Shorts DVD Review
SoHood.com Reviewed by: Lily Lee
Movie Rating:  3.0 out of 5
Extras Rating: 5 out of 5

Overview: In the suburb of Black Falls, all the houses look the same and everyone works for BLACK BOX Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, whose Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX is the ultimate communication and do-it-all gadget that’s sweeping the nation. Other than keeping his parents employed, however, Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX has done nothing for 11-year-old Toe Thompson, who just wants to make a few friends… until a mysterious rainbow-colored rock falls from the sky, hits him in the head and changes everything. The Rainbow Rock does Mr. Black’s BLACK BOX one better: it grants wishes to anyone who holds it. Before long, wishes-gone-wrong have left the neighborhood swarming with tiny spaceships, crocodile armies, giant boogers… and outrageous magical 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 newfound friends must join forces to save their town from itself, discovering along the way that what you wish for is not always what you want.

You might know Robert Rodriguez for amazing edgy films such as Sin City, Planet Terror, or Desperado to name a few. But what is it about Robert Rodriguez that makes him stand out from other directors? I’ll tell you guys why. First, it’s that he can adapt to any film project that’s put in front of him specifically a movie script. He has a unique way of visualizing what he wants on screen. It also helps that he owns a studio which makes visual effects. So he has tackled films aimed at kids with the successful franchise Spy Kids films, then enters Shorts, which is a different kids film.

The cast for the Adults from Shorts include: William H. Macy as Dr. Noseworthy, James Spader as Mr. Black, Jon Cryer as Dad Thompson, and Leslie Mann as Dad Thompson. As for the kids: you got Rodriguez’s own son Rebel who plays a part in the film as Lugz, others like Jimmy Bennett as Toe Thompson, Trevor Gagnon as Loogie, relative newcomer Jake Short as Nose Noseworthy, Devon Gearhart Cole Black, and Jolie Vanier as Helvetica Black did a effective job. For the most part, the script was subpar by Robert but he tried his best to make it work with visual effects. The acting was good enough to entertain my kids for an hour and half. It’s definitely, a great way to spend the afternoon or evening with your whole family.