MONSTERS VS. ALIENS (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Monsters VS Aliens—despite its lack of strong character development—has enough ‘boom and bang’ special effects to override its rather small storyline to take it into the worth viewing class. Some flaws in the movie are: transitions between why a non-threatening Ginormica (voice of Reese Witherspoon) is immediately thrust into a government facility with  other facility ‘monsters’ and a poor establishment of her relationship to other inmates. It will be interesting to see how screenplay writers Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon improve the sequel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A meteorite hits Susan Murphy (voice of Reese Witherspoon) on her wedding day and she turns into a giant who immediately becomes government property.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Robert Letterman and Conrad Vernon for directing efforts. Thank you to Lisa Stewart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ginormica (voice of Reese Witherspoon), B.O.B. (voice of Seth Rogen), Dr. Cockroach Ph.D. (voice of Hugh Laurie), The Missing Link (voice of Will Arnett), General W.R. Monger (voice of Kiefer Sutherland), Gallaxhar (voice of Rainn Wilson), President Hathaway (voice of Stephen Colbert), Wendy Murphy (voice of Julie
White), Carl Murphy (voice of Jeffrey Tambor), Derek Dietl (voice of Paul Rudd), and Computer (voice of Amy Poehler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a fair to middling piece of animation for children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FABELMANS (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

T     The Fabelmans—WOW!—watch is like the feeling of going to Disneyland for the first time. Everything is a wonder due to the way the story has been compiled. The movie bases itself on the events of Steven Spielberg’s early years but uses the moniker of Sam Fabelman and family to tell its story. This movie is a winner for movie enthusiasts, aspiring directors, critics, and more. Don’t miss it. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This drama film is about: a young man, who from a very early age, wants to be involved in the film-making industry. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg, and Tony Kushner for making the film possible. Cast includes Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Mateo Zoryan, Keeley Karsten, Alina Brace, Julia Butters, Birdie Borria, Judd Hirsch, Sophia Kopera, Jennie Berlin, Robin Bartlett, Sam Rechner, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes, and YES! This movie could be easy to miss if a person relies on plotline alone to determine attendance. Don’t miss it and after watching think more deeply about the story than a superficial judgement. This again proves the outstanding value of doing what you are meant to do. It’s another work of art directed by Steven Spielberg. The story stands the test of time and will stand as a classic watch for many years to come. Fabulous work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers