WHEN JEWS WERE FUNNY (Released to The Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

When Jews were Funny—a significant and well-done documentary film—contains terrific interviews with 37 of the best of our standup comedians including Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, Eugene Mirman, Bob Einstein, Andy Kindler, Shelley Berman, and David Steinberg. This is a good, informative watch, a winner of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alan Zweig believes Jews are not as funny now as in the past and attempts to prove his point with archival footage and live interviews with Jewish comedians.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alan Zweig for directing efforts. Kudos to Musical Composer Michael Zweig for outstanding musical accompaniment Thank you to Executive Producer Perry Rosemond for making the film possible. Cast include: Marc Maron, Shelley Berman, Rodney Dangerfield, Howie Mandel, Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Einstein, Eugene Mirman, Jack Carter, Judy Gold, Norm Crosby, Andy Kindler, Alan King, Shecky Greene, Jackie Mason, David Steinberg, Elon Gold, Henny Youngman, Aaron Berg), and David Brenner.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary is highly entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES (Released to VHS USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Aladdin and the King of Thieves—terrific one-liners—has an exceptionally likeable genie. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  Aladdin is getting married to Jasmine, but is interrupted by the Forty Thieves.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director/Producer Tad Stones for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes:Val Bettin, Jim Cummings, Gilbert Gottfried, Linda Larkin, Jerry Orbach, John Rhys-Davies, Scott Weinger, Frank Welker, and Robin Williams.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This a suitable film and it contains some back story on Aladdin.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

ALADDIN 2: THE RETURN OF JAFAR (Released to VHS USA 1994)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aladdin 2: The Return of Jafar—lost the first Aladdin movie's vibrancy—has a weaker script and portrayal. The movie presentation and its animation  work at the suitable to good level. The casting voices are well-chosen. This film serves the child's audience more than the adult audience.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Aladdin is in the palace now. Jafar does not want to be a genie anymore and wants to be back in the palace.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Toby Shelton, Tad Stone, Alan Zaslove for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Tad Stone, Alan Zaslove, Assistant Producer Jessica Koplos, Associate Producer Maia Matisse, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Alexander, Johnathan Freeman, Jeff Bennett, Gilbert Gottfried, Val Bettin, Brad Kane, Liz Callaway,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. It is interesting but it seems that the writers were at loss to make something work because of the success of the first film  and were not sure how to continue the story. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers