THE SMURFS: 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE SMURFY (Released to Television USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Smurfs: 'Tis the Season to Be Smurfy—cute, short, animated film—has a simple, straight forward story that teaches a heart-felt lesson about helping those in need. The concept is sound. The story is well-written.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A puppet salesman cannot sell puppets. He needs to provide a good Christmas for his ailing wife. The Smurfs come to help.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ray Patterson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Barbera, William Hanna, and Freddy Monnickendam for making the film possible. Cast includes  Charlie Adler, Lucille Bliss, William Callaway, Hamilton Camp, Julie McWhirter, Jeff Doucette, Bernard Erhard, June Foray, Justin Gocke, Danny Goldman,  Kip King, Don Messick, Pat Musick, Noelle North, Alan Oppenheimer, William Schallert, Les Tremayne, Peggy Webber, Frank Welker, and Jonathan Winters. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The movie represents the Smurf stories well with this cute story.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

ROBOTS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Robots—original and fun—is a super terrific film to watch to catch its many, many references to famous movies, television ads, and dialogue lines one of which is James Bond’s line, “Shaken, Not Stirred.” The animation is terrific and the movie uses recognizable voicing that also increases its likability factor. The movie does get a little sleepy as it winds down to its conclusion but it maintains its watch-ability status. Listen for Robin Williams’ voice as the character, Fender. Wow! What a treat. This movie is great for the Child/Adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The son of a robot family matures into a robot who wants to be an inventor.   

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Wedge for directing effort. Carlos Saldanha for his co-direcing efforts, Thank you to Jerry Davis, John C. Donkin, and William Joyce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Paula Abdul, Lucille Bliss, Terry Bradshaw, Jim Broadbent, Mel Brooks, Amanda Byrnes, Drew Carey, Jennifer Coolidge, Dylan and Will Denton, Marshall Efron, Damien Fahey, Lowell Ganz,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The wind down (conclusion) is not unwatchable but is not up to par and needs improvement. Overall, the  movie is a wonderful film and serves as a great child/adult share movie. It’s fresh, creative, and got great presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers