THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (Theatrical Release UK 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The World Is Not Enough—introduces a modernity that moves Bond into the computer age with welcome new technological gadgetry. Desmond Llewellyn, as Q, makes the statement that he is retiring from M16 which will leave room for the introduction of John Cleese as Q in the 2002 release of Die Another Day, which will be Pierce Brosnan’s last James Bond film. It will take four years to find a replacement for Brosnan. Eon Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer will find Daniel Craig for Casino Royale and the James Bond series will be back in business. This film serves the James Bond series in a predictable manner and is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) protects Elektra King (Sophie Marceau), the daughter of assassinated Sir Robert King (David Calder), who has plans of her own.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Apted for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Renard (Robert Carlyle), Dr. Christmas Jones (Denise Richards), Valentin Zukovsky (Robbie Coltrane), M (Judi Dench), Q (Desmond Llewelyn), R (John Cleese), Cigar Girl (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), Miss Moneypenny (Samantha Bond), Bill Tanner (Michael Kitchen), Charles Robinson (Colin Salmon), Bullion (Goldie), Dr. Molly Warmflash (Serena Scott Thomas), Davidov (Ulrich Thomsen), Gabor (John Seru), Colonel Akakievich (Claude Oliver Rudolph), and Lachaise (Patrick Malahide).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film moves along well and is worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE VERY EXCELLENT MR. DUNDEE (Released to the Internet Australia 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee—comical—earns a watch. Typical Paul Hogan fare that provides his unique flavor that audiences grew to love in his entertainment. This movie is by no means perfect but it is a satisfying watch especially for audiences who wish there would have been more output from this actor from 'down under.'  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Paul Hogan tries to live a normal life, but his movie life gets in the way.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Dean Murphy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dean Murphy and Nigel Odell for making the film possible. Cast includes Paul Hogan, Chevy Chase, and John Cleese.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good Paul Hogan movie and worth a watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE (DVD Release World-Wide 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure—fair holiday entertainment—performs slightly higher  than Beethoven’s Big Break (2008), part 6 in the Beethoven movie series. Choosing personable Kyle Massey from the That’s So Raven television series makes this movie work at a higher level. The presentation? Good. The portrayal could improve but is suitable. The interaction between the animals and the elf works well. Watch for Kim Rhodes from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody television series. The movie serves as afternoon holiday entertainment fare that can be shared by the child and adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This family holiday film is about an elf who loses Santa’s magic gift bag. Beethoven comes to the rescue and a stray dog provides additional information to solve the case. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Putch for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lisa Gooding Producer Jeff Feilich Co- Porducer Ellen Rutter and Line Producer Daniel Hank for making the film possible.  Cast includes: John Cleese, Munro Chambers, Kim Rhodes, Jan Skene, Candace Smith, Robert Picardo, Curtis Armstrong, Kyle Massey, John O’Hurley, and Ryan Miller. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as fair holiday entertainment for an afternoon watch.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SHREK FOREVER AFTER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Shrek Forever After—cliched—leaves the viewer with the feeling ‘I’ve seen this before’ except with fewer ogres, witches, and a lot less Rumpelstiltskin.  It feels like producers needed a film to conclude the series, threw this together, and sent it out. The story seems an odd way to end the series. But it is entertaining and works for an every-man audience. Good Halloween watch for October. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

Rumpelstiltskin interferes with Shrek’s life and Shrek has to find his way back to a better life with Fiona. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gina Shay and Teresa Cheng for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Walt Dohrn, Jane Lynch, Jon Hamm, Craig Robinson, Luke Bell, Mary Kay Place, Kathy Griffin, and Kristen Schaal. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the first Shrek movie is the gold-star watch. If one is a diehard Shrek fan, this movie will suit but it lacks the quality of Shrek 2 and Shrek 3. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLOCKWISE (Theatrical Release UK 1986)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Clockwise—light British comedic romp, John Cleese style—serves a solid, predictable, well-written story that gets the job done.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

A headmaster from the lower schools receives an invitation to be recognized by the higher, more prestigious schools.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Morahan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Michael Codron for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Brian Stimpson (John Cleese), Pat (Penelope Wilton), Gwenda Stimpson (Alison Steadman), Mr. Jolly (Stephen Moore), Laura Wisely (Sharon Maiden), Headmaster (Benjamin Whitrow, Geoffrey Palmer, Peter Cellier, Nicholas Le Provost), Mrs. Trellis (Joan Hickson), Mrs. Wisely (Pat Keen), and Mrs. Wheel (Constance Chapman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie offers simple entertainment suitable for a light, sleepy, afternoon watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers