SCHOOL OF ROCK (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

School of Rock—offbeat and entertaining—allows Jack Black plenty of opportunity to show the audience his full comedic range. His supporting cast creates the perfect venue to allow him to explode to higher entertainment levels as he leads and they follow a most unlikely path to become full-fledged rock musicians. Rocking is what Jack Black (as character Dewey Finn) does. As he leads a music class to explore this part of the music world, a great story is born that is both unique and engaging.

Film Poster  Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) doesn’t have a job. Desperate, he pretends to be a fifth grade teacher, is accepted, and trains the class to win a musical contest called Battle of the Bands.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Linklater for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Aversano and Steve Nicolaides for making the film possible. Additional recognition needs to go to Composer Craig Wedren and Writer Mike White. Cast include: Jack Black, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Sarah Silverman, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Miranda Cosgrove, Kevin Alexander Clark, Robert Tsai, Maryam Hassan, and Zackary Infante.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s Jack Black at his best in a terrific, upbeat piece of entertainment. No lack found in this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAC AND ME (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Mac and Me—personable—reminds one a bit of ET: Extraterrestrial because it relies on a similar story of a small extraterrestrial who makes friends with children, but the likeness ends there. While ET: Extraterrestrial has a better script and its own special spark, Mac and Me easily earns its watch as a terrific child/adult share and has a particularly pleasing conclusion. In some ways the movie seems a bit trite with its new home/new adventure storyline, but heart and kindness shines throughout the movie and excuses that. It earns it watch as a comfortable night out with the family watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young extraterrestrial takes residence with a family. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stewart Raffill for directing effort. Thank you to Matt Damon, William Kerr, and R.J. Louis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Janet Cruise (Christine Ebersole), Michael Cruise (Jonathan Ward), Courtney (Tina Caspary), Debbie (Lauren Stanley), Eric Cruise (Jade Calegory), Mitford (Vinnie Torrente), Wickett (Martin West), Zimmerman (Ivan Rado), Jack Jr. (Danny Cooksey), Linda (Laura Waterbury), and Splatter Car Driver (Jack Eiseman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Not as good as ET: Extraterrestrial, but in its own way serves as a good, clean child/adult watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Kubo and the Two Strings—Bravo! Encore, Encore! The stop motion animation from Laika really catches the eye. The special effects are a visual treat. It’s one of the best animated films since Big Hero 6. Director Travis Knight has got my ticket for future films; it looks like anything he’s got is probably going to be a visual classic. Only downside is a boat scene where the monkey and her sister fight; it’s a bit bland and needs to find its pace.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kubo (voice of Art Parkinson) lives in a cave and takes care of his mother Sariatu (voice of Charlize Theron). He makes his living  by telling a warrior story about his father to the village people. But, he does not know the end of the story and his mother due to a head injury cannot remember the ending to the story. When Kubo learns of a festival that enables people to talk to the dead, he unsuccessfully attempts to talk to his father. He becomes angry that his father does not appear and he inadvertently stays out past dark (which he was warned not to do). He is attacked by his mother's witch-like sisters, Karasu and Washi (voice of Rooney Mara); but his mother appears, fights them away, and sends him to a place where they cannot find him. The adventure begins as Kubo works to find his way back to the village and Sariatu.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors and Producers Travis Knight and Arianne Sutner for directing the film and making it possible. Additional characters/cast include: Monkey (voice of Charlize Theron), Moon King (voice of Ralph Fiennes), Kameyo (voice of Brenda Vaccaro), Hashi (voice of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Mari (voice of Meyrick Murphy), Hosato (voice of George Takei), Beetle (voice of Matthew McConaughey), Minae (voice of Minae Noji), Aiko (voice of Alpha Takahashi), Miho (voice of Laura Miro), and Ken (voice of Ken Takemoto).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is one of the best animations of 2016. Fabulous work for Director Travis Knight and Laika Studios.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers