THE LAND BEFORE TIME VII: THE STONE OF COLD FIRE (Direct-to-Video USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire—much better movie than the last movie in the series—almost works at the level of The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure. This movie could be acceptable for a child/adult share. It has a decent story supported by good voicing and portrayal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Littlefoot and his friends involve themselves with a strange rock that lands near their home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Grosvenor for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Charles Grosvenor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Cera (Voice of Anndi McAfee), Littlefoot (Voice of Thomas Dekker), Ducky (Voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Spike (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Grandpa Longneck (Voice of Kenneth Mars), Grandma Longneck (Voice of Miriam Flynn), Cera’s Dad (Voice of John Ingle), Ducky’s Mom (Tress MacNeille), and Sierra (Voice of Jim Cummings).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie gets the job done for light, animated, entertainment fare. The story, clean and decent, is not suggestive in any way and serves as a film that does not have to be supervised by an adult. Good work for all involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALIENS STOLE MY BODY (Premiered on Netflix USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Aliens Stole My Body—good concept for a family film—seems average both in its portrayal and in its acting. The actors are unknown except for George Takei who voices Phil the Plant.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon

Storyline

A cruel alien steals a deputy’s body.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Sean McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Charles Cooper and Sean McNamara for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Billy Becker (Ty Consiglio), Eric Allbright (Christian Convery), Principal (Bruce Coville), Rod Allbright (Jayden Greig), Lindane Allbright (Carmela Nossa Guizzo), Arly Bung (Christina Lewall), Elspeth McMasters (Lauren McNamara), Grakker (Dan Payne), Mickey (Sean Quan), and Madame Pong (Tristan Risk).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. For the audience who wants to see the sequel to Aliens Ate My Homework, this is the movie.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE LAND BEFORE TIME XI: INVASION OF THE TINYSAURUSES (Direct-to-Video Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Land Before Time XI: Invasion of the Tinysauruses—great sequel film—rivals the quality of Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze. The film’s animation and storyline work for its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

 Storyline

Littlefoot is surprised to find dinosaurs smaller than him and his playmates.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Grosvenor for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Charles Grosvenor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Littlefoot (Voice of Aaron Spann), Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Ducky (Voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Big Daddy (Voice of Michael Clarke Duncan), Grandma Longneck (Voice of Miriam Flynn), Rocky (Voice of Nika Futterman), Narrator (Voice of John Ingle), Skitter (Voice of Leigh Kelly), and Ducky’s Mom (Voice of Tress MacNeille).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great sequel to the long running Land Before Time movie series, one of those rare series that significantly increases in quality and entertainment value as each new sequel presents itself. This one works as a great child/adult watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PELICAN BRIEF (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pelican Brief—one of those films that sleeps before realizing its complete value—more than deserves its watch. Perfect casting includes Julia Roberts offset with Denzel Washington. The onscreen chemistry completely works. The script, exceptionally well-timed and written, has Director Alan Pakula to bring forth its completeness with brilliant direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Law student discovers documents that put her life and others’ lives in danger.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alan J. Pakula for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Pieter Jan Brugge and Alan J. Pakula for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts), Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington), Thomas Callhan (Sam Shepard), Gavin Verheek (John Heard), Fletcher Coal (Tony Goldwyn), FBI Director Denton Voyles (James Sikking), Bob Gminski (William Atherton), President (Robert Culp), Khamel (Stanley Tucci), Justice Rosenberg (Hume Cronyn), and Smith Keen (John Lithgow).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Terrific intellectual watch that requires complete involvement to follow the story. Exceptionally professional in its presentation, the movie works at the higher end level of entertainment. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

P!NK: All I Know So Far (Internet Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

P!nk: All I Know So Far—musical documentary—thoroughly documents P!nk’s life offstage while touring. Great interviews, good music highlight P!nk’s passion for her profession.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Documentary shows P!nk on the road balancing touring duties with family responsibility.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Gracey for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Hoyt Dane, Roger Davies, Tom Pellegrini, and Pink. Additional characters/cast include: Self (Pink), Dancer (Remi Bakkar), Dancer (Khasan Brailsford), Self (Carey Hart), Self (Willow Sage Hart), Dancer (Reina Hidalgo), Dancer (Jeremy Hudson), and Dancer (Tracy Shibata).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Terrific documentary that shows life on the road for professional musicians who choose to take their family with them while on tour. Great watch. Shows another side of Pink that is well worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FINAL SEASON (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Final Season—inspirational baseball movie—has a well-written script and shows the acting skills of Powers Boothe and Sean Astin to good advantage. It’s worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Norway baseball team gets a new coach.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Astin and Carl Borack for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kent Stock (Sean Astin), Principal Halbestrom (Jesse Henecke), Jim Van Scoyoc (Powers Boothe), Owen (Owen Patchen Evans), Patrick Iverson (Brett Claywell), Kevin Stewart (Nick Livingston), Sammy Wilson (Roscoe Myrick), Steve Myers (Alexander Roos), Jason Steffen (Jonathon Stoner), and Brett Griffin (Christopher Cyronek).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie performs at an above average level and easily earns its watch. The combination of Sean Astin (Samwise in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Powers Boothe works very well onscreen.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SABOTAGE (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sabotage—very rough adult film—works on the level of the 2017 Brazilian film The Killer. Sabotage is as rough a watch as Killer, but interesting, well-acted, and presents its story well onscreen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A drug cartel eliminates a government infiltration team.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to David Ayer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Blumenfeld, Anton Lessine, Joe Roth, Albert S. Ruddy, Sasha Shapiro, Skip Woods, and Geoff Yim for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Wharton (Arnold Schwarzenegger), James Murray (Sam Worthington), Joe Phillips (Joe Manganiello), Eddie Jordan (Josh Holloway), Julius Edmonds (Terrence Howard), Tom Roberts (Max Martini), Bryce McNeely (Kevin Vance), Smoke Jennings (Mark Schlegel), Dubai Money Launderer (Ned Yousef), and Lizzy Murray (Mireille Enos). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the mature adult, the film works.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE LAND BEFORE TIME X: THE GREAT LONGNECK MIGRATION (DVD Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration—introduces a twist in the story that is unexpected but handled very well. The animation holds its own with integrity. The storyline continues to distinguish itself as decent for children. It’s not quite as good as The Land Before Time IX but continues to be cute and above the quality of the earlier films in this series.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Littlefoot goes on an adventure.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Grosvenor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer James Wang and Producer Charles Grosvenor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Voice of John Ingle), Ducky (Voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Spike (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Littlefoot (Voice of Alec Medlock), Cera (Voice of Anndi McAfee), Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Grandpa Longneck (Kenneth Mars), Grandma (Voice of Miriam Flynn), Shorty (Voice of Brandson de Paul), and Pat (Voice of James Garner)..

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is good to see, a good story, but the final product needs a boost to have that little spark to work at the level of Land Before Time IX.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INCEPTION (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Inception—an intellectual watch—requires full engagement of the mind. The movie twists the mind and requires an open mind to watch. The story is phenomenally creative. Director Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Prestige, and Insomnia) completely understands how to move Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gorden-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Eliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Dalip Rao, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Tom Bernger, and the late Pete Postlethwaite into an entertainment that rarely comes out of the movie industry. This is a movie that can be watched many times through the years and deserves its place in the home entertainment library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Technology has advanced so that minds can share information through dream sharing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Brigham and Thomas Tull for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Elliot Page), Eames (Tom Hardy), Saito (Ken Watanabe), Yusuf (Dileep Rao), Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), Browning (Tom Berenger), Mal (Marion Cotillard), and Maurice Fischer (Pete Postlethwaite).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is one of Christopher Nolan’s best films.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE BLACKSMITH (Internet Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Blacksmith—short film—does not present enough of its story to make sense of it. It needs expansion to answer these questions: Who is the Blacksmith? He does not seem to be human. Who is the Challenger? What has happened between them so that their story has progressed to a duel? The story seems intriguing…the costume design is exceptionally original. Do the shards of flying metal have a religious significance? What is the well and why is it full of metal face masks? A longer, full-length movie may flesh out the details so the audience can appreciate it. But this short film raises too many questions and provides too few answers. The musical score perfectly fits the great animation and the storyline seems to have high potential for full development.

 Film Poster Courtesy of  YouTube Images

Storyline

Two challengers meet for battle. Only one will survive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to CGI and VFX Animated Short Film artists who made this short film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It has that surreal feeling that many dystopian movies have…and is worth investigating for wider promotion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BASKET (International Children Film Festival Hyderabad Telengana India 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Basket—animated short film—displays admirable stop motion animation that backs itself with a sweet storyline. It provides good opportunity for after viewing discussion between parents and children to understand the actions taken by the Father and the Daughter.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

A daughter’s curiosity causes her father sadness.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Suresh Eriyat for directing effort. Thank you to Studio Eeksaurus Productions for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is well made and worth a watch for the child/adult share.

Video Critique Available Here:

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Ben Meyers

THE LAND BEFORE TIME VIII: THE BIG FREEZE (Direct-to-Video Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze becomes the first in this series to earn a 4.0 rating from Ben Meyers International Movie Critics. Under the direction of Director Charles Grosvenor, the series has consistently raised its entertainment value. It’s truly wonderful to see this series progress and raise itself from barely a child’s watch to something that can be a child/adult share. This series is a good academic study on the value of well-chosen directors. The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The dinosaurs sing songs while enduring cold weather.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Grosvenor for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Charles Grosvenor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Voice of John Ingle), Ducky (Voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Spike (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Littlefoot (Voice of Thomas Dekker), Cera (Voice of Anndi McAfee), Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Ducky’s Mom (Voice of Tress MacNeille), Tippy’s Mom )Voice of Susan Krebs), Tippy (Voice of Jeremy Suarez), Grandpa Longneck (Kenneth Mars), Grandma (Voice of Miriam Flynn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is the best in the Land Before Time series to date. It will be interesting to compare the next in the series, Land Before Time IX: Journey to the Big Water, to see how high in rating assignment this series can earn. Director Charles Grosvenor has significantly improved the series of stories. The music, the animation, the voicing, the storyline work seamlessly to provide good entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RISE OF THE ROTHSCHILDS: THE WORLD’S RICHEST FAMILY (YouTube Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Rise of the Rothschilds: The World’s Richest Family—interesting short documentary—provides a short overview of the Rothschild family from their beginning to their initial recognition in the fourteenth century. The short film documents the Rothschild children, their migration to countries throughout Europe, entry into high government positions, and how the family grew in size and in number. The documentary shows highly skilled direction and intellectual presentation of 500 years of Rothschild history. Exceptional presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

Concise and short history of the Rothschild House.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a short overview that increases knowledge. Thank you for the overview.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TROUBLE * (Released on Netflix USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Trouble—cute movie that sits at the higher end of quality entertainment for children—earns a WOW! exclamation. Very well-made. Not a new storyline…but, it presents itself so well and touches the heart…something other movies, with the same storyline, did not accomplish well. Great voicing enhances the animation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A wealthy woman dies and leaves behind a dog that needs someone who can help it maintain its lifestyle.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kevin Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eamonn Butler, Jon Christianson, Warren Franklin, C. Thomas Paschall, Jeremy Ross, Henry Skelsey, Wilmer Valderrama, Conrad Vernon, Geneva Wasserman, and Ray Wu. Additional characters/cast include: Trouble (Voice of Big Sean), Rousey (Voice of Pamela Adlon), Zoe Bell (Voice of Lucy Hale), Claire (Voice of Marissa Jaret Winokur), Thurman Sanchez (Voice of Wilmer Valderrama), Norbert (Voice of Joel McHale), Norm (Voice of Colby Lopez), Gizmo (Voice of Damon Wayans Jr.), Bella (Voice of Olivia Holt), and Tippy (Voice of Carlos PenaVega).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie earns its watch.

 *This film is also known as Dog Gone Trouble.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES (Netflix Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Mitchells vs. the Machines—such a good experience that it competes with Disney when Disney was just getting started with full length films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The movie offers heart, meaning, and real comedy. This Netflix animated feature is a huge step forward in the right direction for family entertainment. Along with the movie, Over the Moon, Mitchells vs. the Machines comprises outstanding entertainment that deserves its permanent place in the family home entertainment library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Mitchells may not be the high performance, perfect family, but somehow they are the right mix who can handle the rise of the machines.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Rianda’s directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Will Allegra and Louis Koo for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Katie (Voice of Abbi Jacobson), Rick (Voice of Danny McBride), Linda (Voice of Maya Rudolph), Aaron (Michael Rianda), Mark (Voice of Eric André), Pal (Voice of Olivia Colman), Deborahbot 5000 (Voice of Fred Armisen), Eric (Voice of Beck Bennett), Hailey Posey (Voice of Chrissy Teigen), Jim Posey (Voice of John Legend), and Abby Posey (Voice of Charlyne Yi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie completely entertains. It earns its watch and deserves its ticket purchase.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PROGRAM (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Program—good football movie—examines college/university football players’ pressures and their different ways of handling that pressure. Because the movie layers many challenges into one story, it creates a certain freshness to this movie over other sports films.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A university football team shares a common interest but experience it in different ways.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David S. Ward for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Duncan Henderson and Tom Rothman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sam Winters (James Caan), Autumn Haley (Halle Berry), Darnell Jefferson (Omar Epps), Joe Kane (Craig Sheffer), Camille Shafer (Kristy Swanson), Bud Lite Kaminski (Abraham Benrubi), Alvin Mack (Duane Davis), Bobby Collins (Jon Pennell), Louanne (Joey Lauren Adams), Joe’s Father (J.C. Quinn), and Steve Lattimer (Andrew Bryniarski). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie will satisfy sport fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MARIZA—THE STUBBORN DONKEY* (Released on YouTube USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

 

Mariza—The Stubborn Donkey seems a bit archaic in presentation, but sports good animation and does tell its moral lesson quickly and straightforwardly.

 Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

A donkey develops the belief that the load is too heavy to carry and the journey is too long. Its master shows the way to replace the ‘no way’ thoughts into ‘yes, I can’ thoughts.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Constantine Krystallis and team for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is a good story and told well.

*Also Known as: Mariza

 Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE CLIFF HOUSE (Released on YouTube USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Cliff House—terrific short film—starts well, uses a flashback technique that may seem confusing at first and then reveals why the elderly person is building the structure. In the revelation, the heart of the short film is revealed in a most interesting manner. The animation is quite well-done.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

 Storyline

An elderly man builds a cliff house.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jin Yao Wong for directing effort. Thank you to Yore Production for making the film possible. Thank you to the team who made the short film. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is a good film worth at least two viewings.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers