THE CROODS: A NEW AGE (Released to Theaters USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Croods: A New Age—good movie—gets better as it moves into meeting the Betterman family and picks up pace when everyone discovers the reason behind not eating bananas. The film is a great child/adult share movie from DreamWorks. Thank you to all involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The  Croods look for a new home where life will be more comfortable. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joel Crawford for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Mark Swift for making the film possible. Cast includes Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke, Leslie Mann, Peter Dinklage, Kelly Marie Tran, Kailey Crawford, Chris Sanders, James Ryan, Gabriel Jack, and Melissa Disney,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                         

Yes. The film improves as it moves along and ends on a lovable high note. Even better than the first Croods movie, it earns its watch as a child/adult share movie and its place in the family home video library. Listen for the voice of Nicolas Cage reprising his role as Grug.  Great work for all involved.

 Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

17 AGAIN (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

17 Again highlights the personable Zac Efron’s acting skill. It’s one of his best films since High School Musical and emphasizes him as a high-profile actor. It’s good to see Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, and Jim Gaffigan in the movie.  The basic storyline of this film is not new and not creative, but the message has been so skillfully woven into the dialogue and timing of the scenes that the movie serves at a much higher level than others that have dealt with this subject matter. The resolution is better and seems to reflect a reality nearer to truth than similarly made films. It’s a refreshing watch and a good holiday watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man gets his wish to go back and make a few different choices in life, thinking it will change his current place in life. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Burr Steers for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot for making the film possible. Cast includes: Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Tyler Steelman, Allison Miller, Sterling Knight, Michelle Trachtenberg, Adam Gregory, and Hunter Parrish.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a surprisingly well-written Zac Efron film.  Although not a new or fresh film idea it has been presented in such a way that leaves a powerful message about first love, keeping marriages together, and keeping priorities straight in life. Great watch for late teens and adults. Provides good after-viewing discussion material.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers