Shorts DVD Review

Written on November 24, 2009 by Marc Eastman in Movies

Despite the familiarity of several names (Jon Cryer, James Spader, William H. Macy, and more), Shorts is a decidedly difficult movie for adults to enjoy. A product of those responsible for Spy Kids, that fact is probably a pretty good test. Similarly playing out like a live-action cartoon, those who enjoy one will likely enjoy the other.

We follow a group of children and their parents as a magic rock comes into and out of their lives. The rock grants wishes, and our general play is that the idea can get a bit silly in the wrong hands. The story is told by way of Toe Thompson, a certain manner of everykid, who gets picked on quite a bit. Melding into the general plot are the lead bullies, and several other kids from school. Their parents get in on the fun as well, because our story takes place in a town where everyone works for James Spader and his black box company, makers of an everything-gadget.

While gags about wishing for long arms and booger monsters are unlikely to engage anyone over ten, the movie is quite the roller-coaster, and the young ones will enjoy it. While this one doesn’t have the family ability of the Spy Kids franchise, it has some clever moments, and sometimes the kids win out… as is in fact much of the story.

It’s a bit of a laugh to see some of these stars in something so crazy, but this is one you’ll be picking up just for the kids. Oddly, there are a number of plot statements being made, and they serve as the only breathers from the lightning pace of the action, but they won’t mean much to anyone who can make it through the thing. Technology addiction is a big one, and we see Dad send Mom a text despite the fact that he’s standing right next to her, but any messages are for naught here.

Still, sometimes a laugh is just a laugh, and your kids are likely to laugh.