101 DALMATIANS (Released to Theatrical USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

101 Dalmatians is a little short in time length, but makes up for that in its Wow! factor. This movie is a great, live-action remake of the animated movie of the same name. The terrific acting of Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil makes this movie work beyond expectations. She creates an unforgettable character. Her henchmen, acted by Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie, are perfectly rendered. Watch for some of the best costuming of any film from 2009. Kudos to the Rosemary Burrows and Anthony Powell costuming department.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) desires the spotted fur from Dalmatian puppies to make clothing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edward S. Feldman and Bill Ryan for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, and Alonzo Tim McInnerny.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script by John Hughes is well-written and makes a good, solid foundation for Director Stephen Herek to perform the magic that makes this film one that can be watched over and over by the child and adult. It’s a good home library addition.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES (Released to VHS USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Aladdin and the King of Thieves—terrific one-liners—has an exceptionally likeable genie. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  Aladdin is getting married to Jasmine, but is interrupted by the Forty Thieves.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director/Producer Tad Stones for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes:Val Bettin, Jim Cummings, Gilbert Gottfried, Linda Larkin, Jerry Orbach, John Rhys-Davies, Scott Weinger, Frank Welker, and Robin Williams.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This a suitable film and it contains some back story on Aladdin.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

HOMEWARD BOUND II: LOST IN SAN FRANCISCO (Released to Theaters USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco—not as good as its prequel—presupposes the animal dialogue with human voiceovers while the storyline does not align itself with the reality of animals needing to find their way home as their primary directive. This sequel lacks the heart of the first movie and has missed opportunity to improve portrayal of story. It feels like the story has been thrown together which makes it a weak watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Several pets find themselves marooned in San Francisco and must find their way home. They pick up a few acquaintances along the way. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David R. Ellis for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Barry Jossen, Co-Producer Justis Greene and James Pentecost for making the film possible. Cast includes Micheal J. Fox, Sally Fields, Ralph Waite, Al Michaels, Tommy Lasorda, Bob Uecker, Tress McNielle, Jon Polito, Adam Goldberg, Sinbad, Carla Guigino, Trish Campbell, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Ross Malinger,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film could be skipped unless one wants to finish the series. This is part 2 of the original Homeward Bound movie. Unfortunately, there is little to recommend it to audiences. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHILOH (Released to Theaters USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Shiloh has the theme of a boy who falls in love with a dog that belongs to another person and what he does to make the dog his own. This is a simple story for children. The most well-known actor in it is Rod Steiger. It works as a simple, fill-in-some-time, afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A boy becomes attached to a dog that belongs to another person. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dale Rosenbloom for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Zane W. Levitt, Dale Rosenbloom. And Mark Yellen for making the film possible. Cast includes Scott Wilson, Blake Heron, Bonnie Bartlett, Rod Steiger, J. Madison Wright, Ann Dowd, Michael Moriarty, Shira Roth, Tori Wright, Montrose Hagins, Rachel Winfree, Amzie Strickland Frannie the Dog.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is not a high-quality watch. It's simple, a bit slow at times, and can be somewhat boring. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

D3: THE MIGHTY DUCKS (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

D3: The Mighty Ducks—same quality as the first Mighty Ducks movie—presents a good conclusion to the Mighty Ducks series. This story presents well, has been cast well, and supports itself on a well-organized storyline.  Overall, this is a good family share, sports movie that leaves a ‘feel good’ emotion after watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Ducks' coach gets a promotion and the Ducks get a new coach at a  new school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Lieberman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jordan Kerner and Jon Avet for making the film possible. Cast includes: Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Nordling, Heidi Kling, and Joss Lackland. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is enjoyable to the point that it becomes difficult to critique. It’s a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers