Robert Rodriguez is a man of many talents. Director, producer, writer, composer, and editor are just a few of the roles that he can play when making a movie. In Shorts, his latest family film about the adventures around the weird happenings in the small community of Black Falls, Rodriguez does them all - and well, might I add.
The film is not nearly as direct as you might expect. The story's narrator, Toe Thompson, is a bit confused on the order of things. Thus, each segment is shown out of order when compared to the rest. The result is a fun and innocent experience that gives off the excitement that prevails any time a young child attempts to reveal a huge story!
But before the film even starts, we are greeted with a brother and sister who opt to enter into a starring contest. The short featured here has very little to do with the overall story; however, their occasional presence within the rest of the film, which is always unexpected and shown for mere seconds, gives us a pair of central figures to stay grounded in. Their pop-ins are quite humorous, providing for a quick chuckle at the randomness that lies within it all.
Then, without much hesitation, the film takes off like a bolt of lightning. We are introduced to our lead protagonist, Toe Thompson, and the magic rock that is sure to end the reign the bullies have over him. As a result of the rock, we get friends, a castle, some snakes and the opportunity to meet the lovely, devilishly-evil-looking Helvetica Black. But that isn't where the story truly begins, no. Instead, that comes next.
It is this back-and-forth style that gives the film its unique edge. Sure, the segments are predictable in the form of exactly what is going to be shown next, but with only five 'shorts,' there isn't much switching that can be done. The animation used is a bit childish and imaginative; though for the type of film and its loosey-goosey attitude, it totally works.
Key supporting players such as William H. Macy, Leslie Mann, James Spader, Kat Dennings, and Jon Cryer give the film a strong foundation in terms of talent and recognizable faces. Their past experiences help them to bring the shady and power-hungry adult figures of Black Falls to life with full force. However, in the end, it is the performances by young actors such as Jimmy Bennett, Trevor Gagnon, Jolie Vanier, Leo Howard, and Rebel Rodriguez that allow the film to succeed. Their honest and pure approach to life and its obstacles is something most definitely worth watching. Furthermore, their ability to work together to solve an extremely adult-type problem is sure to light up the faces of all the kids watching on.
Now, don't get me wrong - Shorts isn't a perfect film. In fact, the aforementioned perks comprise only about half of the actual feature. The truth of the matter is that for adults, certain aspects are sure to please, but the central story and ending sequence will most likely come across as overly cliché and somewhat of a downer. The characters are fun and full-of-life but are one dimensional in terms of development and overall change within the film. From the moment each steps onto the big screen, you immediately know what revelation they are going to experience throughout the next ninety minutes.
It is this that makes the film not nearly as great as it could have been. Sure, the entire family will enjoy it to a certain degree, but it isn't one of Rodriguez's best. My C+ rating is a kind gesture given my overall feelings towards the picture. But with no family-friendly films in theaters right now, this one is as good as it is going to get "“ and I applaud Rodriguez for stepping out and concentrating on that sector of filmgoers.
