HOODWINKED (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Hoodwinked—Red Riding Hood as it should have been told in the first place—turns into a terrific entertainment choice for both child and adult. It’s a high quality entertainment ride all the way. Terrific voicing, terrific dialogue, terrific animation, an absolute winner. Don’t miss it.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Granny’s (voice of Glenn Close) terrific recipes are at risk and it’s up to Red Puckett (voice of Anne Hathaway) to save the family’s fabulous secret recipes from commercialization.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Cory Edwards for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Maurice Kanbar, David K. Lovegren, Sue Bea Montgomery, and Preston Stutzman for making the film possible. Cast include: James Belushi, Patrick Warburton, David Ogden Stiers, Xzibit, Cory Edwards, and Andy Dick.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great child/adult share that provides equal entertainment value for both audiences.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANGELS IN THE INFIELD (Released to ABC USA 2000)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Angels in the Infield—okay—gets off to a rough start with its reliance on several tropes that lead to weak portrayal and presentation. Know that this movie does get better toward its conclusion but the collage made from other Hollywood-built movies has definitely hindered its ability to shine. Expect an easy-on-the-mind film that can be a family-share movie with no hidden surprises. It is a television-released film so do not expect the quality of a  theatrically-released movie. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  A baseball player's ex-wife leaves his daughter with him. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Robert King for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roger Birnbaum for making the film possible. Cast includes Patrick Warburton, Britt Irvin, Kurt Fuller, Rebecca Jenkins, Duane Davis, Beau Starr, Colin Foxx, Peter Keleghan, Dan Duran, and David Alan Grier.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It does not have a high quality portrayal or presentation. The acting is okay to suitable. This is the last film in this series.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Emperor’s New Groove—excellent, clean, wholesome, animated family movie—creates a ‘no foul found here’ entertainment experience. Well scripted and well voiced, it allows gentle realization that decisions are best made when thinking of the impact on others.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Emperor Kuzco (voice of David Spade) wants to build a water park for his eighteenth birthday atop a mountain that houses impoverished llama herder, Pacha (voice of John Goodman). Emperor Kuzco, transformed into a llama, learns a few things about loyalty and friendship while Pacha learns patience and forgiveness for persons outside his cultural group in a comical romp that is quite satisfying from start to finish.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Dindal for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Don Hahn for making the film possible. Additional voice casting include: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, and Wendie Malick.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A wonderful film for the child/adult share, with a fabulous story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNDERDOG (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.5|5.0 Starsìì

Underdog becomes a fair to middling family movie with the predictable happy ending. James Belushi seems miscast and does not perform with his usual style in this film; the script needs significant improvement to raise the quality of the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Underdog (Jason Lee), a beagle serving the police department, makes a mistake that results in him being ‘on the streets’. He is picked up and transported to an experimentation laboratory. When he tries to escape, he overturns chemicals which give him super powers of strength, hearing, speed, and smell. A retired policeman finds him and the story begins.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frederik Du Chau for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Todd Arnow, Eric Ellenbogen, and Bob Higgins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shoeshine (voice of Jason Lee), Dr. Simon Barsinister (Peter Dinklage), Dan Unger (James Belushi), Cad (Patrick Warburton), Jack (Alex Neuberger), Molly (Taylor Momsen), Mayor (John Slattery), Polly (voice of Amy Adams), and Riff Raff (voice of Brad Garrett).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a good, clean children’s flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers