HERBIE RIDES AGAIN (Released to Theaters USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Herbie Rides Again—cute—is not quite as good as the previous film in this series, but still manages as a clean story for the whole family that noticeably wears the Walt Disney brand of family entertainment, It relies on Ken Berry (from Mayberry R.F.D.) to drive its story and has a good portrayal, presentation, and well-written story. This film belongs in the family home video library and makes a great family-share movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline                                                                                                                     

Herbie becomes involved in saving an elderly woman’s home from a greedy real estate developer.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bill Walsh for making the film possible. Cast includes Helen Hayes, Ken Berry, Stefanie Powers, John McIntire, Keenan Wynn, Huntz Hall, Ivor Barry, Dan Tobin, Vito Scotti. Raymond Bailey, Liam Dunn, Elaine Devry, Chuck McCann, and Richard X. Slattery,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch even though the original cast did not reprise their roles. This is an entirely new Herbie story that involves more mechanical objects with personalities of their own. But this does not hurt the film’s ability to deliver a family-worthy entertainment piece.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SON OF FLUBBER (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Son of Flubber—sequel to The Absent-Minded Professor—runs on a  simple, fun, and goofy theme. Fred MacMurray reprises his role as Professor Ned Brainard. While its not a great story and does not have a terrific presentation, it still serves as an easy-on-the-mind watch that does not require a great deal of audience emotional involvement to enjoy. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a professor’s attempts to get an invention approved by the US Government. The expected revenue does not materialize and he works on another invention.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Ed Wynn, Charles Ruggles, Leon Ames, Ken Murray, William Demarest, Paul Lynd, Elliott Reid, Bob Sweeney, Joanna Moore and Edward Andrews. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a clean, decent, afternoon watch that contains its fair share of comical dialogue. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JOHNNY TREMAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1957)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Johnny Tremain—okay/good story—presents an easy-to-digest history lesson that is simply written. It’s a quiet reminder of the American Revolution and the concerted effort it took to win that war. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about: Johnny Tremaine and his activity with the Sons of Liberty and the events leading to the American Revolution. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hal Stalmaster, Luana Patten, Jeff York, and Sebastian Cabot. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s not an outstanding or high quality movie but it works as a simple reminder of a piece American history…that phrase “One if by land, two if by sea”…is good to hear again. It’s a good watch share for children and adults and provides some good discussion material both before and after watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ABSENT-MINDED PROFESSOR (Theatrical Release USA 1961)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Absent-Minded Professor—the original film for the Robin Williams’ movie, Flubber—serves a very watchable black and white version of its story that stars a solid performance by Fred MacMurray. The well-written script has many elements that were directly transported into its remake. The black and white treatment is welcome. The conclusion is upbeat and leaves a nice aftertaste. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This fantasy comedy film is about:  A professor invents a substance that promotes high jumping ability and the ability to fly. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Leon Ames, Elliott Reid, Edward Andrews, Wally Brown, Alan Carney, Forrest Lewis, Ed Wynn, and James Westerfield. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The remake of this film is a better watch. But this movie still has viability, is well organized, and completely worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THAT DARN CAT! (Theatrical Release USA 1965)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

That Darn Cat!—perfect example of an age of innocence that has been bypassed—presents such a welcome, honest and clean presentation, that it makes one wonder, ‘What happened?’ The world, as it reflects entertainment, has gone through a major change in personality and outlook on life. One wonders if there is a way to make it back to this kind of entertainment…it feels clean and good…like one feels after a good, long bath and watches the dirty water swirl down the drain. Besides that, the film is just a good watch and has plenty of value left as an entertainment piece. It’s an all-around good, family film that features Halley Mills and Dean Jones. It reminds one of the early days when Walt Disney was still alive and directing his business. This film needs to be watched to remind us of where we used to be in thought and choice of entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A cat searching for a good salmon snack incidentally follows a robber to his hideout where a kidnapped woman is held hostage. She slips her watch on the cat’s neck with the partial letters of HELP scratched on the back and turns him loose so he can go back to his owner. The cat's owner intuits that the watch belongs to the missing woman and goes to the FBI for help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney, Bill Walsh, and Ron Miller for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall, Frank Gorshin, and Neville Brand. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. WOW! The movie more than earns its watch. It’s wonderful to see the cleanliness of mind and the innocence of thought as presented in this story. It’s nice to see date nights that do not automatically turn into bed nights. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers