Am I being too harsh? No, not really. This is a prime example of the film makers throwing everything at the screen regardless of if it works or fits the setting of the film. It is an example of excess and special effects over substance and true storytelling. Yes, this film is full of cliches.

Which is a shame. Because the title is definately intriguing, and its in 3-D, even though in the end the third dimension was a bit of a gimmick.

The two main characters, Sharkboy and Lavagirl are excellent creations, but Sharkboy is all faux macho-ness, and Lavagirl does nothing but smile. Her jaw must have ached at the end of filming. Normal, non-superhero character Max is bland in comparison and not a true hero at all. Baddies are over the top and wacky, and follow the baddie formula strictly.

The film is fast paced, mainly because there is a battle or fight scene every five minutes, regardless if there needed to be one or not. In the end, you just don't care who wins over Dreamland.

The special effects are certainly ropey in some sections, and the cartoony visuals really don't fit alongside the real life filming. This should have been a better film, regarding the talent involved, but it ended up being a mess of ideas flung together and not really gelling.

A Ripp Roaring Romp for the Under 10's!!!!
Review date: 2006-03-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

As an adult of some quarter of a century its difficult to write a review on a film like this as it could easily degenerate into a mass slating condemning it from every aspect. That though would be the opinion of a man whose 25 watching a kids film, and wouldn't be fair as i am looking at it through adult eyes.

What i can base my opnion on though is that of my 5 year old daughter, who is notoriously hard to keep amused. In short she loved this film form start to finish. This film captivated her attention for the entire duation as she sat in silence, bespecaled in 3D Glasses. I know others who have bought this for there children and its had the same almost hypnotic effect. Watching it from the sidelines i think its superior to the Spy Kids franchise and is completely children friendly and entertaining.

The plot for those still unsure is pure kiddies comic book about a boy whose comic creations come to life and he has to team up with them to save the world. These creations are the SharkBoy and Lava Girl of the films title. Its throwaway stuff to be sure but it plays out wonderfully for kids.

As adult viewing i wouldn't even dignify it with 1 star. As an item of childrens entertainment its a 5/5 blockbuster which deserves the upmost plaudits.

This is the kinda film that if you want a few hours piece to read the paper you can pop this in and know that your kids are in safe hands.

Product Details/Specifications