Shorts

Released: 2009
MPAA rating: PG
Run time: 1:29

Robert Rodriguez is an interesting director.  One the one hand, he makes ultra-violent "Tarantino-esque" films like "Desperado" and "Planet Terror", which deserve their "R" ratings.  Then, when he had children, he went on a completely different path and started to make movies his kids could see and enjoy.  He began with "Spy Kids" and his most recent entry is "Shorts".  Rodriguez' kids movies tend to be fantastical and over-the-top whimsical and "Shorts" is no different.  It is a fable of the wishing stone which fell from the sky and wreaked havoc on a small town as people began to make their wishes.   In an interesting twist, Rodriguez uses the "Pulp Fiction" style of non-linear storytelling and chapters to tell the story.  It is an entertaining film, but is definitely geared for a younger (11 years and under) audience.  It is very colorful and the characters are simply defined.  When all is said in done, it is a morality play which builds on the phrase "Be careful what you wish for, you might get it."  The performances are good and Rodriguez is able to draw some  top-shelf talent for his projects.  In this case:  James Spader as the villain, Leslie Mann, Jon Cryer and William H. Macy are all along for the ride.  Our 9-year old certainly liked it more than we did, but that makes sense as she is right in the target demographic for this film.  Having said that, I've certainly had to sit through much worse.

Grade: C+

Trailer: