Though finest recognized for edgier fare, Rodriguez explored his lighter aspect with “Spy Youngsters” in 2001 and “Sharkboy and Lavagirl” 4 years later. This new film ties immediately into the latter, that includes the children of these heroes in addition to others — with names like Miracle Man — introduced collectively to save lots of the world after their dad and mom get rapidly overwhelmed and captured by alien invaders.
Nonetheless, the main focus is squarely on the kids, a modestly interesting group led by outsider Missy (YaYa Gosselin), whose principal ability lies in coaxing her friends about the necessity to function as a crew. That is solely one of many built-in classes, in a “The kids are our future” sort of means.
In contrast to the aforementioned films that characteristic high-school-age youngsters, the kids are youthful right here, and the film possesses a sensibility reflecting that even in comparison with, say, Disney Channel-type fare.
This was clearly made for teenagers, not critics, and the design and motion are vibrant sufficient to divert them. Rodriguez — who additionally produced, edited and shot the movie, working together with his personal youngsters in what’s clearly a household affair — is well-versed in superhero tropes for folks who can recognize comic-book satire.
Add it up and “We Can Be Heroes” serves as a really minor addition to Netflix’s kids-and-family tier, for folks searching for one thing new to maintain their tykes occupied. As an apart, the film underscores the present state of streaming, the place no title with a shred of fairness in it — even one as bizarre as “Sharkboy and Lavagirl” — is ever formally out of the working to make a comeback.
“We Can Be Heroes” premieres Dec. 25 on Netflix.