With a PG-rated humor that parents can enjoy too, Secret Headquarters feels like the movie equivalent of the fun uncle who speaks to you like an adult, but also drives a mean Mario Kart.

Secret Headquarters is aimed squarely at young adults, takes a leaf from the 'Spy Kids' franchise, and is never less than engaging when affectionately leaning into genre cliches without trying too hard.

Aided by an excellent young cast, Secret Headquarters is a fun adventure for all ages, even if certain elements feel superficial in the end.

Secret Headquarters is uneven but consistently lively. There are moments of real wit (when was the last time you saw a movie use Pig Latin?), though not enough to compensate for the fairly tired, somewhat confused action sequences.

When the kids are just doing kid stuff . . . Secret Headquarters has the playful, mischievous air of something like “The Goonies.” When the kids acquire some of the Guard’s superpowers and start flying around and fighting baddies, it has the air of … well, of just another superhero movie.