THE WILD ROBOT (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì The Wild Robot—unique and colorful—flows with heart and sentiment. This movie is great for family share entertainment night. It has good portrayal and presentation. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A shipping crate with a new robot inside washes up on a seashore. Forest animals  accidentally activate the robot after the crate breaks open.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Chris Sanders for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jeff Hermann for making the film possible. Cast includes Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Catherine O'Hara, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The film could be interpreted as an environmental film but if that was the intent, know that it is not preachy and has a sweet story to tell. The multiple animal interactions increase the interest factor. It is a good child/adult share. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Surviving Christmas—off beat comedy—that, despite its very good cast, does not 'pull its weight' to produce real comedy.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb  Storyline A man, at odds with his girlfriend, has a recommendation given him to remove past regrets. Getting rid of past regrets 'gets out of hand' when he hires the family living in his childhood home to be his temporary family over the holidays.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jenno Topping and Betty Thomas for making the film possible. Cast includes Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate, and Catherine O'Hara.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a Ben Affleck film, but not one of his best films. Be aware there are scenes or references that are not family friendly. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York—a treasure and rewatchable movie with holiday tradition written all over it—has even more depth to its story than the first film. WOW! What a film to watch. This film is a good addition to the family home video library along  with the first film. It has just the correct admixture of comedy, thoughtful action toward family, and the homeless. Watch for a terrific scene in a toy store that finds fulfillment later in the movie. Macaulay Culkin reprises his role as Kevin McCallister. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy gets separated from his family and lands in New York as an unaccompanied minor. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer John Hughes for making the film possible. Cast includes: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Tim Curry, Brenda Fricker, and Catherine O’Hara. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. WOW! It’s a good holiday tradition watch film. It plays well for youth and adult audiences. young and old alike. Heavy slapstick humor delivers a treasure chest of wonder, fun, and laughter. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers