ROYAL WEDDING (Released to Theaters USA 1951)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Royal Wedding—perfect family watch—has a misleading title. Watch for terrific Fred Astaire dance routines. The pacing is well done in this film. The presentation and portrayal are very well done.  Film poster courtesy of Google Images Storyline A stage performing duo, a man and his sister, travel the world to perform song/dance routines.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Stanley Donen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur Freed for making the film possible. Cast includes Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peter Lawford, Sarah Churchill, Keenan Wynn, and Albert Sharpe Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. A great watch for families that accesses the talents of Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, and Peter Lawford to tell a great story that is both clean and conducted well. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

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

SON OF FLUBBER (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Son of Flubber—sequel to The Absent-Minded Professor—runs on a  simple, fun, and goofy theme. Fred MacMurray reprises his role as Professor Ned Brainard. While its not a great story and does not have a terrific presentation, it still serves as an easy-on-the-mind watch that does not require a great deal of audience emotional involvement to enjoy. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a professor’s attempts to get an invention approved by the US Government. The expected revenue does not materialize and he works on another invention.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Ed Wynn, Charles Ruggles, Leon Ames, Ken Murray, William Demarest, Paul Lynd, Elliott Reid, Bob Sweeney, Joanna Moore and Edward Andrews. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a clean, decent, afternoon watch that contains its fair share of comical dialogue. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE WAR WAGON (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The War Wagon—one of John Wayne’s better films—is told well and presented well. The story, as are many westerns, does not reach classic status, but does receive a higher score than most westerns because Wayne, by this date, has completely matured as an actor with a strong, visible, dominating screen presence. Kirk Douglas plays as co-actor. The duo make a great team. Watch for other classic actors: Bruce Cabot, Bruce Dern, Howard Keel, and Keenan Wynn. It’s an honest watch and deserves addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A rancher, after release from prison, desires return of his property. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Burt Kennedy for making the film possible. Thank you to Producer Marvin Schwartz for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Howard Keel, Robert Walker Jr., Bruce Cabot, Keenan Wynn, and Joanna Barnes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its age, this movie is more than worth watching. It has lost none of its entertainment value through the years. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers