On CLIPS In September, 2009
SHORTS

A wishing rock wreaks havoc on a company town in director Robert Rodriguez's latest family feature.

TRIVIA: What 1992 film marked Robert Rodriguez's feature-length directing debut?

A wishing rock causes trouble for kids and their parents in the company town of Black Falls where everyone works for BLACK BOX Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated. Mr. Black's (James Spader) Black Box is the ultimate do-everything communication device until 11-year-old Toe Thompson (Jimmy Bennett) finds the magical stone. Passed amongst the kids, the rock literally grants wishes. The trouble really starts when adults get their hands on it. "Shorts" is an enjoyable, frenetically-paced family film that works best for children. Writer-director Robert Rodriguez has granted his son Rebel's wish and made a movie fashioned after those Little Rascals shorts. Rebel also appears as Toe's neighbor Lug. These "shorts" are connected by the rock, but are presented out of order by narrator Toe, who is more concerned about restoring order to the town and staying out of the way of school bullies Cole (Devon Gearhart) and Helvetica (Jolie Vanier) - the children of Mr. Black. Grownups may find all of this confusing, but the small fry will delight in the frenzied fun that includes tiny aliens, a giant booger and other assorted creatures. William H. Macy, Jon Cryer, Leslie Mann and James Spader are the biggest stars in the smallest roles. The youngsters are in complete control here. Jimmy Bennett, Rebel Rodriguez, Trevor Gagnon as Loogie and Jake Short as Nose are all fine. The actress to watch is Jolie Vanier, who makes Helvetica the most memorable character in the movie. She's very much like Christina Ricci in "The Addams Family". I wish this film was more involving for all family members, but I'm not in possession of the stone. At 89 min., "Shorts" is long enough to tell its tall tale.