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

SAVAGE SAM (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Savage Sam—sequel to the movie Old Yeller—is a sweet revisit to a more innocent era of storytelling. This sequel does not compare favorably with its prequel movie in storyline or presentation, but it still deserves its watch as a good family share movie and has its own spark of creativity due to its simple, straightforward storyline. Several actors reprise their roles from the first film and supplementation is provided with the addition of Brian Keith, Slim Pickens, Marta Kristen, and Royal Dano. The movie is a welcome revisit to past film-ology efforts with a strong focus on late western Americana pioneer history. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Three children are abducted by Native American raiders and a party of rescuers track them with the help of the children’s dog. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Norman Tokar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bill Anderson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Brian Keith, Tommy Kirk, Marta Kristen, Kevin Corcoran, Dewey Martin, and Jeff York. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good and worthy watch for the whole family. Look for some terrific stunt work involving horses and their riders. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WALKING THUNDER (Video Premier Release USA 1997)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Walking Thunder—simple adventure film—can be watched superficially or it can be watched as an almost supernatural set of events that takes place to allow survival of a family left in the least likely circumstances to survive. The movie is clean enough for children and interesting enough for adults if adults take it to the higher interpretation. This is a strongly C-grade film that offers suitable presentation and does serve the entire family’s entertainment needs. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The storyline is about a boy who is given a family journal to read that details how his ancestors prepared for and survived a winter in the Rocky Mountains after being isolated from their wagon train traveling west.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Craig Clyde for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Joe Brady for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Denver, David Tom, Brian Keith, Irene Miracle, Christopher Neame, Ted Thin Elk, Kevin Conners, Billy Oscar, Don Shanks, Robert DoQui, K. C, Clyde, David Kirk Chambers, Carolyn Hurlburt, and Bart the Bear. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a simple bedtime story that can be chosen as a family watch. While this film will not achieve classic status, it is interesting as it explores the protection of a family that by all ‘normal’ circumstances would not have survived. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers