THE ROAD TO EL DORADO (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Road to El Dorado—good animated movie, worth watching—turns into a decent child/adult share movie.

Storyline

Two wanted men, Tulio (voice by Kevin Kline) and Miguel (voice by Kenneth Branagh), win a map from some tough guys and head to the New World to find the legendary El Dorado.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Eric ‘Bibo’ Bergeron, Will Finn, Don Paul, David Silverman, and Jeffrey Katzenberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Jeffery Katzenberg and Co-executive Producer Bill Damaschke for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez, Armande Assante, Edward James Olmos, and Jim Cummings.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A magical and adventuresome film for everyone 10+ age.  Good animation with a worthy storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON * (Released to the New York Film Festival, New York City, New York USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—a highly sculpted, cultural film—easily earns its four-star rating. A 'not-to-be-missed' movie, it captivates international markets, dominates box office sales, and wins four Academy Awards. The story takes its audience through the angst of unfulfilled love, the passion of fulfilled love, the bitterness of ill-used power, and the betrayal of friendship—all against outstanding Asian scenery.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A legendary sword weaves its way through many story threads to re-connect events of the past, present, and future.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ang Lee. Thank you to Executive Producers David Linde and James Schamus for making the film possible. Cast include: Michelle Yeoh, Fa Zeng Li, Zhang Ziyi, Chow Yun-Fat, Sihung Lung, Chen Chang, Xian Gao, and Yan Hai.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film performs well. 

*Also Known As: Wo hu cang long 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FANTASIA 2000 (Released to Theaters USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Fantasia 2000, released worldwide January 1, 2000 in IMAX theaters, stands on its feet as the paragon, the crème de la crème, the quintessence, the ne plus ultra, the iconic blueprint of artistic endeavor of classical music paired with animated imagery. This nonpareil sequel to the original 1949 Fantasia crowns all Disney achievements while sweeping the board with its inimitable arrangements. It is artistic imagination at its zenith. If you’ve been told that joy, happiness, and laughter are not tactile, think again. Disney, with Fantasia 2000, allows something almost outside of itself, three-dimensional, malleable like clay to slide from the big screen embracing, alluring, and seducing completely, finally, and totally. The only possible criticism that may have some validity for this work is that at 75 minutes of breathtaking entrancement, it’s far too short. Set in eight separate pieces, Roy E. Disney captured something that needs, at least, the length of a complete Carnegie Hall performance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Thank you to directors: James Algar, Gaëtan and Paul Brizzi, Hendel Butoy, Francis Glebas, Eric Goldberg, Don Hahn, and Pixote Hunt. Thank you to Executive Producer Roy E. Disney for making the film possible. Cast include: Leopold Stokowski, James Earl Jones, Penn Jillette, Teller, Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, Ralph Grierson, Angela Lansbury, Wayne Allwine, Kathleen Battle, Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, James Levine, Russi Taylor, and Tony Anselmo.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film deserves an uproar of BRAVO! ENCORE! with a long session of clapping. The music combined with the animation makes a wonderful, re-watchable movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Released to Theaters USA 2000)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Rules of Engagement—inspired by true events— is about a military engagement and moves into a military courtroom for court examination of that engagement. This movie provides suitable entertainment and a look into military law. It's worth a watch; serves a mellow, interesting, and suitable story.  Watch for some of our best actors as they play the roles of protagonist and antagonist while resolving this court case: Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood, Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  An American commander orders his soldiers to open fire on protesters who are firing at his troops. Afterward, military court opens to investigate and possibly prosecute him for misconduct.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director William F. Friedkin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Adam Schroeder and Jim Webb for making the film possible. Casting includes Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Greenwood, Anne Archer, Blair Underwood, Philip Baker Hall, and Dale Dye.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This military trial case provides a nicely done view into the proceedings of a military court case and its final resolution. It's a good pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANGELS IN THE INFIELD (Released to ABC USA 2000)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Angels in the Infield—okay—gets off to a rough start with its reliance on several tropes that lead to weak portrayal and presentation. Know that this movie does get better toward its conclusion but the collage made from other Hollywood-built movies has definitely hindered its ability to shine. Expect an easy-on-the-mind film that can be a family-share movie with no hidden surprises. It is a television-released film so do not expect the quality of a  theatrically-released movie. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  A baseball player's ex-wife leaves his daughter with him. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Robert King for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roger Birnbaum for making the film possible. Cast includes Patrick Warburton, Britt Irvin, Kurt Fuller, Rebecca Jenkins, Duane Davis, Beau Starr, Colin Foxx, Peter Keleghan, Dan Duran, and David Alan Grier.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It does not have a high quality portrayal or presentation. The acting is okay to suitable. This is the last film in this series.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

REMEMBER THE TITANS (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Remember the Titans—inspirational sports film—accesses the acting talents of Denzel Washington. Watch particularly for the terrific acting by Hayden Panetierre as Coach Yoast’s daughter. This film is a good addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A black football coach is hired to coach in an all-white high school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Boaz Yakin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood, Ethan Suplee, Kip Pardue Hayden Panettiere, Nicole Ari Parker, Kate Bosworth, Earl Poitier, Ryan Gosling, and Burgess Jenkins. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good sports film with a great storyline. It is worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BIG MOMMA’S HOUSE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Big Momma’s House—Martin Lawrence and Paul Giamatti—works comedy from suggestive dialogue and scenes. It’s an entertaining watch for the teen/adult audience. Watch for a good performance by Anthony Anderson. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two FBI agents track the ex-girlfriend of an escaped convict in hopes of recovering the money he stole from a bank. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Raja Gosnell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Friendly and Michael Green for making the film possible. Cast includes: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Paul Giamatti, Jascha Washington, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Ella Mitchell, Carl Wright, Phyllis Applegate, Starletta DuPois, Jessie Mae Holmes, Nicole Prescott, Octavia Spencer, and Tichina Arnold. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has a good storyline, good acting, and good presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RED PLANET (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Red Planet as a whole lacks likableness. It is flat with no life and has a weak conclusion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An effort to terraform Mars becomes a troubled venture. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Antony Hoffman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Canton, Bruce Berman, and Jorge Saralegui for making the film possible. Cast includes: Val Kilmer, Carrie-Anne Moss, Tom Sizemore, Benjamin Bratt, Simon Baker, Terence Stamp, Jessica Morton, Caroline Bossi, Bob Neill, and Neil Ross. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie runs at the average level. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE KID (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Kid—interesting story—accesses the acting skills of Spencer Breslin and Bruce Willis to make a watchable movie that plays well. It serves as a suitable watch for a light afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A kid teaches an adult something that allows the adult to move forward with his life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hunt Lowry,  Christina Steinberg, and Jon Turteltaub for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, and Chi McBride. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie earns its watch with good acting and a good presentation of its storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN'S 3RD (DVD Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven's 3rd—simple and somewhat predictable—tells a sweet story that is suitable for a family share night. It’s a treat to see Judge Reinhold in this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family leases a motorhome for a family vacation and they take a large St. Bernard dog along. 

Additional Thanks 

^{Thank you to Director Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Bixler and Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Michaela Gallo, Joe Pichler, Michael Ciccolini, Jamie Marsh, Frank Gorshin, and Danielle Keaton.} 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This family-friendly movie is both a good and suitable film for the afternoon watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DINOSAUR (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Dinosaur—intriguing storyline—lacks the WOW! factor of a truly great animated movie. It serves a 10-year-old child watch better than the younger set as the latter may feel a little uneasy about some thematic elements. The film seems almost bland at times despite its good storyline. The animation still serves current audiences. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This animated film is about: the last of a dinosaur species is adopted by a lemur family. A meteor crashes into earth causing the two species to cross to the mainland looking for a home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Pam Marsden for making the film possible. Cast includes: D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, Ossie Davis, Max Casella, Hayden Panettiere, Samuel E. Wright, Julianna Margulies, Peter Siragusa, Joan Plowright, and Della Reese. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  

 Yes. This movie may remind audiences of The Land Before Time animated movie series. However, the movie's storyline is more intriguing and makes it worth watching. It works on a more realistic presentation than Land Before Time.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

X-MEN (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men—great concept—entertains and has great casting: Patrick Stewart, James Marsden, Ian McKellan, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Tyler Mane, and Ray Park (Darth Maul character in Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace and Toad in the X-Men).  Watch for Hugh Jackman in his first role as Wolverine. The movie is not the high quality one would expect, but it is suitable and particularly serves the superhero fan.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about a time when it becomes increasingly apparent that not all humans are the same…some are mutants with superhuman abilities…the government intervenes…mutants divide in opinion of how to integrate with humans so they can occupy the same environmental space safely. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Bryan Singer for directing efforts. Thank you to Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter for making the film possible. Cast includes: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Bruce Davison, Rebecca Romin, Ray Park, and Anna Paquin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the first live-action X-Men film. It is watchable and will suit superhero fans well.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

ERIN BROCKOVICH (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Erin Brockovich—inspiring movie—easily turns itself into a classic film watch. Julia Roberts makes, what could have easily been a boring watch, into an over-the-top entertainment piece and, without making it a message movie, makes several points easily received. WOW! The movie is so incredibly easy to watch. It flows.  The supporting cast, Albert Finney and Aaron Eckhart, frame Julia Roberts so well. This film is a blockbuster. Fabulous storytelling, great acting, and unexpectedly good story make this a treat for movie fans. Great work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A woman with a high school diploma, a huge heart to help others, and a desire to work long hours makes a life for herself and others. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, and Stacey Sher for making the film possible. Casting includes: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney,Aaron Eckhart, Marg Helgenberger, Tracey Walter, and Peter Coyote. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. this is a wonderful film and is a keeper for the home video library. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TITAN A.E. (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Titan A.E. uses well-chosen voice actors like Matt Damon, Drew Barrymore, Bill Pullman, Ron Perlman, and John Leguizamo. The animated story starts, lags, begins deepening the characters personalities, and then becomes complicated so that the audience can become confused between ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’.  There is a surprise conclusion that is quite unexpected and adds a twist to the whole story.. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This animated science fiction film is about earth’s destruction and the way the human population could be rebuilt. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Don Bluth and Gary Goldman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and David Kirschner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Bill Pullman, John Leguizamo, Nathan Lane, Janeane Garofalo, and Drew Barrymore. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s new in its presentation of an idea of how earth’s population could be reconstructed after total annihilation. It heavily relies on traditional science fiction themes of fighting against alien forces by less powerful humans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Emperor’s New Groove—excellent, clean, wholesome, animated family movie—creates a ‘no foul found here’ entertainment experience. Well scripted and well voiced, it allows gentle realization that decisions are best made when thinking of the impact on others.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Emperor Kuzco (voice of David Spade) wants to build a water park for his eighteenth birthday atop a mountain that houses impoverished llama herder, Pacha (voice of John Goodman). Emperor Kuzco, transformed into a llama, learns a few things about loyalty and friendship while Pacha learns patience and forgiveness for persons outside his cultural group in a comical romp that is quite satisfying from start to finish.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Dindal for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Don Hahn for making the film possible. Additional voice casting include: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, and Wendie Malick.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A wonderful film for the child/adult share, with a fabulous story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers