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Terrific concept for 'Shorts' collapses

But fantasy movie still should be fun for kids.

Published online on Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

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It takes more than an inspired idea to make a good movie. It takes execution, and that's where "Shorts" comes up ... well, short.

Told as a series of chapters revealed out of order, "Shorts" tells how a mysterious rainbow-colored rock that grants wishes can cause big problems. Whether it's in the hands of 12-year-old Toe Thompson (Jimmy Bennett), the whipping boy for school bullies, or evil corporate leader Mr. Black (James Spader), wishes don't always turn out as planned.

The jumble of wishes creates a havoc that is "Jumanji" mixed with "Zathura: A Space Adventure."

In an effort to produce a film that entertains young and old, director Robert Rodriguez gets lost in the story structure. Setting this story against the backdrop of a massive and mysterious corporation doesn't work because the story lines seem forced together. Rodriguez falls short of the fluid blending of characters and stories that Tim Burton achieved with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

He already has kids hooked with his repeated use of bodily functions for jokes (have a kid fall in a big pile of pterodactyl droppings and youngsters are going to laugh). He doesn't need to try so hard to entertain adults.

The only thing that holds the film together is a running joke about siblings in a staring contest. A thread that thin is doomed to break.

The other problem is the casting of some of the worst actors to come along in years.

Rodriguez directed his young cast to talk loud, make stupid faces and deliver lines with all the sincerity of talking dolls, apparently to make up for their lack of acting skill. The children aren't the only ones who seem challenged. Spader, Jon Cryer and even the usually dependable William H. Macy mug for the camera instead of acting.

Just because a movie is aimed at children, who will enjoy the heavy slapstick in "Shorts," doesn't mean such basics as competent acting, smart writing and high production values can be ignored. Those are all part of the execution and when they go bad, so does the movie.