Secret Headquarters (2022)
Charlie Kincaid suspects his ordinary dad, Jack, is hiding something when he hosts a party and discovers a high-tech superhero lair hidden beneath his home. When a villainous CEO and his team try to steal the source of the power, Charlie and his friends must utilize the advanced weaponry and gadgets to protect the headquarters and save The Guard’s secret.
Length: 1h44m
Genre: Action/Adventure/Comedy/Superhero
This Title is: A family-friendly action comedy about secret identities and finding common ground.
Cast
Owen Wilson, Walker Scobell, Michael Peña, Jesse Williams, Momona Tamada
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG – Mild violence, action, and rude humor
FAQ
- Is Secret Headquarters (2022) Based on a True Story?: No, it is based on an original screenplay by Christopher L. Yost.
- Where was Secret Headquarters (2022) filmed?: Atlanta, Georgia, and Montreal, Canada.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Lorne Balfe
Filmmaker Profile
Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, known for their work on Catfish and Nerve, guide this production. They successfully blend youthful coming-of-age comedy with high-stakes action sequences, maintaining a quick pace and focusing on the father-son relationship at the core of the spectacular superhero premise.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Produced by action veteran Jerry Bruckheimer, the offering boasts great visual spectacle and inventive uses of superhero technology. It is a consistently fun and imaginative adventure centered on the bonding of friends and the surprising realization that even an absentee dad can be a hero.
Main Character Deep Dive
Walker Scobell shines as Charlie Kincaid, delivering a highly relatable performance of a teenage boy grappling with an emotionally distant parent. Charlie’s arc is satisfying as he shifts from feeling neglected to understanding the immense sacrifice his father makes, forcing the protagonist to grow and embrace his inner courage during the exciting confrontation.
Unforgettable Quote
“Dad, don’t do it! I’m only one kid and you’re saving the world.”
Trivia
- The primary filming locations were split between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montreal, Canada, despite the story being set in the Northeast USA.
- The project was originally planned for a theatrical release before Paramount decided to transition it to a streaming exclusive on Paramount+.
- Writers Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman previously directed the documentary Catfish and the feature Nerve.
Trailer
Stream Secret Headquarters (2022) on:
Our Review
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I really enjoyed the energy and sincerity of this super-powered adventure. The story works wonderfully because it puts the spotlight on the youngsters. The central theme of a son connecting with his father under incredible circumstances feels genuine and gives the action heart. Walker Scobell, as Charlie, leads the cast with remarkable charisma, making his struggle to understand his distant dad entirely believable. Owen Wilson brings his signature relaxed charm to the hero role, adding a welcome layer of humor and humanity to the high-tech proceedings. The pacing is snappy, rushing us through fun, elaborate set pieces once the kids stumble upon the secret base. The creative team gave the kids incredible gadgets to work with, leading to sequences that are both funny and thrilling. I appreciated that the movie keeps its focus tight, centering on the group’s mission to safeguard the futuristic hideout from the corporate villains. It is a joyous and fast-moving watch that succeeds by maintaining a light, accessible tone while still delivering explosive, family-friendly action. It is a great time at the movies, offering spectacle and laughs in equal measure.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you enjoy lighthearted superhero stories, wish to see a fun take on the estranged father-son trope, and appreciate youthful energy mixed with action-packed, inventive gadgets.
