THE JUNGLE BOOK (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Jungle Book—not a lot of story to work with—manages to create a watchable movie due to the highly personable animated characters and the introduction of some terrific musical tunes with very good accompanying  lyrics. While not a message movie, it manages to convey some outstanding philosophical ideas that are better to absorb early-on in life rather than later. The exceptionally well-animated movie uses dated technology that, in this case, audiences may find welcome. It’s a good addition to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy raised in the jungle is trying to be saved from  the predatory tiger, Sher Khan. A black panther tries to take him to the man village to protect him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Reitherman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Bruce Rietherman, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, Louis Prima, J. Pat O’Malley, Verna Felton, Clint Howard, Chad Stuart, Lord Tim Hudson, John Abbott, Ben Wright, and Darleen Carr.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Thin, linear storyline introduces some classic, unbeatable music. Cute watch that supersedes the value of other remakes whether animated or live. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

THE RESCUERS (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Rescuers—still great after 45 years—has great animation, great voicing, great storyline, superb presentation, and can be re-watched again and again. It’s clean, honest, innocent, and does not play bad jokes on its audience. Terrific writing shows kindness and care for others which in turn deploys into a nicely done message that good deeds have good outcomes. This is classic Disney; Disney and his teams would be proud of this production. BRAVO! This treasure of a film can be appreciated for many years to come. Watch for the teddy bear that looks a lot like Winnie the Pooh. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two agents are deployed to find a missing orphan in need of help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, and Art Stevens for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Wolfgang Reitherman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Joe Flynn, and Geraldine Page. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film deserves to be a ‘buy to own’ and can easily be watched again. WOW! It’s the work of master craftsmen. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ROBIN HOOD (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Robin Hood—a ‘good ole’ movie—worth watching. There’s a ‘kindness’, a certain ‘laid-back, simpler times’ feeling to this animated movie. Think relaxed, natural, a 'let-things-roll-type’ of movie and the story does roll well until suddenly about the time you’re thinking ‘I could really get used to this method of story-telling,’ the ending credits appear and it’s over. No language—which is nice for a change—gives it a fresh appeal that other movies lack due to overworking this ‘modern necessity.’ What a pleasure to see Peter Ustinov in the credits voicing for Prince John and King Richard.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie begins with a book and tells a little history about King Richard and Robin Hood, then it goes to a rooster who says, ‘We folks of the animal kingdom have our own version of the story.’

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Reitherman for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Wolfgang Reitherman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Allan-a-Dale (voice of Roger Miller), Prince John/King Richard (voice of Peter Ustinov), Sir Hiss (voice of Terry Thomas), Robin Hood (voice of Brian Bedford), Maid Marian (voice of Monica Evans), Little John (voice of Phil Harris), Friar Tuck (voice of Andy Devine), Lady Kluck (voice of Carole Shelley), Sheriff of Nottingham (voice of Pat Buttram), and Trigger (voice of George Lindsey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. An old tale is well told by the animal kingdom.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers