ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Along Came a Spider—an Alex Cross story—has an eye-opening view into watching Morgan Freeman form to his character. It may not be one of his best performances, but definitely earns a watch. Good and well-told mystery easily stands as a best mystery story that entertains.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alex Cross becomes involved in a missing daughter of a congressman case.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lee Tamahori for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Morgan Freeman and Marty Hornstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman), Jezzie Flannigan (Monica Potter), Gary Soneji (Michael Wincott), Ollie McArthur (Dylan Baker), Megan Rose (Mika Boorem), Dimitri Staroduboy (Anton Yelchin), Agent Hickley (Kim Hawthorne), Kyle Craig (Jay O. Sanders), Ben Devine (Billy Burke), Senator Hank Rose (Michael Moriarty), Elizbeth Rose (Penelope Ann Miller), Vickie (Anna Maria Horsford), Floyd the Fisherman (Scott Heindl), Jim Gelway (Christopher Shyer), and Tracie Fisher (Jill Teed).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves Morgan Freeman’s career well. It’s worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHILDREN OF THE SEA (Theatrical Release Japan 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Children of the Sea—good visuals—becomes confusing by the middle of the third act, difficult to interpret what happens to one of the supporting actors. The characters are well-developed, but the ability to cross international entertainment lines seems limited due to not understanding the cultural significance of this story. Read a plotline before going to understand these children’s attachment to water and why this story has significance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A girl becomes involved with boys who have traits of fish.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ayumu Watanabe for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lovinia Chiu, Tanaka Eiko, Hajime Inoue, Keishi Kameyama, Masakazu Kubo), Kimihisa Tsutsui, and Keiji Ôta for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Azumi Ruka (Voice of Mana Ashida), Umi (Voice of Hiiro Ishibashi), Sora (Voice of Seishû Uragami), Angurâdo (Voice of Win Morisaki), Ruka Azumi (Voice of Anjali Gauld), nglade (Voice of Beau Bridgland), Masaaki Azumi/Additional Voices (Voice of Marc Thompson), Kanako Azumi/Students (Voice of Karen Strassman), Gym Teacher/Doctor/Additional Voices (Wally Wingert), Jim Cusack/Additional Voices (Michael Sorich), Dehdeh (Voice of Denise Lee), Jean/Additional Voices (Voice of Josh Petersdorf), and Fuyuko/Students/Additional Voices (Christine Marie Cabanos).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good study of Asian culture and thinking processes, but becomes incomprehensible as it nears the last of the story. It is unclear what happened to one of the actors. Read a plotline before going.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAPILLON (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Papillon—remake of the 1973 film of the same name—fails on a single point: The actors in this film are trying to imitate the original story’s actors (Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman) instead of being themselves and forming their own unique interpretation for their characters. This takes strength away from the story so that it works like imagery rather than the real thing. This is a great story and it needs to be told, but the remake is not as good as the original.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An innocent man teams with a fellow inmate to escape Devil’s Island prison.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Noer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Terence Chang, Danny Dimbort, Yan Fisher-Romanovsky, Samuel Hadida, Martin Hellstern, Josjua D. Maurer, Christian Mercuri, and Kevan Van Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henri Charriere (Charlie Hunnam), Doorman (Damijan Oklopdzic), Jean Castili (Christopher Fairbank), Accountant (Jason Ryan), Nennete (Eve Hewson), Motel Landlord (Sladjana Biljman), Police Inspector (Joe David Walters), Police Inspector (David Stoller), Ship Hold Guard (Gilly Gilchrist), Ship Hold Guard (Mark Robert Pullen), Julot (Michael Socha), Guittou (Brian Vernel), Orderly (Renne Gjoni), Orderly (Paul Leonard Murray), and Louis Dega (Rami Malek).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story is good.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAKE PLACID (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Lake Placid fits the bill for a re-watchable cult classic. Intended to be a horror film, at many junctures in its story, it seems more like a horror comedy movie rather than a straight horror movie. Perhaps that tone is preset due to this crocodile being placed in the state of Maine. The movie earns its watch especially for cult movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Maine has a giant crocodile that a team of people attempt to stop from killing people.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Miner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Bogart for for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Wells (Bill Pullman), Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda), Hector Cyr (Oliver Platt), Sheriff Hank Keough (Brendan Gleeson), Mrs. Delores Bickerman (Betty White), Walt Lawson (David Lewis), Stephen Daniels (Tim Dixon), Janine (Natassia Malthe), Myra Okubo (Mariska Hargitay), Deputy Sharon Gare (Meredith Salenger), Deputy Burke (Jed Rees), Deputy Stevens (Richard Leacock), Officer Coulson (Jake T. Roberts), Paramedic (Warren Takeuchi), and State Trooper (Ty Olsson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It's a cult movie that fans will re-watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DELTA FARCE (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Delta Farce relies on comedy as provided by Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, DJ Qualls, and Keith David. The movie serves the late teen adult audience. They were balanced with the casting of Danny Trejo, a perfect fit for this movie. The movie comes across as simple fare with a story that can be left for a few minutes and rejoined without having missed the gist of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Mexican village receives an unexpected visit from three Army reserve soldiers who think they are in Iraq.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director C.B. Harding for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom Ortenberg and Emily Wolfe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant Major (Michael Rose), General (Glenn Morshower), Larry (Larry the Cable Guy), Karen (Christina Moore), Woman at Cowboy Franks (Lorna Scott), Bill Little (Bill Engvall), Bill’s Boy (Parker Goris), Bill’s Neighbor (Michael Papajohn), Connie (Lisa Lampanelli), Everett (DJ Qualls), Victor (Ed O’Ross), Sergeant Adams (Lance Smith), Colonel (Bill Doyle), Sergeant Kilgore (Keith David), and Airborne Soldier (McKinley Freeman).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While the story is not the best, the actors put their energy into the story to elevate it a higher entertainment standard than it normally would have achieved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BUFFALO BOYS (Theatrical Release Indonesia 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Buffalo Boys, due to its brutal story, works as an adult mature movie with a standard R Rating that would be in the high range due to its realism. It works along the lines of a combination of Kill Bill and The Killer. This Indonesian film has English subtitles, a straight-forward and easy to follow storyline, some sexual references, good direction, and professional acting. The scenery is unique due to its Indonesian setting. The story is not easy to take at times due to the brutality. But it earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 After getting a good exposure to American old west culture, two brothers return to Java where they put their American fighting skills to work.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mike Wiluan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michy Gustavia, Eric Khoo, Wicky V. Olindo, Natalya Pavchinskaya, Mo Shuyl, Sukhdev Singh, Christopher Smith, Bert Tan, Kris Wiluan, and Freddie Yeo for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Suwo (Yoshi Sudarso), Jamar (Ario Bayu), Kiona (Pevita Pearce), Arana (Tio Pakusadewo), Van Trach (Reinout Bussemaker), Drost (Daniel Adnan), Seruni (Happy Salma), Sri (Mikha Tambayong), Suroyo (El Manik), Young Arana (Donny Alamsyah), Sakar (Donny Damara), Fakar (Alex Abbad), Adrie (Hannah Al Rashid), Leung (Zack Lee), and Leung (Sunny Pang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For the exceptionally mature audience, this is a great story that is easy to watch and come away feeling full due to its ability to cross international border lines well. Reminiscent of when spaghetti westerns first hit the American scene.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

RESIDENT EVIL (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Resident Evil, a movie based on an exceptionally popular Japanese computer game,  entertains well, unlike other films built from gaming stories. It is the first movie in a series of six. While not among the best movies produced by Hollywood, it has a certain element in it that just works all the way around. It creates its own kudos because it tries and succeeds in its own right. It’s applauded for that. The storyline is well done and the portrayal is above average. This film leaves the audience with an absolute understanding that there will be a sequel. This is one of few post-apocalyptic films that is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A super computer needs to be subdued and a special military task force takes on the job.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul W.S. Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victor Hadida, Daniel S. Kletzky, Robert Kulzer, Yoshiki Okamoto for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Grey (Ryan McCluskey), Mr. Red (Oscar Pearce), Ms. Black (Indra Ové), Dr. Green (Anna Bolt), Dr. Blue (Joseph May), Dr. Brown (Robert Tannion), Lisa (Heike Makatsch), Clarence (Jaymes Butler), Mr. White (Stephen Billington), Ms. Gold (Fiona Glascott), Alice (Milla Jovovich), Matt (Eric Mabius), One (Colin Salmon), Kaplan (Martin Crewes), and J.D. (Pasquale Aleardi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is almost rewatchable due to its presentation and leaves its audience anticipating its sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

A FEW GOOD MEN (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

A Few Good Men—another movie directed by Rob Reiner—tells a good story. Tom Cruise works well with Kevin Pollack, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Jack Nicholson to create a well-acted and absorbing movie that is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Marines go to military court on charges of murder.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rod Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers William S. Gilmore, Rachel Pfeffer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise), Colonel Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson), Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), Captain Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon), Second Lieutenant Jonathan Kendrick (Kiefer Sutherland), Lieutenant Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak), Private First Class Louden Downey (James Marshall), Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh), Dr. Stone (Christopher Guest), Judge Julius Alexander Randolph), Lieutenant Dave Spradling (Matt Craven), Lance Corporal Harold W. Dawson (Wolfgang Bodison), Captain Whitaker (Xander Berkeley), Captain West (John M. Jackson), and Corporal Jeffrey Barnes (Noah Wyle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No Maybe?

Yes. Well worth its watch especially for fans who enjoy court drama films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Muppets Take Manhattan —almost as good as The Muppet Movie and much better than other 3-star rated Muppet movies like The Muppets Most Wanted—has a well-written, uniform story with much of the gang present. Live characters blend well with the Muppets, dialogue lines are good, story has just enough comedy to keep adults as well as children entertained. A great Muppet movie that earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Kermit wants to produce a Broadway musical but encounters difficulties along the way. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Oz for directing effort. Thank you to to Executive Producer Jim Henson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kermit the Frog/Rowlf/Dr. Teeth/Waldorf/Swedish Chef/Ernie/Granny/Horse & Carriage Rider/Link Hogthrob/The Newsman (Voice of Jim Henson), Miss Piggy/Fozzie/Animal/Bert/Cookie Monster/Ocean Breeze Soap Board Member/Sam the Eagle (Voice of Frank Oz), Gonzo/Chester the Rat/Bill the Frog/Zoot/Beauregard/Jim the Dog/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Penguin (Voice of Dave Goelz), Rizzo the Rat/Gill the Frog/Baby Kermit/Chicken/College Student in Audience/Dog (Voice of Steve Whitmire), Scooter/Statler/Janice/Beaker/Dog (Voice of Richard Hunt), Camilla/Lew Zealand/Floyd/Bear/Chicken/Crazy Harry/Dog/Dr. Julius Strangepork/Granny/Penguin/Pops (Voice of Jerry Nelson), Jenny (Juliana Donald), Ronnie Crawford (Lonny Price), Pete (Louis Zorich), Bernard Crawford (Art Carney), Mr. Skeffington (James Coco), Martin Price/Murray Plotsky (Dabney Coleman), Roller Skater (Gregory Hines), Kermit’s Doctor (Linda Lavin), and Perfume Saleswoman (Joan Rivers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves as a comfortable afternoon watch for the whole family to share. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CASINO ROYALE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

NOTE: This is not a critique of David Niven’s 1967 Casino Royale

Casino Royale has similar plot points to the 1967 Casino Royale. The best James Bond film since Pierce Brosnan’s Die Another Day, Casino Royale takes the audience on an unexpected journey that entertains with Daniel Craig’s grittier, less smooth, look. Be prepared for less special effects and fewer spy gadgets, but also get ready for a WOW! entertainment delivery. The movie delivers on target despite the obvious re-interpretations of the James Bond character.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bond’s mission is to stop a banker from funding terrorists.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Cambell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Callum McDougall and Anthony Waye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Daniel Craig), Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), M (Judi Dench), Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), Rene Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini), Solange (Caterina Murino), Alex Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian), Steven Obanno (Isaach De Bankolé), Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), Valenka (Ivana Milicevic), Villiers (Tobias Menzies), Carlos (Claudio Santamaria), Mollaka (Sebastien Foucan), and Dryden (Malcolm Sinclair).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Daniel Craig’s next 007 movie is Quantum of Solace. Casino Royale delivers. Bond fans will not be disappointed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

BOLD EAGLES * (Theatrical Release Norway 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

Bold Eagles—catchy title, good animation—has a story with good intentions, but seems outside of children’s entertainment fare. The movie seems scattered in plotline and, its script, a little illogical at times, needs some awkwardness ironed out to really work well in its final product.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rare animals are under threat and a police car becomes involved.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rasmus A. Sivertsen for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Aage Aaberge and Live Bonnevie for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elizabeth (Voice of Aerli Austen), Dottie Otter/Eagle Mother (Voice of Ashley Bril), Hilda (Voice of Ash Crist), Gard B. Eidsvold, Hilda (Voice of Serra Hirsch), Lene Kongsvik Johansen, Chief of Police (Voice of Anthony Lawson), Uncle Richard (Voice of Marc Matney), Smilie Nordli, Hege Schøyen, Scruffy/Princess (Voice of Shannon Settlemyre), Robert Stoltenberg, Bjørn Sundquist, Pernille Sørensen, and Otto Otter (Matthew Warzel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. For higher entertainment value, try Cars or The Fox and the Hound.

* Also known as Pelle Politibil pa sporet

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRANSSIBERIAN (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Transsiberian teams Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer together to create a dynamic casting choice that works very well. The movie is reminiscent of Murder on the Orient Express due to its involvement with nearly constant train travel and the genre of murder/intrigue. But there is enough contrast between the two movies to make this worth its watch. It is not a movie one can leave and come back to easily pick up the storyline, so plan on real seat time to watch it. It’s best watched on a streaming media or video format so that any needed breaks do not leave the audience stranded when returning to one’s seat. The movie is worth a single watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A naïve American couple on train journey to Moscow become entangled in a relationship with two travelers going the same way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Carlos Fernández and Antonia Nava for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Roy (Woody Harrelson), Jessie (Emily Mortimer), Grinko (Ben Kingsley), Abby (Kate Mara), Carlos Ximénez (Eduardo Noriega), Kolzak (Thomas Kretschmann), Frenchman (Etienne Chicot), Minister (Mac McDonald), Embassy Official (Colin Stinton), Manager Hotel Pushkin (Perlis Vaisieta), Young Detective (Mindaugas Papinigis),Military Officer (Mindaugas Capas), Female Train Attendant 1 (Sonata Visockaite), Female Train Attendant 2 (Larisa Kalpokaite), and Young Waiter (Valentinas Krulikovskis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an afternoon thrill ride piece of entertainment that works.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIGHT FOR LIFE (Television Release USA 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Fight for Life shows Actor Jerry Lewis’ dramatic side. Even though it fails in believability at times, it’s worth a watch. Morgan Freeman is an interesting choice of casting for his part. The movie gets the job done for what it was meant to do.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 An optometrist fights to get United States approval for a drug that he believes will help his daughter’s epilepsy.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elliot Silverstein for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Charles W. Fries and Irv Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Bernard Abrams (Jerry Lewis), Dr. Sherard (Morgan Freeman), Felice Abrams (Jaclyn Bernstein), Father Robert Hunt (Gerard Parkes), Shirley Abrams (Patty Duke), Dr. Whalley (Barry Morse), Dr. Keith (Robert Benson), Eve Crawford, Marcia Diamond, Rosemary Dunsmore, Chris Earle, Patricia Hamilton, Alana King, and Samantha Langevin.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a good explore into the concept of how far to carry a fight as well as insisting on surviving well and at the best level one can live…not settling for less.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RADIO (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Radio features two strong actors—Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris. Cuba Gooding Jr. pulls a most realistic portrayal of Radio, a mentally challenged man, while Ed Harris performs outstandingly as the man who works to make Radio a part of the community rather than an outsider looking in. The movie needs some closer editing to increase the flow between scenes and a bit more fleshing out of the various key players in the story. Do not miss the ending credits. They add to the movie in every way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

A sports coach decides to help a mentally challenged man integrate into the community at large.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Tollin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Todd Garner and Caitlin Scanlon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Coach Jones (Ed Harris), Radio (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), Coach Jones (Ed Harris), Principal Daniels (Alfre Woodard), Maggie (S. Epatha Merkerson), Honeycutt (Brent Sexton), Frank (Chris Mulkey), Mary Helen (Sarah Drew), Johnny (Riley Smith), Tucker (Patrick Breen), Linda (Debra Winger), Del (Bill Roberson), Don (Kenneth H. Callender), Irv (Michael Harding), Clive (Charles Garren), and Waitress (Rebecca Koon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a morally satisfying movie that well illustrates how positive, constructive viewpoints coupled with action can make tremendous differences in another’s life and in the way the community at large works with that individual.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

NINOKUNI (Video Release Singapore 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

NiNoKuni talks about parallel universes and how one universe affects the other universe. This good concept needs more screen time to make that idea work well. The film is complicated with many twists and turns. The story requires total involvement. It provides interesting intellectual interaction as one becomes introduced to the way the main characters relate to parallel universes. Not a movie for the times when one just wants background noise.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two friends travel between two worlds that are similar, but different, to help their mutual friend.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Yoshiyuki Momose for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Akihiro Hino and Hiroyoshi Koiwai for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Yû (Voice of Kento Yamazaki), Young Haru (Voice of Tucker Chandler), Bauer Linden (Voice of Ray Chase), Black Hooded Man (Voice of Greg Chun), Gnauss Wisden (Voice of Robbie Daymond), Old Man (Voice of John DeMita), David Errigo, Jr., Zeelok (Voice of Tom Fahn), Dorah Fine, Brian Hanford, Miki Midorikawa (Voice of Erika Harlacher),  Pub Patron (Voice of Kyle Hebert), Janice Kawaye, Evermore Knight (Voice of Wendee Lee), and Saki Mishima/Bertha (Voice of Erica Lindbeck).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. The film is thought provoking.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE RED TURTLE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Red Turtle—animated film has a 5.0 storyline—does not have a 5-star portrayal. Besides that, this film is 'nothing to cough at' as it delivers a unique story about the way humans raise ourselves generationally. The movie moves in an almost elegant fashion with great heart. The cinematography works with such craft that the cinematography earns its own re-watch-ability status. Craftsmanship shows in this re-watchable piece of entertainment. This high caliber film more than deserves its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A red turtle changes the life of a shipwrecked man.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Dudok de Wit for directing effort. Thank you  to Producers Pascal Caucheteux, Vincent Maravel, Grégoire Soriat and Toshio Suzuki for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Father (Voice of Emmanuel Garijo), The Son (Voice of Tom Hudson), The Son (Voice of Baptiste Goy), The Baby (Voice of Axel Devillers), The Mother (Voice of Barbara Beretta), Mother (Voice of Maud Brethenoux), Father (Voice of Mickaël Dumoussaud), and Son (Voice of Elie Tertois). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This animated film attests to the professionalism of its producing team and completely earns its right to audience time and money investment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DADDY DAY CAMP (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Daddy Day Camp—average family fare—does not live up to its first film, Daddy Day Care. Part of the difficulty lies in the failure of Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin to reprise their roles. This movie serves as one of those run-of-the-mill films that can fill in some afternoon time or be used as a lunch watch.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A daycare provider decides to open a summer camp.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fred Savage for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Matt Berenson, Derek Dauchy, John Davis, Chris Emerson, Richard Hull, Nancy Kirhoffer, and Jefferson Richard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie Hinton (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Lance (Lochlyn Munro), Buck (Richard Gant), Kim Hinton (Tamala Jones), Phil (Paul Rae), Dale (Joshua David McLerran), Ben (Spencir Bridges), Uncle Morty (Brian Doyle Murray), Max (Dallin Boyce), Juliette (Telise Galanis), Carl (Taggart Hurtubise), Becca (Molly Jepson), Robert (Tad D’Agostino), Billy (Tyger Rawlings), and Jack (Talon G. Ackerman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. In the series, the first film is superior to this one.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers