Early on, the story sputters, suffering from silly characters, stereotypes and overblown acting. Better are LL Cool J as the solid but emotionally torn son, Vivica A. Fox as his genuinely sweet wife and Anthony Anderson as the son whose life and marriage are in disarray. The movie regains its balance when love of family becomes the focal point, giving characters strength to solve problems. Having their secret-agent parents held hostage is the best thing that ever happened to this brother and sister. These siblings, acted solidly and never smart-alecky by newcomers Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara, are not without ordinary problems.
Little brother is anxious and friendless.
Big sister is sick of him and generally grumpy.