Starring Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara
Director Robert Rodriguez
Category I
Believe it or not, Robert Rodriguez - a master of shoot-em-up productions - has conquered the family film market. He famously first came to notice with the violent El Mariachi. Reputed to have cost just US$7,000 (HK$55,000) to make , it went on to be a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, and brought Hollywood calling.
With cash in hand, Rodriguez followed that up with the equally brutal remake, Desperado, and the ultra-violent From Dusk Till Dawn; both seeped in gore and bloodshed. So what is he doing directing Spy Kids?
Well, Rodriguez cut his teeth making short films for his family while he grew up in Texas. They were tales of good versus evil, of the underdogs rising - and that's exactly where he returns with Spy Kids, with stunning results.