101 DALMATIANS (Released to Theatrical USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

101 Dalmatians is a little short in time length, but makes up for that in its Wow! factor. This movie is a great, live-action remake of the animated movie of the same name. The terrific acting of Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil makes this movie work beyond expectations. She creates an unforgettable character. Her henchmen, acted by Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie, are perfectly rendered. Watch for some of the best costuming of any film from 2009. Kudos to the Rosemary Burrows and Anthony Powell costuming department.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) desires the spotted fur from Dalmatian puppies to make clothing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edward S. Feldman and Bill Ryan for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, and Alonzo Tim McInnerny.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script by John Hughes is well-written and makes a good, solid foundation for Director Stephen Herek to perform the magic that makes this film one that can be watched over and over by the child and adult. It’s a good home library addition.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DINOSAUR (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Dinosaur—intriguing storyline—lacks the WOW! factor of a truly great animated movie. It serves a 10-year-old child watch better than the younger set as the latter may feel a little uneasy about some thematic elements. The film seems almost bland at times despite its good storyline. The animation still serves current audiences. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This animated film is about: the last of a dinosaur species is adopted by a lemur family. A meteor crashes into earth causing the two species to cross to the mainland looking for a home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Pam Marsden for making the film possible. Cast includes: D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, Ossie Davis, Max Casella, Hayden Panettiere, Samuel E. Wright, Julianna Margulies, Peter Siragusa, Joan Plowright, and Della Reese. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  

 Yes. This movie may remind audiences of The Land Before Time animated movie series. However, the movie's storyline is more intriguing and makes it worth watching. It works on a more realistic presentation than Land Before Time.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers