BEETHOVEN’S 4TH (Released to DVD USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven’s 4th—cute, simple family film—is not as good as the predecessor films in the Beethoven series.  This movie serves at the level of an afternoon, fill-in-some-time watch while doing other activities. The presentation is okay and its overall campiness makes the film better than it would have been.  Art Lafleur is an interesting casting choice as the obedience trainer for dogs. Judge Reinhold reprises his role from the last film. It’s interest factor runs around the contrasting personalities of the two Saint Bernard dogs and the two different families they come from. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This story is about a large St. Bernard who goes to obedience school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Joe Pichler, Michaela Gallo, Matt McCoy, Veanne Cox, Mark Lindsay Chapman, Nick Meaney, Natalie Marston, and Art Lafleur.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a simple afternoon watch with an easy-on-the-mind storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

BEETHOVEN'S 3RD (DVD Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven's 3rd—simple and somewhat predictable—tells a sweet story that is suitable for a family share night. It’s a treat to see Judge Reinhold in this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family leases a motorhome for a family vacation and they take a large St. Bernard dog along. 

Additional Thanks 

^{Thank you to Director Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Bixler and Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Michaela Gallo, Joe Pichler, Michael Ciccolini, Jamie Marsh, Frank Gorshin, and Danielle Keaton.} 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This family-friendly movie is both a good and suitable film for the afternoon watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause—suitable to okay film—does not use the talents of Martin Short well. The camera work and presentation are suitable, but not outstanding. It's good to see Tim Allen suiting up for the holiday season again. The conclusion of the story is novel and quite unexpected.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Jack Frost (Martin Short) makes his play for the position of Santa Claus (Tim Allen) and introduces his personal vision for the direction the North Pole should take for its sustainability as a commercial product.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Lembeck for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers James Miller and William W. Wilson III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), Mrs. Claus/Carol (Elizabeth Mitchell), Charlie (Eric Lloyd), Neil Miller (Judge Reinhold), Laura Miller (Wendy Crewson), Curtis (Spencer Breslin), Lucy Miller (Liliana Mumy), Sylvia Newman (Ann-Margaret), Bud Newman (Alan Arkin), Trish (Abigail Breslin), and Tooth Fairy (Art LaFleur).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is worth one viewing to finish the series. But, better choices for holiday movies are: A Christmas Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and for the Teen/Adult audience—El Camino Christmas. It is a suitable film overall and also is the last film in the series. Look for Ann Margaret's performance in the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE SANTA CLAUSE (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Clause—a good, clean holiday flick for the preteen and adult audience—weighs in at the lovable and imaginative level. Tim Allen has the perfect charisma for the part of Santa Claus. Watch for Judge Reinhold as character Dr. Neil Miller and the late Peter Boyle as Mr. Whittle.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Santa Claus slips from Scott Calvin’s (Tim Allen) roof and disappears into the front yard’s snow-covered lawn. When Scott dons Santa’s red coat, he begins metamorphosing into Santa’s successor.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John Pasquin for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baker, Rick Messina, and James Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Santa Claus (Tim Allen), Dr. Neil Miller (Judge Reinhold), Laura Calvin Miller (Wendy Crewson), Charlie Calvin (Eric Lloyd), Bernard the Elf (David Krumholtz), Detective Nunzio (Larry Brandenburg), Miss Daniels (Mary Gross), Judy the Elf (Paige Tamada), Mr. Whittle (Peter Boyle), Susan Perry (Judith Scott), Judy the Waitress (Jayne Eastwood), and Sarah the Little Girl (Melissa King).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Refreshing holiday entertainment piece has great stage sets for each scene. The cast has been well-chosen for a quite pleasing film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Claus 2 extends the story from 1994's The Santa Claus movie. The best part of this movie are the elves and an animated reindeer. It's an okay, rather charming, holiday watch for families. Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Photos

Storyline  Santa begins losing weight and his Santa abilities. He starts turning into a regular person. He is informed that he needs to find a Mrs. Clause. if he wants to continue to be Santa Clause Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Lembeck for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baker, Rick Messina, James Miller, and William W. Wilson III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, David Krumholtz, Eric Lloyd, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Spencer Breslin, Liliana Mumy, Danielle Woodman, Art LaFleur, Aisha Tyler, Kevin Pollak, and Jay Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story is cute and makes a good natured holiday watch for families.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers