THE MUSIC MAN (Released to DVD 2003)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  The Music Man—television remake—bases its story on the 1962 theatrical motion picture which originally appeared as a Broadway play in the late 1950s. The Wonderful World of Disney released this Matthew Broderick film in Season 47 Episode 11 and then it was taken as a stand alone movie. This Matthew Broderick film is a musical and a good one at that. This is filmed like a television release, almost like a sitcom in some places. Watch for a very good performance by Matthew Broderick and the rest of the cast.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline  A conman unifies a small town through promises of a town band.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Co-Executive Producer Jeff Bleckner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Neil Meron and Craig Zadan and Producer John M. Ekert, for making the film possible. cast includes: Matthew Broderick, Kristen Chenoweth, Victor Garber, Debra Monk, Molly Shannon, David Aaron Baker, Clyde Alves, Cameron Adams, Cameron Monaghan, Linda Kash, and Patrick McKenna,  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Good character development and a fresh, creatively written story make this a good watch. Good work by all involved in production.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION KING 1 1/2 (Released to Video USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Lion King 1 ½—improvement to the second film in the series—starts the prequel to the first Lion King presentation. It is the Lion King as seen through the eyes of Timon and Pumbaa. This is a good movie with a solid story, portrayal, and nicely done animation. The voice actors are well chosen. Several voice actors reprise their roles. This is a good watch for children and adults will find it charming. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Timon tries to find his calling and a perfect place to call home. He meets a Warthog named Pumbaa. They begin a friendship through shared adventures and experiences.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Bradley Raymond for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sandra Beerenbrock, Laurel Betts, George A. Mendoza, Ilaine Navea, Jason VanBorssum, Julie Vieillemaringe and Associate Producer Michael Paxton for making the film possible. Cast include Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Julie Kavner, Jerry Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Robert Guillaume, Moira Kelly, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cheech Marin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie can be re-watched easily and makes a good addition to the family home library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION KING II: SIMBA'S PRIDE (Released to VHS USA 1998)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride—okay, not terrific—works more for the child audience than the adult audience. The story runs on an 'I've seen this too many times before' theme. The script seems almost thrown together and one thinks: ‘REALLY! Is this what this story is about?’ The animation is drawn. The theme is not clear. It is a sequel running off the steam of its prequel engine and it cannot quite make it to the end of the tracks where the station house is located.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Darrell Rooney and Co-Director Rob Deluca for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew Broderick, Neve Campbell, Andy Dick, Robert Guillaume, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, and Nathan Lane. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It may work for children but for adults this film can be skipped.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers