Earlier this week, as part of the Texas Film Commission's 40th Anniversary celebration, a special public screening of the original "Spy Kids" was held, honoring the film's place in cinematic history. Before the screening began, Robert Rodriguez, the visionary director behind the film, made a guest appearance to engage with the audience and answer questions about his storied career and his affection for the "Spy Kids" series.
Robert shared that out of all the films he has directed, "Spy Kids" remains his favorite. He recounted a charming anecdote about the inception of the film, which occurred back in 1994 during the filming of "Desperado" with Antonio Banderas. The sight of two children dressed in tuxedos sparked the idea of child spies, leading to the creation of the beloved franchise. This moment of inspiration not only fueled the original film but also paved the way for its sequels. Rodriguez emphasized that the original film and its sequels were primarily shot in the greater Austin and San Antonio areas, as he wanted to keep the production close to his Texas roots.
In a turn away from nostalgia, Rodriguez addressed a current topic when asked by FlickDirect about his response to a recent request from Lady Gaga. He confirmed that he had indeed responded to her and was in the process of writing a role specifically for her in his upcoming film "Machete Kills" (also known as "Machete 2"). This revelation added an exciting contemporary layer to the evening's discussions, bridging his past achievements with future projects.
The event concluded with a special treat for the attendees: the premiere of the first official trailer for "Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World." Starring Jessica Alba and Joel McHale, the trailer revealed that the new installment would serve as a reboot of the series, promising to deliver an excellent blend of family-friendly adventure and action. The trailer's energetic preview set the stage for what appears to be a fitting conclusion to the summer movie season. "Spy Kids 4" is scheduled to open on August 19, 2011, and looks to captivate a new generation of viewers while providing a fresh take on the elements that made the original films so endearing.
The evening was a poignant reminder of Rodriguez's unique ability to connect with audiences across generations. His commitment to storytelling that combines heart, humor, and inventive action has made his films a staple in the family entertainment genre. As fans of the series and new viewers alike await the release of "Spy Kids 4," they do so with an enhanced appreciation for the creative spirit of Robert Rodriguez, whose films continue to inspire and entertain.
