Tools for this page
Print

The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Kids will love the 3-D aspect of this movie.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some bullying, although the movie makes it clear that this isn't acceptable behavior.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Mild action violence -- very cartoonish. A character appears to die, but turns out to be fine. Some of the creepy creatures and sharks may frighten younger kids.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Some potty and gross-out humor involving vomiting and passing gas.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D

Parents need to know that the line between fantasy and reality is often blurred here, so kids under 7 may be confused about what's imaginary and what isn't. There's some potty and gross-out humor involving 3-D vomiting and passing gas, and some mild action violence that's very cartoonish. One of the young characters was separated from his father. Another character appears to die, but turns out to be fine. Some of the creepy creatures (such as the Plug Hounds and the sharks) may frighten younger kids. Max is bullied by his classmates. Sensitive kids may be upset when Max's parents argue and appear to be on the brink of divorce.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the fact that this movie was based on the dreams and fantasies of the director's 7-year-old son -- which of your dreams is worthy of a movie? They could also talk about the importance of imagination and turning dreams into reality. Some kids may be inspired to start keep their own dream journal, just like Max.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 63 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 4 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    bad

    a bad movie! well for big kids anyway 4-9 and maybe 10 year olds will love it though i know i used too.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 1.0

    I lost six brain cells watching this

    This movie suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    So lame.

    Retarded Movie just as CSM said. Really lousy. That is about all I have to say.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 0.0

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 0.0

    DO NOT GO SEE THIS! YOU WILL LOSE BRAIN CELLS!

    'Nuff said. ^^^^^^^

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    An adventure for kids of all ages!

    Awesome

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    horible!!!!!! stupid!!!!!

    *bad acting* *cheesy plot* *stupid effects* *BORING*~~~!!! i saw it @ drive in & turned around & watched the longest yard w/ my dad

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 0.0

    Not for Kindergarteners!

    My 5 1/2 year old daughter cannot go to sleep after seeing about 1/2 of this movie today--WAY too scary for her!!!

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    wonderful movie for all ages.

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    Dreadful. Just Dreadful

    This movie was horrid. Poor storyline, cruddy side effects, and trite dialogue. Just having to watch this with my little sis made me want to gag myself with a spoon. Avoid this movie at ALL COSTS.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

    Gives daydreamers a huge pat on the back.

    I happen to have a daydreamer and this is a movie that just re-enforced that it is good to daydream. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and a place for daydreaming but real life is not very tolerant of daydreamers. Especially real life schools.

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    THis Movie Will Keep You Off Your Seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This movie is packed with action! If you havent seen this movie well, than u need brain surgery.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 2.0

    liked it at first, now i dont like it...

    When I saw it, I LOVED it but, when I bought it and saw it the 3rd time, I suddenly changed my mind, it was cheesy and meant for little 5 year olds that beleive in everything they see. The word "dream" got on my nerves for days after I saw it the 3rd or 4th time. Its just so stupid, now. I used to be a freak when I saw it the 1st couple times and now I know better that it is just so darn stupid, even with George Lopez. =(

  14. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Good action movie

    It was a good movie for everybody. The whole family went to go see it.

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Adults will likely be gagging, kids will likely be gleeful...

    what can i say - after suffering through Super Babies 2, I NEVER thought I'd be put through another celluloid Inquisition so badly in 2005. Well, Sharkboy placed me on Dante's 7th ring of hell for about 90 long minutes. But - I wasn't there for me. My 4 1/2 year old son LOVED it. There's nothing to be gleaned from it however - other than the trite-old "to dream is good" and "an active imagination is a sign of intelligence". Oh, and I should throw in "don't keep a journal"! The special effects are cool to kids, but mind-numbing for adults. I just bought the DVD - and my kid has watched it non-stop for the past week. Soooo, if entertainment for Junior is what yer after - this is a home-run. For adults, I would say this is one that you "suffer through because you really really love your kids".

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    great for kids and fun for adults

    My boys loved this (age 5 & 8). it was also funny enough to keep my attention. There may not have been a heavy message but it was a lot of fun!!

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title off for age 5 and give it 0.0

    Worst movie I have ever seen

    This movie is awful, purely awful. It was plainly and perfectly stupid. Sitting through it only for the kids was agonizing. I would not recommend that anyone pay $$$ to see this movie.

  19. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title off for age 5 and give it 1.0

    What a complete disaster....

    I found this to be one of the worst movies I have ever seen for my kids. Nothing offensive mind you...it was just terrible!!. Even the 3-D cant help this film ...in fact it made it worse. When the glasses are worn, everythig is almost black and white and there is very little that appears to "leap out" at you. The story was convluted and the characters...especially Shark boy" are unwatchable. I liked to know what genius "greenlighted " this film because I have a bridge to sell him....Watch at your own risk I havent said it often but this was truly one of the worst films I have ever seen. My 9 and 10 year old begged me not to take them but I wanted my 7 year old to see it. Well next time Ill leave the older two home...they were right!

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name