NAVAJO (Released to Theaters USA 1952)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Navajo—represents the Navajo nation well—uses a very good, semi-drama technique to tell a welcome story for the early 1950s and current movie audiences. It's an important, original watch that is not usually seen in cinema. The acting is good to great. The presentation is very good. The portrayal is great. The actors have been well chosen. The narrator, Sammy Ogg, is outstanding. This docu-drama does not have interviews but interviews would undermine the strength of story. Know that the film works with a black and white format that adds terrifically to its heavily-laced, cinematic views of Navajo lands. WOW! What a concept for a film! The movie can be rented currently for $1.99 from Amazon.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   A Navajo boy tries to live on the land with his mother, sisters, and adoptive grandfather, but this aspiration soon changes.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Norman Foster for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hall Bartlett for making the film possible. Voice casting includes Francis Kee Teller, John Mitchell, Mrs. Kee Teller, Hall Bartlett, Virgil Miller, Cozy McSparron, Sammy Ogg, Eloise Teller, and Linda Teller. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This original content movie bases on what it means to be a good human being. The movie tells a good story, emphasizes valuing life, and caring for the needs of others. Good work for all involved. This is a good integrity watch that provides good after viewing discussion for the entire family. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

WATER BIRDS (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Water Birds—documentary—shows how several species of water birds gather their food, the kind of food they gather, how mates pick each other, how and where nests are built, how newly hatched chicks are fed, and how parents protect their young. It needs to be longer than its 30 minutes but is a great watch time length for children and provides a gentle view of the balance of nature. The short film has been added to the end of The Rescuers animated movie. Know that the film is getting old and needs a bit of restoration, but it is not so old that it cannot be viewed and enjoyed. Very educational without seeming to be educational. Reconnects people to nature and the earth. Intriguing and insightful, this is a terrific child/adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Water birds within their native habits are given close, photographic scrutiny. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Sharpsteen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Winston Hibler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is both interesting and worth its watch. Great, easy-on-the-mind entertainment for children as they can learn the names of a variety of water birds and see their behavioral habits at close range. Terrific camerawork. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Singin' in the Rain—classic ‘oldie’—shows how Hollywood transitioned between silent films to ‘talkies’. Both music and dancing are superb and are still viable for today’s 2022-2023 audience. It’s worth at least one watch. Good work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Friends celebrate life and careers together through music and dance. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur Freed for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, and Cyd Charisse. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good film and worth watching . It's about making movies which is great for movie enthusiasts and film makers. Good work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers