Synopsis

Ten-year-old Max uses his dream journal to escape school bullies and troubles at home, imagining superheroes Sharkboy and Lavagirl. When the pair suddenly appear in his classroom, they take Max to Planet Drool, where a sinister scheme threatens their fantastical world. Guided by his own creativity, Max must confront danger, protect his friends, and learn to believe in himself.

Factoids & Trivia

• The story grew from adventures invented by Robert Rodriguez's young son, Racer Max, who was inspired by playing "shark" with his father in a swimming pool. Racer Max received an on-screen story credit.

• The movie uses anaglyph 3-D, the red-and-cyan glasses format previously used for Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. The unusual visual design, with exaggerated colors and objects projecting toward the viewer, was created specifically to emphasize the effect.

• It was a genuine family production. Rodriguez's brother Marcel co-wrote the screenplay, his then-wife Elizabeth Avellan produced it, and his sister Rebecca wrote the lyrics for the main song.

• Taylor Lautner's martial arts background helped him win the role of Sharkboy. He was reportedly invited to contribute ideas for the character's fight scenes after the production learned about his training.

• George Lopez portrays and voices four different characters, including Mr. Electricidad, Mr. Electric, the Ice Guardian, and the talking train.

• The film was released in the United States on June 10, 2005. Although its initial critical reception was poor, it later developed a strong nostalgic and cult following.

• Sharkboy and Lavagirl returned as adult characters in the 2020 Netflix superhero film We Can Be Heroes, which connects their world to a new generation of young heroes.