The Most Underrated Sci-Fi Superhero Movie Is Leaving Netflix Soon
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D first exploded onto the scene in 2005, wowing children across the globe with its inventive use of anaglyph 3D technology, massive action set-pieces, and computer-generated landscapes. Though the film has not received a great deal of love from critics, it has become something of a cult classic for people who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It has been cited as a seminal memory for a generation of film fans.
Last Chance To Stream The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D
The film, which has been available to stream on Netflix for several years, is slated to depart the streamer on February 29.
Sharkboy and Lavagirl was written and directed by Robert Rodriguez after the success of his Spy Kids film trilogy. Rodriguez credits the story of the film to his son, Racer Max, who developed the plot and characters throughout the course of many dreams and trippy bedtime stories. Rodriguez used the film as an outlet to work alongside many of his family members, with his two sons even appearing on-camera in small cameo roles.
A Familiar Cast
Sharkboy and Lavagirl stars Cayden Boyd, Kristin Davis, David Arquette, Taylor Dooley, George Lopez, and Twilight’s Taylor Lautner. The film serves as the theatrical debut for both Lautner and Dooley, who portray the eponymous superheroes, respectively. Miley Cyrus was in talks to star as Lavagirl in the film, though she booked the Disney Channel original series Hannah Montana just as the production was set to begin.
An Imaginary World Come To Life
The film centers on a ten-year-old boy named Max, who imagines a fantastic dream realm called Planet Drool, where his wildest fantasies become a reality. Unfortunately, an evildoer named Mr. Electric has constructed a foul plot to corrupt the dream world, prompting Max’s imaginary creations, Sharkboy and Lavagirl, to appear in the real world and recruit Max to join them on Planet Drool. Seeking an escape from his parents’ impending divorce and his schoolyard bully, Max agrees, and embarks upon a journey to thwart Mr. Electric’s heinous schemes.
Critics Hate The Film
As he faces a myriad of intense challenges, Max begins to bond with Sharkboy and Lavagirl, and discover that his dreams are deeply impacted by his reality. Soon enough, Max learns to utilize his imaginative skills to become the mythical Daydreamer, who was prophesied to harness reality-warping powers and save the day. Despite the film’s cult status, Sharkboy and Lavagirl failed to impress critics, resulting in the film holding a paltry 20 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Great Family Movie Night Pick
Sharkboy and Lavagirl was never intended to be an Oscar Award-winning masterpiece that would change cinema as we know it. Robert Rodriguez set out to craft a family movie with his actual family by his side. Ultimately, he succeeded in creating a bizarre and inventive film showcasing the boundless nature of childhood imagination.
If you haven’t had the chance to see this movie yet, or are just in dire need of a rewatch, be sure to catch Sharkboy and Lavagirl on Netflix before it leaves the streamer on February 29.
