THE LITTLE MERMAID (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  The Little Mermaid—rehash of the original film—misses the magic of the original movie. It ends as a suitable to okay watch and can get a bit boring throughout the story presentation. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Ariel wants to be with humans on land.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Rob Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marc Platt, Lin Manuel Miranda, John DeLuca,  and Rob Marshall. Cast includes Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is interesting to see this interpretation of an old tale, but it does not compare well with the quality of the original animated mermaid story in any area. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

KUNG FU PANDA 4 (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Kung Fu Panda 4—fourth film in this DreamWorks' series—tries to keep the quality of the third film in place, but this movie lacks the spirit of the third series' film. While it is much more fun than DreamWorks 2023 release of Ruby Gillman, the Teenage Kracken, it still borders on the edge of its final acid test. Voice actors reprise their roles and the animation maintains its quality. Overall, the movie earns its money and time for viewing.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   Po fights a shape shifting, villainous chameleon who wants all power. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Executive Producer Mike Mitchell and Co-Director Stephanie Stine for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Rebecca Huntley for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, and Seth Rogen. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, this is a good child/adult share movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: The Next Level—sequel to the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle movie—is the third film in a series dedicated to the game of Jumanji. This movie allows the characters from the second Jumanji movie to reprise their roles. The movie gathers its entertainment value from a terrific cast, great acting, and its sweet ability to intermix comedy with action. The movie is a great choice to add to the Jumanji series in the home entertainment library. The film begs for its sequel. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Four friends re-enter the Jumanji game for the second time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Matt Tolmach, and Jake Kasdan for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Danny Glover, and Danny DeVito. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film provides an unusually good mixture of both comedy and adventure. The script is creative, fresh, and allows Dwayne Johnson another opportunity to show his diverse ability to play a variety of characters well. The movie makes a terrific addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Raya and the Last Dragon—good concept, no soul—complicates itself in the writing department and as a result makes itself child unfriendly. Animation is the best part of the film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

This animated film is about a time when evil spirits turn everything into stone, a dragon who is given the power to stop them, and a young girl. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wang, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong, Sandra Oh, Thalia Tran, Lucille Soong, and Alan Tudyk. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The best of this movie is the animation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BAD GUYS (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Bad Guys takes unexpected and interesting twists and turns in its storyline to enhance entertainment value. The computer animation does not follow the usual brassy presentation that American animation has adopted and therefore softens the viewing experience so that focus remains on the story itself rather than the technology it is presented in. The story itself is adventuresome and easily earns its rating for a ‘worthy watch.’ 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Animals, who traditionally create emotions of fear and upset in humans, endeavor to turn good. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Pierre Perifel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Damon Ross and Rebecca Huntley for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Richard Avoade, Zazie Beetz, Alex Borstein, and Lilly Singh. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While not an A-grade animated release, the movie moves along and entertains.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers