The Adventures of Shark Boy & Lava Girl in 3-D

**

Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

Writing credits: Racer Rodriguez

George Lopez, David Arquette, Cayden Boyd, Jacob Davich, Kristin Davis, Taylor Dooley,

There is a lot that could be said about this film. Most of that is in the writer, Racer Rodriguez. This story, written by a kid for kids, has not been tarnished by adult opinion nor does it worry about keeping older filmgoers entertained with sexual innuendo.

The problems all seem to be in the 3-D effect. Those glasses gave me a headache, and I talked with several other people who had the same problem.

The plot is simple as would be expected. It is one that is very familiar to a lot of kids. After being tormented by class bullies, having his pompous teacher (George Lopez), and fighting parents (David Arquette and Kristin Davis), Max finds solace in the only place he can, his fantasy world where he is friends with the half-boy, half-shark Shark Boy and his fiery girl friend, Lava Girl.

Max and his classmates are not only shocked but terrified when this youthful dynamic duo come back to Earth, telling Max that only he can save their world, Planet Drool. Max travels with his two friends to battle the Darkness, an evil created by a surprise villain and his henchman, the Electricman (Perez).

The movie is based on the dreams and stories of Racer Max, Rodriguez’s son. And it shows in the situations the group find themselves in. They travel to the land of milk and cookies, have some wild roller coaster action, sing the lousy but required musical number, and work with a group of talking sharks.

The film plays with all of these children’s images and it is inspired. But, the 3-D messes it up. Yes, an adult who goes in needs to be prepared for the fact that this is not a film designed or written for anyone over the age of 13. No, I am not kidding. While most ‘kids films’ are usually written by people who have passed their third or fourth decade, not this time. A CHILD writes it, and it shows. It won’t impress anyone past Junior High with its intricate work.

Personally, I would suggest you drop off the kids and then head over to Mr. And Mrs. Smith. That way, the whole family will have a good time.