CONEHEADS (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Coneheads plays Jane Curtain with Dan Aykroyd in a terrific, easy-on-the-mind comedy. The dialog is very good. The movie moves along well. Great concept.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Conehead aliens land on earth and endeavor to adapt.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Barron for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Michael Rachmil for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Air Traffic Controller (Robert Knott), Captain Air Traffic (Jonathan Penner), F-16 Pilot (Whip Hubley), Beldar Conehead/Donald R. DeCicco (Dan Aykroyd), Prymatt Conehead/Mary Margaret DeCicco (Jane Curtin), Ang Pilot (Howard Napper), Motel Clerk (Michael Richards), Customer (Eddie Griffin), Otto (Sinbad), and Marlax (Phil Hartman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UP (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

UP—heartfelt, fresh, creative effort—presents the truth that sometimes promises cannot be kept until the real purpose of keeping that promise is lost forever. A well-done story that earns its Bravo! award and serves both a child and adult audience well. Thank you to Director Pete Docter for presenting a terrific piece of entertainment. The flying house concept works well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A balloon man's promise to take his wife to South America comes true after she dies.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Pete Docter and Bob Peterson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Carl Fredricksen (voice of Edward Asner), Charles Muntz (voice of Christopher Plummer), Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai), Dug/Alpha (voice of Bob Peterson), Beta (voice of Delroy Lindo), Gamma (voice of Jerome Ranft), Construction Foreman Tom (voice of John Ratzenberger), Newsreel Announcer (voice of David Kaye), Young Ellie (voice of Elie Docter), and Young Carl (voice of Jeremy Leary).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great film for the whole family that earns its place in the family home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CARS 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Cars 2—good sequel film—presents itself well. A Bravo! movie that makes an excellent child/adult share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lightning McQueen takes Mader to Japan for a car racing event.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lasseter and Bradford Lewis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy), Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson), Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine), Holley Shiftwell (voice of Emily Mortimer), Grem (voice of Joe Mantegna), Sir Miles Axlerod (voice of Eddie Izzard), Francesco Bernoulli (voice of John Turturro), Brent Mustangburger (voice of Brent Musburger), Grem (voice of Joe Mantegna), Professor Z (voice of Thomas Kretschmann), and Acer (voice of Peter Jacobson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is worth watching. It has terrific entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUMBO (Theatrical Release USA 1941)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Dumbo—terrific classic animated feature—despite being created in 1941 has lovely animation and a sweet, clean story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A baby elephant with exceptionally large ears is delivered by a stork to a circus elephant mother.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Samuel Armstrong, Norman Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson, Jack Kinney, Bill Roberts, Ben Sharpsteen, and John Elliotte for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Ringmaster (voice of Hermann Bing), Dumbo (Mel Blanc), Clown (voice of Billy Bletcher), Timothy Q. Mouse (voice of Edward Brophy), Crows (voice of Hall Johnson Choir), Jim Crow (voice of Cliff Edwards), The Elephant Matriarch/Mrs. Jumbo (voice of Verna Felton), Catty the Elephant (voice of Noreen Gammill), and Clown (voice of Eddie Holden).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie seems as if there is a whole story that has not been finished. Despite this, what there is of the story is very good.

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Ben Meyers

BENJI (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Benji—enjoyable movie—presents itself as quite suitable for a family share film. It's good to see Francis Beavier, famous for Aunt Bee on the Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R. F.D. Good script that has been well-directed by Joe Camp.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A stray dog has a village that helps him get along.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Camp for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ed Vanston for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mary (Patsy Garrett), Paul (Allen Fiuzat), Cindy (Cynthia Smith), Dr. Chapman (Peter Breck), Lady With the Cat (Frances Bavier), Officer Tuttle (Terry Carter), Bill (Edgar Buchanan), Riley (Tom Lester), and Henry (Christopher Connelly).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A simple and suitable family watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SMALLFOOT (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Smallfoot—great script dialogue—takes the Yeti idea and turns that into quite good entertainment. The casting voices are very good and rely on familiar voices like Danny DeVito, James Corden, Channing Tatum, and Lebron James. This movie easily becomes a good child/adult share.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Yeti finds a human and tries to convince his clan there is such a thing as a human.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Karey Kirkpatrick and Jason Reisig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Allison Abbate, Karey Kirkpatrick, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Sergio Pablos, Jared Stern, Nicholas Stoller, and Courtenay Valenti for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Migo (voice of Channing Tatum), Percy (voice of James Corden), Meechee (voice of Zendaya), Stonekeeper (voice of Common), Gwangi (voice of LeBron James), Dorgle (voice of Danny DeVito), Kolka (voice of Gina Rodriguez), Brenda (voice of Yara Shahidi), Fleem (voice of Fly Henry), and Thorp (voice of Jimmy Tatro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film entertains.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LIBRARIAN III: THE CURSE OF THE JUDAS CHALICE (Television Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice—better film than its prequel—nicely returns the familiarity of stable casting against a slightly different storyline. The portrayal of story improves as the cast settle into familiar roles and seem more comfortable to explore their character’s depth and possibilities.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Librarian goes in search of the Judas chalice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Frakes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dean Devlin, Kearie Peak, and Marc Roskin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle), Professor Lazlo/Vlad (Bruce Davison), Simone Renoir (Stana Katic), Judson (Bob Newhart), Charlene (Jane Curtin), Sergei Kubichek (Dikran Tulaine), Ivan (Jason Douglas), Katie (Beth Burvant), and Mason (Joe Knezevich).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. As of 2019, there are 3 Librarian movies. These movies uniformly deliver the same entertainment with a change in legends/mythology. Each movie reveals and further develops Judson’s character while allowing a little deeper view into the frustrations of holding a position like the Librarian’s. For that reason, it’s best to see these movies in sequence.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FOR THE LOVE OF BENJI (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

For the Love of Benji—simple child’s fare—delivers the same quality of entertainment as its prequels. 

Storyline 

Benji finds himself kidnapped, needs to escape, and find a way home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Camp for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Joe Camp for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Benji (Benji), Stelios (Art Vasil), Paul (Allen Fiuzat), Mary (Patsy Garrett), Cindy (Cynthia Smith), Chandler Dietrich (Ed Nelson), Airline Representative (Catherine McClenry), Ticket Agent (Anassis Vassilakidis), and Man in Line (Dean Goss).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No Maybe?

Yes. It serves a young child audience. Not an outstanding film choice, but it works as a fill-in-time film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LIBRARIAN: RETURN TO KING SOLOMON’S MINES (Television Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines—works on the same formula story telling method as its prequel—has a sound script. The familiarity of story line, reminiscent of other long running movie series such as Pink Panther or James Bond creates a desire to see Noah Wyle in another Librarian movie. Bob Newhart’s precious likableness, always welcome to see, coupled with Jane Curtain’s stableness and Olympia Dukakis’ elegance add to the supporting backstory and predictable story line. Good watch in every way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Librarian searches out the secrets of the mines of King Solomon.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Frakes for directing effort. Thank you to  Executive Producers Dean Devlin, Kearie Peak, Marc Roskin, and Jim Shamoon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle), Emily Davenport (Gabrielle Anwar), Judson (Bob Newhart), Charlene (Jane Curtin), Margie Carsen (Olympia Dukakis), General Samir (Erick Avari), and Jomo (Hakeem Kae-Kazim), Uncle Jerry (Robert Foxworth), and Tommy Yellow Hawk (Zahn McClarnon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. There’s a certain comfortableness in seeing characters appear in sequels as long as the quality of entertainment stays intact. The Librarian movie series, so far, has performed very well within expectations. So well, in fact, that it is not difficult to imagine these movies producing the magical maximum number of movie series ever made. Good watch for those who love the Librarian films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FINDING FORRESTER (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Finding Forrester shows Sean Connery’s diverse talent and unexpectedly turns into a very good watch. The film has an unusual concept that supports itself on a well-written script. Director Gus Van Sant shows his mettle and draws a great deal of entertainment out of a story that could have easily been a failure. Good watch. Don’t miss it.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A seasoned writer befriends a promising young, African/American writer.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gus Van Sant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan King and Dany Wolf for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Forrester (Sean Connery), Jamal Wallace (Rob Brown), Professor Robert Crawford (F. Murray Abraham), Claire Spence (Anna Paquin), Terrell Wallace (Busta Rhymes), Ms. Joyce (April Grace), John Coleridge (Michael Pitt), Dr. Spence (Michael Nouri), and Professor Matthews (Richard Easton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works especially well for an adult share and provides good after viewing discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LIBRARIAN: QUEST FOR THE SPEAR (Television Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear—adventuresome, novel content—uses the considerable talent of Olympia Dukakis, Noah Wyle, and Bob Newhart to create an entertaining film. This story, as well as the rest of the Librarian stories, works within a pre-defined formula structure that varies only in its introduction of new mythological and legendary items that are either unfamiliar to a larger audience or assumed to have been lost to the ravages of time. The movie’s formula structure allows the audience to grasp the introduction of the legendary object and digest the ‘what if’ question. These films are uniformly low key and do not work on a fast action, bright lights, and loud noise level. Good work for Director Peter Winther.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Librarian searches for the spear that was used to stab into Jesus’ side.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Winther for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sven Clement, Dean Devlin, Kearie Peak, and Marc Roskin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle), Nicole Noone (Sonya Walger), Judson (Bob Newhart), Edward Wilde (Kyle MacLachlan), Lana (Kelly Hu), Rhodes (David Dayan Fisher), Charlene (Jane Curtin), Margie Carsen (Olympia Dukakis), and Debra (Lisa Brenner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It suffices due to its structure and presentation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BENJI: OFF THE LEASH! (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Benji: Off the Leash!—not the best in the lineup of animal shows—has a simple storyline and works as an easy-on-the-mind film. Needs professionalism and realism.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Backyard dog breeding, animal control officers, and a kind-hearted boy intertwine to allow a ginger-colored dog to survive and become the next Benji.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Camp for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jack Lewis, Phoebe Lewis, Sherman Muths III, Sherman Muths Jr., Jim Ritchie, and Roy C. Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Colby (Nick Whitaker), Ozzie (Nate Bynum), Hatchett (Chris Kendrick), Livingston (Randall Newsome), Sheldon (Dane Stevens), Colby’s Mom (Christy Summerhays), Delivery Kid (Carlton Bluford), Zacharia Finch (Neal Barth), and Shelter Director (Melinda Haynes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the child audience it can work.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NORM OF THE NORTH: KEYS TO THE KINGDOM (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom—concept in place, fun characters in place—requires no mental involvement to complete...nothing new, simple, uniform...not the best in animated films, but certainly not the worst. Not worthy of time or money investment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A polar bear loses his reputation and fights to regain it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Richard Finn and Tim Maltby for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mike Bundlie, Paul Cummins, Vishal Dudeja, Rob Feng, A.K. Madhavan, Anne Parducci, Srikanth Pottekula, Steven Rosen, Amber Wang, and Mike Young for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Norm (voice of Andrew Toth), Olympia (voice of Maya Kay), Stan/Polar Bear #1 (voice of Alan Marriott), Mrs. Lieberman (voice of Maureen Jones), Fong/Rick/Random Onlooker/Polar Bear #2 (voice of Lee Tockar), and Socrates/Louis/Caribou #2 (voice of Jonathan Holmes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Not an outstanding choice, but it does conclude with a worth watching hockey game.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STUART LITTLE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Stuart Little 2—cute and family oriented—makes a terrific child/adult share film. The movie has enough ‘good battles evil’ to satisfy. The many reprised voices for the animated characters enhance appreciation for this sequel. There’s a fullness to this story that leaves an audience feeling as if they have been completely entertained.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Stuart Little, a mouse, makes friends with Margalo, a canary.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rob Minkoff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Clark, Jeff Franklin, Gail Lyon, Rob Minkoff, and Steve Waterman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stuart Little (voice of Michael J. Fox), Mrs. Little (Geena Davis), Mr. Little (Hugh Laurie), George Little (Jonathan Lipnicki), Martha Little (Anna Hoelck), Martha Little (Ashley Hoelck), Snowbell (voice of Nathan Lane), Margalo (voice of Melanie Griffith), Falcon (voice of James Woods), and Monty (voice of Steve Zahn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good family entertainment.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHREK THE MUSICAL (Netflix Distribution USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Shrek: The Musical—Bravo! Bravo! Encore!—has terrific music, outstanding dialogue, plenty of comedy, well-developed characters. Do not miss it. A completely outstanding piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Shrek, an isolated ogre, finds a life and more friends than he believed possible.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael John Warren for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Friedman and Frank Scherma for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shrek (Brian d’Arcy James), Fiona (Sutton Foster), Lord Farquaad (Christopher Sieber), Pinocchio/Magic Mirror/Dragon Puppeteer (John Tartaglia), Donkey (Daniel Breaker), Teen Fiona (Marissa O’Donnell), Young Fiona (Leah Greenhaus), Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy/Dragonette (Haven Paschall), and Duloc Doll (Jennifer Cody).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Big winner in the entertainment field...a best work for DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RATATOUILLE (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ratatouille—original, fun—uses a cooking theme to present its story and succeeds well. The characters have personality, the storyline is good, the script clean. This film deserves its place in the family home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young rat desires to become a talented chef.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton for making the film possible. for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Remy (voice of Patton Oswalt), Skinner (voice of Ian Holm), Linguini (voice of Lou Romano), Django (voice of Brian Dennehy), Emile (voice of Peter Sohn), Anton Ego (voice of Peter O’Toole), Gusteau (voice of Brad Garrett), Colette (voice of Janeane Garofalo), and Horst (voice of Will Arnett).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It provides fun entertainment for the whole family—great child/adult share film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CARS (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Cars—original, creative, great animated entertainment—works as a Bravo! film. Listen for the voices of Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the casting voices. Terrific direction by John Lasseter and Joe Ranft. This is a ‘do not miss it’ film that makes that perfect addition to the family home video library. Leaves a warm afterglow after viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Animated/talking cars, whose main interest is racing, help a town newcomer to find his true place in the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors John Lasseter and Joe Ranft for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Darla K. Anderson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson), Doc Hudson (voice of Paul Newman), Sally Carrera (voice of Bonnie Hunt), Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy), Ramone (voice of Cheech Marin), Luigi (voice of Tony Shalhoub), Guido (voice of Guido Quaroni), Flo (voice of Jenifer Lewis), and Sarge (voice of Paul Dooley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and fair play are gently built into the overall story. Terrific child/adult share film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers