Alex Rider - Operation Stormbreaker (Widescreen Edition) (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a fan of the Alex Rider novels, so I approached the DVD with some trepidation. I love the books. Can't wait for the next one. But the movie release never even came close to my city, which is the capital of the state. That concerned me.
Alex Rider is a 14-year-old spy that was trained by his Uncle Ian to be strong and independent. Perhaps not a spy. We never know for sure. But through the six books that have been published so far, we've gotten to know Alex quite well. He's not your average kid, but neither is he happy-go-lucky about being a spy. The movie depicts him, more or less, as that, though, and that's one of the parts where book fans will object.
What you see on the screen is very much a more light-hearted version of Alex Rider, bordering on slapstick comedy at times. Think of the original book series by author/creator Anthony Horowitz as Sean Connery's James Bond as opposed to Roger Moore's take on that character. Book Alex is more subdued, more desperate, and less sure of himself. But the curiosity and determination is the same.
Overall, the movie is an enjoyable experience. The action scenes are well choreographed (I loved the opening escape by Ian Rider and the later junkyard fight with the rope by Alex) and play big. Adrenaline and rock music kick in and propel the viewer through the film.
Mickey Rouke played the villain, and his portrayal was a little over the top and annoying at times. The makeup was way too heavy as well, even by kid standards. The Alan Blunt character was too thin as well. Blunt comes off much better in the novels.
OPERATION: STORMBREAKER will hopefully be the first of the Alex Rider franchise, though. The DVD is a great rental for family night or as an addition to the family library for action flicks suitable for the younger audience that will also hold the attention of adults.
But do try to read one of the books or put one in the hands of your 10-14 year-olds. They'll be glad you did, and they're on Accelerated Reader lists everywhere.

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Studio: Genius Products IncRelease Date: 05/22/2007Run time: 93 minutesRating: Pg

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Spy Kids (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I initially saw the previews for this movie, the only word that came to mind was 'yikes.' But after the film garnered good reviews, I opted to see it, and am extremely glad I did. The film is chock full of good special effects, imaginative sets and vibrant colors, not to mention well-developed characters and witty dialogue. The story opens with a bedtime story of two opposing spies who fall in love, and then marry and settle down to raise a family. The two spies, of course, are the two parents of the young protagonists in the story, Carmen and Juni. After their parents are kidnapped, the kids are forced to save their parents, and consequently the world from the evil Floop. Instead of making the parents dumb pawns in the plot, they are smart and can actually think for themselves. The kids are also independent and face their fears head on, making them perfect role models. Rarely, a movie like this comes along and is entertaining to the parents as well as the kids (The abysmal See Spot Run, for example is entertaining for no one). The film has action, a plausible plot and a ton of heart. This is a great family film.

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Bursting with an awesome array of ultracool, high-tech gadgetry, SPY KIDS delivers enough thrilling entertainment to satisfy the entire family! Nine years ago, top international spies Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) traded the excitement of espionage for the adventure of parenthood! But when they're called out on a secret mission, the Cortezes are separated from their family and kidnapped by the evil Fegan Floop. Fortunately, there are two people who possess the skills and know-how to reunite the family: Carmen and Juni Cortez, their kids! Your family will love every fun-filled second as Carmen and Juni bravely crisscross the globe in a thrilling quest to save their parents. All the while, they discover that keeping the family together is the most important mission in the world for kids and parents alike!

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