THE AVIATOR (Released to Theaters USA 1985)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

 The Aviator has a few shots of some outstanding Idaho scenery that repeats itself throughout the movie with the similar picture of a river running down a deep gorge. Most of the film seems to be shot in artificial stage settings rather than in an actual outdoor environment. Know that this movie is not about Howard Hughes. It is about Edgar Anscombe, a U.S. mail plane flier who runs a flight in Idaho. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A postal mail aircraft is given an unusual piece of freight…a Teenage girl whose father is sending her to a relative to finish raising.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director George T. Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mace Neufeld and Thomas H. Brodek for making the film possible. Cast includes Christopher Reeve, Rosanna Arquette, Jack Warden, and Tyne Daly


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a suitable to okay watch but loses its power after the plane crash lands in the wilderness. Christopher Reeve does not cast well in this movie. Know that the movie is clean with no surprises and is a good adult/child share.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAST KNIGHTS (Released to Theaters USA 2015

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì­­­­­­­­­

 Last Knights runs thin on likability factor. It seems to work and then it doesn’t. The acting does not have that ‘real’ feeling that engages audiences. The movie could easily be skipped with nothing lost in time or monetary investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A battle of loyalties ensues when a cruel minister plots with lies and corruption to sway political decisions.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kazuaki Kiriya for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lucy Kim for making the film possible. Cast includes Clive Owen, Cliff Curtis, Askel Hennie, Peyman Moaadi, Ayelet Zurer, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ahn Sung-ki, and Morgan Freeman


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. There’s not much to recommend watching here.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

SPIRIT UNTAMED (Released to Theaters USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì

Spirit Untamed—simple, suitable film for the younger setgets to be a ho-hum animated film from its early scenes. The computer animation is poor. Overall, it does not have the quality, complex writing necessary to pull a good child/adult share. 

Movie Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl becomes involved with gentling a wild stallion. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Elaine Bogan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Karen Foster for making the film possible. Casting includes Isabela Merced, Marsai Martin, Mckenna Grace, Walter Goggins, Andre Braugher, Julianne Moore, and Jake Gyllenhaal 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie may make a good watch for younger girls who love horses, but it runs more on the boring side of storytelling. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

GUNS OF NAVARONE (Released to Theaters USA 1961)

 



Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Guns of Navarone—Gregory Peck—becomes an interesting movie due to its stage settings. It’s a good watch that emphasizes teamwork needed to accomplish the impossible. This film is not high quality for a World War II movie in portrayal. But the presentation is good and the story is well written. Gregory Peck’s introductory scenes are weak, but as the narrative moves along, his character gathers strength to match the severity of the movie’s predicament. This film becomes an important, instructive watch on courage, teamwork, and strict obedience to military protocol. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This war film is about a military unit who is assigned the task of disabling the weapons on an island. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Carl Foreman for making the film possible. Cast includes Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, Irene Papas, Gia Scala, and James Darren 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good movie and worth watching.                                                              

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER (Released to Theaters USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì 

High Plains Drifter—there is not a lot of goodness in this film other than getting rid of ‘bad guys’. There are several immoral scenes that do not significantly add to the movie’s value or help it reach a higher quality level of entertainment. The acting is good to suitable. The portrayal is good. The storyline is quite different. Watch for the concluding scene that sheds light on who the high plains drifter is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia and Google Images 

Storyline 

This western movie is about a man who drifts into town and cleans it up. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Robert Daley for making the film possible. Cast includes Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, and Mariana Hill. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This revenge western film could be skipped for better revenge stories with a bit more moral fiber like Open Range, Duel at Diablo or Missing. The mystique that surrounds Clint Eastwood movies, though, is exceptionally present in this movie and does not falter. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING 4: QUEST FOR POWER (Released to DVD USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power—nothing new here—works as a run-of-the-mill movie that has suitable to weak portrayal, presentation, and acting. It’s good to see Lou Ferrigno in the movie. The movie works as a light, afternoon watch that works the ancient hero/villain story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about trying to recover the Urn of Kings which will allow control of the world to anyone who possesses it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mike Elliott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mike Elliott and Ogden Gayanski for making the film possible. Cast includes Victor Webster, Ellen Hollman, Lou Ferrigno, Rutger Hauer, Royce Gracie, Eve Torres, and Ian Whyte 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. But do not expect the impact quality from this movie that the original Scorpion King had. This movie works at the average level. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

BLACKBERRY (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

BlackBerry—fictional treatment of a factual story—earns its watch as it tells about the rise and fall of the company that built the BlackBerry mobile phone. It details the processes involved in empire building, endeavoring to keep cherished ethical mores in place while trying to balance work and pressures of the market with serious technical competition. The movie works for its audience and expands an audience’s understanding behind the scenes when a new piece of tech is released to the public. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This drama film is about the rise and fall of the company that built the BlackBerry phone. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Fraser Ash, Niv Fichman, Kevin Krikst, and Matthew Miller for making the film possible. Cast includes Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, Martin Donovan, Michelle Giroux, SungWon Cho, Mark Critch, Saul Rubinek, and Cary Elwes. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?                                                                                      

Yes. The film is not a documentary even though it runs like a reality-based story. The movie is classified as a fictional account. The writing of the story is exceptionally good. The acting interprets several different personality-types very well. Know that the dialogue does contain profanity that precludes it from being a child-adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers 

TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE (Released to Theaters Germany 1992)

 

 NOTE: This critique is for the 1992 Tom and Jerry: The Movie, not the 2021 Tom and Jerry: The Movie.

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Tom and Jerry: The Movie—suitable—does not place its musical numbers well. It’s almost as if there is an on-going battle: Should this be a musical or just a straight-forward animation movie? The music itself is well-done, just misplaced and leaves its audience asking, “And, why?” Compare the musical placement in the Johann Mouse short film to this movie and see that there is a substantial difference in the workability of the musical scoring. Not every song fails to charm though. The song about the little girl’s dad works quite well as does a few other songs. The talking Tom and Jerry seem a little awkward but improves as the film moves along. The movie, at some points, seems to link to Disney’s The Rescuers with slight variations to make it seem different and new. One particular that adds to viewer interest is a cameo of Droopy the Bassett Hound. It’s original and audiences will love that scene. The drawn animation is great and welcome.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 This movie shows Tom and Jerry as homeless and needing to cooperate to survive.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Phil Roman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Phil Roman for making the film possible. Cast includes Richard Kind, Dana Hill, Anndi McAfee, Tony Jay, Henry Gibson, Michael Bell, Ed Gilbert, David Lander, Howard Morris, and Charlotte Rae


 
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. Tom and Jerry have been a captivating entertainment staple for adults and children for more than 80 years. This movie has a talking Tom and Jerry which surprises because the chosen voices are different from expectations. It takes a little time to get used to. This movie is additionally different because Tom and Jerry are in a situation where they must partner and cooperate.  It’s a suitable afternoon watch that does not require a great deal of mental involvement.

 Video Critique Available Here:





Ben Meyers

SAINT RALPH (Released to Theaters Canada 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Saint Ralph has much to say about faith and determination. It becomes a quality story because of that main theme. The script has been solidly built with good timing that moves the story along fluidly. There is a strong underlying theme that addresses a young man’s move into puberty that some audiences may object to while others will accept as a fact of life. But for those who object, be forewarned that this story runs two themes simultaneously. As well as a third theme of a young man’s tremendous desire to see his mother recover from a deadly illness. Adam Butcher performs outstandingly as Ralph Walker, the main character of this story. Watch for Campbell Scott acting the role of Father George Hibbert. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline

 This drama film is about a boy who needs his mother to survive and live so he is not an orphan and the steps he takes to work a miracle. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael McGowan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Teza Lawrence, Andrea Mann, and Seaton McLean for making the film possible. Cast includes Adam Butcher and Campbell Scott 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has heart and gives a reality touch of the work required to succeed at an occupation, in this case winning a Marathon run. It is a quality watch despite the preoccupation with puberty-related subject matter. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

GREYHOUND (Released to Theaters USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì 

Greyhound—WOW!—easily becomes that movie that theater audiences leave feeling completely satisfied. It runs the complete gauntlet of tension to complete involvement in the story. The camera work is great. The casting is perfect. Tom Hanks completely fills the role of Captain of his ship. The script is perfect. Timing and sequencing are so professionally done that the film literally flows. This movie is an Apple TV+ Movie and is nearly everything one could hope for in a movie. Excellent quality film for the home video library. Revolutionary work of art. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The movie is about a particularly dangerous section of sea crossing during World War II that resulted in many sunken ships due to lack of air cover. 

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Aaron Schneider for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gary Goetzman for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, and Elisabeth Shue. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a must see for the history lesson and for war movie fans. It’s a quality watch and deserves its place in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

FERDINAND (Released to Theaters USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì 

Ferdinand—WOW!— is a sweet, heart-appealing animated film. It’s a Blue Sky quality watch with a 10-minute conclusion that is difficult to exceed in quality. The movie works for a wide, age range and becomes a good child/adult share flick. The Ferdinand character is taken from a 1936 children’s book expanded into a full- length movie. The script for the movie is great. The presentation, portrayal, and voices are good. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The story is about a bull who is raised gently and then ends in a bull fighting ring.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Carlos Saldanha for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Davis, Lisa Marie Stetler, Lori Forte, and Bruce Anderson for making the film possible. Cast includes John Cena, and Kate McKinnon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This gentle movie is a terrific child/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here:


  1. Ben Meyers

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì 

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford—messily organized—has violent scenes that border at the edge of unbearable. Sexual, immoral scenes are mostly presented discreetly. The movie ends strongly with a complete surprise. It lingers too long on the cowardness of Robert Ford. There are some high quality scenes that push the movie forward. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The story runs exactly as the title states: an account of how Jesse James is killed. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andrew Dominik for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Ridley Scott, Jules Daly, and David Valdes for making the film possible. Cast includes Brad Pitt, Casey Afflek, Sam Shepard, Mary Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Zooey Deschanel, and Sam Rockwell 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The violence in the film borders on the edge of unbearable. Casting did an outstanding job of choosing the actors. They are exceptionally believable in their assigned roles. The film works overall and will serve western movie fans well.. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì   

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny does not have the vibrancy of the first four Indiana Jones movies. It’s a B-grade movie at best, but much better than many film critics rated it. Watch for the excellent computer work that de-ages Harrison Ford at the beginning of the story before it launches into the meat of the film’s story. The wise choice of mixing computer enhancement with the real Harrison Ford makes it possible to balance the human spirit with the non-flowing animation. The storyline is good but not noteworthy as it follows a similar pattern of previous Indiana Jones movies . While the other films worked in their presentation and storyline, this film seems to falter here. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Indiana Jones endeavors to retrieve the complete Dial of Destiny. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel for making the film possible. Cast includes Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Ethann Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. If this is the last Indiana Jones film, Harrison Ford is going out strong from the series. The story itself is suitable to good and ‘kind of’ works. The film does have a cliff hanger at the end to indicate there may be more in the future. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers 

BEVERLY HILLS COP II (Released to Theatrical USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì

Beverly Hills Cop II—ready-made Eddie Murphy-style comedy—starts with a highly professional jewelry store heist and levels out to the quality level of the first Beverly Hills Cop movie. There are several unnecessary, exceptionally graphic nudity scenes that do not add to the story and narrow the audience range to the adult only watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The movie begins with a well-planned jewelry heist and ends with a conclusion that apprehends more than just jewelry thieves. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tony Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer for making the film possible. Cast includes Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Jurgen Prochnow, Ronny Cox, John Ashton, Brigitte Nielsen, Allen Garfield, and Paul Reiser. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has a good storyline and fills the need for comedy. This is not a child’s watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers 

SANDLOT 2 (Released to DVD USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

 Sandlot 2—cute—fails to add much to the original movie. Samantha Burton’s performance adds levity and some freshness to the story. And, the Great Fear is also a good, simple addition that ‘beefs up’ this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A group of children hone their baseball skills on a raggedy sandlot. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producer David Bixler for making the film possible. Cast includes James Willson, Max Lloyd Jones, Samantha Burton, Brett Kelly, Cole Evan Weiss, Neilen Benvegnu, Sean Berdy, James Earl Jones, McKenzie Freemantle, and Jessica King. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Know that the first Sandlot movie is better than its sequel. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

THE RIGHT STUFF (Released to Theaters USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Right Stuff—wonderful—combines the story of the men who broke the sound barrier and the men who were first in space. The movie offers full value for the money spent as it gives three hours of movie time. WOW! Casting department made excellent choices. The timing, portrayal, and presentation are unusually well done. The writer, Tom Wolfe, coherently writes the story (see Ben Meyers International Movie Critics for a review of the documentary about Tom Wolfe and his professional life).  Look for appearances of Jeff Goldblum in the movie. This film is great to watch and makes a worthy addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia and Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about the breaking of the sound barrier and the men who were the first United States astronauts. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Philip Kaufman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff for making the film possible. Cast includes Charles Frank, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Lance Henriksen, Scott Paulin, Dennis Quaid, Sam Shepard, Fred Ward, Kim Stanley Veronica Cartright, Pamela Reed, and Barbara Hershey 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Not many movies reach the quality range of this film. It’s a great watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

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