Calling The Adevntures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl “ugly” is a grave understatement. This is a movie so ghastly that it feels like a genuine artistic achievement, like its blends of busy, discordant colors could only be conceived of in a fever dream. The CGI is busted and uncanny, but it only adds to the hallucinatory quasi-reality of the film.
The story, on the other hand, is a Freudian nightmare of semi-comprehensibility. Sharkboy and Lavagirl are essentially competing forces of protagonist Max’s subconscious. They drift through dreamlike settings that evoke childhood fantasies and delusions thinly masking pubescent sexual urges.
It’s truly a movie that must be seen to be believed, which is not to say it’s a “good” movie. Certainly, I hate many specific elements, not least of which are the gimmicky 3D pop-ups and George Lopez as a hammy Oz-like villain.
It’s ultimately equal parts cinematic fiasco and fantasia, while still conveying as mid-tier kiddie fare. A total identity crisis. I haven’t had more fun watching a movie in weeks.
- Review Series: Robert Rodriguez
Is It Good?
Good (5/8)
Note: This review was published early in The Goods' history and is a candidate for an expanded review in the future. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.