Watch It! You’ll Put Your Eye Out!
3-D "Sharkboy" Action Jumps Off the Screen
By Jenny Peters

Lava comes shooting out of the screen, bubbles seem to float right up to your face, and ducking seems wise when loads of different sharp objects (and lots of spit, too) zoom at your eyes as "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D" rollicks across the screen. It's an eye-popping, special-effects-laden trip to the planet Drool, and one that is certain to tap directly into the psyche of kids everywhere.

It's no surprise that director Robert Rodriguez knows how kids think, and how to make a movie that combines good life messages with non-stop action and excitement. He's proved that before, with the hugely popular "Spy Kids" movies, and now he's done it again, with this latest family film offering. It probably helps that he's one of ten children and has four of his own, including his seven-year-old son Racer, who shares credit for writing both the story and the screenplay for "Sharkboy." But we think he's simply figured out how to keep his inner child alive and well.

The film follows the story of Max, a boy whose imaginings come to life in spectacular fashion, as he is transported into a world that he himself dreamed up. With superhero kids Sharkboy and Lavagirl along for the wild ride, Max ultimately realizes how important it is to let his imagination run free, no matter what other people might think of his own special dreams. It's a message that may appear a tad heavy-handed for adults, but seems perfect for children ages 5 to 12. And there's plenty of action, comedy and incredible visuals—plus those fun 3-D glasses to wear. Its a combination to keep them totally entertained for the full 90-minute movie, no mean feat.

Grown-ups might be inclined to subtract a star from our rating, and children will probably want to add one, but there's one thing everyone will agree on. This is a kids' movie that is going to be around for a long, long time to come.