BEETHOVEN'S 5TH (DVD Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven's 5th is the odd story within the Beethoven franchise. It does not follow the usual Beethoven story format and seems quite amateurish in its presentation. Everything is okay, not good, but low budget. There are some great actors in the movie, but this film does not allow them a gold standard performance.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Beethoven travels to Quicksilver, a town known for its old mercury mine, ghosts, the death of two robbers, and lost stolen goods. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Griffiths for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer/Producer Mike Elliot  and Line Producer Joseph P. Genier, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dave Thomas, Faith Ford, Daveigh Chase, Tom Poston, Katherine Helmond, Sammy Kahn, Richard Riehle, Clint Howard, Kathy Griffin, John Larroquette, Rodman Flender, Tina Illman Tom Musgrave and Joel Hurt Jones. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The story is much different than the usual Beethoven stories. At the end of the movie, the audience may feel they have watched something with little substance to it. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE JUNGLE BOOK (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Jungle Book—not a lot of story to work with—manages to create a watchable movie due to the highly personable animated characters and the introduction of some terrific musical tunes with very good accompanying  lyrics. While not a message movie, it manages to convey some outstanding philosophical ideas that are better to absorb early-on in life rather than later. The exceptionally well-animated movie uses dated technology that, in this case, audiences may find welcome. It’s a good addition to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy raised in the jungle is trying to be saved from  the predatory tiger, Sher Khan. A black panther tries to take him to the man village to protect him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Reitherman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Bruce Rietherman, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, Louis Prima, J. Pat O’Malley, Verna Felton, Clint Howard, Chad Stuart, Lord Tim Hudson, John Abbott, Ben Wright, and Darleen Carr.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Thin, linear storyline introduces some classic, unbeatable music. Cute watch that supersedes the value of other remakes whether animated or live. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers