Gizli Karargah (Secret Headquarters) is a 2022 American superhero comedy film directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. It’s a family-friendly action adventure that blends familiar superhero tropes with a coming-of-age story. The film stars Owen Wilson, Walker Scobell, Jesse Williams, Keith L. Williams, Momona Tamada, and Michael Peña.
The story centers on Charlie Kincaid (Walker Scobell), a young boy who discovers a secret headquarters hidden beneath his home. This HQ belongs to his seemingly ordinary father, Jack (Owen Wilson), who is actually The Guardian, a powerful superhero protecting the world from nefarious threats. Jack’s powers stem from an alien energy source that he acquired years ago.
When Jack is called away on a mission, Charlie invites his friends over to explore the strange and impressive lair. They marvel at the advanced technology, including gravity-defying gadgets, super-powered weapons, and incredible vehicles. Naturally, their explorations lead to mishaps and unintended activations of the equipment.
Meanwhile, Ansel Argon (Michael Peña), a former colleague of Jack’s who seeks to steal the alien energy source for himself, is closing in. Argon’s villainous intentions become clear as he assembles a team to invade the Kincaid residence and seize the power.
Charlie and his friends, including Maya (Momona Tamada) and Berger (Keith L. Williams), must then rise to the occasion. Armed with the knowledge they’ve gained from their exploration of the headquarters and a bit of improvisation, they decide to defend their home and protect Jack’s secret identity. They utilize the various gadgets and weapons they find, learning to work together as a team.
The film provides plenty of comedic moments stemming from the kids’ inexperience with the advanced technology and their attempts to outsmart the adult villains. The action sequences are lighthearted and geared towards a younger audience, featuring inventive uses of the superhero gadgets.
“Gizli Karargah” explores themes of family, friendship, and responsibility. Charlie’s initial resentment towards his absent father transforms into admiration as he learns about Jack’s secret life and his commitment to protecting the world. The film emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the potential for ordinary kids to achieve extraordinary things when they work together. While it doesn’t break new ground in the superhero genre, “Gizli Karargah” offers an entertaining and accessible adventure for families to enjoy. It’s a movie about kids stepping up to save the day, discovering the hero within themselves, and strengthening their bonds of friendship in the process.