Shorts (2009)
A zippy, wacky kids flick from filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids).
In the suburb of Black Falls all the houses look the same and everyone works for Black Box Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, makers of 'The Black Box' - the ultimate communication and do-it-all gizmo that's sweeping the nation. But 11-year-old Toe (Jimmy Bennett) doesn't care much for the gadget, all he wants is to make some friends. When a mysterious rainbow-coloured rock falls from the sky, hitting him in the head, Toe discovers something better than The Black Box. The rock grants wishes to anyone who holds it.
Before long, wishes-gone-wrong have left the neighbourhood swarming with tiny spaceships, crocodile armies, dinosaurs, giant boogers and mayhem around every corner. But it's not until the grown-ups get their hands on the rock that the trouble really starts. Now Toe and his new buddies join forces to save the town from itself.
Less200989 minsUSA, United Arab Emirates
AdventureComedyKids & FamilyScience Fiction
- Director:
- Robert Rodriguez ('Spy Kids', 'Sin City', 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico', 'From Dusk Till Dawn')
- Writer:
- Robert Rodriguez
- Cast:
- Kat DenningsLeslie MannJames SpaderWilliam H. MacyJimmy BennettLeo Howard
Shorts (2009) | Reviews
Total Film
Gaudy, goofy and too busy for its own good. For every idea or sight gag that sticks, there’s 10 that don’t. Best for DVD, when you’ll be in control of the pause button.
Full review
The New York Times
Soon becomes tiresome, but it’s emblematic of a film that is dancing as fast as it can to entertain.
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Los Angeles Times
The problem with Shorts is in the execution. The blown-up plot line at times derails even the little ones, the many fine comedic grown-ups are mostly squandered, and the "message" part of the movie feels like it was thrown together during detention, resulting in a wrap-up that is rushed and cloyingly PC.
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Hollywood Reporter
Adult actors pretty much let the youngsters upstage them. The two leads, Bennett and Vanier, do a nice job holding the center of gravity while the film goes nuts around them. Best of all, Shorts is short, finishing before you can truly get tired of all those wishes gone wrong.
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Empire Magazine
Despite the usual Rodriguez abundance of effects, there is a pleasingly traditional feel to this tale.
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