THE ROAD TO EL DORADO (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Road to El Dorado—good animated movie, worth watching—turns into a decent child/adult share movie.

Storyline

Two wanted men, Tulio (voice by Kevin Kline) and Miguel (voice by Kenneth Branagh), win a map from some tough guys and head to the New World to find the legendary El Dorado.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Eric ‘Bibo’ Bergeron, Will Finn, Don Paul, David Silverman, and Jeffrey Katzenberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Jeffery Katzenberg and Co-executive Producer Bill Damaschke for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez, Armande Assante, Edward James Olmos, and Jim Cummings.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A magical and adventuresome film for everyone 10+ age.  Good animation with a worthy storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CASTLE IN THE SKY (Theatrical Release Japan 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

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Castle in the Sky is a very creative film, tells a great story that is almost re-watchable,  and works the 'shrouded in mystery' theme quite well. The film works at a highly imaginative level. It is a wonderful watch overall.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The young girl, Sheeta’s (voice of Anna Paquin) airship is under attack by Dola (voice of Cloris Leachman). Sheeta crawls out a ship window, tries to scale a beam, trips, and falls. But, a necklace around her neck gently floats her to a town where Pazu (voice of James Van Der Beek) lives. Sheeta learns that the necklace is made of a stone that keeps cities afloat in the upper atmosphere. Through a series of adventures, Sheeta arrives in Laputa, one of these floating sky cities.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing efforts. Thank you to Planners Hideo Ogata, and Tatsumi, Thank you to Executive Producer Yasuyoshi Tokuma, Producer Isao Takahata,  Animation Producer Tôru Hara, for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman, Mark Hamill, Richard Dysart, Jim Cummings, John Hosetter,Michael McShane, Mandy Patinkin, Andy Dick, Corey Burton, Tress McNeille,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie's meaning develops throughout its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING (Released to DVD USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning—prequel story to The Little Mermaid stories—is the third release in the film series. The movie works as a suitable children's watch with its inside story of Ariel from her childhood to her adulthood. The movie serves at a little higher level of quality than part 2. The film has good/suitable voiceovers, acting, presentation, and portrayal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  

Storyline 

Music is banned in Atlantica.  

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Peggy Holmes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter, and Producer Kendra Haaland for making the film possible. Cast includes: .Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Jim Cummings, Sally Field, Parker Goris, Tara Strong, Jennifer Hale, Grey Griffin, Jeff Bennett, Kari Wahlgren, Lorelei Hill Butters, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Rob Paulsen.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie works for children. Adults may choose to watch with their children, but not find the interest that can be found in other animated features like Tangled or Zootopia. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

  

A GOOFY MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

A Goofy Movie—fun, animated ‘take’ on Dad/Son bonding—creates a good, 78-minute, child/adult ‘share’ film. Lots of mishaps and miscommunications as Goofy (voiced by Bill Farmer) endeavors to relive and revive old experiences with his son Max Goof (voiced by Jason Marsden). The usual final crisis and crossroad decision are successfully navigated through compromise and life goes on, none the better or worse for the effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kevin Lima directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Dan Rounds for making the film possible. Additional character/cast include: Pete (voice of Jim Cummings), P.J. Pete (voice of Rob Paulsen), Roxanne (voice of Kellie Martin), Principal Mazur (voice of Wallace Shawn), and Bigfoot (voice of Frank Welker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A wonderful movie for anyone who wants a great Disney film and one of their better animated pictures to watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers