The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D (2005)

Director:

Robert Rodriguez

Writers:

Robert Rodriguez (written by) and
Marcel Rodriguez (written by) ...

Release Date:

10 June 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

Smaller heroes. Just as super.

Plot:

A boy dreams up shark-boy and lava-girl and the horror that lies within their planet.

Plot Keywords:

Planet | Dream | Rescue | Invention | Princess

Awards:

1 win & 4 nominations

Cast

Taylor Lautner	...	Sharkboy
Taylor Dooley	...	Lavagirl
Cayden Boyd	...	Max
George Lopez	...	Mr. Electric / Tobor / Ice Guardian / Mr. Electricidad
David Arquette	...	Max's Dad
Kristin Davis	...	Max's Mom
Jacob Davich	...	Linus / Minus
Sasha Pieterse	...	Marissa / Ice Princess
Rico Torres	...	Sharkboy's Dad
Marc Musso	...	Classroom Kid #1
Shane Graham	...	Classroom Kid #2
Tiger Darrow	...	Classroom Kid #3
Rocket Rodriguez	...	Lug
Racer Rodriguez	...	Sharkboy, Age 7
Rebel Rodriguez	...	Sharkboy, Age 5

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild action and some rude humor.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Philippines:G | Sweden:Btl | Belgium:KT | Malaysia:U | Australia:G | Germany:6 | South Korea:All | Canada:G | Netherlands:MG6 | USA:PG (certificate #41801) | Singapore:PG | UK:U | Argentina:Atp | Peru:PT | Mexico:A | Brazil:Livre | Ireland:G | Iceland:L

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Company:

Dimension Films

Trivia:

The movie was shot and completed so quickly that by the time Robert Rodriguez was ready to ship it, the advertisements weren't finished.

Goofs:

Continuity: Sharkboy's back fin falls off of his back as he dangles from the bridge leading up to Ice Princess's castle. In the next shot, it reappears.

Quotes:

[last lines]
Max: So dream a better dream; then work to make it real.
Tobor: Yes?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Troldspejlet: (#35.6)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

The La La's Song

Adults beware...Leave it to the kids!

I hadn't planned on wasting my time reviewing this mess, but there are some subtleties that crept into my consciousness after the second forced viewing which may enhance a prospective viewer's experience.

First of all, this movie obviously was designed for younger kids. That fact alone has a detrimental effect on a review done by an adult (as can be seen by previous reviews). However, it should be noted that a movie for the target audience will most likely be attended by their parents or guardians, and should be at least bearable for them also. This movie falls short in that regard.

My son, who is 5, absolutely raves about this movie, and will no doubt wear out the DVD in the next few weeks. But my younger brother, who is 17, walked out five minutes into it. Kids under 12 will probably be best entertained by Sharkboy & Lavagirl. It is a very colourful movie with a lot of motion and many bizarre graphics. There is nothing offensive in this movie by the way. Even the "fight" scenes are mild and clean.

Now, the main subtlety on my mind is that Sharkboy (who was the best actor in this colourful, but mindless drivel) has obvious hidden talent. This movie, however, was not the right venue to expose that talent. Sharkboy moves well in action scenes and would be more aptly suited to a martial arts style role. Also, Sharkboy has a wide range of facial expressions (although the ones emphasised by this movie consisted mainly of scowls and frowns). With continued training, suitable roles, and of course (and most importantly) proper direction, Sharkboy could go far with his acting career. Also, he is a decent looking lad, which seems to be a requirement for an acting career these days. I'm certainly hoping we'll be seeing more of Sharkboy in the future.

Another noted item: If you have the 2D version, it seems to be far superior to the 3D. My son thought the glasses were fun the first time, but after that he didn't want anything to do with them and now only watches the 2D version. Possibly this 3D effect is better if viewed in a theatre.

I'm giving out a rating of 7 for this title, simply because it certainly has the ability to entertain the kids...which was its purpose I'm sure. I would definitely recommend Sharkboy & Lavagirl if you have younger children. For adults it has no value whatsoever.