SWEETWATER (Released to Internet USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Sweetwater—biopic—works like a movie made for television rather than a true theatrical release. Even though this movie highlights significant events in this professional's life, it does not provide a high quality, in-depth look at his contributions to the professional basketball game and to the changes that he played in how to play the game. It is written and presented, not as an inspirational story, but as a fact-driven story. It is like all the emotional appeal has been vacuumed out and one is left with a raw, unstimulating piece of art work. Watch for Jeremy Piven, Richard Dreyfuss, and Cary Elwes. Their efforts to act in this movie are shaped by the borders that define it with no access to the free spirit that allows any creativity.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A biopic about Nathaniel 'Sweetwater' Clifton, one of the Globetrotters' basketball players.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Martin Guigui for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Josi W. Konski, Tim Moore, Daniel Moorman, and Dahlia Waingort Guigui. Cast includes Everett Osborne, Cary Elwes, Jeremy Piven, Richard Dreyfuss, and Kevin Pollak.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It's a biopic that shows significant events in Nat 'Sweetwater' Clifton's life and his contributions, not only to the Globetrotters, but to changing the way basketball is played and who is allowed to play in national championship games. The movie itself seems shallowly done and provides little depth to its narrative. 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