LUPIN III: THE CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO (Theatrical Release Japan 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

LUPIN III: THE CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO—another great Hayao Miyazaki-directed, animated film—displays Japanese Manga at its finest. No fault found in this film. It is entertaining from its beginning to its end, a good choice for late teen/adult entertainment night.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lupin (voice of Bob Bergen) and his buddy Jigen (voice of Steve Bulen) leave Monte Carlo Casino with large bags of stolen cash. As the casino building starts to light the warning, Lupin and Jigen run to their getaway car. Gangsters swarm to their cars for the chase, but their cars fall apart with wheels coming off, et cetera. When Lupin discovers the stolen money is counterfeit, he tracks the counterfeiting scheme and becomes involved in political intrigue, restoration of treasure and rightful political power.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Yutaka Fujioka and Laurence Guinness for making the film possible. Cast include: Michael McConnohie, Edie Mirman, Bob Bergen, Steve Bulen, David Povall, Jeff Winkless, Kirk Thornton, Mike Reynolds, Steve Kramer, Juliana Donald, Kerrigan Mahan, Tom Wyner, Stephen Apostolina, William Bassett, Tony Clay, Peter Spellos, John Snyder, Jeff Nimoy, Jamieson Price, Bridget Hoffman, Beau Billingslea, Paul St. Peter, Milton James, Michael Forest, Joe Romersa, Dyanne DiRosario, Dorothy Elias-Fahn, David Hayter, Barry Stigler, Kevin Seymour, and Joan-Carol O’Connell/Barbara Goodson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Hayao Miyazaki is an entertainment master. This is Japanese Manga at its finest.

Video critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG RIDES AGAIN (Released to Theaters USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again—Tim Conway and Don Knotts team with Harry Morgan to produce several good chuckles in the audience who chose this movie as light entertainment that causes that desired smile. Harry Morgan deftly changes from his role as the sheriff in the last movie to a military man in this film. This movie serves as a good family share movie. Watch for a very sweet performance by Ruth Buzzi.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  The Apple Dumpling Gang tries to disengage itself from trouble with Marshal 'Woolly' Wild Bill Hickok.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Vincent McEveety for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ron Miller and Co-Producer Tom Leetch, for making the film possible. Cast includes Tim Conway, Don Knotts, Tim Matheson, Kenneth Mars, Elyssa Davalos, Jack Elam, Robert Pine, Harry Morgan, and Ruth Buzzi.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It provides its moments of comedy, but the first film provides more comedy than this film. The movie uses the 1960s film techniques even though it was released in 1979.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

METEOR (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Meteor—predictable at times, simple watch—features classic entertainers of the 1970s:  Sean Connery, Brian Keith, and Henry Fonda. The movie re-kindles appreciation for their talents. Because there have been so many movies that have followed this particular disaster for earth theme that roots itself in meteor showers, it can be interpreted almost as a ho-hum watch. But, the movie has its merits for its time period.  It serves as an easy-on-the-mind, light afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This impending disaster film is about a meteor that has potential to destroy earth. Both Russia and the United States have weapons capable of destroying the threat. The question is whether they will focus on the meteor’s destruction or will they continue to focus on each other’s differences. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ronald Neame for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arnold Orgolini, Theodore Parvin, and Run Run Shaw for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sean Connery, Natalie Wood, Karl Malden, Brian Keith, Martin Landau, Trevor Howard, Richard Dysart, and Henry Fonda. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The best part of this movie is seeing these particular actors working together. It would be a novel and good background movie to run for a party.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers