Review of Shorts (2009) by Raghd A — 22 Sep 2009

After Grindhouse flopped, multi-tasking director Robert Rodriguez found himself retreating to making a kiddies film again, but it's a good change back after his last couple of adult themed films, and even if his last couple of kiddies films weren't all that good, (Spy Kids 3-D and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D), he learns from his mistakes, and makes a quite old school family adventure which is entertaining and silly too.

Set in the community of Black Falls, where all the houses are the same, and everyone works for Black Box Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, ran by Carbon Black (James Spader), it has a group of kids, including Toby 'Toe' Thompson (Jimmy Bennett), Loogie Short (Trevor Gagnon), Helvetica Black (Jolie Vanier) and Nose Noseworthy (Jake Short) as they come into contact with a rainbow coloured rock which can grant any of their wishes.

But, nothing goes to plan, especially when the grown-ups try to get a hold of the rock. It's a silly bit of fluff, but it's better than what you might think, as it's an old fashioned morality tale at heart with a universal message, be careful what you wish for.

Rodriguez has a good imagination when it comes to stuff like this, and the juxtaposed storytelling is a good idea, (lifted from his 'brother', a certain QT. :P) Rodriguez is a brilliant director of children, and it has a game grown-up supporting cast including Jon Cryer, Leslie Mann, Kat Dennings and William H.

Macy.