THE BOAT (Released to Theaters USA 1921)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The Boat—Buster Keaton short movie—performs at a 'bit' higher level that his One Week film, but still lacks the feel of really good comedy. It works on the good to suitable level and serves as a good academic study of this comedian's work.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A man builds a boat and takes his wife and two boys on an ocean boat trip. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Joseph M. Schenck for making the film possible. Cast includes Buster Keaton and Sybil Seely. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is an all around better film than One Week. The best film for Buster Keaton so far is: The General. It has more well-placed comedy that stands on better portrayal and presentation.  Video Critique Available:

Ben Meyers

ONE WEEK (Released to Theaters USA 1920)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  One Week—interesting, but oddly portrayed—misses its comical 'sweet spot'. It does not serve as well as the comedy of Charlie Chaplin or Harold Lloyd films due to an underlying seriousness in storyline which 'swamps' the comedic elements. This short film serves as a good study into Buster Keaton’s work. Everything in the film serves at the suitable to okay level.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A man decides to marry and builds a pre-built home for his new wife.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Joseph M. Schenck for making the film possible. Cast includes Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, and Joe Roberts. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a good study into Buster Keaton’s work but Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd are better comedians for the silent film era. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE GENERAL (Theatrical Release USA 1926)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The General—cute and creative silent film starring Buster Keaton—serves good entertainment despite its age. Intriguing with a well written script, the portrayal is very well done and the acting worth seeing.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A man has two loves. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joseph Schenck and Buster Keaton for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Johnnie Gray (Buster Keaton), Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack), Captain Anderson (Glen Cavender), General Thatcher (Jim Farley), Confederate General (Frederick Vroom), Annabelle’s Father (Charles Smith), Annabelle’s Brother (Frank Barnes), and Union Generals (Joe Keaton, Mike Donlin, Tom Nawn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Wonderful entertainment.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers