BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Battle for the Planet of the Apes—final film in the old movie series—serves fans of the original Planet of the Apes films well. This movie series has been a great ride to its end. WOW! What a concept! The story very nicely and creatively turns the mind inside out to contemplate a reversal of dominance. This movie series has a series of newer remakes, but this series certainly does not lack in storyline, portrayal, costuming, or background staging. This film is a very nice, nostalgic return for fans of the old series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic fantasy film is about: Apes battle humans for control of planet earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur P. Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes: Roddy McDowall, Claude Akins, Natalie Trundy, Severn Darden, Lew Ayres, Paul Williams, and John Huston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. WOW! What a ride this movie series has had. It is worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes—part 4 of the original Planet of the Apes film series—has the same wonderful makeup and costuming of previous films. Especially note the chorographical effects for the revolt toward the end of the film. Roddy McDowell takes on the role of son of his former character, Cornelius. His new character role name is: Caesar. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This movie occurs at a time when humans force apes into slave labor. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur P. Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes: Roddy McDowall,  Don Murray, Ricardo Montalban, Natalie Trundy, and Hari Rhodes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is Part 4 of the original Planet of the Apes films. Watch for Ricardo Montalbán who reprises his role as the circus owner, Armando, from the movie previous to this one. 

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