The only thing missing is the mariachi

Question: What summer movie uses references to “The Matrix,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and “Deep Blue Sea,” plays out like “Tron” and features the toughest female characters since “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”? Answer: “Spy Kids 3-D.”

Look, there are some movie that you go to because you think you’ll enjoy them. Some you go to because you hope you’ll enjoy them. But for some, you just pray that they aren’t the cinematic equivalent of a sump pump . I had no expectations of “Spy Kids 3-D,” and so I was pleasantly surprised that this third installment in the series turns out to be the best. Not only does it not take itself too seriously, it has the very sense of fun missing from, say, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life.” And the humor plays both to kids and their parents.

“Spy Kids 3-D” also benefits from cameo appearances by the likes of George Clooney and Elijah Wood, as well as returning characters played by Alan Cumming, Steve Buscemi, Bill Paxton and Tony Shaloub. But the biggest surprise is how well director Robert Rodriguez fit Sylvester Stallone into the mix: The once and always “Rocky”/“Rambo” plays four different characters, all of whom are the same guy (can you say multiple personality?).

As for the 3-D, the gimmick worked well enough. And I’m one of those people who never have been able to see the supposedly hidden messages in Magic Eye pictures.