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

TITAN A.E. (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Titan A.E. uses well-chosen voice actors like Matt Damon, Drew Barrymore, Bill Pullman, Ron Perlman, and John Leguizamo. The animated story starts, lags, begins deepening the characters personalities, and then becomes complicated so that the audience can become confused between ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’.  There is a surprise conclusion that is quite unexpected and adds a twist to the whole story.. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This animated science fiction film is about earth’s destruction and the way the human population could be rebuilt. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Don Bluth and Gary Goldman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and David Kirschner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Bill Pullman, John Leguizamo, Nathan Lane, Janeane Garofalo, and Drew Barrymore. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s new in its presentation of an idea of how earth’s population could be reconstructed after total annihilation. It heavily relies on traditional science fiction themes of fighting against alien forces by less powerful humans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers