarianism are all present. But despite the inclusion of pain in the arse Grandpa and Grandma (Montalban and Taylor), the family figures less as the kid quotient is raised with the introduction of a US-wide spy organisation from which a rival team emerges. As it proceeds, the film segues into a Jurassic Park spoof, replete with Ray Harryhausen-style monsters, FX and skeletal armies. This mercurial freedom is refreshing, as is the mock-pompous martial arts posturing of the leads. Most importantly, the kids fight and disagree continuously, including, of course, at moments of darkest peril. It finishes with Vega's rock act. Britney beware!