THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH (Released to Theaters USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Phantom Tollbooth—creative and complicated—seems built more for the older teen and adult viewer due to its storyline which will be understood by an older viewer but leave the younger viewer with animation and no comprehendible story. There is a crossover between live action and animation that is fresh and exceptionally well done in the beginning scenes and ending scenes. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A boy enters a tollbooth and encounters two kings, one who thinks that letters are the most important and the other thinks that numbers are the most important. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Chuck Jones, Abe Levitow, and Dave Monahan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Chuck Jones for making the film possible. Cast includes Butch Patrick, Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, Candy Candido, Hans Conried, June Foray, Patti Gilbert, Shepard Menken, Cliff Norton, Larry Thor, and Les Tremayne.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, the movie is a creative offering for the older audience and presents concepts that are uniquely handled.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GIFT WRAPPED (Released to Theaters USA 1952)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Gift Wrapped—short animated film—involves Sylvester, Granny, and Tweety Bird. It's cute and worth watching. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline On Christmas Day Sylvester the Cat finds his present is a toy mouse but finds Granny has a cage with a real bird in it.  Additional Thanks Thank you to I. Freleng for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward Selzer and John Burton  for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc and Bea Benaderet with Narrator Daws Butler.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Cute and beguiling...well-timed and written...it makes a sweet, quick watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers