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I’ll be honest and admit I wasn’t expecting much going into Secret Headquarters as a lot of family and superhero films are a dime a dozen these days. I’m glad I was pleasantly surprised as it has just enough action, thrills and comedy that’s not-so-secret fun everyone can enjoy.
via YouTubeDirected by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman of Paranormal Activity 3 and 4 fame, as well as 2010’s infamous Catfish documentary, things start off a few years in the past with a simple dad named Jack (Owen Wilson) who just wants to camp outdoors with his wife and their son Charlie. Naturally things can’t ever be that simple in movies as it doesn’t take long for an alien object to come crashing down not far from their campsite.
As Jack goes to check it out, he runs into a military-like guy named Irons (Jesse Williams) who is also investigating the object. When it raises from the crater it made, it floats over to both men but chooses Jack to use its power to become a guardian of the world. He then sets up a base and uses the object to create weapons and armor for himself to become the Iron Man-like superhero known simply as The Guardian.
Fast forward some years later and Jack’s son Charlie (Walker Scobell) is a teen in school just trying to fit in and get by with his best friend Berger (Keith L. Williams). When Charlie gets tired of his dad bailing on him constantly (because he’s out saving the world, unbeknownst to Charlie of course), especially on his birthday, he decides to throw a party at his dad’s place.
Berger ends up inviting the smart girl at school named Lizzie (Abby James Witherspoon) and popular girl Maya (Momona Tamada) to the party, much to Charlie’s dismay at first but goes along with it. After messing around with some of the stuff laying around the house, the teens discover a hidden elevator that goes down to (wait for it….) a secret headquarters where they quickly put together that Charlie’s dad is The Guardian.
Remember Irons from earlier? Yeah well he’s working with a nasty corporate overlord of sorts named Ansel Algorn (Michael Peña) who has been chasing down the alien artifact and The Guardian ever since they arrived years ago. Thanks to the kids playing around with the object and creating all sorts of cool gadgets like a rocket pack, a portal-like device, and more, the alien power signal gets out and they track it to the kids in the underground lair.
From here the film goes into a mix of Home Alone meets Spy Kids as Charlie and his buddies do their best to keep Irons, Algorn, and his numerous lackeys out of the lair and from getting the alien object. Despite a wild mash up like that, I found myself having a good time watching this. It’s a fun time that’s perfect for adults and kids as it has a little something for everyone.
The special effects aren’t that bad either which was a nice surprise, and Owen Wilson brings his typical, loveable charm as both a dad and being a superhero that’s “not so cool but that’s what makes him cool” kind of cool. The teens are also enjoyable despite some cringe-laced humor here and there from them and the other actors.
Even still, if you’re looking for a short but fun time for the family, you can’t go too wrong with Secret Headquarters. It’s one of those films where you get some snacks together, throw it on, and go through its wacky secrets for a good time for all.