MONSTERS VS. ALIENS (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Monsters VS Aliens—despite its lack of strong character development—has enough ‘boom and bang’ special effects to override its rather small storyline to take it into the worth viewing class. Some flaws in the movie are: transitions between why a non-threatening Ginormica (voice of Reese Witherspoon) is immediately thrust into a government facility with  other facility ‘monsters’ and a poor establishment of her relationship to other inmates. It will be interesting to see how screenplay writers Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon improve the sequel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A meteorite hits Susan Murphy (voice of Reese Witherspoon) on her wedding day and she turns into a giant who immediately becomes government property.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Robert Letterman and Conrad Vernon for directing efforts. Thank you to Lisa Stewart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ginormica (voice of Reese Witherspoon), B.O.B. (voice of Seth Rogen), Dr. Cockroach Ph.D. (voice of Hugh Laurie), The Missing Link (voice of Will Arnett), General W.R. Monger (voice of Kiefer Sutherland), Gallaxhar (voice of Rainn Wilson), President Hathaway (voice of Stephen Colbert), Wendy Murphy (voice of Julie
White), Carl Murphy (voice of Jeffrey Tambor), Derek Dietl (voice of Paul Rudd), and Computer (voice of Amy Poehler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a fair to middling piece of animation for children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Theatrical release USA 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Three Musketeers—good concept—pits the brashness of youth against the experience of seasoned warriors to make a good watch but, unfortunately, is not ‘up to par’ with most Disney productions. Some scenes seem a little overdone while others are not realistic enough for this movie. The movie can be a bit ‘campy’, but also has its comical scenes and has a happy ending. Be aware that the film has some suggestive scenes. 

Film poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man desires to be a part of the three musketeers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joe Roth and Roger Bimbaum for making rhe film possible. Cast includes: Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O’Donnell, Oliver Platt, Tim Curry, and Rebecca De Mornay. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It‘s an okay watch, but seems weak and not one tailored for most Disney audiences. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers