LAVA (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Lava—classic short film—tells its loving story through great musical scoring. The Hawaiian sound works to create a peaceful and gentle tale that refreshes and calms. This is a surprisingly wonderful romantic tale. Great work for Director James Ford Murphy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A lonely volcano sings a song calling his soul mate. When it seems too late, a miracle occurs.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Ford Murphy for directing effort. Additional cast include: Napua Greig and Kuana Torres Kahele.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The music makes this short film stand out. This is a terrific watch for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROCKY BALBOA (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Rocky Balboa may not be as good a story as the first five Rocky films, but there is no lack in the very well-done fight scenes. For boxing movie fans, they are ‘do not miss’ scenes. Great work for Director Sylvester Stallone.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rocky comes out of retirement for another fight.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sylvester Stallone for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Paulie (Burt Young), Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver), Marie (Geraldine Hughes), Robert Balboa Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia), Duke (Tony Burton), L.C. (A.J. Benza), Steps (James Francis Kelly III), Adrian (Talia Shire), Lou DiBella (Lou DiBella), Mike Tyson (Mike Tyson), Martin (Henry G. Sanders), Spider Rico (Pedro Lovell), Isabel (Ana Gerena), Angie (Angela Boyd), and Bar Thug (Louis Giansante).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For those who love the Rocky series, the movie is worth the investment of both time and money. Great work for all involved in producing the film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOY STORY 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Toy Story 3—classic Pixar entertainment—develops another WOW! BRAVO! movie based on the Toy Story film series. Nothing missing here. The story flows nicely and explores successfully toy destiny at day care centers. Excellent work by Director Lee Unkrich.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Andy’s toys accidentally get donated to a day care center.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lee Unkrich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack), Lotso (voice of Ned Beatty), Mr. Potato Head (voice of Don Rickles), Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), Rex (voice of Wallace Shawn), Hamm (voice of John Ratzenberger), Mrs. Potato Head (voice of Estelle Harris), Andy (voice of John Morris), Barbie (voice of Jodi Benson), Bonnie (voice of Emily Hahn), Andy’s Mom (voice of Laurie Metcalf), Slinky Dog (voice of Blake Clark), Chatter Telephone (voice of Teddy Newton), and Chuckles (voice of Bud Luckey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s satisfactory entertainment for a child/adult share and easily earns its right to addition to the family home video library. BRAVO!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUS T.S. SPIVET (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet—very good storyline—works on a simple story that reminds one of The Journey of Natty Gann where a very young person takes charge of a personal future and, without adult permission, travels to their destiny. The film is heart-warming, well written, and worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young Montana boy wins the Smithsonian’s Baird Award and hitchhikes from Montana to Washington, D.C. to claim it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Francis Boespflug, Sidonie Dumas, Suzanne Girard, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Brian Oliver, Timmy Thompson, and Tyler Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Clair/Mother (Helena Bonham Carter), Ms. Jibsen (Judy Davis), Father (Callum Keith Rennie), T.S. Spivet (Kyle Catlett), Gracie (Niamh Wilson), Layton (Jakob Davies), Roy (Rick Mercer), Two Clouds (Dominique Pinon), Ricky (Julian Richings), Mr. Stenpock (Richard Jutras),  Lecturer (Mairtin O’Carrigan), Train Station Guard (Michel Perron), Marge (Dawn Ford), Policeman (Harry Standjofski), and Secretary (Susan Glover).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good child/adult share and provides good after viewing discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY GIRL (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

My Girl—a female coming of age story—has so many things happening in one young girl’s life that it makes a person wonder how she moves through so many dramatic life events. The story has been thoughtfully written and successfully captures the twelve to thirteen-year-old female mindset. It’s sweet and borders on a classic children’s film. Watch for Macaulay Culkin. Dan Aykroyd plays well in this non-comedy film. Good work for Director Howard Zieff who catches the heart and soul of the story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A widowed funeral home director’s coming of age daughter struggles and tries to adapt to a series of large life changes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howard Zief for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joesph M. Caracciolo and David T. Friendly for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harry Sultenfuss (Dan Aykroyd), Shelly DeVoto (Jamie Lee Curtis), Thomas J. Sennett (Macaulay Culkin), Vada Sultenfuss (Ann Chlumsky), Phil Sultenfuss (Richard Masur), Mr. Bixler (Griffin Dunne), Gramoo Sultenfuss (Ann Nelson), Dr. Welty (Peter Michael Goetz), Nurse Randall (Jane Hallaren), Arthur (Anthony R. Jones), Justin (Tom Villard), Ronda (Lara Steinick), Charles (Kristian Truelsen), Ray (David Caprita), and Mrs Hunsaker (Jody Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great teen-age girl’s film. Worth a watch. Entertaining and educational.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CINDERELLA (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Cinderella—not as good as the 1950s animated version of the Cinderella story—sticks to the original story more closely than many remakes have done. The scenes of making the carriage suitable to carry a princess are poorly done for realism. Other than that, the movie runs on a straight forward story telling line with no unpredictable deviations. Fairly good watch for a child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cinderella hopes for a better life and finds magical help to realize her dreams.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kenneth Branagh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tim Lewis and Barry H. Waldman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stepmother (Cate Blanchett), Cinderella (Lily James), Prince (Richard Madden), Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), Captain (Nonso Anozie), Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgard), Drisella (Sophie McShera), Anastasia (Holliday Grainger), King (Derek Jacobi), Ella’s Father (Ben Chaplin), and Ella’s Mother (Hayley Atwell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. But, the original 1950s animated film surpasses this live action remake for entertainment value and superior story telling.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2 (Video Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Fox and the Hound 2—as good as The Fox and the Hound—serves up its share of good family entertainment. The movie is more of a follow-up to The Fox and the Hound rather than a prequel or sequel. It's a good watch and worth an investment of time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The fox and the hound find their friendship strained as the hound becomes involved in a music band.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jim Kammerud for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ferrell Barron for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dixie (voice of Reba McEntire), Cash (voice of Patrick Swayze), Tod (voice of Jonah Bobo), Copper (voice of Harrison Fahn), Lyle (voice of Jeff Foxworthy), Granny Rose (voice of Vicki Lawrence), Talent Scout (voice of Stephen Root), Additional Voices (Jeff Bennett, Jim Cummings, Grey Griffin, Hannah Farr, Kath Soucie, April Winchell, Rob Paulsen, and Russi Taylor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good addition to the first The Fox and the Hound story. This movie additionally serves as a good bedtime movie  as it has a short runtime of approximately 69 minutes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FROZEN FEVER (Video Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Frozen Fever—short film—singles out scenes from a birthday party Elsa desires to give Anna. The scenes are coherent and rely on superior story telling techniques. The graphics are well-done. Worth a watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Carefully laid plans for a superior birthday party appear as if they are going awry.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Buck for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Especially for those who loved the Frozen movie, this short film adds icing to that cake.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INDEPENDENCE DAY (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Independence Day—Bravo! film with lots of WOW! factor—becomes a classic at first viewing. Terrific visual imagery with unforgettable single scenes. Casting partners Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Robert Loggia, and Randy Quaid to put this movie over the top for entertainment value. It’s a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Aliens want to destroy earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rolland Emmerich, Ute Emmerich, and William Fay for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), Marilyn Whitmore (Mary McDonnell), Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch), General William Grey (Robert Loggia), Russell Casse (Randy Quaid), Constance Spano (Margaret Colin), Albert Nimziki (James Rebhorn), Marty Gilbert (Harvey Fierstein), Major Mitchell (Adam Baldwin), Dr. Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner), Miguel (James Duval), Jasmine Dubrow (Vivica A. Fox), Alicia (Lisa Jakub), and Dylan (Ross Bagley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. An Encore! Encore! film with complete entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer—cute, spunky—has new acting talent and deserves a watch. Portrayal of storyline does not work in the A-class, but still manages to be better than most in its class. Good work for Director John Schultz. Watch for Jaleel White who played Steve Urkel in the Family Matters television show.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young girl decides she is going to have a terrific summer vacation.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director John Schultz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ryan Kavanaugh, Bobbi Sue Luther, Andrew Sugerman, and Tucker Tooley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Judy (Jordana Beatty), Stink (Parris Mosteller), Mom (Janet Varney), Dad (Kristoffer Ryan Winters), Rocky (Garrett Ryan), Frank (Preston Bailey), Mr. Todd (Jaleel White), Jessica Finch (Ashley Boettcher), Amy (Taylar Hender), Hunter (Cameron Boyce), Rocky’s Mom (Jenica Bergere), Aunt Opal (Heather Graham), Zeke (Jackson Odell), Trey-Paul Nevreby (Doug MacMillan), Animated Reporter/Town Hall Official (Dean Cameron), and Maddy (Ashley Jackson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is fun…good watch for younger children.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION KING (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lion King—good, well-made film—has excellent animation, music, and story. Great work for Directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young lion finds adventure before assuming responsibility for a kingdom.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah McArthur and Thomas Schumacher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zazu (voice of Rowan Atkinson), Simba (voice of Matthew Broderick), Young Nala (voice of Niketa Calame-Harris), Ed (voice of Jim Cummings), Shenzi (voice of Whoopi Goldberg), Fariki (voice of Robert Guillaume), Scar (voice of Jeremy Irons), Mufasa (voice of James Earl Jones), Nala (voice of Moira Kelly), Timon (voice of Nathan Lane), Sarafina (voice of Zoe Leader), Banzai (voice of Cheech Marin), Pumbaa (voice of Ernie Sabella), Sarabi (voice of Madge Sinclair), young Simba (voice of Jonathan Taylor Thomas), and Lion Roars (voice of Frank Welker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The music makes this film memorable. It deserves its permanent place in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PRESTO (Newport Beach International Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Presto— creative Pixar short film—turns into an exceptionally cute story that has entertainment value for both the child and adult audience. Great story coupled with excellent animation make this 5-minute short film a terrific watch. Good work for Director Doug Sweetland.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A magician’s hungry rabbit turns the magician’s show upside down.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Doug Sweetland for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It completely entertains.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ONE MAN BAND (Melbourne International Film Festival Melbourne Australia 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

One Man Band—Pixar short film—relies on a completely unexpected ending to top off its unusual theme. Great work for Directors Mark Andrews and Andrew Jimenez.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two street musicians vie for the coin of a small girl.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Mark Andrews and Andrew Jimenez for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter and John Bird for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good watch for both the child and adult audience.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

DAY & NIGHT (Annecy Film Festival FRANCE 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Day and Night—short Pixar film—has terrific charm. The small message toward the end is so beautifully worded and gently tucked into the western dialogue that no possible offense can be taken…one walks away from this short with an honest glow and a great reminder of how life works. Great script. Great work for Director Teddy Newton. Outstanding timing with some terrific rhyming that the ear welcomes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Day and Night, personified, fight and argue until they find mutual appreciation for the inherent value of each other.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Teddy Newton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great watch for all audiences.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BOUNDIN' (Tribeca Film Festival Manhattan Borough New York City, New York USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Boundin'—sweet western themed short film—serves up a healthy portion of positive thinking about moving forward and getting thoughts right through the story of a sheep’s first shearing. Cute and worth watching…it has Pixar quality written all over it and serves as good tribute to the skills of Directors Bud Luckey and Roger Gould.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A sheared sheep finds a way to overcome the shock and embarrassment of his first shearing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bud Luckey and Roger Gould for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Four minutes of pure enjoyment for both children and adults supports itself on the excellence of Pixar Studios’ animators.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers