Is Shorts Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Shorts is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Shorts Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Shorts emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young boy's discovery of a colorful, wish-granting rock causes chaos in the suburban town of Black Falls when jealous kids and scheming adults alike set out to get their hands on it. Unlike standard genre fare, Shorts attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shorts features a noteworthy lineup led by Jimmy Bennett . Supported by the likes of Jake Short and Kat Dennings , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Shorts (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Shorts Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Shorts is a Family, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure, Science Fiction film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Shorts Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Shorts attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Shorts reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Shorts?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Family films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Shorts Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $29.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Shorts Budget
The estimated production budget for Shorts is $40.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Shorts
- Jimmy Bennett – Toby Thompson
- Jake Short – Nose Noseworthy
- Kat Dennings – Stacy Thompson
- Trevor Gagnon – Loogie Short
- Devon Gearhart – Cole Black
Top Highlights
Jimmy BennettToby Thompson
Jake ShortNose Noseworthy
Kat DenningsStacy Thompson
Trevor GagnonLoogie Short
Devon GearhartCole Black
Jolie VanierHelvetica Black
Rebel RodriguezLug Short
Leo HowardLaser Short
Leslie MannMom Thompson
Jon CryerDad Thompson
Where to Watch Shorts Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Shorts is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Shorts stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shorts movie hit or flop?
Shorts has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Shorts worth watching?
Shorts is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Fantasy, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Shorts online?
Shorts may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Shorts Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Shorts
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
