Synopsis
Secret Headquarters is a 2022 family-friendly superhero action-comedy film. Joost and Schulman’s blend of adolescent adventure and coming-of-age was wrapped in a high-concept superhero presented in a film tailored to a younger audience. With lighthearted tones, the film encapsulates themes of heroism, responsibility, and trust in the parent-child dynamic.
In the film, Walker Scobell plays Charlie Kincaid, a bright middle schooler and a budding tech whiz who is distant from his father Jack Kincaid (Owen Wilson). Jack, a workaholic dad, often disappears and cancels plans, leaving Charlie feeling bewildered and neglected. Charlie has no clue what his father actually does, and what lies beneath the surface is so much more exciting.
Far more exciting is the truth: Jack is secretly the superhero “The Guard”, who is equipped with alien technology and operates from a high-tech underground bunker, their “secret headquarters” concealed beneath the suburban home. Years earlier, Jack was chosen by a mysterious alien ship that entrusted him with a powerful device called “the Source,” and advanced technological capabilities, turning him into Earth’s guardian.
At the same time Jack is called away for another one of his urgent missions, Charlie calls over his friends which includes his best friend Berger (Keith L. Williams), the bold and curious Lizzie (Momona Tamada), and the sarcastic gamer Big Mac (Michael Peña). While exploring Jack’s house, the kids accidentally find a hidden elevator that leads to the secret headquarters. Within the headquarters, they discover a trove of alien technology including energy weapons, gadgets, and teleporters. What starts as a curious exploration turns into testing the alien gadgets and pretending to be superheroes.
Things take a turn for the worse when a mercenary works for government agents tracking the alien technology signal. The mercenary, Argon (Jesse Williams), converges on the Kincaid home with his strike team. His mission includes capturing the Source while eliminating The Guard, weaponizing the power for monetization.
Next, we see the children as they attempt to protect the headquarters and themselves from Argon and his team, using alien gadgets to defend themselves in a series of funny, chaotic, and action-packed events. They employ creativity to build traps, and they even outsmart adults, using the gadgets they barely comprehend. Their advanced technology is powerful, but the children’s friendship and unity is even stronger.
At the same time, Jack is dealing with his own issues. His cover is blown, and he has to deal with the fallout of a double life while also protecting Charlie. He must also deal with the fact that his son is in a life-threatening predicament. This also allows the two to m end the conflicts that they have gone through as they finally address their issues and strengthen their bond.
The final battle is a blend of action and emotion, featuring Jack, the kids, and Argon’s forces. Charlie reaches a new height in his character arc by using the Source, proving that true heroism is defined by courage and heart, not raw power. Argon is defeated, and the Source is protected, while Jack is finally free to reveal his secret identity to the world, choosing family over a life of deceit.
Cast & Crew
Directors:
“Project Power” and the “Paranormal Activity” series brought to life by the dynamic directing duo of Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. Their work showcases youthful energy and visual flair, as they bring a diverse and lively tone to the film. Their experience with genre storytelling includes sci-fi, as seen in the sleek action sequences and fast-paced editing.
Writers:
The screenplay was written by Christopher L. Yost, Josh Koenigsberg, and the directing duo. Yost, a seasoned comic writer, gained fame from Marvel working on projects like Thor: Ragnarok. Their script blends the charm of super hero tropes, children friendly humor, and earnest family drama.
Producers:
Veteran action film producer Jerry Bruckheimer of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “National Treasure” franchises helps elevate the film’s production value. His experience guarantees that the film will be enjoyable for children and their parents.
Main Cast:
Owen Wilson as Jack Kincaid / The Guard
Wilson’s signature laid-back charm is showcased in the role of the secret super dad who is a superhero. He is a man who aspires to be a father and a world-saving figure which creates hilarious and emotionally sincere moments that are perfectly balanced to his comedic timing.
Walker Scobell as Charlie Kincaid
Walker Scobell, who recently starred in The Adam project, has wit, energy, and emotional depth that makes bringing Charlie alive as a character useful. He relatable, and at the same time, a curious young boy who learns to lead when the occasion calls for it.
Keith L. Williams as Berger
Berger makes sure to be the loyal best friend and moral compass to Charlie. Williams brings depth to the dialogue providing humor while netting the viewer to cast Berger as a grounded and relatable character serving as a moral center for the group.
Momona Tamada as Lizzie
Lizzie is the smartest member of the group and brave, serving as the group’s strategist. Tamada shines as a young girl who aspires to be strong, and who is both a doer and decision maker of the group’s actions.
Michael Peña as Big Mac
Big Mac is a villainous tech expert. Peña, known for comedic roles, uses his humor to tackle a tech role with dark tendencies. While the character is very serious, Peña’s acting using silly gestures along with over the top sarcastic lines softens the antagonistic side of the character providing comic relief.
Jesse Williams as Argon
Williams flavorful acting brings to the life the character of a cold and calculating mercenary with a polished calm to the role. He is a believable menace in a family friendly way, serving the character as a threat without too much menace.
IMDb Ratings & Critical Reception
The movie has a very low unbiased rating of about 5.1, suggesting bad reviews from both the target audience and critics.
Positive Reception:
Kid-friendly action: The movie has received positive reviews for featuring engaging fights and PG-rated violence that is suitable for children and not excessively dark or brutal.
Production design: Fans of science fiction technology appreciated the futuristic design of the secret base and the gadgets used in the movie.
Central themes of family and trust: Many viewers resonated with the core father and son relationship as the emotional glue of the narrative. The themes of duty and personal responsibility highlighted the balancing act of obligation and family.
Criticism:
Predictable plot: Almost all viewers and critics have agreed that the lack of narrative surprises and plot twists is an overused storyline.
Stereotypical and underdeveloped villains: The characterization of the villains, especially Argon and Big Mac, was overly simplified or drawn without depth, thus making them uninteresting.
Tone inconsistency: Blended action with emotion, trying to create humor and heart. Portions of the film felt out of place.
Secret Headquarters, while not perfect, was still praised for the effort and family-friendly entertainment.
Conclusion
Secret Headquarters is a superhero adventure film that skews towards family fun rather than an intense drama. The film is a mix of sci-fi gadgets, teenage antics, and heartfelt themes about trust and connection that aims to entertain children and parents looking for a light, action, and humor-packed film.
Secret Headquarters does not offer any unique themes or deep character arcs, but does have plenty of excitement and emotional warmth to keep viewers engaged. Owen Wilson’s portrayal of an imperfect but affectionate father and the spirited young cast drives home the film’s crucial message: to be a hero, one must first be there for the most important people in their life.
A mix of Spy Kids and Sky High blended with the traditional superhero fare, Secret Headquarters may not be a groundbreaking film, but does fit comfortably in the genre which is more than enough for most families.
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