FANTASIA 2000 (Released to Theaters USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Fantasia 2000, released worldwide January 1, 2000 in IMAX theaters, stands on its feet as the paragon, the crème de la crème, the quintessence, the ne plus ultra, the iconic blueprint of artistic endeavor of classical music paired with animated imagery. This nonpareil sequel to the original 1949 Fantasia crowns all Disney achievements while sweeping the board with its inimitable arrangements. It is artistic imagination at its zenith. If you’ve been told that joy, happiness, and laughter are not tactile, think again. Disney, with Fantasia 2000, allows something almost outside of itself, three-dimensional, malleable like clay to slide from the big screen embracing, alluring, and seducing completely, finally, and totally. The only possible criticism that may have some validity for this work is that at 75 minutes of breathtaking entrancement, it’s far too short. Set in eight separate pieces, Roy E. Disney captured something that needs, at least, the length of a complete Carnegie Hall performance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Thank you to directors: James Algar, Gaëtan and Paul Brizzi, Hendel Butoy, Francis Glebas, Eric Goldberg, Don Hahn, and Pixote Hunt. Thank you to Executive Producer Roy E. Disney for making the film possible. Cast include: Leopold Stokowski, James Earl Jones, Penn Jillette, Teller, Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, Ralph Grierson, Angela Lansbury, Wayne Allwine, Kathleen Battle, Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, James Levine, Russi Taylor, and Tony Anselmo.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film deserves an uproar of BRAVO! ENCORE! with a long session of clapping. The music combined with the animation makes a wonderful, re-watchable movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION KING II: SIMBA'S PRIDE (Released to VHS USA 1998)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride—okay, not terrific—works more for the child audience than the adult audience. The story runs on an 'I've seen this too many times before' theme. The script seems almost thrown together and one thinks: ‘REALLY! Is this what this story is about?’ The animation is drawn. The theme is not clear. It is a sequel running off the steam of its prequel engine and it cannot quite make it to the end of the tracks where the station house is located.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Darrell Rooney and Co-Director Rob Deluca for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew Broderick, Neve Campbell, Andy Dick, Robert Guillaume, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, and Nathan Lane. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It may work for children but for adults this film can be skipped.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIELD OF DREAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Field of Dreams—superb concept—takes its audience on a connect-the-dots adventure that is worth its weight in gold. Kudos to Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan for giving this film its life and vibrancy. Thank you to James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and the late Burt Lancaster for showing us once again what great acting is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears a divine voice that instructs him to build a baseball field where his corn crop is growing and ‘he will come.’ Kinsella immediately complies and, despite one setback after another, unfolds a unique purpose for the baseball diamond that reveals itself bit by bit as he follows mysterious links that seem unrelated.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Phil Alden Robinson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Brian E. Frankish for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Annie Kinsella (Amy Madigan), Karin Kinsella ( Gaby Hoffmann), Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta), Mark (Timothy Busfield), Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), Dr. Archibald Graham (Burt Lancaster), Archie Graham (Frank Whaley), John Kinsella (Dwier Brown), Feed Store Farmer (James Andelin), Feed Store Lady (Mary Anne Kean), Annie’s Mother (Fern Persons), Dee (Kelly Coffield Park), Buck Weaver (Michael Milhoan), Eddie Cicotte (Steve Eastin), and Swede Risberg (Charles Hoyes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. This is an outstanding piece of entertainment. It is particularly refreshing to see the support the husband and wife give each other.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers