When the secret is out, the adventure begins.|Aug. 12, 2022|USA|PG
Genre: 4K-2160p;Adventure;Family;Science;Fiction
Description: “Secret Headquarters” (2022) follows the story of Jack Kincaid, an ordinary father played by Owen Wilson, who discovers an alien energy source that bonds with him. A decade later, Jack becomes a superhero known as the Guard, tasked with protecting Earth. However, his superhero duties strain his family life, leading to a divorce and a distant relationship with his son, Charlie, portrayed by Walker Scobell. Despite this, Charlie idolizes the Guard.
When Jack is called away on a “work emergency,” Charlie decides to stay at his father’s house instead of calling his mom. He invites his friends—Berger, Lizzie, and Maya—for a small gathering. While exploring the house, they accidentally uncover the Guard’s secret headquarters, hidden within Jack’s home. The group enjoys experimenting with the advanced technology, but their discovery attracts the attention of Ansel Argon, a defense mogul played by Michael Peña, who seeks to exploit the Guard’s powers for his own gain.
A notable weakness of the film is its uninspired design. The Guard’s aesthetic heavily resembles Marvel’s Iron Man, from the HUD display to the armor and chest light. While visually appealing, it lacks originality. Similarly, the secret headquarters feels like a reused concept, and its dim, confined setting makes the action sequences blend together. The pacing improves when the climactic fight shifts to Charlie’s middle school during a dance event.
Overall, “Secret Headquarters” combines family drama with superhero action, though it struggles to break free from familiar tropes and visual clichés.
Cast director: Henry Joost
Cast actor: Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, Jesse Williams, Walker Scobell, Momona Tamada, David Lengel, Laila Pruitt, Jessie Mueller, Dustin Ingram, Ninja N. Devoe
Original name: Secret Headquarters