TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Tom and Jerry: The Movie—Nostalgia!—shows very well in its animation. Terrific to see the Tom and Jerry cat and mouse activity and to also be reminded of Spike the Bulldog as built into this movie’s story. The live action is problematic and detracts from the film. But it is good to see Michael Peña and the other live action characters, Patsy Ferran is an interesting actress choice for this movie. She will be looked for in other works to assess her handling of characters. The film also makes a reference to Droopy the Basset Hound which is quite welcome as another small trip down memory lane. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Tom wants to be a pianist and Jerry wants a new home and the adventure is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Chris DeFaria for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Tom, Jerry, Jordan Bolger, Rob Delany, Patsy Ferran, Pallavi Sharda, Colin Jost, Somi De Souza, Ajay Chhabra, Patrick Poletti, Janis Ahern, and Ken Jeong. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It brings back memories in a very big way and entertains with its animation techniques and storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along 2—same level of quality as the first Ride Along movie—is a bit ‘campy’ but the comical element overrides most presentation flaws. The movie ends with a good comical scene that is more than worth watching. Kevin Hart, as in the first film, seems a little over-the-top as a casting choice to pair with Ice Cube. But, it’s refreshing to have the comedic element available and to have the easy-on-the-mind presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A policeman desires to become a police detective and hopes for a recommendation from his future brother-in-law. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, and Bruce McGill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has comedy and action that works on the Ice Cube and Kevin Hart-style of interaction. It has enough chuckles to make it worth a watch and serves as an easy-on-the mind watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SCOOB! (Theatrical Release Germany 2020)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Scoob! is a simply written, animated story that fans of the Scooby-Doo films and television shows will enjoy. The presentation brings nostalgic emotions readily to the surface as it stays true to the original story theme. WOW! The animation, acting, and presentation work. The character, Fred Jones, has been slightly altered in facial features to give him a less chiseled look and a fuller face, but this will not be noticed by most fans.  Great work for Director Tony Cervone for keeping the flow of the film in place. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy adopts a young Great Dane and together, with three friends, they have a series of  adventures. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tony Cervone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Pam Coats and Allison Abbate for making the film possible. Cast includes: Will Forte, Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Kiersey Clemons, Ken Jeong, Tracy Morgan, Frank Welker, and Simon Cowell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Nicely portrays the beginning of Scooby-Doo’s relationship with Shaggy and the mystery fan club. The movie serves as a good child/adult share film and maintains expectations for anyone who loves the Scooby-Doo television series.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers