#MiriamFlynn

[duranduratulsa]

Up next on my 90's Fest Movie 🎬 🎞 🎥 🎦 📽 marathon...Vegas Vacation (1997) on classic DVD 📀! #Movie #movies #comedy #vegasvacation #ChevyChase #beverlydangelo #ethanembry #marisolnichols #juliasweeney #randyquaid #waynenewton #WallaceShawn #SidCaesar #christiebrinkley #miriamflynn #LarryHankin #siegfriedandroy #dvd #90s #90sfest #durandurantulsas4thannual90sfest

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)

I hope The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water is the worst this series gets. Any worse, I swear I'm going to quit. You can’t get much more contrived or pointless than this animated children’s movie.

When a long period of rainfall, Littlefoot (voiced by Thomas Dekker) and his friends Cera (Anndi McAfee), Ducky (Aria Noelle Curzon), Petrie (Jeff Bennett) and Spike (still mute, but “voiced” by Rob Paulsen) discover a large lake. Inside this “big water” lives Mo (also voiced by Rob Paulsen). When a chasm suddenly separates our heroes from their families, Littlefoot and the gang march forward to return Mo to his home while dodging a Sharptooth Swimmer.

I understand a certain number of stars must align for an adventure to take place. No one wants to watch a day where nothing goes awry. This movie takes the coincidences and convenient events to a whole new level. You'll be throwing your hands up in frustration. First, the precipitation is so extreme that a lake forms in the Great Valley. Second, the storm carries a salt-water reptile from the ocean, which is at least 2 days’ worth of a walk away - and upstream - to our heroes’ homes. It also displaces a 6 meter (21 foot) sea monster. Third, an earthquake creates a chasm so deep that a perpetual wall of hot air and steam rises from it, preventing Petrie from flying across. The same earthquake separates our favorite dinosaurs from their parents, opens a path from the lake to the world outside of the valley, AND traps the swimming sharptooth so they can all go on without a care in a world. This isn't happenstance. It’s the author forcing the hand of God to make things happen!

Once you get over the initial shock, you'll realize how annoying and empty a film this is. While I didn’t mind 2 of the songs included (there are four instead of the usual three, and then a second version of No One Has to Be Alone sung by Donny Osmond during the end credits) Imaginary Friend will have you tearing your ears off. It’s one thing to encourage children to use their imagination when playing, but a whole song dedicated to why make-belief friends are so awesome? That’s pushing it. Everything related to Mo is grating. The character has no real personality, only the quirk that he wants to play all the time and a voiced that reminds me of a dripping faucet at 1:00 am. The only way he could have been more exasperating is if they had added bubbly noises at the end of each of his sentences. Whenever he shuts up, it's medicinal lotion gently rubbed onto your sunburn. Too bad as the new character, he talks and sings constantly.

Journey to Big Water has a few minor redeeming qualities. The backgrounds are pleasant to view. The series is beginning to use computer animation to create some difficult objects (rotating logs, water, etc.) and this has given the artists time to refine the environment. Two scenes showing characters talking amongst themselves about their feelings and insecurities make them feel like real... dinosaurs. Finally, this chapter acknowledges “The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island” so it somewhat rewards those who have been paying attention to the series so far.

What's shocking is how little during these 75 minutes. The plot is so straightforward, with no real character development, a lot of repeated conversations (if not within the film, then between this and the previous movies), and other than traveling from point A to point B while dodging one bad guy, nothing else happens. If you hope the after-credit bonus will make it up to you, know it’s not even a music video by Donny Osmond or even a repeat of some popular LBT songs... it’s just three random tunes that lead into a commercial! (On VHS, April 15, 2015)

[josephfrady]

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[superman-2050]

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[jamest541975]

I'm about to watch NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION. #nationallampoonsvacation #haroldramis #clarkgriswold #ellengriswold #rustygriswold #audreygriswold #roywalley #chevychase #beverlydangelo #imogenecoca #randyquaid #anthonymichaelhall #danabarron #eddiebracken #briandoylemurray #miriamflynn #jameskeach #eugenelevy #frankmcrae #johncandy #christiebrinkley #janekrakowski #gerryblack #johndiehl #fritzford #mickeyjones #johnpjrnavin #tessaricharde #jamesstaley #michaeltalbott https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MKQdiFEop/?igshid=1ab5xpy6evsyb

[shamefulclutter]

Thank You EBAY - scored this never seen by me rare movie poster of a childhood fave/guilty pleasure: 1982's #nationallampoonsclassreunion I ���� Delores & Bunny aka #zanebuzby & #miriamflynn

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration (2003)

When it comes to the direct to video sequels to The Land Before Time, most have been mediocre or pretty bad. A few could be considered good for what they are. The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration falls under that category of decent follow-ups to the 1988 film.

Littlefoot (voiced by Alec Medlock) and his grandparents (voiced by Kenneth Mars and Miriam Flynn) have been having strange dreams. These dreams compel them, and every other Longneck to go on a great migration where they join together in a strange ritual. While Littlefoot is off making new friends and discovering others of his kind, Ducky (Aria Curzon), Cera (Anndi McAfee), Petrie (Jeff Bennett), and Spike (Rob Paulsen) try to catch up with him in their own adventure.

The animation has stayed consistent in the past few films, meaning it isn’t theater worthy but manages to bring the world to life. The dinosaurs' faces are quite expressive and extra credit needs to go to the character designers. There are many similar-looking dinosaurs in this film but they’re all given a few visual cues to make them look unique. Whether it’s their skin tones, patterns, facial features or frills, you'll never be confused even if you have trouble remembering names. They all appear to be based on real-life species, which kids will enjoy. They can have fun playing detective and determining which species of sauropod is which.

The story is also a step up from what we've come to expect. There are points where things gets a little crazy (I think the ending does go a bit too far with the ritual thing) but overall the premise is good. Instead of having all of the dinosaur friends go on a big adventure by themselves, Littlefoot goes on an emotional journey with his family. His pals miss him and decide to venture out on their own. Why not?

There are some nice, quiet, emotional moments as Littlefoot and the other longneck dinosaurs bond, making friends and discover things about each other. It counterweights the peril and adventure Littlefoot's friends encounter well. Whether this plot has a lasting impact on the franchise or not doesn't matter too much, as everything is wrapped up nice by the end. Overall, it's a good film. It builds upon the characters and expands the world more than any other story since the first. Maybe it's just refreshing to see an adventure without the Great Valley suffering a drought, fire, snowstorm, or other types of disaster.

The flaws are the same we've seen again and again. There are still songs, and they’re still not great. They’re better integrated than in some of the previous pictures, but the film would've benefited from their removal. I’m also not fond of the CGI that’s used throughout to create the logs, rocks, or water. I understand certain objects are difficult and the budget for these productions is thin. It's a necessary evil but I don't have to like it.

I began with a big stack of these Land Before Time VHS tapes and this is the last one. Some were downright terrible. This one you'd categorize under “Has enough qualities that you could watch it with your kids and have a decent time”. Do I recommend it? I would if you REALLY want more of the characters or if you’re looking for something gentle peppered with mild thrills that features dinosaurs and is meant for young children. (On VHS, April 18, 2015)

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire (2000)

I can’t say I disliked The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire but it also left me completely indifferent, so what is there to recommend? The quality of the animation has gone down a notch, the songs are lazy, and certain decisions regarding the characters left me utterly bewildered.

This time around, Littlefoot (Thomas Dekker), Cera (Andi McAfee), Spike (Rob Paulsen), Ducky (Aria Curzon) and Petrie (Jeff Bennett) take part in an adventure that’s out of this world (literally). When Littlefoot sees a strange comet fall from the sky, Petri’s uncle Pterano (Michael York) believes it can grant magic powers and attempts to use it to become the leader of the Great Valley.

I’ll give this to the movie: at least the story is original for this franchise. We’ve never had a villain that could fly and be somewhat of a threat and we’ve certainly never seen any “magical” rocks falling from the sky. There are a few chuckle-worthy moments and the franchise is expanded upon by showing us more of what happened off-screen during the first film.

Despite these encouraging elements, it's clear the franchise has run dry of ideas. The film's conclusion is so crazy you'll never see it coming despite several clues throughout. Obviously, there's no plan to have this mean anything in the long run (which explains why Cera's twin nephews have vanished as well). These characters will never grow up. What's the point of watching any longer?

The songs - I use the word generously - are bad. Beyond the Mysterious Beyond is passable. Very Important Creature is just a bunch of dinosaurs talking vaguely in rhymes while music plays in the background. I’d bet you 50 bucks that one didn’t make it to the Land Before Time Sing-Along Songs Vol. 2. I know I've said it before but I mean it now; it's the worst tune we've been subjected to so far.

The Stone of Cold Fire is completely harmless but no one would ever call it their favorite chapter in the series. Even if you omitted the first (obviously the best), it wouldn't make the top 3. Adults will be left wondering “What’s the point?”. An electronic babysitter for your kids. That's it. Since it adds nothing to the series, you can pass on this one. Even if you're a die-hard fan and you've felt some of the earlier sequels were good or even not-so-bad, this one's not worth your time. (On VHS, April 4, 2015)

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island (1997)

The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island marks a significant dip in the series' quality. It's like a game of telephone. With each sequel, the character models, the animation, the dialogue, the story are all recognizable as being derived from the 1988 film but there’s something off about everything. Even the voices don’t feel right.

This time around Littlefoot (Brandon LaCroix), Cera (Anndi McAfee), Ducky (Aria Noelle Curzon), Petrie (Jeff Bennett), and Spike (Rob Paulsen) leave the Great Valley in the search of green pastures after a swarm of locusts eats all their food. When they become stranded on an island, far from the rest of the herd they meet their old friend: Chomper (who can now talk thanks to the voice of Cannon Young) from The Land Before Time II.

When the credits to this movie finished rolling, I felt sad. I appreciate the story attempt to make the sequels feel legitimate by having some continuity but this franchise is on the corner debasing itself for money now.  The animation feels significantly cheaper. Not only because the characters feel a bit off (I blame it on the animation studio) but also due to the animation errors. I’m not talking about minor stuff that you can spot in pretty much any animated movie. I’m talking about characters colored incorrectly and dinosaurs changing size from one shot to another.

Compared to the previous chapters, there are more mistakes made in the dialogue. Why are these dinosaurs talking about desserts, breakfasts, “medium, or well done”. I can let it slide once or twice (what is Ducky named after if ducks don't exist yet?), but did anyone proofread the script? At least try to make it sound like these creatures come from a time before humans.

I've criticized the songs in the previous chapters. I'll do it again but I have a different gripe today. Friends for Dinner is actually a good tune. Unfortunately, the quality of the voices is inconsistent. The singing and speaking voices for Littlefoot are so obviously two people it's distracting. Makes you wonder why they didn't give someone Cannon Young could pass the baton to. He's not good.

"Sloppy" is the word. The plot is contrived. From the fact that of all the dinosaurs in the world our heroes could have bumped into, it’s the one they raised years ago, to the ending, which comes out of nowhere. The animation is not even above TV level. One good song does not outweigh all the bad ones. It chickens out at the end by undoing some of the more interesting developments and fails to appeal to the parents who will be forced to sit down and watch it with their children. I can’t say that I hated The Land Before Time V. There are a few clever moments here and there, but I can’t recommend it. Not even close. (On VHS, March 25, 2015)

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Land Before Time VI: The Secret of Saurus Rock (1998)

Here we go again, watching sequels to The Land Before Time and grading them on a scale because who in their right mind would watch these movies unless they were under the age of 10, forced to do so because of their children or obsessed with the franchise. How does The Land Before Time VI: The Secret of Saurus Rock rank? Better than number 5, but still resides within the realm of mediocre direct-to-video children’s animated movies.

The story begins when Littlefoot (Thomas Dekker) and his friends Cera (Anndi McAfee), Petrie (Jeff Bennett), Ducky (Aria Curzon), and Spike (also Bennett) hear of the legendary “Lone Dinosaur”; a long-neck who single-handedly defeated a Sharptooth decades ago and whose act of bravery was so immense mother nature itself erected a monument to him (the titular Saurus Rock). Supposedly, the rocky formation watches over the great valley. Should anything bad happen to it, misfortune would rain upon the dinosaurs who live there. When a dinosaur (Kris Kristofferson) who suspiciously resembles the mythical hero arrives, Littlefoot and his friends investigate Saurus rock.

The story introduces two new characters and they ultimately serve no purpose. Cera’s twin nephews, Dinah (Sandy Fox) and Dana (Nancy Cartwright, in another bad animated dinosaur movie) feel like a move made out of desperation, the kind of thing that a dying sitcom would conjure up to boost its ratings. “I know! Let’s introduce some cute little kids to get into all kinds of shenanigans and talk silly!” Our heroes haven’t grown or matured since their arrival in the Great Valley. How can her siblings be old enough to breed? Who are the twins' parents anyway? We never see them... It’s a nitpick but it bothered me for the entire film.

As with the last few entries, the language spoken is inconsistent with the setting. I’m certain that if dinosaurs were able to speak that they wouldn't have named themselves "terrible lizards". Did creatures from the Triassic/Jurassic/Cretaceous invent Latin? Call it more nitpicking but it's yet another example of the film not putting much thought or effort into its story and writing.

Moving on to what's enjoyable, we have a nice, down-to-earth story about Littlefoot and his friends that avoids the need for yet another epic disaster to befall them. The smaller scale allows for some nice quiet moments where we see these “children” playing, being inspired by stories, exploring the world around them, and discovering new responsibilities that will help the herd. While it isn't conveyed organically, the idea of a “Lone Dinosaur” and of “Saurus Rock” fits this world. The animation and the character models look better than they did in the previous movie and the same applies to the songs. They’re still not great. In any other movie, they'd be bad but "Bad Luck" does use mute Spike well. It's a moment of inspiration.

The Secret of Saurus Rock is not good enough for theatres. Not even close. It’s a direct-to-home-video movie and can get pretty sloppy at times (check out that log the Sharptooth climbs onto about halfway through the movie. It changes size more than Ant-Man!). Still, I liked the overall story and its message. The story flows well and it's not a simple retread of what we've seen before. For its intended audience, this is decent entertainment. (On VHS, March 29, 2015)

[shamefulclutter]

#nationallampoonsclassreunion poster detail of BUNNY & DELORES aka #miriamflynn & #zanebuzby

[josephfrady]

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[jamest541975]

HOLIDAY-A-THON 2021 Video 31: NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION #holidayathon2021 #nationallampoonschristmasvacation #clark #chevychase #ellen #beverlydangelo #audrey #juliettelewis #rusty #johnnygalecki #clarksr #johnrandolph #nora #dianeladd #art #egmarshall #francis #dorisroberts #cousineddiejohnson #randyquaid #cousincatherinejohnson #miriamflynn #rocky #codyburger #rubysue #ellenlatzen #lewis #williamhickey #bethany #maequestel https://www.instagram.com/p/CWjQam1hpMK/?utm_medium=tumblr