Emily Mody - NFB Short: Shop Class (Calgary Film 2018)

Posted on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 12:00 PM

NFB Short: Shop Class (Calgary Film 2018)

Review by Emily Mody x CalgaryMovies.com

Shop Class is an animated short film directed by Hart Snider. Taking place in the 1980’s, the story follows Hart, an eighth grader. He wants to take Home Economics to get closer to a girl he likes. When Hart is forced to take Shop Class from a teacher he is terrified of instead, he learns about his limitations and adaptability. It is a simple story about a young man trying to gain the self confidence to ask a girl out. Hart is sensitive and sweet and allows people to push him around until one day his shop teacher pushes him too far. Hart loses his patience and yells at his teacher.

Shop Class is really fun. The plot is geared to a teenage audience although anyone could enjoy it. This short reminds me of a show from my childhood called Freaky Stories. This is an animated show that essentially grouped together a series of shorts for children. Every episode had a theme but all the shorts were child-friendly scary stories. Although, Shop Class is for an older audience the animation style and thematic elements are very similar.

I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys animation and coming of age stories. There is nothing revolutionary about this short but it is enjoyable and it is a fun watch if you are in the mood for something simple.

Shop Class will be screening as a part of the 19th Calgary International Film Festival 2018. It will be playing on Sun, Sep 23rd, 11:40 AM @ Eau Claire 4 and Sat, Sep 29th, 7:50 PM @ Eau Claire 1 before the before the feature film, GIANT LITTLE ONES. This short film runs for 9 minutes and contains some strong language.

Calgary Showtimes: Shop Class >