MALIBU RESCUE (Video Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Malibu Rescue ends bluntly leaving an audience feeling as if there should be more to the story. It provides new actors/actresses an opportunity to ‘strut their stuff’ in this light, easy-on-the-mind  Netflix Studios movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Malibu lifeguards compete for best lifeguard position.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Savage Steve Holland for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jed Elinoff, Savage Steve Holland, Kiran Bhakta Joshi, Rupak Kayastha, Scott McAboy, Amy Sydorick, and Scott Thomas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tyler (Ricardo Hurtado), Gina (Breanna Yde), Dylan (Jackie R. Jacobson), Lizzie (Abby Donnelly), Eric (Alkoya Brunson), Brody (JT Neal), Mr. Rathbone (Curtis Armstrong), Garvin Cross (Ian Ziering), Vooch (Jeremy Howard), and Roger (Jeff Meacham).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works at a teenage level. Good work for Director Savage Steve Holland.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAX 2: WHITE HOUSE HERO (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Max 2: White House Hero—average acting with a run-of-the-mill script—runs on an unknown cast. The White House venue is good. But, it isn’t enough to pull the movie into a highly rated category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A German Shepherd ensures the safety of White House guests and residents.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brian Levant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Matt Bierman, Ken Blancato, and Karen Rosenfelt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: TJ Bennett (Zane Austin), Alex Bragov (Francesca Capaldi),  President Bennett (Lochlyn Munro), President Bragov (Andrew Kavadas), Agent Thorn (Reese Alexander), First Lady Bennett (Carey Genzel), Chief Coop (Bradley Stryker), FSB Olga (Kathryn Kirkpatrick), and Russian Chef (Bruce Blain).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The first film is more entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BRAVE (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Brave suffers from a lack of adequate closure. The film seems to have run out of storyline after the main character successfully rescues her mother from a bad spell. An audience waits for more and there is no more. The animated effects are quite good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A rebellious young princess hires a witch to change her mother into something different, changes her mind, and desperately works to get her mother back.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pete Docter, John Lasseter, and Andrew Stanton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Merida (voice of Kelly MacDonald), Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly), Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson), The Witch (voice of Julie Walters), Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), Lord MacGuffin/Young MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), or Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson), Maudie (voice of Sally Kinghorn), Maudie (voice of Eilidh Fraser), and Young Merida (voice Peigi Barker), Young Macintosh (voice of Steven Cree), and The Crow (Steve Purcell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie relies on well-known names such as Billy Connally, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, and John Ratzenberger. The animation is great.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Beauty and the Beast—terrific story dappled with outstanding music—easily becomes a classic animated musical worth both a re-watch and addition to the family home library video collection. Although the 2017 live action remake became the highest grossing musical film of all time, this animated feature tops the live action remake in quality and entertainment value.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A beautiful maiden and a beast fall in love.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Howard Ashman and John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Beast (voice of Robby Benson), Lefou (voice of Jesse Corti), Maurice (voice of Jess Everhart), Mrs. Potts (voice of Angela Lansbury), Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), Lumiere (voice of Jerry Orbach), Chip (voice of Bradley Pierce), Cogsworth/Narrator (voice of David Ogden Stiers), Gaston (voice of Richard White), and Wardrobe (voice of Jo Anne Worley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It completely works as a classic animated film for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LADY AND THE TRAMP (Theatrical Release USA 1955)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Lady and the Tramp—likable and original in its decade—may not be the best animated feature to hit the big screen, but the story has a certain undefinable something-ness that makes it stand out. Critics may want to hold back on the higher rating, but that ‘something-ness’ forces the, ‘classic, add it to the family home video library’ rating. The storyline, for want of a better word, defines itself as novel. This dialogue and music work above the average level. It’s a sweet, lovable show for a child/adult share—a rags meets riches show told through the animal kingdom.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A mongrel dog falls for a well-bred dog and develops a romance.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Erdman Penner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darling/Si/Am/Peg (voice of Peggy Lee), Tramp (voice of Larry Roberts), Trusty (voice of Bill Baucom), Aunt Sarah (voice of Verna Felton), Tony (voice of George Givot), Beaver (Stan Freberg), Jim Dear/Dogcatcher (Lee Millar), Lady (voice of Barbara Luddy), Jock/Bull the Terrier/Dachsie/Joe/Zoo Policeman (voice of Bill Thompson), and Toughy/Professor/Pedro/Hyena (voice of Dal McKennon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great watch for all families. The animation is beautifully done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE FOX AND THE HOUND (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Fox and the Hound—family friendly storyline backed with pleasing animation—shows off the unique voicing of Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pat Buttram, and Jack Albertson. It’s an innocent exposure to the interrelationships of foxes and hounds. Good, solid story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A fox and a hound become steadfast childhood friends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ron Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Copper (voice of Kurt Russell), Big Mama (voice of Pearl Bailey), Amos Slade (voice of Jack Albertson), Vixey (voice of Sandy Duncan), Widow Tweed (voice of Jeanette Nolan), Chief (voice of Pat Buttram),  Porcupine (voice of John Fiedler), Badger (John McIntire), and Dinky (voice of Richard Bakalyan). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a good child/adult share.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Planet of the Apes—classic movie—serves up a good portion of Charlton Heston in a completely unexpected story that causes reflection by examining the ‘what if’ scenario of animal domination upside down. This storyline and script are handled well by Director Franklin J. Shaffner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Apes rule Planet Earth and dominate humankind.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Franklin J. Shaffner for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur P. Jacobs for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George Taylor (Charlton Heston), Cornelius (Roddy McDowall), Zira (Kim Hunter), Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans),  President of the Assembly (James Whitmore), Honorious (James Daly), Nova (Linda Harrison), Landon (Robert Gunner), Lucius (Lou Wagner), and Maximus (Woodrow Parfrey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The concept completely works. Turning dominance inside out provides fresh perspective on the human/animal condition. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER (Theatrical Release USA 1938)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer—classic story—has terrific entertainment value even in 2019. The acting? Outstanding. It’s a period piece that has not lost its charm or value through the years. Great script and excellent portrayal of story. Great work for Director Norman Taurog.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn play on the Mississippi River.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Norman Taurog for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David O. Selznick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tom Sawyer (Tommy Kelly), Aunt Polly (May Robson), Muff Potter (Walter Brennan), Injun Joe (Victor Jory), Sid Sawyer (David Holt), Huckleberry Finn (Jackie Moran), Mrs. Thatcher (Nana Bryant), Mr. Dobbins (Olin Howland), Sunday School Superintendent (Donald Meek), Judge Thatcher (Charles Richman), Sheriff (Victor Kilian), and Mary Sawyer (Marcia Mae Jones).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works at every level and deserves a permanent place in the family home video library. A good piece of Americana history.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAX (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Max—educational and entertaining—shows how military dogs work and what could happen when they are retired from service. Thomas Haden Church performs well in this good family share film. The movie promotes good values and serves as a medium for good after viewing discussion. Good work for Director Boaz Yakin.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A military dog’s human partner is killed in action. The dog is retired to the partner’s family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Boaz Yakin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Yakin and Ben Ormand for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ray Wincott (Thomas Haden Church), Justin Wincott (Josh Wiggins), Tyler Harne (Luke Kleintank), Pamela Wincott (Lauren Graham), Kyle Wincott (Robie Amell), Carmen (Mia Xitlali), Chuy (Dejon LaQuake), Sergeant Reyes (Jay Hernandez), and Deputy Stack (Owen Harn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Its simple storyline makes an easy, but good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOP DOG (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Top Dog—worth a watch—plays Chuck Norris in an average, but good police movie. The film has a solid script and good storyline, does not require a great deal of mental involvement to track the story, and can serve as fair entertainment for a teen and adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A new ‘partner’ assigned to a police sergeant proves to be more than capable of solving crime.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Aaron Norris for film directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom Steinmetz and Seth Willenson for making the movie possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jake Wilder (Chuck Norris), Savannah Boyette (Michele Lamar Richards), Matthew Swanson (Erik von Detten), Lou Swanson (Camine Caridi), Ken Callahan (Clyde Kusatsu), Otto Dietrich (Kai Wulff), Karl Koller (Peter Savard Moore), Nelson Houseman (Timothy Bottoms), Mark Curtains (Francesco Quinn), Wilder’s Mother (Herta Ware).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. There’s nothing new here, but Chuck Norris fans, more than likely, will enjoy seeing him in a softer film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Theatrical Release USA 1937)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, a classic Disney film that has retained, as of 2019 (82 years), complete re-watchability. WOW! What a film! BRAVO! It’s a real work of creativity, artistry, and entertainment that serves all ages and all audiences. Tremendous animation and a great storyline punctuated with outstanding music and adorable dwarves, a completely believable evil queen, and a totally innocent maid play through a well-written script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A fair maiden needs rescue from a huntsman, a Queen, and a Queen’s curse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Willima Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, and Ben Sharpsteen for directing effort. Thank you to to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Doc (voice of Roy Atwell), Huntsman (voice of Stuart Buchanan), Snow White (voice of Adriana Caselotti), Dopey/Chipmunk and Squirrel Sneezes (voice of Eddie Collins), Sleepy/Grumpy/Dopey Blowing Bubbles (voice of Pinto Colvig), Birds (voice of Marion Darlington), Squirrel (voice of June Foray), Sneezy (voice of Billy Gilbert), Happy (voice of Otis Harlan), Queen/Witch (voice of Lucille La Verne), Yodeling (voice of James MacDonald), Happy (voice of Otis Harlan), Queen/Witch (voice of Lucille La Verne), Yodeling (voice of James McDonald), Bashful (voice of Scotty Mattraw), Magic Mirror (voice of Moroni Olsen), Birds (voice of Pury Pullen), Dove (Mae Questrel), an Prince (voice of Harry Stockwell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good watch and provides a good study into the skill of the Disney team to consistently produce products guaranteed to please. It appeals deeply to the human heart.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MONSTERS, INC. (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Monsters, Inc.—outstanding storyline with highly innovative characters—becomes a classic film for children and adults from its opening to its closing scenes. A sweet message comes through this film that provides excellent opportunity for after viewing discussion between parents and children to help instill compassion and a strong understanding of the necessity to protect life even when one’s own reputation and means of maintenance may be threatened. The dialogue is excellent. The scenes are exceptionally well-timed. Especially appreciated is the deep richness of the story. There is no lack of story, as sometimes seen in other movies, where there is a visible struggle to fully fill the time requirements to meet standards for the movie to be classified as a full-length film.  WOW! What a Bravo! movie. It is completely rewatchable and one of those ‘must add this to the family home video library’ movies. Great work for Directors Pete Doctor, David Silverman, and Lee Unkrich.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Monsters gather energy to fuel their city by gathering the screams of children.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Pete Docter, David Silverman, and Lee Unkrich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sullivan (voice of John Goodman), Mike (voice of Billy Crystal), Boo (voice of Mary Gibbs), Randall (voice of Steve Buscemi), Waternoose (voice of James Coburn), Celia (voice of Jennifer Tilly), Roz (voice of Bob Peterson), Yeti (voice of John Ratzenberger), Fungus (voice of Frank Oz), and Needleman & Smitty (voice of Daniel Gerson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great entertainment for the whole family; very fresh concept with a completely captivating story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Monster's University—as good as Monsters Inc.—provides complete entertainment value from its opening to its closing scenes. Completely satisfies both a child and adult audience with a great script and a BRAVO! story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A monster and his friend desperately want to become scare monsters but find many challenges to making that dream come true.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dan Scanlon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pete Docter, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mike (voice of Billy Crystal), Sullivan (voice of John Goodman), Randy (voice of Steve Buscemi), Dean Hardscrabble (voice of Helen Mirren), Squishy (voice of Peter Sohn), Don (voice of Joel Murray), Terri (voice of Sean Hayes), and Terry (voice of Dave Foley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Think wonderful child/adult share; must add to the family video library; worth a re-watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Cheaper By the Dozen features Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt in an amusing tale of challenges associated with taking on two demanding careers while raising 12 children. This film is not a true remake of the 1950 movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, as it does not detail the original Gilbreth family story but uses that movie’s original idea of the difficulties professionals engage when deciding to raise exceptionally large families in current times. Director Shawn Levy deserves credit for directing a good, family entertainment piece that is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A father of twelve children decides to take employment in a more demanding career position when his wife’s career, unexpectedly, skyrockets almost immediately afterward.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Barnathan, Ben Myron, and Robert Simonds for making the film possible. Additional characters, /cast include: Tom Baker (Steve Martin), Kate Baker (Bonnie Hunt), Nora Baker (Piper Perabo), Charlie Baker (Tom Welling), Lorraine Baker (Hilary Duff), Henry Baker (Kevin G. Schmidt), Sarah Baker (Alyson Stoner), Jake Baker (Jacob Smith), Jessica Baker (Liliana Mumy), and Kim Baker (Morgan York).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie can be appreciated by the entire family and serves as good, clean comedy fare for everyone.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAPER CLIPS (Tribeca Film Festival, Manhattan, New York USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Paper Clips—classic documentary—inspires and meaningfully teaches tolerance toward all persons to prevent repeats of the Holocaust. Great work for Directors Elliot Berlin and Joe Fab.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

How to create a meaningful monument that, hopefully, will encourage humans to seek kindness not only for themselves, but for others.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Elliot Berlin and Joe Fab for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Donny Epstein, Yeeshai Gross, Matthew Hiltzik, Elie Landau, Jeffrey Tahler, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Tom Bosley), Himself (Casey Condra), Herself (Cassie Crabtree), Herself (Rachel Gleitman), Herself (Mary Jane Higdon), Herself (Linda Hooper), Himself (Bernard Igielski), Himself (George Jacobs), Herself (Sheila Levine), and Herself (Sandra Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary details a school project that creates the paper clip-filled boxcar that sits in Whitwell, Tennessee.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Muppet Treasure Island—puppet show combines with live action to produce a good musical—requires some careful listening to understand boldly stated messages. Appears to be a children’s story, but due to the dialogue and lyrics can serve an adult audience to some extent. The movie is perfect for Muppet fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Pirates and an orphan clash over a treasure map that supposedly leads to Captain Flint’s treasure.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brian Henson and David Lane for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Frank Oz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Long John Silver (Tim Curry), Billy Bones (Billy Connolly), Mrs. Bluveridge (Jennifer Saunders), Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop), The Great Gonzo/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Waldorf/Mudwell the Mudbunny/Zoot (voice of Dave Goelz), Kermit the Frog/Rizzo the Rat/Beaker (voice of Steve Whitmire), Statler/Blind Pew/Mad Monty/Floyd Pepper/Lew Zealand/Tomato/Pirate/Skulls/Trelawney’s Butler/Screaming Cat (voice of Jerry Nelson), Bad Polly/Black Dog/Spa’am/Chicken/Miss Piggy (assistant)/Fozzie Bear (assistant)/Sam the Eagle (assistant)/Animal (assistant)/Walleyed Pike/Monkey/Pirate/Real Old Tom (voice of Kevin Clash), and Clueless Morgan/Swedish Chef/Blind Pew (hands)/Pirate/Pig/Skulls (voice of Bill Barretta).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the Muppet fan, this movie more than suffices. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers