The latest child's-eye adventure from Robert Rodriguez, Shorts doesn't hit the heights of his Spy Kids series. But it provides just enough smart, silly fun for families desperately seeking an easy escape from hazy August humidity.
Shorts
NOT SO TALL tales from the director of Spy Kids.
2009 · 1h 29m · PG
Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Directed by
Robert Rodriguez
Overview
A young boy's discovery of a colorful, wish-granting rock causes chaos in the suburban town of Black Falls when jealous kids and scheming adults alike set out to get their hands on it.
Director and cast
- Robert Rodriguez Director
- Jimmy Bennett as Teo Thompon
- Jake Short as Nose Noseworthy
- Kat Dennings as Stacy Thompson
- Trevor Gagnon as Loogie Short
- James Spader as Mr. Black
- Devon Gearhart as Cole Black
- Jolie Vanier as Helvetica Black
- Jon Cryer as Dad Thompsan
- Rebel Rodriguez as Lug Short
- Leo Howard Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
The movie is as lumpy and misshapen as a giant booger.
Shorts may not be destined for long-term greatness -- it feels cheerfully disposable in every way -- but the film is also fast and funny, and grown-ups will not suffer sitting through it.
Yes, I realize this is a kids' movie, but that's no excuse for short-circuiting creativity.
My fourth-grader giggled maniacally. The 9-year-old in me did, too.
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