It understands that for a child, the line between reality and imagination is blurry. It understands that fear feels like a lightning monster, and that hope feels like a boy who can swim faster than light.

Let’s be honest. When Robert Rodriguez released The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D in 2005, the world didn’t quite know what to do with it. Sandwiched between the slick CGI of Spy Kids 3D and the gritty realism of Sin City , this movie felt like a fever dream you had after eating too many blue raspberry slushies.

George Lopez plays Mr. Electric, a teacher who turns into a floating, lightning-shooting tyrant. He is the manifestation of Max’s self-doubt and the adult world’s cynicism.