MR. MOM (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Mom—simple storyline—serves as a worthy afternoon watch but seems an odd pick for Michael Keaton (Batman/Batman Returns). However, the choices of Jeffery Tambor and Christopher Lloyd stand solidly. The movie serves family needs well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Dad becomes house-mom after losing engineering position.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stan Dragoti for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Aaron Spelling for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack (Michael Keaton), Caroline Butler (Teri Garr), Alex Butler (Frederick Koehler), Kenny Butler (Taliesin Jaffe), Megan Butler (Brittany White), Ron Richardson (Martin Mull), Joan Hampton (Ann Jillian), and Jinx Lathman (Jeffrey Tambor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It serves as a good study for one of Michael Keaton’s early works and shows the later skill he built in his career. The movie runs similarly to Daddy Day Care.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

44 PAGES (South By Southwest Film Festival (SXSW), Austin, Texas USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

44 Pages—good documentary about Highlights magazine—deserves a watch mostly for nostalgic reasons for an adult raised with this children’s magazine. The documentary seems a bit stifled and needs fluffing and airing out to fully realize the joyousness that should surround the 70-year anniversary of the magazine. It may have been better to have more history, more details of trials and tribulations, a little excitement about the difficulty of successfully producing a children’s magazine for this length of time.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Highlights for Children magazine tells its quiet story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Shaff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert A. Compton, Jessie Creel, Kerri Elder, Frank Gibson, Anderson M. Hinsch, Maida Lynn, and Kristin Mann for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Kevin Bayne), Himself (Andy Boyles), Herself (Patty Courtright), Herself (Christine French Cully), Himself (Patrick Greenish Jr.), Herself (Deidra Herring), Himself (Dave Justice), Herself (Allison Kane), and Himself (Neil Numberman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Easy on the mind trip down memory lane as one revisits The Timbertoes, Goofus and Gallant, and other childhood favorites from the magazine’s unchanging focus.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BOGUS (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Bogus—sweet—easily earns its request for viewing, but needs some mental involvement to follow the storyline. Good presentation backed with the skills of Gerard Depardieu, Whoopi Goldberg, and Haley Joel Osment. The script is well written and the acting is realistic. Great work for Director Norman Jewison.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young boy develops an imaginary friend to cope with his mother’s death and his sudden move to a completely alien environment.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Norman Jewison for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gayle Fraser-Baigelman, Patrick Markey, and Michael G. Nathanson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harriet Franklin (Whoopi Goldberg), Bogus (Gerard Depardieu), Albert Franklin (Haley Joel Osment), Penny (Andrea Martin), Lorraine Franklin (Nancy Travis), Monsieur Antoine (Denis Mercier), Babette (Ute Lemper), Ruth Clark (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and Mrs. Partridge (Barbara Hamilton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a Norman Jewison film that can be added to the home library as a worthy watch. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ZOOKEEPER (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Zookeeper—good for Kevin James fans—uses the old ‘talking animal concept’ to build its story. Watch for the Bernie the Gorilla goes to TGI Friday’s scene.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Animals help their favorite zookeeper find true romance.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frank Coraci for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Bernardi, Jennifer Eatz, Charles Newirth, and Jeff Sussman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Griffin Keyes (Kevin James), Kate (Rosario Dawson), Stephanie (Leslie Bibb), Venom (Ken Jeong), Shane (Donnie Wahlberg), Gale (Joe Rogan), Dave (Nat Faxon), Robin (Steffiana De La Cruz), and Franky (Nick Bakay).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Because of its simple presentation, it lends itself well as a family share film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

DUSTIN (Edmonton International Film Festival, Edmonton Alberta, Canada 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Dustin—very cute, lovable short film—does not flag in its presentation, timing, musical scoring or entertainment value. Terrific work for Director Kristina Jaeger.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Pug meets robotic vacuum cleaner.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kristina Jaeger for directing effort. Thank you to creative team of Michael Fritzsche, Kristina Jaeger, Andreas Tetz and Nadine Utz for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Fresh talent did great work. Terrific storyline has a great conclusion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SNACK ATTACK (YouTube Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Snack Attack—short film—has good potential for expansion into full length movie feature. A terrific story that uses snack cookies to tell another much more important story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Elderly woman’s forgetfulness leads the comedy in this short film.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andrew Cadelago for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Eduardo Verástegui and Producers Leo Severino and Alejandro Monteverde for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific short film. Bravo!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FORWARD MARCH (YouTube Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Forward March, cute short film with a short storyline, tells a simple story with effective slapstick humor. Although the conclusion seems blunt, the entire piece is charming for children. Good work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A strictly regimented marching band temporarily loses its style when joined by an uninvited guest.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to ESMA and the team of Pierrick Barbin, Rimelle Khayat, Loic Le Goff, and Guillaume Lenoel for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a terrific short film for children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HAPPY FOOD (YouTube Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Happy Food—short film—has potential for expansion on its initial idea.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube 

Storyline

Man meets catsup.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Yum Yum for making the film possible. Thank you to David Kamp for the happy musical scoring.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s short and quickly reminds of an old dilemma with catsup. The storyline is exceptionally small, but it is worth a viewing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SCRAMBLED (Warsaw Film Festival Warsaw Poland 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Scrambled—short film—makes a firm statement that old entertainment technology still competes well with new technology. The characterization and animation are good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A Rubik’s Cube shows it still has entertainment value.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bastiaan Schravendeel for directing effort. Thank you to Polder Animation and Tunde Vollenbroek (Tunde Animation) Production for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PRESENT (Los Angeles International Film Festival Los Angeles USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Present—short film—shows exceptional ability, not often seen, to cross international boundaries and touch the human heart. Unforgettable. Great portrayal. Outstanding work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young boy finds an unexpected way to move into sunshine and outdoor play.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to the entire team from the Institute of Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Postproduction at the Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a WOW! short film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIRST COMES LOVE (YouTube Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

First Comes Love—a Ringling College of Art and Design short film—portrays children at play mirroring adult realities. The animation well done. The concept is fresh, original, and rings true.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

During recess a preschooler finds himself engaged, married, and a father much to his bewilderment.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Daniel Ceballos for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works for both the child and the adult.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GUS (Anima Mundi Video and Film Festival Rio De Janeiro Sao Paulo Brazil 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Gus—short film—poses two interesting questions...how does one solve a problem when one can’t even define the problem and, even if defined, there is no known solution that yet exists on earth? Then, this small short film artfully answers both questions in a most beguiling way. The storyline alone would carry this short. The addition of relatable characters and good animation are just a welcome plus. This film may be enjoyed by the child and adult.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A caveman and his son receive the comforts of fire and cooked food.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andrew Martin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael and Shirley Martin for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The short film is well done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LOST IN TIME (YouTube USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Lost in Time—short film—has a fresh approach to one of the many ways one may acquire inner discipline and sweetly suggests that sometimes it can take a lifetime to obey the invitation to keep one’s peace. The storyline has good cohesiveness. The supporting artwork uses a softer approach than a typical CGI presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young, undisciplined temple boy finds, after years of searching, what he needs to succeed spiritually.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to the animation team of Yohan Blazquez, Alba Cazes Barry, Meline Delage, Valerian Delamare, Vincent Ferrer, Jonathan Louis, Audrey Marion, and Antsa Ratsimbason for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film entertains on many levels. It relies on a strong Asian presentation in storyline, animation, art, and musical scoring.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DECAF (Vail International Film Festival Vail Colorado USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Decaf—short film produced by The Animation School—has excellent animation, well-defined characters, an interesting and unique plotline. It’s sweet, lovable and worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A highly energetic dog decides to feed his friend coffee to increase energetic play time.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to The Animation School team of Saeed Adams, Thaband Chuene, Carike Cronje, Alexander Dewar, Mahendrie Govender, Christopher Masuabi, and Stefan van der Sandt, for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This short film delivers a cute message that can be well-appreciated by an adult audience. The younger child will most likely not catch the story’s impact, but will enjoy the play between the two friends.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPRING (South by Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Spring—short film by Blender Animation Studio—shows tremendous creative CGI animation skill. Add that visual feast to well-chosen, universally appealing characters; terrific musical scoring; well-timed storyline with just the right amount of drama; and you have an unusual, high-quality featurette on par with the best creative work of any production studio in the world.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A girl and her dog work as a team to bring spring to life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Goralczyk for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ton Roosendaal for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth several watches.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ASTROSINGE (YouTube Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Astrosinge—Laval University student-produced short film—uses simians to tell its very human story. It’s a cute, comical, cohesive story that completes itself with a nicely timed conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube

Storyline

A new janitor creates havoc in a space rocket’s control room.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to the Laval University team of Maxime Decelles, Kéven Bolduc, François Alfonzo, Édouard Diamant-Robert, Gabriel Lebel-Bernier, Benjamin Puech, Quentin Schneider, Mika Denéchère, Antoine Barthod, Jahanzaib Chugthai, Charles-Édouard Faber, Martin-James Doyon, and Frédéric Godbout for creative efforts in making this short film.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The artistry, music, and storyline work well together.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers