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

HUCKLEBERRY FINN (Television Release USA 1975)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Huckleberry Finn—great film that taps into the artistic talents of the Ron, Clint, Rance, and Jean Howard family—tells the classic Mark Twain story of Huckleberry Finn. Nothing lacking here. It’s good, sound entertainment that allows a great peek into United States’ history by means of author Mark Twain’s eyes. Watch for Jack Elam and Don Most who round out the cast to perfection.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Huckleberry Finn decides to help a runaway slave escape to Illinois.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Totten for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Steven North for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Huckleberry Finn (Ron Howard), Tom Sawyer (Don Most), Mark Twain (Royal Dano), Jim (Antonio Fargas), King (Jack Elam), Duke (Merle Haggard), Aunt Sally (Dee Carroll), Silas Phelps (James Almanzar), Pap Finn (Rance Howard), and Widow Douglas (Jean Speegle Howard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Although this story has received film treatment multiple times, this movie turns into top-of-the-line story interpretation for this classic Mark Twain book.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PETER PAN (Theatrical Release USA 1953)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Peter Pan—highly creative and imaginative—shows the talents of the Disney team as they produce another outstanding animated film that works very well for the child and the adult audience. This treatment of the Peter Pan story is exceptionally well done, worth the watch, and makes an outstanding addition to the family home video collection. Although the film emerges from the decade of the 1950s, there is no lack and no dating or loss of entertainment value in the film...a classic masterpiece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Peter Pan appears in the nursery of the Darling children and takes them on an adventure to Never Land.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, and Jack Kinney for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Peter Pan (voice of Bobby Driscoll), Wendy Darling (voice of Kathryn Beaumont), Captain Hook/Mr. Darling (voice of Hans Conried), Mr. Smee/Pirates (voice of Bill Thompson), Mrs. Darling (voice of Heather Angel), John Darling (voice of Paul Collins), Michael Darling (voice of Tommy Luske), Indian Chief (voice of Candy Candido), and Narrator (Tom Conway).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Excellent treatment of this classic children’s story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANDRÉ AND WALLY B. * (Siggraph (Special Interest Group On Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques) Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

The Adventures of André and Wally B.—short film—seems to beg for a longer, full-length movie treatment as the entertainment value has possibility. A good concept.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A bee makes fun of an android.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alvi Ray Smith for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Mel Blanc and Clarence Nash.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Without a longer treatment, the full value of the concept cannot be realized.

* Also known as THE ADVENTURES OF ANDRÉ AND WALLY B. or ANDRÉ AND WALLY B

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

LUXO JR. (Siggraph (Special Interest Group On Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques) Conference, Dallas, Texas USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Luxo Jr.—short film—sports a great script with a good storyline. It’s worth watching. The lamp concept is creative and fresh.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young lamp endeavors to play with a ball.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lasseter for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great idea for a film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED’S DREAM (Siggraph (Special Interest Group On Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques) Anaheim, California USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Red’s Dream—a short film—seems difficult to understand until its conclusion. But, the script has good audience appeal and deserves a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A unicycle dreams of a better life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lasseter for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Mel Blanc.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The conclusion is very good.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Shaun The Sheep Movie—cute—bases itself on a British television series that premiered in 1991. The film has a good script that relies on good dialogue between the characters. Good work for Directors Mark Burton and Richard Starzak.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A sheepherder’s dog and sheep come to their farmer's rescue.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Mark Burton and Richard Starzak for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Olivier Courson, Ron Halpern, Peter Lord, Nick Park, and Nick Sproxton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shaun/Timmy (voice of Justin Fletcher), The Farmer/Bitzer (voice of John Sparkes), Trumper (voice of Omid Djalili), Shirley (voice of Richard Webber), Timmy’s Mum/Meryl (voice of Kate Harbour), Slip (voice of Tim Hands), Nuts (voice of Andy Nyman), Twins (voice of Simon Greenall), Hazel (voice of Emma Tate), and Celebrity With Hair Trouble (voice of Jack Paulson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The stop motion animation is very good.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RECESS: TAKING THE FIFTH GRADE (Video Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Recess: Taking the Fifth Grade—easy watch, a mind-soother—comes from the 1997 television series. It brings back memories for anyone who enjoyed the television series. Great work for Director Howy Parkins.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Fifth Graders deal with a cranky elementary school teacher.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howy Parkins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Bart Jennett for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vince LaSalle (voice of Rickey D’Shon Collins), Mikey Blumberg/Tubby (voice of Jason Davis), T.J. Detweiler (voice of Myles Jeffrey), Gretchen Grundler (voice of Ashley Johnson), Gus Griswald (voice of Courtland Mead), Spinelli (voice of Pamela Adlon), Miss Grotke (voice of Allyce Beasley), Principal Prickly (voice of Dabney Coleman), and Miss Finster/Mrs. Detweiler (voice of April Winchell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an easy watch that does not require a great deal of mental investment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

YOURS, MINE AND OURS (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Yours, Mine and Ours—as good as or better than the remake—pairs Lucille Ball with Henry Fonda to create an outstanding piece of family entertainment that has not lost its value over the years. The storyline is well received by Ben Meyers International as a story that uplifts and builds family values. It is a celebration and a valuation of life. Great work for Director Melville Shavelson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

After Frank and Helen’s spouses die, they meet, fall in love, and decide to combine their children. The result is a total of 18 children in one household.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Melville Shavelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Robert F. Blumofe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Helen North Beardsley (Lucille Ball), Frank Beardsley (Henry Fonda), Warrant Officer Darrel Harrison (Van Johnson), Madeleine Love (Louise Troy), Dr. Ashford (Sidney Miller), Family Doctor (Tom Bosley), Nancy Beardsley (Nancy Howard), Howard Beardsley (Walter Brooke), Mike Beardsley (Tim Matheson), and Rusty Beardsley (Gil Rogers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie, despite its age, still earns its place in the family home video collection.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROCK MY HEART (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Rock My Heart—good, solid show—teaches about horse racing and the importance of living life to the full. The cast present themselves with realism. The movie reminds one of United States theatrical presentations during the 1950s. There is a strong European-German flavor to the scenes that add a small sense of earthiness that is quite welcome. It’s well done, clean, decent, and follows strong family values and promotes valuation of animals as well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl with heart health challenges falls in love with a racing horse and begins training to become a racing jockey.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hanno Olderdissen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Boris Schönfelder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jana (Lena Klenke), Samy (Emilio Sakraya), Steckel (Milan Peschel), Sabine Brenner (Anneke Kim Sarnau), Beate Hilbig (Annette Frier), Paul Brenner (Dieter Hallervorden), Hofmitarbeiterin (Natalia Romanova), Dr. Korten (Johann von Bülow), Joachim Hilbig (Michael Lott), and Schwester Mirjam (Amrei Haardt).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great family entertainment. Clean and decent watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (Theatrical release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Planes, Trains and Automobiles—skillfully woven story—delivers sweetness, comedy, and a good life lesson all at once with finesse. The movie pairs John Candy and Steve Martin to deliver a more than good piece of entertainment. Don’t miss it. It’s classic holiday fare that has high re-watchability. Look for Kevin Bacon in the film. Great work for Director John Hughes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man uses every method available to get home by Thanksgiving.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Neil A. Machlis and Michael Chinich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Neal Page (Steve Martin), Del Griffith (John Candy), Susan Page (Laila Robins), State Trooper (Michael McKean), Taxi Racer Kevin Bacon), Owen (Dylan Baker), Joy (Carol Bruce), Marti (Olivia Burnette), Peg (Diana Douglas), and Second Motel Clerk (Martin Ferrero).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a classic film. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUG’S SPECIAL MISSION (DVD Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Dug’s Special Mission—great short film—has a good solid script. It’s cute and worth viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A golden retriever’s life before he meets a man named Carl Frederickson.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ronnie Del Carmen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pete Docter and John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dug/Alpha (voice of Bob Peterson), Beta (voice of Delroy Lindo), and Gamma (voice of Jerome Ranft).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Works for all viewers for a wonderful watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PARTLY CLOUDY (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Partly Cloudy—short film with a terrific concept, fresh idea—deserves a full movie treatment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Storks deliver many different kinds of babies...some babies are a little more dangerous than others to deliver.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Sohn for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Tony Fucile and Lori Richardson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This deserves so much more time than has been allocated to its creation. Cute and worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BAMBI (Theatrical Release USA 1942)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Bambi—classic animated Disney watch—becomes the perfect fit for the family home video library. The early animation effects and artistic efforts are outstanding and deeply appreciated. The early artwork establishes a softer feel, a gentler touch, and a type of kindness—almost a peaceful quietness lacking in many animated films today. It’s quality all the way, touches the heart, and deserves a permanent place in the family home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A new fawn is born in the forest and all the forest animals come to pay their respect.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, David Hand, Graham Heid, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Norman Wright, Arthur Davis, and Clyde Geronimi for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adolescent Bambi (voice of Hardie Albright), Young Flower (voice of Stan Alexander), Young Thumper (Peter Behn), Girl Bunny/Quail Mother/Female Pheasant (voice of Thelma Boardman), and Birds (voice of Marion Darlington).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A classic in its own right and watchable multiple times.  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOY STORY 2 (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Toy Story 2—almost as good as the prequel—has charm, another original storyline, and a well-written script. Great work for Directors John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, and Lee Unkrich. As of 2019, twenty years later, this film still retains high entertainment value. The movie works as a good child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Woody gets stolen from a yard sale and Buzz Lightyear and the gang go to save him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, and Lee Unkrich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sarah McArthur for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl (voice of Joan Cusack), Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice of Kelsey Grammer), Mr. Potato Head (voice of Don Rickles), Slinky Dog (voice of Jim Varney), Rex the Green Dinosaur (voice of Wallace Shawn), Hamm the Piggy Bank (voice of John Ratzenberger), and Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts).

  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. There’s plenty of smiles, a little laughter, and a lot of fun packed into this animated film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BISHOP’S WIFE (Theatrical Release USA 1947)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Bishop’s Wife becomes a perfect example of all the softer nuances that are missing in many modern films...the cameo shots of facial expressions, an innocence in activity, no hidden or unwanted surprises. This is a film to appreciate for the clean feeling one experiences after viewing. One of the better stories on the market; a sit back and be entertained film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Bishop prays for help and an angel appears.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Henry Koster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Samuel Goldwyn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dudley (Cary Grant), Julia Brougham (Loretta Young), Henry Brougham (David Niven), Professor Wutheridge (Monty Woolley), Sylvester (James Gleason), Mrs. Hamilton (Gladys Cooper), Matilda (Elsa Lanchester), and Mildred Cassaway (Sara Haden).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s great to see Cary Grant and David Niven cast together. Great work for Director Henry Koster.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers