The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl in 3-D Movie Review: By Adam Mast, ZBoneMan.com


The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl is the latest creation from Robert Rodriguez who, just three short months ago, delivered one of the most visually dazzling movies in recent memory in the form Frank Miller’s ultra violent Sin City. With this current film however, Rodriguez is back in family-friendly mode (as he was with the Spy Kids franchise). And in fact, this picture was actually inspired (and co-developed) by Rodriguez’s six year old son Racer. Those Rodriguez’ are a creative bunch.

This fantasy features young Max (played by Cayden Boyd), a kid with one hell of a vivid imagination. When he’s not being picked on by the school bully (Jacob Davich) or having run-ins with his parents (David Arquette and Kristin Davis), he spends most of his time writing in his dream journal. Of all the wild concoctions from his dream world, the most prominent are Sharkboy (a tough pre-teen with sharp teeth, a fin on his back, and amazing fighting skills) and Lava Girl (a cute youngster with fiery red hair and the power to melt more than your heart). The two make up a dynamic duo who have quite a track record of saving the day.

When a mysterious "darkness" threatens to destroy Sharkboy (Taylor Launter) and Lava Girl’s (Taylore Dooley) domain, they have no choice but to seek out their creator’s help. So, young Max is pressed into service - actually whisked away to Sharkboy and Lava Girl’s world, where he comes face to face with a bizarre electro-villain (played by George Lopez), a strange creature with a dastardly plan.

The big draw for the youngsters will most likely be the 3-D format - which much of this movie takes place in. Kids really love this stuff. Spy Kid 3-D was the most profitable of that franchise, so Rodriguez decided to take another whack at it. Unfortunately, we get the old blue and red lens technique making what would normally be a bright, vibrant world appear far too murky and dark. Of course none of the kids at the screening I attended seemed to mind much. Immediately following the movie, they were all running around in the lobby with their glasses on as if they’d been granted extraordinary powers. And for the children, that’s what it’s all about–a good time.

The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl wears it’s various themes on it’s sleeve. This is a movie about standing up for yourself and watching your friend’s back - but mostly, it’s about the importance of dreaming. After all, if Robert Rodriguez hadn’t followed his dreams, he probably wouldn’t be creating all these magical cinematic adventures in his own backyard. What’s more, this maverick film maker encourages his own children to get in on the act, and I personally think that’s a terrific notion.

The digital dream landscape Rodriguez has created has a few bright spots to speak of including a milk and cookie river and a roller coaster that never stops, forcing it’s rider’s to stay on forever. The actual plot line of the movie recalls Wolfgang Peterson’s wonderful 80's fantasy The Neverending Story in which a powerful "nothing" rips through a fantastical world, destroying everything in it’s wake.

The young performers in the movie appear to be having a grand time playing in Rodriguez’s amazing cinematic playground, particularly Launter who actually possesses some pretty amazing acrobatic skills. Unfortunately, however, The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl is somewhat the rush job. It’s completely evident that the movie was hastily slapped together. Not only in terms of actual production time, but in the writing process as well. There are clever moments to be found here -including a "brain" storm sequence and other cute inventions, but these moments are few and far between. You really get the feeling that this film just wasn’t given the time to develop and mature.

Still, I have a lot of respect for this gifted film maker. He really knows how to shoot quickly and efficiently. And it’s clear he’s found his own sanctuary. He can do what he wants when he wants, and I give him props for encouraging his family to be a part of his work.

The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl is strictly for the younger crowd (5-11). It was clearly inspired by the likes of The Neverending Story, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and countless other family films, but unlike those pictures, this one will most likely appeal to children rather than the children in all of us. It has it’s moments but one too many slow patches keep it from being worthy of a full recommendation.

Grade: C+

Adam Mast, ZBoneMan.com