Movie Review: "Shorts"

Seen on: August 21, 2009

The players: Director: Robert Rodriguez, Writer: Robert Rodriguez, Cast: Jimmy Bennett, Kat Dennings, Devon Gearhart, Rebel Rodriguez, Leo Howard, Leslie Mann, William H. Macy, Jolie Vanier

Facts of interest: Robert Rodriguez also directed the "Spy Kids" films.

The plot: A small community slips into chaos when a bunch of kids find a magical rock that grants wishes to the one holding it.

Our thoughts: Robert Rodriguez returns to the family genre with “Shorts,” a goofy big-screen adventure I wouldn’t recommend to anyone but younger cinemagoers. The film is eccentric and colorful enough to entertain those with the same age as its main protagonists, but as far as I’m concerned, this one failed to win me over.

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Movie Review: “Orphan”

Seen on: July 26, 2009

The players: Director: Jaume Collet-Serra, Writer: David Johnson, Cast: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder, Jimmy Bennett

Facts of interest: Jaume Collet-Serra also directed "Goal II: Living the Dream."

The plot: A couple decides to adopt a child after the death of their baby daughter. Unfortunately, the girl they pick hides a terrible secret.

Our thoughts: There’s a new evil kid on the block, and wow, is she hardcore. Esther is her name, and you can discover her wickedness in Jaume Collet-Serra’s horror thriller “Orphan,” a so-so big-screen experience that delivers decent enough entertainment despite several flaws that are far more ridiculous than they are suspenseful.

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