PRIMAL (Theatrical Release Philippines 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Primal—average survival film—thrives on its introduction of a white jaguar. This single distinction causes it to lean more toward drama than thriller film. Kevin Durand renders a very good villainous character and Famke Jansson does a good job of depicting a soldier, but the movie constipates itself around the white jaguar so much that it seems if that novelty had been dispensed with, the movie could then have moved to a higher level of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A 400 -pound white jaguar gets released by a psychopath on a ship already at sea.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nick Powell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Becker, Jeff Bowler, Alastair Burlingham, Jason Garrett, Mickey Gooch, Jeff Gum, Walt Jones, Walter Josten, Nat McCormick, Cyril Megret, Massimiliano Musina, David Rogers, Brian O’Shea, Diana Principe, Gery Raskin, Luis A. Riefkohl, Kirk Shaw, Michael Sirow, and Paul Weinberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:Frank Walsh (Nicolas Cage), Dr. Ellen Taylor (Famke Janssen), Richard Loffler (Kevin Durand), Rafael (Jeremy Nazario), John Ringer (LaMonica Garrett), Freed (Michael Imperioli), Vasquez (Isaac Santiago), Morales (Braulio Castillo hijo), Forrest (Tommy Walker), Scuddy (Sewel Whitney), Jerome (Leon Andrew Joseph), Shelton (Sebastian Vázquez), Harrison (John Lewis), Prettyman (Rey Hernandez), Miller (Drake Shannon).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie works well for a background running flick at a party. 

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Ben Meyers

TRUE LIES (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

True Lies—good onscreen chemistry among casted characters—creates a just fun to watch movie that does not hamper itself with excess baggage. It is what it is and does not apologize for it and with that attitude invites its audience to sit back and just enjoy the ride. The adult comedy rolls lightly with a few sexual references. The special effects are memorable and beg for a re-watch. It’s a classic B-grade Arnold Schwarzenegger film that earns its time and money spent.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A USA agent handles the possibility that his wife is having an affair while trying to prevent terrorists from illegally transporting nuclear weaponry.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Cameron for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lawrence Kasanoff, Rae Sanchini, and Robert Shriver for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Helen Tasker (Jamie Lee Curtis), Albert Gibson (Tom Arnold), Simon (Bill Paxton), Juno Skinner (Tia Carrere), Salim Abu Aziz (Art Malik), Dana Tasker (Eliza Dushku), Faisil (Grant Heslov), Spencer Trilby (Charlton Heston), Jamal Khaled (Marshall Manesh), Colonel (James Allen), Boathouse Guard (Dieter Rauter), Janice (Jane Morris), Allison (Katsy Chappell), and Charlene (Crystina Wyler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director James Cameron catches the playfulness of the story and ensures that it works onscreen.

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Ben Meyers 

THE BORROWERS (Television Release USA 1973)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Borrowers—shows aging with fading voices, music, and overall picture quality—has good intention to tell a story by means of Eddy Albert, Tammy Grimes, and Dennis Larson. Unfortunately, Eddy Albert and Tammy Grimes display weak and exaggerated acting in effort to support young Larson’s fairly good acting. The story is not presented in a manner that makes it interesting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A young boy discovers small people living under the floorboards of his home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Walter C. Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Duane Bogie and Robert Kline for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pod Clock (Eddie Albert), Homily Clock (Tammy Grimes), Aunt Sophy (Judith Anderson), Mrs. Crampful (Beatrice Straight), Mr. Crampfurl (Barnard Hughes), The Boy (Dennis Larson), Arrietty Clock (Karen Pearson), Ernie (Murray Westgate), and Tom (Dan McIlravey). 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The animated remake The Secret World of Arrietty tells this story better and involves audience heart at a much higher level than this movie does.


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Ben Meyers

ROCKY V (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Rocky V—great movie—allows Rocky a graceful exit into the boxing stage who teaches rather than performs professionally. The movie incorporates the team of Sylvester Stallone and Sage Stallone which further enhances the honored role that Rocky assumes in this movie. The movie is very well done with great acting and portrayal. Good work by Director John G. Avildson with a huge thank you for reprising many of the original cast members. Although the film may not carry the legendary feeling that the first Rocky hit its audiences with, the film still spins over the top as a first rate boxing story that more than earns its investment of audience time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Rocky trains the new guy on the block.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John G. Avildsen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Michael S. Glick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rocky (Sylvester Stallone), Adrian (Talia Shire), Paulie (Burt Young), Rocky Jr. (Sage Stallone), Mickey (Burgess Meredith, Tommy (Tommy Morrison), George W. Duke (Richard Gant), Jimmy (Jimmy Gambina), Karen (Delia Sheppard), Merlin Sheets (Mike Sheehan), Union Cane (Michael Anthony Williams), Chickie (Kevin Connolly), Chickie’s Pal (Hayes Swope), and Jewel (Elisebeth Peters).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Very well done. Classy. Well worth its watch.

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Ben Meyers

THE TIGGER MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Tigger Movie—great, soft, pleasing animation—highlights Tigger and allows a deeper view into what Tigger is all about. It’s a solid, sweet, innocent story that can serve both the child and adult.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tigger looks for his family. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jun Falkenstein for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Cheryl Abood for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tigger/Winnie the Pooh (Voice of Jim Cummings), Roo (Voice of Nikita Hopkins), Rabbit (Voice of Ken Sansom), Piglet (Voice of John Fiedler), Eeyore (Voice of Peter Cullen), Owl (Voice of Andre Stojka), Kanga (Voice of Kath Soucie), Christopher Robin (Voice of Tom Attenborough), Narrator (Voice of John Hurt), and Additional Voices (Voice of Frank Welker).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It is cool to see what the storyline is.

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Ben Meyers

THE BLACK CAULDRON (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Black Cauldron—not the best in the Disney lineup of entertainment—seems to get lost in its storyline as it is enamored with the idea of the cauldron and cannot turn loose of that infatuation to really tell its story. The focus or mindset is out of line with its story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A set of misfit friends set out to find an object connected to black magic before a bad force finds it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ted Berman and Richard Rich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ron Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Taran (Voice of Grant Bardsley), Eilonwy (Voice of Susan Sheridan), Dallben (Voice of Freddie Jones), Fflewddur Fflam (Voice of Nigel Hawthorne), King Eidilleg (Voice of Arthur Malet), Gurgi/Doli (Voice of John Byner), Fairfolk (Voice of Lindsay Rich), Fairfolk (Voice of Brandon Call), Fairfolk (Voice of Gregory Levinson), Orddu (Voice of Eda Reiss Merin), Orwen (Adele Malis Morey), Oroch (Voice of Billie Hayes), Creeper/Henchman (Voice of Phil Fondacaro), Henchman (Voice of Peter Renaday), and Henchman (Voice of James Almanzar). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It loses power because it splits itself with its infatuation with the cauldron and its real storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

A ROMANCE OF HAPPY VALLEY (Theatrical Release USA 1919)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Romance of Happy Valley—good silent film—entertains with a solid storyline and excellent craftsmanship. It’s got that human, connected to the earth feel and provides welcome relief from the ‘let’s show it all.’ Very peaceful watch with just the right amount of anticipation for its conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

A man seeks his fortune outside of his hometown and returns to his home unrecognized by his family. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to D.W. Griffith for directing effort. Thank you to Producer D.W. Griffith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jennie Timberlake (Lillian Gish), John L. Logan Jr. (Robert Harron), John L. Logan Sr. (George Fawcett), Mrs. Logan (Kate Bruce), Jennie’s Father (George Nichols), Judas (Bertram Grassby), The Negro Farmhand (Porter Strong), Vinegar Watkins (Adolph Lestina), Old Lady Smiles (Lydia Yeamans Titus), Clergyman (Andrew Arbuckle), and Topsy (Frances Sparks). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie entertains silently and well.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

TIN TOY (Siggraph (Film Special Interest Groups on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques) Conference USA1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Tin Toy—interesting short film—has a fair storyline told in a small amount of time. Good work for Director John Lasseter.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A destructive baby and a tin toy interact.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lasseter for directing effort.


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It's a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

RADIOACTIVE (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Radioactive—entertainment and education in one sweet package—just ‘pops’ with WOW! and BRAVO! It so beautifully balances its educational value with entertainment that the audience never once has to stop and ask why or to say ‘Enough’. Classically formatted, the movie easily captures the emotion of the story with some of the best acting on the market. Great watch. Don’t miss this movie.

Film Poster Coutesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A biographical drama based on the life and work of Marie Curie.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marjane Satrapi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Amelia Granger, Ron Halpern, and Didier Lupfer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marie Curie (Rosamund Pike), Carla (Yvette Feuer), Nurse (Mirjam Novak), Doctor (Ralph Berkin), Pierre Curie (Sam Riley), Professor Lippman (Simon Russell Beale), Bronia Sklodowska (Stan Brooke), Bronia’s Maid (Faye Bradbrook), Loie Fuller (Drew Jacoby), Paul Langevin (Aneurin Barbard), Young Marie (Harriet Turnbull), Marie’s Mother (Georgina Rich), Young Bronia (Elise Alexandre), Jeanne Langevin (Katherine Parkinson), and Pierre’s Mother ( Dóra Köves).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely, it’s a winner across the board. Rosamund Pike does a beautiful job of rendering the character of Madame Curie.

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Confessions of a Shopaholic—a cute, sweet, and fun watch—supports itself on a great story, good portrayal, and an excellent casting set that includes Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Joan Cusack, Fred Armisen, Leslie Bibb, Lynn Redgrave, and Robert Stanton.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young woman chronicles her addiction to shopping.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director P.J. Hogan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ron Bozman, Chad Oman, Mike Stenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), Suze (Krysten Ritter), Jane Bloomwood (Joan Cusack), Graham Bloomwood (John Goodman), Edgar West (John Lithgow), Alette Naylor (Kristin Scott Thomas), Ryan Koenig (Fred Armisen), Alicia Billington (Leslie Bibb), Drunken Lady at Ball (Lynn Redgrave), Derek Smeath (Robert Stanton), Hayley (Julie Hagerty), Tarquin (Nick Cornish), Miss Korch (Wendie Malick), and Miss Ptaszinski (Clea Lewis).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This easy-on-the-mind comedy works.


Video Critique Available Here:



 Ben Meyers

TRAVIS: THE TRUE STORY OF TRAVIS WALTON (DVD Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Travis: The True Story of Travis Walton
—alien abduction documentary—details the actual abduction events that made the movie Fire in the Sky possible. The interviews are good. The documentary does not follow a highly professional format, but commands a good watch due to the material it covers.


Film Poster Courtesy Google Images 


Storyline

Travis Walton’s alien kidnapping gets a recap after 40 years.


Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jennifer Stein for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jennifer Stein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nordic Alien Two (Aura Gutierrez), Nordic Alien One (Tim Hicks), Doctor (Otto Martin), Travis Walton (Jeff Pennington), Grey Alien One/Nurse (Jennifer Stein), Grey Alien Two/Nurse (Veronica Vertes), and Self (Travis Walton).

 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It is particularly interesting to hear about an alien abduction from the actual person involved.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

FAT ALBERT (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Fat Albert may not be the best in the line-up of comedies, but it is cute and heart-felt The casting department found actors that look a lot like the animated characters especially Keenen Thompson as Albert. It’s an average film, as was the cartoon series, but it engages the audience in its own sweet way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cartoon characters Fat Albert and his friends change from animated figures to live action figures to help a young girl.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joel Zwick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bill and Camille Cosby.for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fat Albert (Kenan Thompson), Doris (Kyla Pratt), Lauri (Dania Ramirez), Rudy (Shedrack Anderson III), Old Weird Harold (Aaron Frazier), Dumb Donald (Marques Houston), Bucky (Alphonso McAuley), Bill (Keith Robinson), Mushmouth (Jermaine Williams), Teen (Aaron Carter), Reggie (Omarion), Arthur (J. Mack Slaughter), Camera Salesman (Nick Zano), Mrs. Forchick (Annie Abbott), and Becky (Alice Greczyn).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This movie especially fits Fat Albert fans who would like to reminisce over time spent watching the cartoon series when younger and makes a fair to middling child/adult share.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

THE WEIGHT OF WATER * (Banff Mountain Film Festival, Banff, Alberta Canada 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

 

The Weight of Water—inspirational movie—reminds its audience that life is meant to be lived. There is great camera footage of running rapids in the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River. Good watch for outdoor sports fans who love rapid water adventure.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A blind man kayaks the Grand Canyon.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Brown for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Julia and Linda Buonanno for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lonnie Bedwell, Steven Mace, Timmy O’Neill, Rob Raker, Harlan Taney, Erik Weihenmayer, and Skyler Williams.


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good documentary that shows one man’s courage to eliminate the ‘im’ out of the word impossible.

*Also known as Lava

Video Critique available Here:



Ben Meyers

NETFLIX VS THE WORLD (Theatrical Release Japan 2020)


Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Netflix VS the World
—BRAVO! WOW! informative documentary—especially serves persons who are thinking of building a startup business. By telling the Netflix story, the film details the path and what it will take to courageously stay focused to take advantage of opportunities that come along the journey. This movie is particularly enjoyable because Netflix became such a flourishing example of what can happen for the startup. The movie is inspiring and upbeat and has some interesting information about video stores built into its story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A small startup business becomes a giant.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Shawn Cauthen for directing effort. Thank you  to Executive Producers Gary Keller and Jay Papasan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Didler Allouch, John Antioco, Corey Bridges, Derek Cecil, Dawn Chmielewski, Jim Cook, Ben Cooper, J.W. Craft, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo de Mulder, Tracy DeSoto, Tom Dillon, Boris Droutman, Vita Droutman, and Shane Evangelist.


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a ‘do not miss’ film for the entrepreneur. Excellent job of documenting interviews of workers and former workers of streaming and DVD giants. Thank you to all involved in producing this film.


Video Critique Available Here:


Ben Meyers

THE DA VINCI CODE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Da Vinci Code—cool concept—runs a little slow due to the action scenes juxtaposed with the philosophical 'Let's figure this out' format, still gets its entertainment purpose accomplished. Great acting by Tom Hanks, Audrey Tatou, Ian McKellan, Jean Reno, Alfred Molina, and Paul Bettany. The story can be, at times, a little outside laymen terms even if one has an investment in religious themes. Without reading a plotline first, one may feel a bit lost about how all these scenes relate to the story. Ron Howard’s direction smooths over the roughest edges of the story and turns it into a fair watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Clues in Da Vinci’s work uncover a great secret.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you  to Executive Producers Dan Brown and Todd Hallowell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), Sir Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen), Captain Bezu Fache (Jean Reno), Silas (Paul Bettany), Bishop Manuel Aringarosa (Alfred Molina), Andre Vernet (Jurgen Prochnow), Remy Jean (Jean-Yves Bertleloot), Lieutenant Collet (Etienne Chicot), Jacques Saunière (Jean-Pierre Marielle), Sister Sandrine (Marie Françoise Audollent), Elegant Woman at Rosslyn (Rita Davies), Michael (Seth Gabel), Youth on Bus (Shane Zaza), and Prefect (Francesco Carnelutti).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is what it is because of the topic it chose. It would have difficulty bridging international cultural lines.


Video Critique Available Here:




Ben Meyers

THE SMORTLYBACKS (Ottawa international Animation Festival, Ottawa, Ontario Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

The Smortlybacks—short film—has great animation with imaginative and interesting characters, but suffers for no storyline and no character development. The Pachyderms are relentlessly ‘dumb’ with an unclear relationship between the mahout and the Pachyderms. This short film runs itself into the ground before its 6 minutes are done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A mahout begins a very long journey.

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Wouter Dierickx and Ted Sieger for directing effort. 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. Watch Kater instead. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers 


THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pirates! Band of Misfits—cute stop motion animated film—has a good storyline and serves as a simple, children’s entertainment piece even though, at points, it seems a little mature. Besides that, the film has been put together well and almost earns more than one watch. It’s nearly a WOW! watch for the preteen audience. Great work for all involved.


Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia


Storyline

A pirate decides to win the Pirate of the Year Award with the help of his crew.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Peter Lord and Jeff Newitt for directing effort.  Thank you to Executive Producer Carla Shelley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pirate Captain (Voice of Hugh Grant), Pirate With a Scarf (Voice of Martin Freeman), Queen Victoria (Voice of Imelda Staunton), Charles Darwin (Voice of David Tennant), Black Bellamy (Voice of Jeremy Piven), Cutlass Liz (Voice of Salma Hayek), Peg Leg Hastings (Voice of Lenny Henry), Pirate King (Voice of Brian Blessed), Albino Pirate (Voice of Russell Tovey), Albino Pirate (Voice of Anton Yelchin), Pirate With Gout (Voice of Brendan Gleeson), Surprisingly Curvaceious Pirate (Voice of Ashley Jensen), Pirate Who Likes Sunsets and Kittens (Voice of Al Roker), Pirate Who Likes Sunsets and Kittens (Voice of Ben Whitehead), and Admiral Collingwood (Voice of Mike Cooper).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The artistry that went into building the stop motion figurines is very well done as the storyline. It is worth its watch.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

SCALES: MERMAIDS ARE REAL* (DVD Release Germany 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Scales: Mermaids Are Real—not much here to really make the story work—needs more professional actors, a deeper storyline that holds audience interest, and some fun, playfulness. It’s sad that unknown actors and actresses could not have been given a higher start than this film, something that would have given them higher credit for fledgling careers as well as professional leads to set the tone, advise, and correct.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images


Storyline

Without a choice in the matter, a young girl will change into a mermaid on her birthday.


Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kevan Peterson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Perry for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Siren (Emmy Perry), Tiffany (Elisabeth Röhm), Principal Strauss (Morgan Fairchild), Adam (Jack Dylan Grazer), Crystal (Nikki Hahn), Quinn (Kimberly Daugherty), Gary Wilts (Stephen Snedden), Brodie (Sterling Sulieman), Martin (Mason Vale Cotton), Amber (Noree Victoria), Hayden (Elsie Fisher), Emerald (Hannah Fraser), Mrs. Harper (Lily Berlina), Betty (Emily Rued), and Nurse Helen (A Leslie Kies). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. There are better mermaid stories such as the animated The Little Mermaid that deeply entertain.

 *Also known as: Scales: A Mermaids Tale


Video Critique Available Here:


 
Ben Meyers

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