I WAS A 7th GRADE DRAGON SLAYER* (Released to DVD USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì 

I was a 7^th Grade Dragon Slayer—weak—is a good example of a movie that needs an all around upgrade. The camerawork is, at best, television quality, not movie quality, with too much lighting in many of the daytime scenes. It is not a good quality choice for family home entertainment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young teenage boy and his friends try to prove that card game characters have some validity in reality.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Lauer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ryil Adamson, and Gavin Gillette for making the film possible. Cast includes Lea Thompson, Hunter Allan, Eric Lutes, Richard Sellers, Abby Victor, Ryan Bradley Norris, Jordan Reynolds, Amy Pietz, Andy Lauer, and Wendie Malick.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film regularly uses product and famous person references to 'beef up' its story but its not done in a subliminal manner. The movie needs a rewrite, better portrayal, trained actors, and improved lighting for its camerawork.

 *Also known as: The Adventures of a Teenage Dragonslayer

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES (Released to Theaters USA 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Beverly Hillbillies—has its own interpretation of the original Beverly Hillbillies television series and its own upgraded comedy. It’s pleasant to hear the movie concluding with Jerry Scoggins singing the Hillbillies theme song the Ballad of Jed Clampett, accompanied by Lester Flatt and substitution of Bèla Fleck for Lester Flatt. Watch for an almost unrecognizable Jim Varney as the elderly Clampett. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Hillbillies strike oil and take their newfound wealth to Beverly Hills, California. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Penelope Spheeris for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Ian Bryce and Penelope Spheeris for making the film possible. Cast includes Jim Varney, Diedrich Bader, Erika Eleniak, Cloris Leachman, Lily Tomlin, Lea Thompson, Rob Schneider, Dabney Coleman, Penny Fuller, Kevin Connolly, Linda Carlson, Lyman Ward, and Leann Hunley. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This interpretation of the Beverly Hillbillies television show has its moments of comedy and really tries to earn its watch. It has upgraded its storyline to fit more modern times than the original series. It’s a light afternoon watch that takes little emotional or intellectual involvement.   

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers