Shorts (2009)

best movie i've ever seen.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Shorts (2009): Dir: Robert Rodriguez / Cast: Jimmy Bennett, James Spader, William H. Macy, Leslie Mann, Kat Dennings: Candy coated crap about the prevail of smaller factors. If one of those smaller factors was the screenwriter then perhaps the screenplay would be above juvenile level. It regards a rainbow coloured stone that ends up in the possession of several people who use it to make wishes into reality. This is never explained and although director Robert Rodriguez showcases his imagination, he never tops his Spy Kids. Perhaps if the screenwriter had gotten his hands on that rock then the screenplay would be Oscar calibre. Jimmy Bennett plays the bullied kid who narrates the film. If he isn't bullied after the release of this film then it is safe to say that he possesses the stone. What is truly sad is the talent that is greatly reduced in this garbage. James Spader plays an evil tycoon in what amounts to one of his worst roles. William H. Macy plays a germ fearing scientist. Perhaps he should be more concerned with dense scripts such as this. Leslie Mann plays Bennett's mother in a role that may make her want to revive her 40 Year Old Virgin role. Speaking of which, another actress from that film that makes a wasted appearance here is Kat Dennings as Bennett's older sister. None of these performances are terribly ambitious, and like the screenplay and special effects it comes up short on magic. Score: 2 / 10

I first saw this film a few years ago, and I thought it was pretty good. It was entertaining, kind of funny, and overall a pretty good movie for children. However, not that long ago I came onto IMDb to check what rating it had. Now I wasn't expecting a huge score, maybe a six point something, five at the very worst. But 4.9! That is completely underrating a film that really isn't that bad!There really wasn't too many faults in this film. There was a bit of fantasy, some quirky characters and some pretty good special effects. The plot wasn't some sort of masterpiece, but it was straight forward enough for children to understand, which is good, because it's a children's film. I quite like the way the story was told, how it was narrated from the main character's point of view and how they didn't quite tell it in order. I think one of the reasons why this film was hated so much, is because most of the people who did hate it were adults, and this is a kids movie. For example, lots of the comedy in it would be humorless to adults, but would make kids crack up. But like I said before, this film is meant for young kids, so why does it matter if an adult doesn't find it entertaining?So while this movie isn't any masterpiece, it is still a good film, and one that has been looked down upon. So if you're and adult, maybe you could let this one pass, but for young kids, it's definitely worth a watch. Alan Hathaway

I love James Spader, he's a very talented actor and i watched this rubbish, for him. I hated it.Jon Cryer is wonderful on Two and A Half Men but in this movie we can't see him. There are a lot of children and they can't act at all.Robert Rodriguez is a good director but can i ask him "what the hell is this?" This is not movie for child i think, kids don't watch this movie, because it's really a rubbish.And the little girl Helvetica is the new version of Christina Ricci, but only she can act. Two stars, for her.If i could wish something, i would wish this; "Please don't play in this movie, James Spader, i'm begging you".

There is a black box that does everything you need and it provides so many jobs for the town including Jimmy Bennett (Toe Thompson) parents Leslie Mann (Mrs. Thompson) and Jon Cryer (Mr. Thompson). Toe finds a rainbow rock that if you are holding it, you can wish for anything you want which everyone in the neighborhood seems to figure out once they get a hold of it.Jimmy Bennett, recently played the younger James T. Kirk in the new "Star Trek" does a really great job narrating you through this movie and has been moving his way up starring in more acting roles. Mann and Cryer are well known actors as well as Kat Dennings and William H. Macy also starring in this film. This movie gives you laughs and is really interesting to see if you had a rock with the powers to do anything what you would actually wish for. A great movie to watch with the whole family and I'm sure even the adults could get into the movie too.