Though greatest identified for edgier fare, Rodriguez explored his lighter aspect with “Spy Children” in 2001 and “Sharkboy and Lavagirl” 4 years later. This new film ties instantly into the latter, that includes the youngsters 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 shortly overwhelmed and captured by alien invaders.
Nonetheless, the main target is squarely on the kids, a modestly interesting group led by outsider Missy (YaYa Gosselin), whose important ability lies in coaxing her friends about the necessity to function as a staff. That is solely one of many built-in classes, in a “The youngsters are our future” type of method.
Not like the aforementioned motion pictures 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 youths, 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 fogeys who can respect 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 fogeys on the lookout 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.
