Sharkboy & Lavagirl Rewatch: The Childhood Movie That Totally Fell Apart As An Adult

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Reminds me of old movies I adored as a child, but now when I watch them again, I can’t help but ponder why I found them so appealing back then. That’s exactly where I am at the moment.

In another phrasing: I don’t always behave in that manner. As a child, I was quite fond of things and would often rediscover my affection for them. My love for “Avatar: The Last Airbender” grew even stronger when I revisited it. Rewatching “Lilo & Stitch” brought me a newfound appreciation for Nani. To be honest, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear while rewatching all the old “Scooby Doo” movies that I used to enjoy as a child.

However, over the weekend, I chose to expand my viewing to “The Adventures of Sharkboy & Lavagirl” – or more commonly known as “Sharkboy & Lavagirl”. To be honest, it was nothing like I recalled from my childhood.

I Remember As A Child, I Used To Think The World Looked So Cool

As a kid, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by fantastic fantasy movies. To be honest, my childhood was rich with magic and wonder, thanks to the abundance of fantasy films. The early 2000s were a golden age for this genre, boasting blockbusters like the Harry Potter films and The Lord of the Rings, as well as numerous other top-notch picks. Additionally, we had an impressive array of sci-fi films that significantly advanced the genre.

The film “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl” blended dreamlike fantasy with a touch of science fiction and a hint of elemental magic, creating an unusual yet captivating narrative. As a child, I found myself repeatedly drawn to this unique blend.

At one point, I found the world incredibly captivating. It might have been because I hadn’t seen much yet, or perhaps it was the allure of stepping away from my ordinary life and into a fantastical realm where I seemed to hold all the power. Regardless, I was utterly intrigued by it.

However, I decided to rewatch it as an adult, and… yeah. This movie is not it.

The CGI Is Actually Horrible

Over the past ten years or so, there has been a growing tendency among people to rewatch films from the early 2000s like Sharkboy and Lavagirl, and comment on the quality of their computer-generated imagery (CGI). I’ve certainly jumped on that bandwagon myself. To be frank, I can’t help but continue criticizing it because, in all honesty, it was quite poor.

But the CGI of Sharkboy and Lavagirl is bad on another level for a blockbuster movie.

It seems unusual that such a large-scale production, promoted as a 3D movie, only received a $50 million budget, considering the popularity of 3D at the time. Director Robert Rodriguez may have aimed to capitalize on the trend, but unfortunately, the 3D effects didn’t mesh well with this particular film.

In my opinion, the digital effects seemed rather subpar in various areas, particularly with Mr. Electric’s face. It almost appears as if it doesn’t quite belong there. Yet, perhaps this was intentionally done to give him a chilling, unforgettable presence, given his role as the antagonist. Still, I can’t help but feel that a bit more effort could have been put into making it less noticeable.

The Action Sequences Are Really Corny

While the questionable CGI doesn’t stand alone in causing discomfort about this film, it’s the over-the-top action sequences that really take the cake. Despite being marketed as a children’s movie, some of these fight scenes are so cheesy they make me cringe while watching.

In truth, many of these sequences seem less effective if they weren’t intended for 3D viewing. However, they fall flat entirely in my opinion. The dance movements feel rigid and unnatural, far from the fluid and imaginative style needed for a film like this, where dreams are our creation.

The Acting Is Pretty Bad

If I had chosen to watch this movie again primarily for the acting, I likely wouldn’t have picked it out initially.

Certain performers have moved on to achieve remarkable feats, such as Taylor Lautner who starred significantly in the Twilight movies. However, it’s important to remember that all actors begin their journey somewhere, and while their acting in this particular film wasn’t exceptional this time, they may still grow and shine in future roles.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit this film is geared towards a younger audience, so I wasn’t anticipating a performance worthy of an Oscar. However, there were instances where the plot became somewhat outlandish and the acting seemed less than convincing for my taste. Watching it as an adult, those moments felt a bit jarring. Yet, as a child, I might have been too engrossed in the movie’s exciting elements to notice or care much about the acting.

The Story Is Fine, But There Are So Many Plot Holes

To put it simply, Robert Rodriguez’s films are more renowned for their action and amusement rather than intricate storytelling. In truth, we mostly watch them for the thrilling sequences – as evident in his Spy Kids series.

But Sharkboy and Lavagirl is riddled to the brim with plot holes.

For instance, Max’s realm appears to be his dreamworld, yet he seems baffled and clueless about the majority of the movie’s events. Why can’t he grasp the situation or rectify it? It seems quite straightforward, so why is it proving difficult for him? Additionally, how does Mr. Electric manage to intrude into reality from this dreamland, gaining real-world influence? Certain aspects leave me puzzled and inconsistent.

Even So, At Least I Enjoyed It As A Kid

Although I recently wrote nearly 800 words criticizing the film… I still have no regrets about enjoying it during my childhood years.

As we mature, our preferences often shift, and it turns out that this movie no longer resonates with me as it once did. Yet, I can’t forget the joy of watching it with my dad, cherishing those memories, and loving it back then. For that reason, I will always be grateful to the little girl who found delight in that CGI-heavy film – because it provided a shared activity, offering me precious moments with my family.

And you can’t really put a price on that.

Revisiting those old childhood favorites definitely sparks an urge within me. I should investigate various top-tier streaming platforms to find out which ones offer these movies – looks like it’s about time for a movie binge session!

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2025-06-28 23:10