THE HOUSE OF THE LOST ON THE CAPE (Released to Japan 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  The House of the Lost on the Cape—animated Japanese film—orients itself strongly around Japanese culture. It can be difficult to follow and a tension around the old woman's intent does not resolve itself until the conclusion. The film has a strong start, but that initial strength falters toward middle and latter parts of the film. Throughout the film, the audience may feel disorientated about the uncertainty of life and the movie encourages that by keeping the story engulfed in mystery. The movie has great animation.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Children with completely broken lives are invited into the home of an elderly woman to live.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Shinya Kawatsura for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Noriko Iwasaki, Taku Matsuo, and Yoshinori Takeeda for making the film possible. Cast includes Mana Ashida, Kwano Sari, Shinobu Otake ,Mikio Date, Takeshi Tomizawa, and Shohei Uno. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?   Yes. This is  a very well made film and tells a good story. Know this movie is based on the outcome of the 2011 Japanese Tsunami which left many orphan children and parents who could not gather their lives together after the event. It is complicated as it introduces many 'helping spirits' that work to establish peace between heaven and earth and to heal the broken after catastrophic events. The movie will establish itself at its conclusion (one understands what the story is about after the film is over). The voice actors are well chosen. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE PALM BEACH STORY (Released to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Palm Beach Story—fun romp—is solidly, but simply written as a light entertainment piece. It accesses the talents of Claudette Colbert, Joel McCrea, and Rudy Vallee.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A man cannot sufficiently provide for his wife. So, she decides to trade him for a highly financially-enabled man.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Preston Sturges for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Jones and Buddy G. DeSylva for making the film possible. Cast includes Claudette Colbert, Joel McCrea, Mary Astor, and Rudy Vallee.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. For a  simple, fun romp that is easy-on-the-mind and clean, this movie fills that request.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TULSA (Released to Theaters USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Tulsa—simple, easy-to-follow, wholesome, Christian-oriented movie—presents a likable production and provides a clean family watch by means of Scott Pryor and Livi Birch (who has 'big shoes to fill' in her role of helping a man find his way to a higher ground).   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A young, foster child transfers to a home where she claims the man is her biological father.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Directors Scott Pryor and Gloria Stella for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Produceers Scott and Laura Pryor for making the film possible. Cast includes   Scott Pryor,  Livi Birch. Dee Dee Schneider,  Nichole-Marie Sisinni,  Cameron Arnett, and Cedric Greenway.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is  an intriguing story with an unexpected conclusion.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ALTERNATIVE MATH (Released to Panther City Film Festival ((Formerly Known as Fort Worth Indie Film Showcase) Fort Worth, Texas USA 2017)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Alternative Math—short film— not the best in storyline but has a creative touch that is undeniable. Wait for the conclusion....it's perfect.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A teacher needs to help a child who has failed a math examination. Over the course of a week, she loses her position. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director David Maddox for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Maddox and Liz Cardenas for making the film possible. Cast includes Allyn Carrell, Cole Whitaker, Mykle McCoslin, Sean McGraw, Paul T. Taylor, and Bryan Massey.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is creative due to its concept.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

DORA AND THE SEARCH FOR SOL DORADO (Released to Theater USA 2025)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado—improves over the last film—works as a suitable watch for children. The casting department did their job very well for actor looks—the actors are likable and energetic.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Dora, the explorer, is on a quest to find Sol Dorado and takes her cousin, Diego, with her.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Alberto Belli for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Carolina  Arciniegas, Kristen Burr, and Benjamin Tappan for directing effort. Cast includes Samantha Lorraine, Jacob Rodriguez, Daniella Pineda, and Gabrielle Iglesias. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This film is like an 'Indiana Jones' or 'Lara Croft' for children. Know that it is honest and clean, no inappropriate content, upbeat, and cute. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE STORY OF ANYBURG U.S.A. (Released to USA 1957)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Story of Anyburg U.S.A.—Walt Disney—creatively examines whether problems lie in the machine or in the man operating the machine. It's interesting that Walt Disney examined this argument in 1957, an argument relevant over 65 years later. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A small city thinks automobiles are causing  challenges in their community and suggests the community eliminate automobiles.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Clyde Geronimi for directing effort. Thank you to  Producer Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes Hans Conried, Dal McKennon, Thurl Ravenscroft, Bill Thompson, and Bill Ravenscroft. Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This short movie tells a sensible story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HENRY V (Released to Theaters USA 1989)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Henry V—historical movie—attempts to use the small screen as a theatre stage. The movie requires a stage to cover the theatrics and long dialogue rants. The movie could be watched as an academic work of what not to do. The sets are probably the best part of the film. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A British military king fights to take over France in the early 1400s A.D..  . Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Kenneth Branagh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stephen Evans for making the film possible. Cast includes Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh,  Simon Shepherd, James Larkin, Brian Blessed, and James Simmons. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe.  If the audience absolutely loves Shakespeare-theater-style entertainment, then this is the film for them. This movie absolutely needs a plotline read to place events and the reason for those events. Otherwise this movie can be an exceptionally long and drawn out film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

COMPETITION (Released to DVD USA 2015)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Competition—cute Minions short film—has good presentation and suitable portrayal.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  The Minions are drawing and one rolls his drawing into a ball and chucks it in the trash at the other end of the room. The other minion thinks he can do better and the story is on.      Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Kyle Balda and Julien Soret for directing effort. Cast includes Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It serves child entertainment needs more than adult needs. This short film writing is not high quality.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TRICK OR TREAT ( Released to Theaters USA 1952)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Trick or Treat—cute Walt Disney Halloween short film—uses Donald Duck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie to tell its story. The animation still stands today and the story is presented and portrayed well. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  A witch sees that Donald Duck does not give Huey, Dewey, and Louie candy for Halloween. She decides to fix their problem.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Jack Hannah for directing effort. Thank you to  Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes June Foray, Clarence Nash, and the Mellomen.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a well done story and worth a watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SCENT-IMENTAL OVER YOU (Released to Theaters USA 1947)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Scent-Imental Over You—Pepe Le Pew short film—follows the basic formatting built for this cartoon character. The writing, presentation, portrayal, and animation work at the suitable to okay level. It is not a laugh-out-loud cartoon, but it does have its smile moments.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Several dogs, fresh from the beauty parlor, make fun of one who is not beautifully groomed. So, she unknowingly dons a lovely skunk costume coat and the story is on.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Charles M. Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward Selzer for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc and Bea Benaderet. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This short film is capable of generating a few smiles. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers