OK for kids 7+
Funny, imaginative fantasy from Spy Kids director.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this fantasy adventure from Spy Kids director Robert Rodriguez is sure to appeal to kids and tweens. Expect some mild insults -- like "lunkhead" and "this sucks" -- and potty humor, mostly regarding a booger (one entire vignette is devoted to the topic). The violence is generally humorous and fantasy based; most is directly related to characters' wishes (people transforming into animals, the above-mentioned booger becoming a giant menace, etc.). On a more serious note, the movie has several thought-provoking messages about bullying, family relationships, and technology.
- Families can talk about how the kids (mis)use the power of the magical rock. Which characters used the rock for good, and which used it for selfish reasons? How did possessing the rock change the characters?
- What's the movie's message about our modern-day obsession with technology and fancy gadgets (like the Black Box)? Do they help us or hurt us in communicating with others?
- The relationship between a bully and the person she picks on is one of the movie's main themes. How is bullying portrayed? Do most bullies attack kids physically? What are other ways that bullies can attack?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids will definitely remember the message of being careful what you wish for. They'll also pick up on the lessons about how a bully could end up actually being your friend, how greed is bad, and that "green is the new black."
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Messages: Teamwork and overcoming obstacles (usually in the form of the Black family) are key messages, as is the basic idea that you have to be careful what you wish for -- because you never know if you just might get it. There's also a strong message about family life. Many sibling and parent-child relationships are strengthened over the course of the adventure. Toby makes new friends and rediscovers old ones who all work together.
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Role models: Toby works tirelessly to keep the rocks from falling into the wrong hands. He convinces others to do the same, even when it's against their self interest. Helvetica, although a somewhat negative role model, is a strong female character, and she ultimately redeems herself. Loogie's brothers are the voice of reason, trying to explain to Loogie that he should be wishing for world peace or the end of starvation instead of fortresses and candy bars. Toby's parents are also good role models, prioritizing their marriage and family above career goals.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Cartoonish and fantastical violence includes a booger turning into a giant monster that chases a group of scared people; a person becoming a weaponized, Transformers-like being that wreaks havoc on a town; a kid's "wish" of rattlesnakes and crocodiles coming true (and then attacking him and his brothers); and the like. More realistic incidents include Helvetica's ongoing bullying of Toby, which usually consists of a daily trip, headfirst, into the nearest trash can; kids falling out of a tree; and kids falling out of a window and breaking both arms.
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Sexy stuff: Toby jokes that Helvetica picks on him because she actually likes him; they have a middle-school love/hate relationship. Toby's parents lament their loss of intimacy, and, after a rock literally binds them at the hip, they nearly kiss and eventually fix their relationship. Loogie misguidedly flirts with Toby's older sister, who's in a fight with her boyfriend (they eventually make up with a hug).
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Language: Fairly frequent use of colorful insults like "lunkhead," "hillbilly teeth," "Dr. Dumb Butt," as well as more traditional ones like "you suck," "freak," and "loser." Kids' nicknames can be mean-spirited, such as "Toe" for Toby, "Hell" for Helvetica, and "Nose" for a boy who eats his boogers.
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Consumerism: The candy bar Nutrageous is shown many times as part of a running joke (a boy wishes he had an endless supply), and Skittles and IKEA are both mentioned.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Glimpses of adults drinking wine/champagne at a fancy costume party in one scene.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Shorts by Step44
My 7 year old daughter thought it was awesome never took her eyes off the sreen.
1
Such a disappointment! by jesbalascio
This movie is so poorly written, acted, and directed, I can think of nothing positive to say about it.
My son (who is 6) didn't like it despite the overuse of flatulence and references to 'boogers' and such.
I am totally disappointed, out $40 for the adventure, and will never get that 90 minutes of my life back.
I am telling you, this one isn't even worth renting.
3
Shorts a winner?! by Daddy Cakes
After viewing the movie with my 8 year old son... I turn my head and asked him if he enjoyed the movie. His answer quite surprised me! He actually liked it!
The movie may be a bit too weird for adults.
1
Very disappointing by jodenwelder
My wife and I hated it because the plot was so weak and, more importantly, because it seemed to glorify bullying by kids and adults alike. We didn't hear much laughter coming from the seats next to us in the darkened theater (bad sign!), but we were hoping that our kids (ages 5 and 7) were enjoying it. Wrong.
When the movie was over, we walked out talking about how *none* of us liked it. Not even my 2nd grade son, an easy target for the booger/fart jokes, thought it was good. What could have been a great family night out instead turned out to be a dud. My daughter summed it up by saying: "I wish we had gone to G-Force instead." We all felt disappointed.
4
Shorts was fun! by Cherry_bomb510
Out of about 15 fan and critic reviews that I read, all but like 2 were primarily on the negative side, some were even downright nasty, but I'm glad I chucked all that and took my 11 yo to see it, cause Shorts was fun and enjoyable! Yes the Booger monster part was nasty, but LOTS of kid's movies have some toilet humor, big deal. As far as the complaints about "jumping around in time", I honestly don't see what everyone was complaining about, it was easy to follow. Besides, that's why it's called "Shorts", it's a series of short stories that are tied in with the wishing rock, and the kid SAYS that at the beginning. We loved it. Don't listen to these reviews, heck don't listen to MINE, if you want to see it, go see it and judge for yourself!
3
One notch above Shark Boy by malewine
First let me say that my 7 year old son loved it, as he does with other Robert Rodriguez films. I didn't care for it but it was better that Shark Boy Lava Girl but not as good as SPy kids. Parent's it's a good movie to take your kids to, but carry yourself a book and flashlight.
3
Five Word Review by fanofgoodfilm77
Alright But Not The Greatest
5
Great For 13 & Under by Mallie454562
Shorts is a funny and interesting movie...There are some cool special effects in it and I loved the movie! Jimmy Bennett did a good job in the movie and I rember watching him in Orphan. ASlso a good movie. Im only 12 so I recomend 13 and under...I saw this movie with my 13 year old cousin.
3
Good for Kids! by 83champ
Shorts is a GOOD movie for kids. The movie is fast and is Sometimes hard to keep up with but, has FANTASTIC special effects in it and a powerful message about what happens when one wants TOO much power and its consequences. GOOD message for kids and ADULTS TOO!
4
Fun movie for our little ones! by linalexa21
Shorts is just basically a movie for the kids. For the whole family, it might seem a little bit far-fetched. But now-a-days, what movie isn't far-fetched. Anyhow, I recommend stacking up on the snacks to this movie; it might help you stay focused and not doze off into the dark. Although, It's not a boring movie, it is a bit of a flick to "drift away".