Quickcard Review
The Door
Directed by: Juanita Wilson and James Flynn
Running Time: 17 minutes
PLOT: In Russian (with subtitles), this is the story about a tragedy of a sick daughter and the tradition of a burial ceremony involving a door.
OVERALL
The beginning is easily the best part, but it seems to be the in the wrong film. It hooks you in with an abandoned amusement park, but then you realize it's the entire city. It seems like an action movie with a man on the run, perhaps after a magical door. The film barely talks about the sick daughter, and rarely shows the emotional turmoil needed to feel connected to this short.
FINAL SCORE: 5/10
Kavi
Directed by: Gregg Helvey Running Time: 19 minutes
PLOT: This Hindi film is about a little boy who, along with his parents, are slaves.
OVERALL
Making bricks is his entire life, and the boy prides himself on this, but he knows there is another life out there, when boys pass him every day to go to school. It's a familiar tale of persecution, hope and the unfortuanate world we live in (but which most of us don't experience). It doesn't tear at your heart as much as I had hoped, but it's still good.
FINAL SCORE: 6/10
Miracle Fish
Directed by: Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey Running Time: 18 minutes
PLOT: A little boy who is constantly picked on at school, awakes in the nurse's office to find he is the only one around.
OVERALL
Perhaps this is best described as a disturbing, unfortunately realistic look at Home Alone gone terribly wrong. The kid we are following on this journey is insanely engaging. He's given a "miracle fish" as a birthday present, which supposedly tells the future. It tells him that he's compassionate. When he walks through the school, with no one in sight, the film takes on a terrifying tone, and you really don't know what will happen next.
FINAL SCORE: 7/10
The New Tenants
Directed by: Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson Running Time: 20 minutes
PLOT: Two men move into an apartment, only to have a slew of disturbing people come by and shed light on what had happened to the former tenants.
OVERALL
More than any other short that is nominated, this one nails dialogue. The two leads pop back and forth, talking about their mundane lives when BAM ... things get taken up a notch. The supporting cast of characters are actually people you would recognize as well. Vincent D'Onofrio and Kevin Corrigan lend their talents. Plus, a heavy dose of violence and language never hurt anyone. Well, except for some of the characters involved in New Tenants.
FINAL SCORE: 8/10
Instead of Abracadabra
Directed by: Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellström Running Time: 18 minutes
PLOT: An eccentric son still lives at home with mom and dad. When a new, attractive neighbor moves in next door, he does his best to impress her with his magic tricks. OVERALL
Capturing the spirit of Napoleon Dynamite this film will make you cringe with delight. Sure, Thomas is not someone we would ever want to hang out with, but that's half the fun. Showing his mom and dad a magic trick that goes wrong is just the beginning. His look and attitude make you actually want him to succeed, even though you think he has no chance: no chance at a career in magic, no chance with the woman next door, no chance of winning over his father. All this, plus a wispy mustache and a new catchphrase! All I can say is Chimay!!
FINAL SCORE: 8/10
WHAT SHOULD WIN THE OSCAR FOR BEST ANIMATED SHORT? The New Tenants
WHAT WILL WIN THE OSCAR FOR BEST ANIMATED SHORT? Instead of Abracadabra