Jim's Gift
(VCI Entertainment DVD)
Picture:
D Sound: D Extras: D Main Program: C
Jim was
just an ordinary boy until he bought a VCR from a stranger at the flea market. Now, he can see the past and future on his TV,
making his family believe he is 'gifted'. Things are all fun and games play pranks and
making other believe he is psychic, that is until a friend's family heirlooms
are stolen and he is blamed for them. Now,
he has to use his new found power to clear his name in Jim’s Gift.
When Jim
and his best friend buy an old VCR from a mysterious silvered eyed
peddler/alien (from outer space; VHS or Beta will not matter here), originally
the alien teaches the boy to use the VCR to see the past to help find his lost
dog, but then warns him to not see too much of the future. Jim helps his father win a race bet, but soon
the media gets wind of a boy who can see the future, but when the boys try to
warn of an impending theft, they are blamed instead when it gets stolen. Now they have to recover the goods with the
cops on their tail.
This was
a comical short film someone found on their old VHS, a tale of a boy, his
friend, his dog and a helpful alien who is slightly playful and gives a little
of his tech to help the young boy recover/learn about life. As the boy learns to use his new found power
to trick and impress his middle class family, he eventually learns the
responsibility that goes along with it.
A nice idea, but it only goes so far.
Too bad it did not look or sound better. Extra includes gag reel.
- Ricky Chiang
