Cool News
Mysterio reports in on Robert Rodriguez's SPY KIDS!!!
Hey folks, Harry here. And finally someone has checked in with a report on Robert Rodriguez's SPY KIDS. Now, I've known about it for quite some time, but I sort of have an unwritten rule when it comes to movies that my close friends are making. Basically it is that I'll read their scripts, see everything, but I'll only report what comes to me via my regular sources. So... on THE FACULTY, Robert held off giving me the script, so I scored it on my own, thus reporting on it first. It becomes an interesting game of tag. The only way I'd talk about their films before that is if they give the 'ok' to it. But, just like you were surprised by this report, so will Robert when he wakes up in the morning. Heh heh heh... I'm sure this will add some fire to our conversation Friday when we paint models... heheheheh... GOTCHA ROBERT!!! Now that being said, let me introduce this piece. Mysterio here has given a damn good introduction to SPY KIDS. I believe that EVERYTHING he has written takes place in the opening 30 pages or so of the script. There is alot more. This film while taking place in the world of 'Spies' also takes place in the world of children and fantasy. If Robert pulls off what he's up to in this script it will be an absolutely amazingly cool film for kids and adults. He doesn't treat his kids like idiots, but rather ingenious kids. The way kids are in movies like SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES or JOHNNY QUEST. They have limitations, but they kickass. Also... it's a Spy film without a single gun. Robert has created some rather special alternate treats that are far more creative and fun than a GUN. Casting? Well, I believe last time I talked to Robert that he had narrowed it down to the last two kids, but they are doing full costume and makeup tests I believe next week, so we'll see for sure then. They are both, new kids. Personally from the video tape I saw the Boy is fantastic. He's missing a couple of teeth and is an honest to goodness KID. The girl I haven't seen enough on to really have a decision other than, she looks like she'd pick on the little brother something awful. As for the adult roles... As far as I know, noone has been cast. Rumors have been floating around the local papers here that Antonio Banderas had been cast for the role of the Father/Spy, but I talked to Robert earlier this week and Antonio still hasn't reached a decision... so... Every adult role is still up in the air. Which is fun. I believe filming is set to begin in November now, and when I visited the blank sets back a month or so ago, they were all... plywood at that point. I'm sure now some of them must be nearing completion or be complete. The main thing is this is the first 100% Robert Rodriguez film since DESPERADO. Both FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and THE FACULTY were other people's scripts and concepts, this... this is 100% Rodriguez. And he has no fear of throwing a kid through a window. This should be a lot of fun. Oh... Am I going to be in it? Maybe. I believe Robert is thinking of having me be in an eating scene. DAMN TYPECASTING!!! Hehehehe... Oh... there is one bit of casting I know of for sure. Danny Trejo (the knife guy from DESPERADO and the Bartender from FROM DUSK TILL DAWN). Meanwhile, I'll hand this on over to MYSTERIO......
Hello again Harry. Materializing back onto your site is I, 'Mysterio', and I come forth with news of a recent find. A project rather close to an individual whom you keep acquaintance with from time to time I believe. Allow me to briefly explain.
It seems that my renegade F/X team of apprentice's working in my "special projects" division have recently stormed the secretive offices of one, Los Hooligans Productions, and made quite a find.
You see, recently looking through the city's trade publications, I began thinking of which directors I would possibly like to lend my future services to one day, and the name Robert Rodriguez came to mind. After the somewhat disappointing "The Faculty", I was curious to find out what could be up his sleeve next. After all, I was thrilled by his previous efforts, and found "From Dusk Till Dawn" to be an F/X artist's playground of nightmare's so-to-speak, not to mention a damn fine flick just the same.
So bestowed upon past rumors that he would either direct the last film in his "Mariachi" series, make a feature from his short, "Bedhead", or just maybe, if FOX would ever greenlight his "Predators" script, he would possibly consider doing that, I ventured for the truth.
Then those rumors became more and more distant over time - with the exception of hearing him wanting to do a "family film" next. Signs then began pointing more towards the "Bedhead" rumor - that is, until I sent my team out on a mission.
What they recovered, and immediately brought to my attention, was a script entitled "SPY KIDS", which they hoped I would consider after reading, soliciting my services towards the project. And, if the opportunity ever came about, place them on the F/X team assigned to the project as a reward of sorts.
So just moments after having it placed into my hands, I crawled onto a ladder outside of my studio, and climbed on top of the roof. There, alone I perched myself on a brownstone ledge, overlooking the city at night. I began to read it, as a nearby city lamppost illuminated each page as I read.
And read I did. Moments pasted by, until the wind began to pick back up, turning over the final page, as I had just nearly finished reading it.
I then climbed back down though a hidden passageway, leading me back to a secretive room I keep to myself, where I plan my evil doings and whatnots, and collect my thoughts.
So here is where I share my collective thoughts and views with you now, the reader.
When I first heard that Robert Rodriguez wanted to do a family-oriented film, I must say I cringed at the thought. I mean, yes, I know he has become more domesticated having become a family man and having all those paternal feelings surfacing about, but I thought, 'why'? Why trade in the guns for crayons?
I so much like the guns, the blood, and the violence - not to mention the stylized editing of the action sequences. To watch all of that mayhem unfold and erupt in each and every frame brings a smile to my face.
But then I realized that kids are just balls of mayhem & energy. And with this, I remembered his outstanding segment in "Four Rooms", and the answer to my question became clear…
…His sense of play. That's "why?". Robert has that sense in all his films. Whether exaggerating a moment, or loosely letting a scene play itself out physically, he has a sense of fun that shows in all his films to date. For the duration of a Rodriguez film, you are on a ride of cinematic bliss. A popcorn flick to enjoy and savor in each and every way. And in this script, he has plenty of opportunities to do so.
The story centers on a family, whose two young children, CARMEN (age 9) and JUNI (age 6) are unaware of their parent's past lives. That is until a secret mission brings their parents out of semi-retirement, and their hidden past is brought to light.
You see, during a bedtime story, their mother, INGRID, tells the children of a tale of two spies who met on opposite sides, fell in love, and retired from the business to start a family.
Of course we come to realize that she is telling the children the story of her, and their father, GREGORIO CORTEZ, and how they met, fell in love and married.
The children have heard the story times before and never thought twice of it. That is, until their parents are pulled out from "semi-retirement" by their old boss, who needs their help in recovering two top secret agents who are missing in the field.
Reluctant at first, they finally agree estimating the mission should only take a few days largely in part to a secret device Gregorio has been working on over the years, that is essentially a computer that "thinks
for itself. It's able to anticipate an outcome and quickly act upon it before a problem can arise. The opportunity to get back in the field, allows Gregorio a perfect environment to fully test his invention in.
So they leave their kids in the care of their butler, and confidant, FELIX who is fully aware of their situation at hand. He is left instructions that if ever anything should happen to them, he is to take the kids to a designated safe house.
With the parents away, the kids act like a typical brother a sister whose love-hate relationship shows through their inter-action with one another. They play video games, tease and verbally spar one another, and watch a typical childrens show together called, "FLOOP'S FLUGIES". It's essentially a "Seseme Street"-type TV show complete with a human host and various odd-looking characters who, due to the success of the show, spin-off into action figures, breakfast cereals and such merchandise.
It's only when their parents mission runs into a snafu, that the kids are literally thrown into the "spy world" and learn through various briefings by Felix, of their parents true lives.
The creator and inventor of "FLOOP'S FLUGIES", MR. FLOOP, has created a robot army of replicants. Clones of the children of the world's richest citizens to be exact. They will act as espionage agents, who carry the strength of a army, and the cunning and intelligence of all the greatest agents. They will be the ultimate weapons in the spy game. Currently, Floop is in negotiations with a MR. LISP, who acts as the powerful, terrorist leader whose organization is financing the operation, and who has even more sinister plans ahead.
So with the stage for a global takeover set, hidden behind the backdrop of a popular childrens show, they appear to be nearly victorious, except they do need a vital missing piece to fulfil their evil project. Which only Gregorio has, and which is why they'll do almost anything to get it from him, even if it means kidnapping his only two children.
So the children soon become the last array of hope in saving their parents and the world through a series of mishaps and events, that lead them (and the reader) through a joyous adventure of intrigue, humor and wholesome entertainment. The story comes complete with the settings, sub-plots, betrayals, gadgets and cliches that we've come to expect and love from watching all those Bond films as kids.
Essentially the script feels like what we, as children, used to do after seeing the latest Bond film, or Mission Impossible episode - we immediately wanted to play spies afterwards! And that's just what this script and story felt like. It embarrassingly touched the kid inside me, and made me feel a bit young at heart again.
The story subject is far less violent that Robert's previous films, but it does have plenty amount of action and surprises, which cast away my fears of what a wonderful little film this could eventually become in Robert's capable hands.
Props to a script that indeed feels like what could turn out to be a film that both children and adults can equally and truly enjoy.
-"MYSTERIO"
Technical Information:
"SPY KIDS"
Screenplay by: Robert Rodriguez
"Cast Draft" @ 108 pages
Draft dated: 8.7.99
-
+ Expand All
-
Oh, I see. If I were friends with Robert, but kept that friend ship a
secret from all the readers of the site then you'd trust me more. I see
how it works, thank you.
By deception I would earn your trust. Makes perfect sense.
Seriously though folks, I have always said that if I got a bad review of a friend's film it would go up. With THE FACULTY, prior to release I didn't get one. However DARK HORIZON did, and to be fair I linked to their Two negative reviews. I believe the reason I didn't get any was that nobody would think I would go with the review because I'm friends with Robert. He's just another geek. We paint models and watch movies. He happens to make films. I happen to report on them. We both happen to live in Austin and love film. No grand conspiracy. I put the friendship out there so People like the above can make their own value judgements on my opinions based upon their films. Gene Siskel used to go to Basketball games with Spike Lee does that mean he was coerced? Did he hide the friendship? No. You be open with non-conspiratorial items. I liked The Faculty.... Mysterio didn't. But a majority of readers at AICN voted about a 6 and higher on the rating for the film when given the chance. So... I guess it was possible to actually legitimately like the film and not be in it. BELIEVE IT... OR NOT... And if ya don't. Alright, believe whatever the hell ya want
Harry -
First off, I do not think it would be difficult for Harry to remain objective about Roberts work even though they are friends. Most of the film Critics today know directors and maintain friendships with them. Anyways, If i had to choose between hanging out with Robert Rodrigueuz or trying to placate every ethic spewing self important talk back geek, Robert would win everytime. Now, if Mr Rodriguez does indeed read these things, then let me say to you, God Bless you for putting those two 10 minute film schools on the El Mariachi/Desperado DVD. My friends and I make Cheesy kung fu movies and because of those flim school tips (plus watching your films over and over) we atleast create the illusion of having high production quality that helps mask our poor acting. Looking forward to your next films. Also, if none of you have the El Mariachi/Desperado DVD you really should get it, Roberts Narration is very entertaining and informative.
-
As soon as I read that he might be working on a Predator flick, my mind started to wander. I've never been that big a fan of the first two, but I would definitely get in line for his version, if for no other reason than to see if he equips the Predators with the ol' "crotch gun". Anyone know where I can get a script?
-
Y'know, it drives me nuts. I've enjoyed Robert's work... went a little nutty over DESPERADO when it came out just for sheer visual inventiveness... and am well aware with Harry's ongoing friendship with him. Recently... in fact, the night I reviewed WILD WILD WEST... I was at a major DVD outlet in LA, trying to find something to buy that would wash the evil stink of WWW out of my brain, when I happened to spot another guy shopping. I spotted the bandana first. I thought, no, that's not Robert. That guy's too young. That's some guy who just looks like Robert, knows it, and wears the bandana to play it up. That can't be him. I mean, I see people all the time, so I know it's possible, but this guy is obviously too young. I think maybe I should walk up and just see. After all, I'm Moriarty, right? If Robert's ever been to the site, it's at least an opening line, right? Besides, he's going to know it's me... how many ancient old men with an entourage of mutants would approach him in a DVD store? As I'm debating, he finishes his purchase and leaves. By now, I'm sure it's not him, so I walk up to buy my Kubrick box, and the clerk says, "Wow, that was cool. Robert Rodriguez was just here!" Man... that really chaps my ass. Next time, I'm saying hello. And, no, there's no real reason I told this story. SPY KIDS sounds great. It's late.
"Moriarty" out. -
Hey there, folks! Well, I think Spy Kids sounds like a hoot. How can it not be good coming from the Rodriguez camp? I heard that Rodriguez and Mike Judge were going to work on a film version of the game Redneck Rampage (which sounded like a dream team to me), but it got turned over to someone else instead. Anyone have the info on why and who it got turned over to? I think that a combination of Judge and Rodriguez would be one of the most amusing times I've ever had at the movies.
Keep crankin' out those films, Rob old boy... and keep giving us aspiring filmmakers advice! We appreciate it. -
I can't wait to see this movie. This has certainly sparked some personal memories of youth. While growing up, a bunch of kids in my neighborhood played a game called Spies in a local churchyard and surrounding neighbors' yards. I can't remember how many times we terrorized each other and in the process tearing up those poor nicely sculpted lawns. This silly game made me want to be a spy when I grew up. Too bad I'm scared of guns.
-
I'm not so enthusiastic about this one, despite my having enjoyed all of Rodriguez's films. I guess I'll need to hear/see more. It sounds a bit contrived, I think it'll depend on whether it's done well, or like that crappy movie with Patrick Stewart, whatever that was called. As for objectivity and HArry KNowles, no offense, but there's no such thing as an objective critic. There simply isn't - From Janet Maslin of the NYTimes, to Jay "shithead" Carr of the Boston Globe, they all bring little bits of prejudice to their reviews. It's inescapable. Anyone who thinks that critisc are able to completely distance themselves from film is in serious danger of delusion. Anyway, that is all.
-
so i could go check out this flick. does anyone remember that 80's flick "cloak and dagger"? man, this reminds me a little of that film, and what it was like to watch that film as a kid. hope it's as cool as it sounds.
-
First off, thanks to Harry for finally giving some ink (bytes?) to this project. Since he first told me about it back in June, I've been bugging him about it like once a week. At first, I was, like the reviewer, slightly apprehensive about the "family film" stigma. Then I started thinking of all the REALLY COOL family films out there that are so fun to watch... Willy Wonka, Nightmare B4 Xmas, 5000 Fingers of Dr. T, Babe, Time Bandits, Jack the Giant Killer, Roger Rabbit, Baron Munchausen, Alice in Wonderland (most versions), E.T., Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, The Dark Crystal, The Muppet Movie, The Neverending Story,...and way too many more to list here. Anyway, my point is that this could be REALLY COOL, and I think Robert definitely has the creative mind to pull it off. I've only met him a couple of times and then only briefly, so this observation is based on his previous films. NOW what I want to see are some of his conceptual drawings, and since this spy obviously works for Digital Anvil (who do FX work for all Rodriguez films), he should be able to share at least a few of them. Come on guys; cough up the good stuff. We wanna know what the Flugies look like. What kinds of "gadgets" will the kids have? By the way, does anyone else think Harry would be a great host for an (evil) children's program? He's like Captain Kangaroo, Cookie Monster and Lucky the Leprechaun all rolled into one...literally. Just a thought I had while reading this that I couldn't shake; it's probably too big a part for him - we wouldn't want Harry shirking his site duties.
-
Felix the butler turns out to be the "computer that thinks for itself" and the parents' old boss has tricked them into returning to the field. I think I'll enjoy the movie more if I'm wrong.
-
Anyone remember when Robert Rodriguez was a vital new talent
doing visually spectacular stuff with either Antonio Banderas, or guns and guitars, or both? I'm having trouble, myself. Those memories keep getting overshadowed
by more recent ones of a schlocky vampire movie and something to do with Tommy Hilfiger. I'll remain open to arguments that "From Dusk till Dawn" was good camp, but "The Faculty" was dog shit, no two ways about it. How about getting on board the "Zorro" sequel, Robert?
I'd give him another chance for that. -
...if anyone else out there, after having seen El Mariachi for the first time years ago (I was in film school in New York at the time, and bootlegs of this film were circulating at my school like crazy), was surprised to see Rodriguez go into pretty much an all action direction? When I first saw El Mariachi, I visualized Rodriguez as a director of many interests... not exclusively an action director first. I thought he just happened to have broken through with an action film, and soon he would be moving on to other genres.... Then there was talk of Predator 3, Desperado, and From Dusk 'til Dawn, and The Faculty... All action (I know, there was Four Rooms, but the way that thing was shot and cut, it might as well have been action). Pretty soon he was being called a Mexican John Woo, and I can't say I wasn't disappointed in his directing choices. I kept expecting him to break out and make something different, but we just got one actioner after another. His visual style LENDS itself to colorful, imaginative stories that DON'T have to be action, and would be GREAT applied to other genres.... I'd love to see him make a romance... or a straight out drama... or... just about anything! Don't get me wrong. I love the way the guy shoots. I love the way he cuts. I enjoy his films. But to me, the action thing is getting tired, and sometimes I can't help but wonder if he's getting tired of it himself. All I can say is that I'm happy to see the guy move on to something else, though I have a funny feeling this next project is going to be more of the same....
-
If this film is half as amusing as Undercover Blues, I'm all over it.
-
I wonder which role will Salma Hayek most likely play since she's been in every single Rodriguez movie? Anyway, I think this idea of a movie could really turn out to be great.
-
Sep 23, 1999 8:01:05 PM CDT
critics and creatives should stay on opposite sides of the fence
by tommy five-tone
sad, but true. i was watching an episode of 'the panel' (laid-back chat show) here in melbourne, and inane film reviewer lawrie zion came across like a major starfucking tool when his friendship with overrated local actress rachel griffiths was revealed. i had little respect for zion beforehand, but absolutely none afterwards. i just don't feel you should get too chummy with people whose work you may have to crucify at some stage. discuss.
-
yeah, but Four Rooms had a dead hooker in the bed. screw the kids. we want DEAD HOOKERS!
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 273 total posts 271 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 92 total posts 92 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 160 total posts 69 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 151 total posts 63 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 67 total posts 59 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 60 total posts 57 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 484 total posts 49 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 69 total posts 42 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 120 total posts 32 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 183 total posts 24 posts