Shorts and Four Christmases Blu-ray Reviews
“Shorts” is a fun and imaginative children’s film.
“Four Christmases” is flat out unwatchable.
Shorts Blu-ray:
GRADES:
Content: B-
Picture: A
Audio: A-
Extras: B
THE MOVIE:
“Shorts,” which revolves around the community of Black Box discovering a rainbow colored wishing rock, is told through a variety of short segments involving the main characters like Toe (and his parents), Loogie, and Nose. We see what the various characters wish for and we also witness the chaos and problems that the rock (and its wishes) create.
In the 90’s, live action children’s films were a dime a dozen, but nowadays, they’re few and far between. Animated movies dominate the children’s film market which is a shame as children deserve to have more options. Thankfully, there is writer/director Robert Rodriguez. When he’s not writing and directing dark adult movies like the “Mariachi Trilogy,” he’s creating kid flicks like the “Spy Kids” trilogy and now “Shorts.” While “Shorts” is hardly a family classic, it’s still a fun, appealing movie jam packed with humor (like the super intelligent baby), action packed set pieces involving a booger monster and running crocodiles, and likeable, quirky kid characters like Toe, Nose, and Helvetica.
As with all Rodriguez films, he has put together another fine cast consisting of James Spader, Leslie Mann, Jon Cryer, Kat Dennings, and William H. Macy. Child actor newcomers Jake Short and Jolie Vanier also shine in their respective parts. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of them in the near future.
PICTURE AND SOUND:
The colorful world that Robert Rodriguez has created looks absolutely stunning in 1.85:1 1080p. Everything from the special f/x to the environments looks crystal clear here.
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is definitely lively. This is a very busy movie sound wise as it is filled with such things as aliens, crocodiles, etc.
EXTRAS:
* Warner Blu-ray ad, “Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince,” “Scooby-Doo: The Mystery Begins,” “Charlie Brown” trailers and video game ads.
* DVD and digital copy.
* BD-live capabilities.
* “Ten-Minute Cooking School: Chocolate Chip Volcano Cookies”- Robert Rodriguez and his children show viewers how to make cookies.
* “The Magic Of Shorts” (9:00) features behind-the-scenes information, interviews, discussions about the CGI, etc.
* “Shorts: Show And Tell”- A 5 ½ minute behind-the-scenes look at the child actors and actresses on set. Interviews are also included.
* “Ten-Minute Film School: Short Shorts”- Director Robert Rodriguez talks about home movies and adding sound f/x to them. Rodriguez also shows off the “Shorts” short movie he made that inspired the feature film.
Four Christmases Blu-ray:
GRADES:
Content: D-
Picture: A-
Audio: A-
Extras: C+
THE MOVIE:
The plot: An unmarried couple opts to take a trip to Fiji for Christmas until their flight is abruptly cancelled. To make matters worse for them, a TV reporter interviews them about the cancellation which is then seen by their family members. As a result of this, Brad and Kate must now visit their parents via 4 separate trips on Christmas Day. Cue the chaotic family visits, the obligatory arguments and lies, and the clichéd schmaltzy scenes in which Brad and Kate learn about each other.
As you can tell by the above plot summary, the script (which was penned by FOUR writers) doesn’t have an original bone in its body, nor is it funny at all unless you like seeing babies vomit or a grandmother talking dirty. The thin plot is nothing more than an excuse for the main characters to go through various trials and tribulations for comedic and dramatic purposes. It’s by the numbers Hollywood hokum.
Perhaps the film’s greatest offense, however, is the utter waste of talent. You’d think a movie with a cast consisting of Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Dwight Yoakam, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Favreau, and the criminally underrated Patrick Van Horn would at least be watchable, but that’s sadly not the case. For the most part, the cast goes through the motions here and I can’t say I blame them since the characters are generally paper thin.
As if the great cast being wasted wasn’t enough, director Seth Gordon (who made one of the best films of the decade with the documentary “The King Of Kong”) had the misfortune of making ‘Christmases’ his directorial debut for a Hollywood film! He deserves a better project and hopefully he will get better directing vehicles in the near future.
Summary: “Four Christmases” is one of the worst holiday films in a long time. Avoid.
PICTURE AND SOUND:
As with nearly all Warner Blu-ray releases, the 1.85:1 1080p picture quality is sharp looking. The colors are especially noteworthy here. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is fine, but nothing to rave about.
EXTRAS:
* Digital copy.
* BD-Live extras include outtakes and cast Christmas memories.
* 7 deleted scenes.
* A gag reel.
* “HBO First Look- 4 Christmases: Behind The Madness”- A 13 minute featurette that includes interviews and set footage
* “Seven Layer Holiday Meals In A Flash”- A 10 minute cooking segment with Paula Deen and actress Katy Mixon.
* “Four Christmases: Holiday Moments” (11:00)- The cast and crew talk about certain set pieces.
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