Robert Rodriguez has done it again.
Category ReviewsToday was a daddy-daughter day. We've had Krispy Kremes, shopping, more shopping, swimming, and movies so far, and it isn't even 3:00 yet. I just got back from taking my girl to see The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl in 3D. If you have a child aged 5 to 10, and you have an inner child, then go see this movie. Otherwise, stay away, this film isn't meant for you.
If you are a teenager, don't go, you won't like it. Robert Rodriguez did NOT make this film for you. It is an absolute blast to watch it with your 5 to 10 year old, in the very front row. The critics have panned this film, but Rodriguez didn't make it for them either. He made this movie for KIDS, and he knows what KIDS like, period.
Parts of the film felt as though they were heavily influenced from the original Neverending Story -not in plot, more like a sub-textual feeling. My guess is that is intentional. I went to see this film with my 7 year old daughter, and completely immersed myself in the experience. It was an absolute blast. As with Spy Kids 3-D, the audience is told when to put on and take off the 3-D glasses, although it felt like there was more 3-D time in this one.
At the time we sat down in the theatre, I had no idea who was starring in the film. Cayden Boyd (Dodgeball, Freaky Friday) did an excellent job as Max, and was backed up well by Taylor Dooley as Lava Girl and Taylor Lautner as Shark Boy. Lautner was absolutely amazing in some of his action scenes -that kid can FIGHT! If you have daughters, watch out for this kid, as even my seven year old was swooning a bit. Jacob Davich plays a great classroom bully. Two of Rodriguez's kids (Racer and Rebel) show up in cameo appearances. And also as with Spy Kids 3-D, some of the adult actors surprised me with their appearances. (In my humble opinion, anybody who gets a chance to work with Robert Rodriguez on anything is a lucky person indeed). David Arquette (Eight Legged Freaks, 3000 Miles to Graceland), Kristen Davis (Sex in the City), & George Lopez (George Lopez man!) fill out the necessary grown-up roles. Lopez is absolute riot as the bad guy/good guy combo.
All in all, this film is nothing more than a wild and wacky ride through a kid's dreamworld; which is everything it is meant to be. Robert Rodriguez targeted the little league crowd with this one, and hit himself a home run.
Oh, and if you are wondering about the graphic on this entry, that is Pepino from Troublemaker Studios (site currently under production).
-Devin
The Pridelands
Chris Byrne
Show n' Tell Thursdays
Maddox
Comments
My kids are grown, but my inner child is getting younger and more easily amused by elephant jokes and the word "fart" every day. Will I actually suffer psychological damage watching this film alone? If so, are borrowed children as effective in deflecting the damaging parts as one's own children would have been?
Confused In Montreal
Posted by Stan Rogers At 06:25:19 PM On 06/12/2005 | - Website - |
A borrowed child, particularly a niece or nephew, will work marveously when watching this film.
Glad I could help,
-Devin.
Posted by Devin At 12:36:53 AM On 06/13/2005 | - Website - |