THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water—starts well but loses steam after that—runs slow. Children will like it; adults will find it less interesting than the first movie.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline SpongeBob is trying to pry the Krabby Patty secret formula from Plankton hands and it vanishes.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Paul Tibbett for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Tibbett and Mary Parent for making the film possible. Cast members include Antonio Banderas, Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, and Matt Berry. Buy a ticket?  Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is not as good as the first film and is not a sequel to the first film. It is a new story that stands alone. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Surviving Christmas—off beat comedy—that, despite its very good cast, does not 'pull its weight' to produce real comedy.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb  Storyline A man, at odds with his girlfriend, has a recommendation given him to remove past regrets. Getting rid of past regrets 'gets out of hand' when he hires the family living in his childhood home to be his temporary family over the holidays.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jenno Topping and Betty Thomas for making the film possible. Cast includes Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate, and Catherine O'Hara.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a Ben Affleck film, but not one of his best films. Be aware there are scenes or references that are not family friendly. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

KUNG FU PANDA 4 (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Kung Fu Panda 4—fourth film in this DreamWorks' series—tries to keep the quality of the third film in place, but this movie lacks the spirit of the third series' film. While it is much more fun than DreamWorks 2023 release of Ruby Gillman, the Teenage Kracken, it still borders on the edge of its final acid test. Voice actors reprise their roles and the animation maintains its quality. Overall, the movie earns its money and time for viewing.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   Po fights a shape shifting, villainous chameleon who wants all power. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Executive Producer Mike Mitchell and Co-Director Stephanie Stine for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Rebecca Huntley for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, and Seth Rogen. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, this is a good child/adult share movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SHREK FOREVER AFTER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Shrek Forever After—cliched—leaves the viewer with the feeling ‘I’ve seen this before’ except with fewer ogres, witches, and a lot less Rumpelstiltskin.  It feels like producers needed a film to conclude the series, threw this together, and sent it out. The story seems an odd way to end the series. But it is entertaining and works for an every-man audience. Good Halloween watch for October. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

Rumpelstiltskin interferes with Shrek’s life and Shrek has to find his way back to a better life with Fiona. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gina Shay and Teresa Cheng for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Walt Dohrn, Jane Lynch, Jon Hamm, Craig Robinson, Luke Bell, Mary Kay Place, Kathy Griffin, and Kristen Schaal. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the first Shrek movie is the gold-star watch. If one is a diehard Shrek fan, this movie will suit but it lacks the quality of Shrek 2 and Shrek 3. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers