Spy Kids: All the Time in the World

Years after the original Spy Kids team stepped back, the world still relies on the OSS, but the Spy Kids division has been shut down. Marissa Wilson, a retired agent who now lives a quieter life, is pulled back into field work when an eccentric villain called the Timekeeper threatens global stability with time-manipulating technology. To reconnect with her new stepchildren Rebecca and Cecil she brings them along on a mission that mixes family moments with gadget-heavy set pieces. The story balances lighthearted family drama with action beats as the trio, supported by a few familiar faces and new allies, tries to outsmart a villain who wants to bend time for his own gain.

Directed and produced by Robert Rodriguez, the film was released in 2011 as the fourth entry in the Spy Kids franchise. Rodriguez returned to helm and co-write the project, keeping the series' playful tone and inventive gadget designs while introducing a new family configuration and a fresh cast alongside returning contributors.

Commercially the picture performed modestly for a family-action title, drawing audiences mostly from the franchise's existing fan base. It didn't become a breakout blockbuster, but it found an audience among younger viewers and families looking for light weekend entertainment, helping sustain the Spy Kids brand into the 2010s.

The movie revived the franchise's colorful gadgetry and whimsical visual style, and for many viewers the Timekeeper concept and its clockwork lair became the standout motif. The presence of a blended family at its emotional core kept the film in conversations about family-friendly action films, though it didn't displace earlier entries in pop culture memory.

Critics offered mixed opinions, often noting energetic production design and inventive gadgets while pointing to uneven plotting and tonal shifts. Audiences tended to enjoy the family dynamics and kid-friendly stunts more than the film's attempts at broad comedy, with recurring themes including stepfamily bonding, parental responsibility, and the consequences of trying to control time.