Shorts bring live action, animated and documentary styles to the Ross

The Oscar shorts road show returns for 2012, bringing the nominated live action, animated and documentary shorts to the Mary Riepma Ross.

The live action category boasts some strong films, but was still the weakest short category this year.

My personal favorite of the lot is "Pentecost," directed by Peter McDonald. This hilarious short follows a young boy who is a last minute altar boy replacement at a mass where the archbishop will be in attendance. The oddball blending of soccer and the Catholic Church is very funny and the payoff at the end is uproarious.

"Time Freak," directed by Andrew Bowler is sadly a mixed bag. The dialogue is too on the nose, but the concept is ingenious. A scientist invents a time machine, but becomes too preoccupied fixing the problems of yesterday to explore any other periods.

"Tuba Atlantic," directed by Hallvar Witzo and "The Shore," directed by Terry George, are both solid dramas and both share the themes of reunion and reconciliation. "Raju," directed by Max Zähle, falls into cliché at times, but the melodrama is still deeply affecting. The short follows German parents who adopt a child in India, only to have the boy disappear the next day.

As usual, the animation program is more lively and less emotionally taxing to watch. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg directed one of the highlights: "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore." The short seamlessly blends live action miniature sets with CGI characters. The short, which tells the story of Mr. Lessmore and his titular flying books, promotes literacy and the exchange of information.

Another standout is a new short from Pixar, "La Luna," directed by Enrico Casarosa. This short's script is tightly plotted and observes three generations of Italian men who share an unusual job. The son seeks the approval of his father and grandfather and ultimately gains it by finding his own identity.

The documentary category covers weighty topics, as expected. "The Barber of Birmingham," directed by Gail Dolgin and Robin Fryday, is about James Armstrong, an unsung hero of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. President Obama's inauguration serves as the film's climax and fulfillment of Armstrong's work.

"Incident in New Baghdad," directed by James Spione, is about the July 12, 2007 Baghdad airstrike by U.S. soldiers that killed civilians and wounded children. Ethan McCord gives a firsthand account and the film covers some of the same history as last year's "Hell and Back Again," which is nominated for best documentary feature.

The rare opportunity to see these short films is a treat, and viewing them all in one place is even better. They are not to be missed.

tomhelberg@dailynebraskan.com

Grades:

Live Action: B+

Animation: A

Documentary: A-