The Shortcut (2009)

Two brothers come upon a rarely used shortcut in their new town.

Director:

Nicholaus Goossen

Writers:

Dan Hannon, Scott Sandler

Stars:

Katrina Bowden, Jeremy Bastian, Cavan Cunningham

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Katrina Bowden	...	Christy
Jeremy Bastian	...	Benjamin Hartley (1940s)
Cavan Cunningham	...	School Administrator
William B. Davis	...	Benjamin Hartley
Benjamin DeWalt	...	Benjamin Hartley (1950s)
Nicholas Elia	...	Tobey
Josh Emerson	...	Taylor
Raymond J. Barry	...	Old Man / Ivor Hartley (as Raymond Barry)
Dave Franco	...	Mark
Jonelle Gunderson	...	Sally (1950s)
Shannon Jardine	...	Ms. Milan
Scott Lyster	...	Dougie
Christine MacInnis	...	Mrs. Hartley
Daniel Maslany	...	Ivor Hartley (1950s)
Maxine Miller	...	Grandma

Storyline

High school senior Derek was adjusting to life in a new town when he discovered an overgrown path leading into the woods. According to his classmates, the local kids used to use it as a shortcut before a malevolent farmer began chasing them away with a shovel. Eventually, a few of the local kids went missing under mysterious circumstances. Rumor has it that the old man got them. Now years have passed, and no one dares go near the path. The townspeople have simply accepted the fact that it's off limits. But Derek suspects that the old man is hiding something, and he's determined to find out what it is. Once he uncovers the sinister secret that lies just beyond the trees, however, he may not live to reveal the awful truth.

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Plot Keywords:

teenager | shortcut | killing an animal | younger version of character | water hose | 

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence and terror, language, sexual material, thematic elements and brief teen drinking

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only movie produced by Adam Sandler's production company "Happy Madison Productions" under the moniker "Scary Madison".

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Goofs

It is announced at the beginning of the film that the year is 1945, and there is a prominent banner for Hartley High School's Homecoming. A young man entering the Marines says he's going to be stationed in Germany, which is important because he has to "Stop the Nazis." Homecoming dances at USA high schools are in October or November, which means the dialogue takes place in October or November of 1945. Hitler committed suicide in April of 1945, and the Nazi party quickly dissolved. World War II was over by the time this conversation took place.

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Connections

References Halo 3 (2007)

User Reviews

Short on Storyline and Short on Thrills...

After starting this movie, I found myself constantly checking to see how far into the film I was.

At the 30 minute mark, the movie was still was not doing anything for me. Yes, they give you a little bit of background (a few minutes ), and the rest is spent attempting to shape some characters - but alas, nothing interesting. I actually started to nod off.

45 minutes in - they finally have one good scene. Then, it's back to the teeny-bopper, high school setting.

Not sure how they can classify this as "horror" or even suspense, with just a handful of tense scenes. I am not a fan of gore, and don't need blood to enjoy a movie - but I do like to be taken by surprise, or startled. A thrill or two is great. You simply won't find anything here.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 August 2016 (Portugal)

Also Known As:

The Shortcut

Filming Locations:

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Happy Madison Productions, Minds Eye Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min (European Film Market)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1