Retired super-spy Marissa Wilson (Jessica Alba) has been called back into action to take on scheming baddie Time Keeper (Jeremy Piven). As she simultaneously attempts to bond with her stepkids and care for babies of her own, she also needs to keep an eye on husband Wilbur (Joel McHale), the self-proclaimed 'best' spy-hunting journalist in the world.
She decides that rather than shelter her new stepchildren from her secrets, she will bring them into the fold. Reviving the Spy Kids programme, the group go on the hunt for Time Keeper, with some help from former Spy Kids Carmen and Juni Cortez (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara).
This fourth instalment from director Robert Rodriguez offers more gadgetry, CGI and family bonding in what has become a sprightly and well-loved family franchise.
There is humour in abundance and the film should grab giggles from adults and children alike. Most laughs come from the familiar voice of Gervais, instilled into a robotic, karate-kicking canine.
Not the best in the series but not mere franchise fodder either. Rodriguez keeps his kids' espionage spectacular going strong with great effects and comedy the whole family can enjoy.
Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World is a Film programme that first aired in 2011 and has been classified a PG certificate.
