EVAN ALMIGHTY (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Evan Almighty—spinoff from Jim Carrey’s Bruce Almighty—continues to use Morgan Freeman as God while examining how diametrically opposed family prayers can work when otherworldly forces are at work. The story concept is good, the comedy is there, and Director Tom Shadyac shows great promise for comedy movies. It’s a good family share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) has an appointment with God Almighty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tom Shadyak for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Ilona Herzberg, Matt Luber, and Dave Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: God (Morgan Freeman), Joan Baxter (Lauren Graham), Dylan Baxter (Johnny Simmons), Jordan Baxter (Graham Phillips), Ryan Baxter (Jimmy Bennett), Congressman Long (John Goodman), Rita (Wanda Sykes), and Marty (John Michael Higgins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There’s enough comedy to make it a watch for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BROTHER BEAR 2 (DVD Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì Brother Bear 2—old theme—relies on the Shrek idea of changing one's natural being to experience romance. Not a new concept...think of Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid...the list goes on and on, this time it's a girl and a bear. One wonders what is a child's 'take home' message? Many of the transition scenes are jarring. The music is probably the best part of the film. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kenai (voice of Patrick Dempsey), who now lives as a cave bear, remembers when he was human.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ben Gluck for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jim Ballantine and Carolyn Bates for making the film possible. Cast include: Mandy Moore, Jeremy Suarez, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara,  Wanda Sykes, Wendie Malick, and Kathy Najimy.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This sequel movie has a weak story. It does not reach basic standards of quality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OVER THE HEDGE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Over the Hedge—light, fun, animated watch—features recognizable voicing: Bruce Willis, Steve Carrell, Nick Nolte, Wanda Sykes, Eugene Levy, Allison Janney, Thomas Haden Church, William Shatner, and Avril Lavigne. The dialogue is witty and slightly reminiscent of The Nut Job animation series. It’s a good watch overall and serves as a good child/adult share as it serves that wide audience range. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Animals team to raid food from a neighborhood that is on the other side of a hedge. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bonnie Arnold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Gary Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte, and Thomas Haden Church. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This animated film has its fair share of comedy written into the dialogue, well-drawn characters, and easily becomes a good child/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers