SINBAD THE SAILOR (Theatrical Release USA 1935)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Sinbad the Sailor—lacks storyline, a defined path of where it is going—leaves its audience in the lurch with no satiety. Skip it for Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas. The latter film has much higher entertainment value.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Sinbad is on another adventure. This time he fights pirates. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ub Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ub Iwerks for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. it is an empty watch and the audience cannot connect to the film well.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DAFFY DUCK IN HOLLYWOOD (Theatrical Release USA 1938)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Daffy Duck in Hollywood—inbred cartoon that glorifies its origin—de-serves itself by its choice of subject matter. An audience usually likes to see the spoofs about their lives rather than a spoof about a life they are outsiders to. Everything in this short film is suitable but becomes mostly relevant to people within the industry rather than people outside the industry. The cartoon loses power due to that choice. However, one cannot deny the well-drawn character for the director while Daffy Duck needs a more defined characterization. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A producer tells a director to get a movie done in a limited time frame.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Fred Avery for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc, Rolfe Sedan, Sara Berner, and Jim Bannon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The best part of this toon is the development of the director’s character. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FALLING HARE (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Falling Hare—short on storyline—becomes long in character development as Bugs Bunny continues to develop that iconic personality that everyone looked for in later years as uniquely belonging to him alone. This short animation is cute and well-written. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Bugs Bunny meets a Gremlin. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Clampett for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is a good study in the evolution of cartoons as a separate entertainment that could attain its own place within the industry. It is interesting to see that jockeying and constant realigning of possibility with reality.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PUSS N’ BOOTY (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Puss n’ Booty—black and white animated, short film—has good presentation and a well-written story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A woman comes home and finds her bird missing. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Tashlin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a simple, few minute entertainment catch that has its own value. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE MILKY WAY (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Milky Way—cute and sweet—has an innocent, clean presentation with suitable animation. There are two versions of this same film. One has updated animation, but bad sound. The previous version has very good sound but minor, blurry animation. The best version is the one with the good sound between the two versions available. Watch for the continued improvement in animated films as they begin to come into their golden age. Each cartoon is quite easily relatable to today and maintains comedic entertainment value. Good work for all involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Kittens find milk satiety in the Milky Way Galaxy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rudolph Ising for directing effort. Cast includes Bernice Hansen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The simpleness is the power of this film. That clean, honest presentation refreshes, inspires, and returns the audience to that base called ‘home'. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOUSE TROUBLE (Theatrical Release USA 1944)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mouse Trouble—classic Tom and Jerry animated short film—tells a cohesive, good story. The cartoon relies on good timing and strong writing. Great work for all involved in producing. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Tom the cat gets a book on how to catch Jerry. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director William Hanna for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fred Quimby for making the film possible. Cast includes William Hanna, Harry Lang, and Sara Berner. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Tom and Jerry fans will not be disappointed when choosing to watch this toon.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

THE YANKEE DOODLE MOUSE (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Yankee Doodle Mouse—classic Tom and Jerry short cartoon—has great writing, presentation, and portrayal. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Tom and Jerry go to war against each other. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fred Quimby for making the film possible. Cast includes William Hanna. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is the type of cartoon that led to the popularity of Tom and Jerry cartoons. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

A WILD HARE (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Wild Hare—classic Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny short film—has a great story and great writing. The presentation, portrayal, and animation are great. Terrific work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd engage in ‘tom-foolery’ during rabbit season. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Fred Avery for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc, Arthur Q. Bryan, and Marion Darlington. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The writers have written great dialogue into this short story that features Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AMERICAN MADE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

American Made—multi-layered, complex, superbly drawn characters—mark this film as one of Tom Cruise’s best performances since his later film Top Gun: Maverick. WOW! This is quality entertainment for the adult audience. It completely supersedes expectations for a biopic. This movie spells the word Hollywood in all capped letters. The movie is Great with a capital ‘G’.  The presentation is Wonderful. Watch for a terrific supporting cast. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A TWA pilot gets entangled in a web that involves American federal agencies and South American drug cartels. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Doug Liman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Brian Grazer, Brian Oliver, Doug Davison, Kim Roth, Ray Angelic, Tyler Thompson for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright Olsen, Jesse Plemons, and Caleb Landry Jones. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch and some of the best writing for a biopic on the market. WOW! This is worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

YANKEE DOODLE DAFFY (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Yankee Doodle Daffy—classic cartoon—has good presentation, story, and portrayal. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Daffy Duck promotes a multitalented young duck to Porky Pig who wants to go on vacation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you Director I. Freleng for directing effort. Thank you Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc and Ken Bennett. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good Porky Pig and Daffy Duck film. It has good comedy written into it. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

WHAT’S BUZZIN’ BUZZARD? (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

What’s Buzzin’ Buzzard—uses animation techniques that are still viable—has a good story, great presentation, and good portrayal of story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This toon is about two hungry buzzards. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tex Avery for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fred Quimby for making the film possible. Cast include Patrick McGeehan, Kent Rogers, and William Hanna. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The toon is well written. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DAFFY—THE COMMANDO (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Daffy—The Commando—good WWII animated short film—has good presentation, suitable storyline, and good portrayal. Daffy Duck’s basic character is established by the 1940s. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Daffy and a German officer fight it out during WWII. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director I. Freleng for directing the film. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a small dip into World War II culture and has a suitable storyline. Daffy Duck is a good choice for this story. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

DONALD DUCK AND THE GORILLA (USA 1944)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Donald Duck and the Gorilla—good short film—raises the question: what would a family do with a gorilla that escapes from the zoo? It’s a simple watch for the whole family.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Donald Duck and his nephews: Huey, Dewey, and Louie are harassed by a gorilla who escapes from the zoo. 

Additional Thanks                                                                                                    

Thank you to Director Jack King for directing effort. Thank you to Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes Clarence Nash and James MacDonald. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Worth watching. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HARE TRIGGER (Theatrical Release USA 1945)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hare Trigger—classic short film from Merry Melodies—stars Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny. The animation is still viable and worth its watch over seventy years after creation. Great work for all involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Yosemite Sam decides to perform a train robbery meets Bugs Bunny. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director I. Freleng for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward Selzer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mel Blanc

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

MY FAVORITE DUCK (Theatrical Release USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

My Favorite Duck—classic Looney Tunes animated film—stars Daffy Duck and Porky Pig in a maturing, recognizable  relationship. It’s a ‘feel good’ toon. Great work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Porky Pig goes camping and encounters a pesky and annoying duck. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Charles Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible.

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This toon could be classified as coming from a classical era in toon animation. This toon is both interesting and entertaining. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

WABBIT TWOUBLE (Theatrical Release USA 1941)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Wabbit Twouble—classic short toon from Merrie Melodies—shows the tremendous leap forward made from toon productions in their beginning years into the early 1940s. It shows a heavier set Elmer Fudd and a little different design on Bugs Bunny than in later films.  This is a wonderful watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Elmer Fudd goes on a camping trip and encounters a pesky rabbit. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bob Clampett for directing the film. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This classic cartoon begins to concretize the relationship between Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. It appeared in 1941 during terrific changes in international relations and kept maturing its format and animation skill.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

WOODY WOODPECKER (Theatrical Release USA 1941)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Woody Woodpecker—short film—has an odd ending and insertions of scenes that seem unrelated to the storyline. The cartoon runs dry toward its conclusion and lacks vibrancy throughout. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia. 

Storyline 

Woody Woodpecker begins to think he is crazy when other forest animals suggest that he is crazy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Walter Lantz for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Lantz for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mel Blanc, Margaret Hill-Talbot, Danny Webb,and  Ben Hardaway. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie needs to establish clarity. But it still makes a suitable watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers