HERBIE RIDES AGAIN (Released to Theaters USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Herbie Rides Again—cute—is not quite as good as the previous film in this series, but still manages as a clean story for the whole family that noticeably wears the Walt Disney brand of family entertainment, It relies on Ken Berry (from Mayberry R.F.D.) to drive its story and has a good portrayal, presentation, and well-written story. This film belongs in the family home video library and makes a great family-share movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline                                                                                                                     

Herbie becomes involved in saving an elderly woman’s home from a greedy real estate developer.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bill Walsh for making the film possible. Cast includes Helen Hayes, Ken Berry, Stefanie Powers, John McIntire, Keenan Wynn, Huntz Hall, Ivor Barry, Dan Tobin, Vito Scotti. Raymond Bailey, Liam Dunn, Elaine Devry, Chuck McCann, and Richard X. Slattery,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch even though the original cast did not reprise their roles. This is an entirely new Herbie story that involves more mechanical objects with personalities of their own. But this does not hurt the film’s ability to deliver a family-worthy entertainment piece.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROOSTER COGBURN (Theatrical Release USA 1975)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rooster Cogburn—a John Wayne better film—forms its story to the mature character that Wayne used in his later films. Katharine Hepburn’s independent spiciness adds just the right offset to Wayne’s highly developed, dry approach to right and wrong. The nuances between Wayne and Hepburn will be much appreciated by western movie fans. Great work for Director Stuart Millar for bringing the best of both Wayne and Hepburn to the screen. The storyline is well developed. The camera work, presentation, and portrayal make it a fun watch for all audiences. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Rooster Cogburn needs to retrieve a load of nitroglycerin from thieves. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stuart Millar for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Hal Wallis for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Zerbe, Richard Jordan, John McIntire, Paul Koslo, Jack Colvin, Jon Lormer, Richard Romancito, Lane Smith, Warren Vanders, Strother Martin and Tommy Lee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a perfect film for John Wayne fans that compares favorably with True Grit in quality and workmanship. Thank you to all involved in making it a creditable movie to watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers