RHAPSODY IN RIVETS (Theatrical Release USA 1941)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating:4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rhapsody in Rivets—classic—'do not miss’ film that everyone will love. The animation movement reminds one of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 which both Fantasia film stands above the rest of the cartoons. Rhapsody in Rivets Wonderful musical scoring mark this toon. 

Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Images 

Storyline 

Music all the way in a beautiful classic styling. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director I. Freleng for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Good work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

PUSS GETS THE BOOT (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Puss Gets the Boot—feel good cartoon—is an early production of Tom and Jerry with some small changes compared to later films (such as using the name Jasper and using a little different design on Tom). The is a great comedy, short film and tells a great story. This film is a good example of why we go to the movies.

Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb 

Storyline 

Tom and Jerry are up to their usual antics. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Rudolph Ising for making the film possible. Cast includes Harry Lang, William Hanna, and Lillian Randolph. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is more than worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here

:Ben Meyers

THE BRAVE TIN SOLDIER* (Theatrical Release USA 1934)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Brave Tin Soldier— short film—has ‘sentimental’ sprinkled throughout while it investigates the forces of good and evil. WOW! Wonderful idea for a film. This is a good watch and worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A tin soldier falls in love with a ballerina. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Ub Iwerks for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Ub Iwerks for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. WOW! This is a great overall watch. Good work for all involved in production. 

Also Known as: “Christmas in a Junkyard”

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE MERRY OLD SOUL (Theatrical Release USA 1933)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Oswald the Rabbit: Merry Old Soul—creative with a good story—has wonderful references to early cinema actors and actresses. This is one of the better Oswald Rabbit films and becomes a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Oswald thinks the King needs to cheer up and along with other actors works his charm. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Walter Lantz and Bill Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Lantz for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film presents a nostalgic return to actors and actresses of that era. Good work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIDDLESTICKS (Theatrical Release USA 1930)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Fiddlesticks—low entertainment short film—uses a color technique called Harriscolor which is interesting. The toon introduces a character called Flip the Frog.

Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb 

Storyline 

Flip the Frog plays piano and dances. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ub Iwerks for  directing work. Thank you to Producer Ub Iwerks for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is interesting to see Flip the Frog in his first film. This cartoon  needs  better presentation. and the scenes of Flip playing the piano with the mouse playing the violin are probably the best part of the film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPRINGTIME (USA 1929)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Springtime—an interesting film—explores the joy of nature and spring through music, the bloom of flowers, bugs and animals.  Antiquated animation still works to provide interest.

Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Images 

Storyline 

The dance of nature when weather creates joy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Ub Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney who made the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good short film and worth watching for a one-time watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

WEARY WILLIES (Theatrical release USA 1929)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Weary Willies—relatable to the human condition—presents a simple story that deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A hungry bear and rabbit attempt to steal a roasted chicken. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Friz Freleng for directing effort. Thank you to Producer George Winkler for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Black and white production that has its own brand of ‘cool’.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RABBIT OF SEVILLE (Theatrical Release USA 1950)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rabbit of Seville—Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd film—tells a lot about their relationship in a wonderful, masterful, creative way. This is a great watch that is consistent throughout, bases itself in a great storyline, presentation, and strong continuity. WOW! The cartoon appeals to the international movie audience and makes a more than terrific addition to the home video library. This film is available on Vimeo. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd work barber shop  magic in a most royal way. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Charles Jones for directing effort. Cast includes Mel Blanc and Arthur Bryan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. No ‘shab’ here. The movie has generational appeal based on the iconic characters of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JOHANN MOUSE (Theatrical Release USA 1953)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Johann Mouse—classic Tom and Jerry cartoon that works all the way to the bank—delivers a terrific, creative short film that is more than worth watching. Tom and Jerry (in this case Tom and Johann) battle it out with perfect synchronization. Don’t miss this film. Great addition to the family home video library. This movie is available on Dailymotion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Tom Cat attempts to catch Johann Mouse. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fred Quimby for making the film possible. Cast includes Hans Conreid. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘must see’ cartoon.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DONALD’S SURVIVAL FIRE PLAN (Theatrical Release USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Donald’s Survival Fire Plan—relevant to any generation and age—has  Walt Disney, himself, presenting a cautionary tale to warn viewers about the necessity to take measures to ensure there is a fire drill in place within the home environment. Donald Duck and his three nephews provide viewing interest for the whole family audience to drive important information home while increasing impact on the importance of strong fire plans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This animated film is about the precautions a family must establish before fire in the home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Les Clark for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Clarence Nash and Walt Disney.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

Altimenti ci arrabbiamo* (Theatrical Release Italy 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

 Altimenti ci arrabbiamo—okay Italian film—unless one has seen the 1974 version with Terrence Hill and Bud Spencer titled Watch Out! We’re Mad! Compared to that film, this movie is weakly written and the acting seems to be trying to imitate the original story. In that imitation they lose an opportunity to make the story impactful. Know that the movie relies on English voice overs for the Italian actors.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Two brothers act together to obtain ownership of a family owned racing buggy.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Younuts for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tommaso Arright and Marco Dionisi for making the film possible. Cast includes: Edoardo Pesce, Alessandro Roja, Alessandra Mastronardi, Christian De Sica, Francesco Bruni, Massimiliano Rossi, Michael Schermi, Gabriele Cristini, and Christian Monaldi.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The remake is 'kind of' interesting to watch but it completely misses the mark and lacks the impact compared to the classic 1974 version with Terrence Hill and Bud Spencer. Those two actors, together, were a class act with a charisma that was unmatched.

*Also Known as: ‘Watch Out We’re Mad' 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP (Theatrical Release USA 1934)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp—creatively charming—shows its age in the slowly fading animation quality of film but holds enough quality to watch for a 2023 audience. It’s wonderfully retrograde, presents itself well, and suitably. This movie allows a quick view into the expectations of 1930 viewers and allows a small peek into our parents, grandparents, and past ancestral lines theater experiences as they bought their theater tickets.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

 An impoverished young man desires to marry a princess. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ub Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ub Iwerks for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This animated short film still retains interest factor and is good to see overall.

 Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

ANTS IN THE PLANTS (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Ants in the  Plants—cute short film—has exceptionally poor audio with faded animation due to its age. However, it still entertains and serves as excellent example of how far we have advanced in animation, sound, and skill of storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

 A Queen ant finds her kingdom troubled by an anteater. When the first plan to quell its efforts fail, she devises a second plan that proves quite effective. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Dave Fleischer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Max Fleischer for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s simple and cute and runs on a good story theme.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KING KLUNK (Theatrical Release USA 1933)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

King Klunk—take  off from the King Kong tale—incorporates comedy into that story rather than shock and fear. The writing, suitable for the times, builds a good cartoon. Creative, lively short 1930s animation maintains its 1930s flavor and becomes a welcome visit into our past. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

 A giant gorilla comes between the love of two coonhounds.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Walter Lantz for directing effort. Thank you to Producer  Walter Lantz for making the film possible. Cast includes Joe Twerp, Tex Avery, Elvia Allman. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It works to some extent. Not the best of shows but has its own charm and entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE BUM BANDIT (Theatrical Release USA 1931)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Bum Bandit—cute and simple animated  short film—employs Betty Boop and shows early attempts to entertain. This short film uses black and white staged against a western background. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

 A wife reconnects with her mate in a most unusual way. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dave Fleischer for directing the film. Thank you to Producer Max Fleischer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Harriet Lee.

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has its own charm. It is what it is.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MUMMY (Theatrical Release USA 1932)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Mummy—good/okay—has stilted, unnatural acting. The same film, remade in the late 1990s with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, far surpasses this film in every way. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A mummy returns and desires to reunite with the love of his life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Karl Freund for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Carl Laemmle Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Edward van Sloan, and  Arthur Byron

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s interesting to compare the same story repeated in 1999 with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to see how the same story with different framing can completely change the intent and purpose of entertainment. The only real value in watching the older version is to see the difference between the two movies. While the Fraser movie works naturally with a type of free flow, the original release is stylized and stilted.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE BLACK DEMON (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Black Demon—works at the good to okay level, not with the wittiness of the Meg movie, but allows the actor Josh Lucas enough screen presence to well establish his acting ability. It’s easy to follow.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 An oil rig becomes troubled when a mega-sized shark decides to include the rig in its territorial waters.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Adrian Grunberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Javier Chapa, Jon Silk, Arianne Fraser, and Delphine Perrier for making the film possible. Cast includes Josh Lucas, Fernanda Urrejola, and Julio Cesar Cedillo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. A suitable shark movie that earns its afternoon, one-watch status. It works and has a cliffhanger at the end of the film that asks for its sequel, but does not need a sequel. Although, if one is made with Ben Meyers' love of the movies, then, most likely, ‘buy that ticket’ will happen. The movie works slowly on an often-told theme with the usual family crisis and a danger lurking in the ocean theme.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOLIATH II (Theatrical Release USA 1960)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Goliath II has a good presentation with a terrific conclusion. Very sweet, cute, animated, short film illustrates the often difficult relationship that can exist between fathers and sons.  The storyline—strong, well portrayed, and well presented—makes this animation worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A small son has a difficult time earning the respect of a large father. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Reitherman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes Keith Corcoran, Barbara Jo Allen, Paul Frees, and Sterling Holloway. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Cute and worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers