"Shorts" is set in the suburb of Black Falls, where all the houses look the same and everyone works for BLACK BOX Unlimited Worldwide Industries Incorporated, whose Mr. Black's BLACK BOX is the ultimate communication and do-it-all gadget that's sweeping the nation. Other than keeping his parents employed, however, Mr. Black's BLACK BOX has done nothing for 11-year-old Toe Thompson, who just wants to make a few friends. But, then, a mysterious rainbow-colored rock falls from the sky, hits him in (more...)the head and changes everything. The Rainbow Rock does Mr. Black's BLACK BOX one better: it grants wishes to anyone who holds it. Before long, wishes-gone-wrong have left the neighborhood swarming with tiny spaceships, crocodile armies, giant boogers--and outrageous magical mayhem around every corner. But, it's not until the grown-ups get their hands on the Rock that the trouble really starts. Now, Toe and his newfound friends must join forces to save their town from itself, discovering along the way that what you wish for is not always what you want.

• Official Web site

Rated PG for mild action and some rude humor

Length: 89 minutes

Released: August 21, 2009 Nationwide

Cast: Jimmy Bennett, Kat Dennings, Trevor Gagnon, Rebel Rodriguez, Jake Short

Director: Robert Rodriguez
Producer: Elizabeth Avellan
Writer: Robert Rodriguez
Genre: Family
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures