75th Annual Academy Awards Short Films

What a great idea for a DVD. I've often said that I wished there was a way to see all the Oscar nominated shorts. Well, my prayer was answered, at least for this year (and years that have followed). It's a tragedy that a similar disc hasn't been done for every year going back. These movies, which filmmakers pour so much blood and sweat into, are hardly seen by anyone. Such a disc certainly helps a little in encouraging these filmmakers by finding them a bit of an audience.

The animated shorts were overall stronger, I think. CHUBB-CHUBBS (the winner) was delightfully funny. Animation style similar to the Pixar films, but with a delightful main character and some very fanciful animation. Also enjoyed the cameo appearances by the likes of Darth Vadar. Speaking of Pixar, MIKE'S NEW CAR, which has been available on the MONSTER'S INC. DVD was also nominated and appears here. It's certainly funny, but adds nothing new to the CGI world. THE ROCKS, from Germany, runs a close second to the CHUBB-CHUBBS. It's more of a stop motion film, about how slowly time creeps by for rocks. We basically see the entire evolution of the world (and into the future) through the eyes of two piles of rocks. Clever stuff. The other two shorts are more "artsy" in nature. THE CATHEDRAL looks like the opening sequence to a fantasy video game, and nothing more...I was underwhelmed. ATOMO YATA, the Japanese entry, was done in an interesting, calligraphic style, but the story left me scratching my head.

In the live short category, THIS CHARMING MAN was the winner. In a way, I thought that was unfair, because it's about 30 minutes long and the others are much, much shorter. But on its own, it's a funny story about immigration in Denmark. The lead actors are both very charming and the entire movie is light-hearted, and a great entry in the "geeky guy gets a nice girl" genre that comes out of Europe so often.

I'LL WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE is super short, and feels more like a clever commercial with a nasty / sad twist at the end. I really enjoyed GRIDLOCK (the only film that isn't for minors), with a great twist ending. It's not deep, but it's a terrific example of the form. Take a story that I can easily see someone stretching out into a 30 minute TV episode (and diluting its impact), and keep it short. Just get across exactly what you need to get across and nothing more. I liked it, and think most viewers will. Finally, there was the interesting film from Australia, DOG, which is set in South Africa. It is making a point about the shift in power in South Africa from the eras during and after apartheid. It's a good film, but I gotta tell ya, the last five seconds left me baffled. What the heck happened? I don't think of myself as a slow-learner, but I have no idea how the story ended. Hopefully you’ll understand better than I did.

Overall, this collection has some great ups and some minor downs. It is certainly worth watching...everyone will like at least some of it. And if there's something you don't care too much for, it'll be over soon, and you can move on to new delights.