ELLA ENCHANTED (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Ella Enchanted—live action fairy tale—presents a great creative story for ages 10 and up. Anne Hathaway completely captures the movie’s concept with excellent support from Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Aidan McArdle, Minnie Driver, and the voice of Steve Coogan. This Miramax film has a strong Disney-like family friendly approach that serves all audiences.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

At birth a fairy gives Ella (Anne Hathaway) the gift of obedience which becomes a challenge as she progresses into adulthood.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tommy O’Haver for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Su Armstrong, Julie Goldstein, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Char (Hugh Dancy), Edgar (Cary Elwes), Slannen (Aidan McArdle), Dame Olga (Joanna Lumley), Hattie (Lucy Punch), Olive (Jennifer Higham), Mandy (Minnie Driver), Narrator (Eric Idle), Heston (voice of Steve Coogan), Benny (Jimi Mistry), and Lucinda (Vivica A. Fox).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Tommy O’Haver did a great job in directing a fun adventure, worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TRIP TO SPAIN (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

The Trip to Spain follows the same pattern as the first two films in the series—Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon take a road trip through a country, eat well at many restaurants, discuss their personal lives, do impersonations, and come home. This film, as did its predecessors, presents entertainment fare with a rather depressing, dreary weariness as if boredom can best be served on a gourmet platter. The movie delivers very low-key British humor more appropriate for mature audiences.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Steve (Steve Coogan) and Rob (Rob Brydon) take a third road trip. This trip takes their audience through Spain.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Winterbottom for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Josh Hyams, Stefano Negri, and Melissa Parmenter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Yolanda (Marta Barrio), Emma (Claire Keelan), Busker (Tom Clegg), UK Agent (Justin Edwards), Sally (Rebecca Johnson), Joe (Timothy Leach), Matt (Kerry Shale), Jonathan (Kyle Soller), and Mischa (Margo Stilley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. All three road trips reveal gourmet food as increasingly boring, sparsely served, and as undifferentiated as the landscapes in which it is found.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers