Warner Bros has finally released full details and the first photos from Robert Rodriguez’s next film, a kids adventure film called Shorts. The official plot synopsis follows:

“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… until a mysterious rainbow-colored rock falls from the sky, hits him in 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 new found 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.”

I’m usually up for seeing anything Rodriguez does, especially if there is a commentary on the DVD. He’s like the old movie magic magicians from my childhood. And even when the kiddish plot isn’t particularly interesting, its always fun to find out how he accomplished some of the things he has on screen. I’ve always said he’s one of a handful of directors that I love to hear talk, but I don’t put much value in their actual filmography. But is it just me, or does the mysterious rainbow-colored rock thing look like something out of a direct to dvd or made for tv movie?

The film stars Jon Cryer, William H. Macy, Leslie Mann, James Spader, Jimmy Bennett, Kat Dennings, Trevor Gagnon, Leo Howard, Devon Gearhart, Rebel Rodriguez, Jake Short, and Jolie Vanier.

Robert Rodriguez’s Shorts is expected to hit theaters on August 7th 2009.