PHILOMENA (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Philomena is: phenomenal and worth the ground it sits on. A best film for Judi Dench and Steve Coogan who make an inseparable team on screen. This movie bases its true story on Philomena Lee and her son Anthony Lee (name later changed to Michael Hess). It has a mature, but cleanly written, well-directed script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eighteen-year-old Philomena (Sophie Kennedy Clark) attends a carnival, meets a young man, and gets pregnant. Her widowed father sends her to the Catholic Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, Ireland where she gives birth, works, and has access to her child until he is about 3 to 4 years of age. The abbey sells her son to an American Catholic family. Philomena (Judi Dench) throughout her adult life looks for her child and finally with the help of British Journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) finds a trail that leads to America.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Stephen Frears. Thank you to Executive Producers Carolyn Marks Blackwood, Steve Coogan, François Ivernel, Christine Langan, Cameron McCracken, and Henry Normal for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mary (Mare Winningham), Sister Hildegarde (Barbara Jefford), Mother Barbara (Ruth McCabe), Pete Olsson (Peter Hermann), and Michael (Sean Mahon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is well portrayed with some serendipitous additions of scenes of a British woman’s first exposure to American culture which gives a precious, deeper insight into Philomena’s basic character. It’s a treat to see her masterful acceptance of each step in her difficult journey.

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Ben Meyers

BLACK HAWK DOWN (Los Angeles California Limited Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Black Hawk Down—superb Ranger and Delta Force war flick—emphasizes just how good special effects can support a film. With some of the best special effects that the movie business has to offer, Ridley Scott outshines competition with a film that not only contains lots of action but adds just the right amount of heart and emotional appeal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After Somalia enters civil war and United Nations personnel are attacked, United States Ranger, Delta, and SOAR forces are deployed to take out the country’s new president. In the process two Black Hawk helicopters, Super Six-One and Super Six-Four, are shot down by terrorists. With ground forces unable to reach the crash sites, the battle around the two Black Hawks becomes a bitter struggle between life and death.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Ridley Scott. Thank you to Executive Producers Branko Lustig, Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, and Simon West for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eversmann (Josh Hartnett), Grimes (Ewan McGregor), McKnight (Tom Sizemore), Hoot (Eric Bana), Sanderson (William Fichtner), Nelson (Ewen Bremner), Garrison (Sam Shepard), Kurth (Gabriel Casseus), Wex (Kim Coates), Schmid (Hugh Dancy), Durant (Ron Eldard), Beales (Ioan Gruffudd), Yurek (Tom Guiry), and Smith (Charlie Hofheimer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Beyond words. One of the best, if not the best, war movie productions. It’s an ‘I can feel it movie.’

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Ben Meyers

BROTHER BEAR (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Brother Bear runs on a ‘protect and save wildlife/plant life’ theme. It’s a fair to middling animated film for children.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kenai (voice Joaquin Phoenix), the youngest of three brothers, Sitka (voice D.B. Sweeney), the oldest, and Denahi (voice Jason Raize), the middle brother, play, ride canoes, and catch fish together. The two eldest brothers catch a basket full of salmon and then leave to go to a ceremony. Kenai ties the basket to a tree and hurries to go to the ceremony, too. He notices that the basket has fallen to the ground, but follows after his older brothers anyway. At the ceremony Kenai, the youngest brother, is nominated as the Bear of Love. When the brothers come back to the salmon basket, it is missing. Kenai goes after the basket and gets into a duel with a bear. His brothers come to help, but in the process the oldest brother attempts to save the two youngest brothers by taking his spear and breaking the mountain ice around himself and the bear. The bear and older brother cascade to the river below. The bear makes it out of the freezing water, but the oldest brother does not surface. When the two younger brothers only find their older brother’s skin coat, Kenai wants revenge and, against his middle brother’s advice, goes after the bear. He provokes the bear into another duel and the story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Chuck Williams for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeremy Suarez, Harold Gould, Joan Copeland, Rick Moranis, and Dave Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works for a young audience. It is a message feature, not made for pure entertainment.

Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ST. VINCENT (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

St. Vincent—a mature story that delves into compassion from a completely different but exceptionally realistic angle—examines goodness from the side of life where rough, tough things happen to good people who continue to cope with life’s more troubling problems while supporting each other in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Bill Murray is EXCEPTIONAL in this film with Melissa McCarthy and Jaeden Lieberher as perfect contrasts to his character. The films contains some up front graphic sex scenes and explores the sex industry within its own framework while also employing mature dialogue, but it is a story that needs to be told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vincent de Van Nuy (Bill Murray) seems to be, by most ethical standards, a lost soul without its clean ‘Good Housekeeping’ seal of approval required to fare well in society. He lives day by day the best he can; but as his story unveils itself, we find that his efforts to live are carefully orchestrated acts that involve helping others move through their exceptionally difficult lives.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Theodore Melfi. Thank you to Executive Producers G. Mac Brown, Don Cheadle, Kay Liberman, Dylan Sellers, and Kathryn Tyrus-Adair for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher), Daka (Naomi Watts), Brother Geraghty (Chris O’Dowd), Zucko (Terrence Howard), Nurse Ana (Kimberly Quinn), Coach Mitchell (Lenny Venito), Terry (Nate Corddry) Ocinski (Dario Barosso), Sandy (Donna Mitchell), and Shirley (Ann Dowd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is one of Bill Murray’s best films. It has heart.

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Ben Meyers

THE ROCK (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Rock—a straight forward action thriller—bases its entertainment strength on the casting selections of Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage. Their acting skills make up for the rest of the cast who, at times, seem a little ‘stiff’ with their parts. Parts of this movie seem almost ‘silly’ or nonsensical. The film contains some sexual content.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chemical Weapons Expert Dr. Stanley Goodspeed (Nicholas Cage) and former British Spy John Mason (Sean Connery) take down U.S. Force Recon Marine Frank Hummel (Ed Harris) and his crew of military thugs who, after having stationed themselves in San Francisco’s Alcatraz Prison, threaten to launch rockets laden with deadly chemicals into San Francisco.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Michael Bay. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Connery, Louis A. Stroller, and William Stuart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Major Tom Baxter (David Morse), Ernest Paxton (William Forsythe), Commander Anderson (Michael Biehn), Marine Captain Hendrix (John C. McGinley), Captain Frye (Gregory Sporleder), Captain Darrow (Tony Todd), Sergeant Crisp (Bokeem Woodbine), and Carla Pestalozzi (Vanessa Marcil).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s ‘Michael Bay Action’ with the opportunity to see Sir Sean Connery in long hair­—priceless!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE STING (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Sting—a classic—again emphasizes the outstanding magnetism achieved on screen when Robert Redford and Paul Newman cast together. The film is the best of the best both in script writing and entertainment value as it explores a long-term, multi-layered scam by a crew of expert con artists. The music revives Joplin’s ragtime music of the late 1800s and early 1900s as well as explores traditional American folk music and the best of American jazz. Everything works in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford), a small time scam artist, gets into trouble with big crime boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw) by inadvertently intervening in a pigeon drop of money belonging to the gangster. His accomplice, Luther Coleman (Robert Earl Jones), is viciously murdered by Lonnigan thugs and Johnny Hooker flees for his life to Chicago with plans for a long-term ‘big’ scam to take down the crime boss in revenge for his friend’s death. Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), a professional, high class con man obligingly teaches Johnny Hooker how to plan and execute a big con. The rest of the film shows how the big con works from its creation to its hurrah.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director George Roy Hill. Thank you to Executive Producers David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant William Snyder (Charles Durning), J.J. Singleton (Ray Walston), Billie (Eileen Brennan), Kid Twist (Harold Gould) Eddie Niles (John Heffernan), F.B.I. Agent Polk (Dana Elcar), Erie Kid (Jack Kehoe), Loretta (Dimitra Arliss), Floyd—a Bodyguard (Charles Dierkop), and Bodyguard (Lee Paul).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Completely entertaining intellectually and visually, The Sting is a good confidence man film. The icing on this cake is the well-placed and well-chosen musical scores and the outstanding all-star cast.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Legend of Bagger Vance—one of the best films ever made—showcases the talents of Matt Damon as Rannulph Junuh and Will Smith as an angel named Bagger Vance. Overall, it's a well told story with only a few slow spots and other than that, this movie does not miss a beat in timing, heart, dialogue, filming, and overall technique.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During World War I Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), one of the best golfers in Savannah, Georgia, shows his patriotism by joining the Army. After his entire company is slaughtered, Rannulph Junuh returns home, disassociates himself from all previous friends and social activities, lives a completely reclusive life, and slowly begins drinking himself to death. During this time, Rannulph Junuh’s previous girlfriend, Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron), is trying to make ends meet after her father commits suicide. The Great Depression has begun; she cannot pay the bills her father left behind and decides to raise the money she needs by putting on a national golf tournament that showcases the talents of the two best golfers of the times. She needs a third golfer. A small boy named Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Moncrief) suggests she add Rannulph Junuh as the third golfer. As Rannulph Junuh begins practicing for the tournament, Bagger Vance (Will Smith) shows up and volunteers to be his caddy. He works with Rannulph Junuh to help him get back into the game and the story is ‘on’.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director and Producer Robert Redford. Thank you to Producers Jake Eberts and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill), Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch), Neskaloosa (Peter Gerety), Grantland Rice (Lane Smith), and O.B. Keeler (Michael O’Neill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best films for both Matt Damon and Will Smith. Completely worth the price of the ticket and worth a re-watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OKJA (Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Okja—innovative with very good, realistic animation—strives to present itself as a heart-tugging action flick and accomplishes that well. The script is great; the storyline is fantastic. This is a terrific family share movie for the teen and adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lucy Mirando, a third descendant of the two generation Mirando Corporation, starts breeding a new breed of superpig. The new pigs are distributed across the world for families to raise. Okja is received by South Korean teenager Mija and her grandfather to raise.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Joon-ho Bong for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Collin Creighton, Sarah Esberg, Pauline Fischer, Woosang Kim, Christina Oh, Brad Pitt, and Stan Wlodkowski for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lucy Mirando/Nancy Mirando (Tilda Swinton), Stylist 2007/2017 (Sheena Kamal), Make-up Artist 2007 (Michael Mitton), Sarcastic British Reporter (Colm Hill), Epicurean Reporter (Kathrun Kirkpatrick), Señor Villacorta (Jose Carias), Frank Dawson (Giancarlo Esposito), Johnny Wilcox (Jake Gyllenhaal), and Elderly Reporter (Nancy Amelia Bell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fresh, exciting, and appealing to both the adult and teen audience—imaginative and adventurous.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Astronaut Farmer—inspirational—is all about the importance of having a dream and never giving up. Despite losing money at box office, this film is a sleeper that will make dollars over time. It details the process that all dreamers go through including the humbling experience of complete and total failure. This is a great family show. Kudos to a film well done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Farmer Charles Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) has used his fortune to build a spaceship capable of carrying a single person into outer space. His entire family helps him on the project and they develop significant mathematical muscles as well as specialized knowledge about space travel.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Polish for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Geyer Kosinski for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charles Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton), Audrey ‘Audie’ Farmer (Virginia Madsen), Shepard Farmer (Max Theiriot), FBI Agent Mathis (Mark Polish), FBI Agent Kilbourne (Jon Gries), and Kevin Munchak (Tim Blake Nelson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best Billy Bob Thornton films on the market. A great evening watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FULL METAL JACKET (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Full Metal Jacket—emotionally impacting, insightful, and realistic—first approaches the Vietnam War through the perils of United States Marine Corp boot camp and then through actual field warfare. While some of the soldier interviews need a little tweaking and the Hollywood ‘flare’ added to the sniper scene, the overall effect of this Stanley Kubrick film makes it a favorite and an excellent choice for the war flick fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film tracks several individuals during boot camp training and follows their execution of duty after receiving their diverse individual field assignments during the Vietnam War.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stanley Kubrick for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Jan Harlan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Private J.T. ‘Joker’ Davis (Matthew Modine), Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin), Private Leonard ‘Gomer’ Pyle Lawrence (Vincent D’Onofrio), Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey), Eightball (Dorian Harewood), Rafterman (Kevyn Major Howard), Private Cowboy (Arliss Howard), Lieutenant Touchdown (Ed O’Ross), and Lieutenant Lockhart (John Terry).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an excellent tribute to the talents of Stanley Kubrick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NINE LIVES * (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Nine Lives—a solid Kevin Spacey film—backs its storyline with the talents of Christopher Walken and Jennifer Garner. Watch for Robbie Amell and Mark Consuelos; they have good screen presence. The acting is well done; the portrayal is really well done, but the consciousness transfer from a human into an animal has been a little overdone, feels like old-hat, and gives the unsettling feeling that this is nothing more than a run-off of Disney’s 1959 Shaggy Dog (remade again in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2006) with nothing really new except an exchange of the dog with a cat to make us think it is a new story. However, despite that, it’s a good afternoon watch—a family friendly movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey) is a hard hitting, competitive business man, determined to be ‘first’ in all things including the height of buildings he constructs. But, the more competitive he gets, the more he alienates himself from being ‘first’ with his family. He buys a cat for his daughter’s, Rebecca Brand (Malina Weissman), birthday and in an accident finds his consciousness traded from his body to the inside of the cat’s body. The only way to extract himself is to make his family first priority and his business second priority.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Sonnenfeld for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Mark Gao, Claude Léger, Eric Mathis, Gregory Ouanhon, Michele Petternella, and Jonathan Vanger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey), Lara Brand (Jennifer Garner), David Brand (Robbie Amell), Madison Camden (Cheryl Hines), Ian Cox (Mark Consuelos), Felix Perkins (Christopher Walken), Nicole Camden (Talitha Bateman), Josh Myers (Teddy Sears), and Benson (Jay Patterson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. However, due to the many movies made on this film's idea, the movie begs the question, ‘Are Hollywood writers running out of fresh ideas for stories?’

* Also known as: Mr. Fuzzypants

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Ben Meyers

DAD (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Dad—heartfelt—walks into the world of elder caretaking while taking the viewer on a journey that enhances appreciation for the preciousness of life at every stage. The film reminds us of the importance of building good memories—memories we’ll be glad to own. Dad has a terrific story line and provides significant entertainment value for the whole family.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

John Tremont’s (Ted Danson) mother suffers a heart attack and becomes incapacitated to the point where she can no longer continue her caretaking duties for John’s father, Jake Tremont (Jack Lemmon). John takes absence from work and returns home to help his father become more independent and to help him establish better health.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gary David Goldberg for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jake Tremont (Jack Lemmon), John Tremont (Ted Danson), Bette Tremont (Olympia Dukakis), Annie (Kathy Baker), Mario (Kevin Spacey), Billy (Ethan Hawke), Dr. Chad (Zakes Mokae), Dr. Santana (J.T. Walsh), Dr. Ethridge (Peter Michael Goetz), Dr. Delibro (John Apicella), and Victor Walton (Richard McGonagle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. It’s a treat to see Jack Lemmon performing in one of his later films and to see Kevin Spacey performing in some of his early films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD (Sundance Film Festival Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden City, Provo City, Sundance Resort North East of Provo City, Utah USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Great Buck Howard—loosely based on The Amazing Kreskin’s story—faded in its box office releases and earned just under $1,000,000 sales. This sleeper film is a terrific ‘pick-up’ film with excellent entertainment value. The story is phenomenal and sensationally portrayed by John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, and Emily Blunt. Well done film and definitely worth watching; watch for Tom Hanks, father of Colin Hanks tucked into the story’s lines.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) drops out of law school and takes a position as road manager for magician Buck Howard’s (John Malkovich) The Great Buck Howard Magician Show.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sean McGinly for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Marvin V. Acuna and Steve Shareshian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buck Howard (John Malkovich), Troy Gable (Colin Hanks), Valerie Brennan (Emily Blunt), Gil Bellamy (Ricky Jay), Kenny (Steve Zahn), Mr. Gable (Tom Hanks), Jonathan Finerman (Griffin Dunne), Doreen (Debra Monk), and Alan Berkman (Adam Scott).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of the best magician shows out there; a classic understatement that should not be missed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HERO (Released to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs, California USA 2003) Movie Critique

Ben Meyers’ rating of Hero is 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Hero, Analysis: is a great Chinese culture study film with good special effects. While a few flying scenes need improvement (such as the scenes where Jet Li drops from fighting several men at a shrine to fighting one man); overall, the fight scenes are very good and produce a pronounced entertainment effect. The acting is quite good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Hero is about:

Nameless (Jet Li), a name he gave himself because his parents were unable to name him, develops a plan to kill Chinese Emperor Qin (Daoming Chen), the first emperor to rule China, who desires unification of states of China.

Additional Thanks to Cast and Crew of Hero

Cast include: Thank you to actor/actresses: Jet Li, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang, Daoming Chen, Donnie Yen, Zhongyuan Liu, Tianyong Zheng, and Yan Qin for making this film possible.

Crew include: Thank you to Director Yimou Zhang for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Shoufang Dou and Weiping Zhang for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific Chinese film. Can’t beat this for good entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ENEMY OF THE STATE (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Enemy of the State easily turns itself into a ‘must see’ movie of 1998. It’s executed in an unflinching classic, spy-thriller style that has Director Tony Scott’s stamp of excellence written all over every scene. It stands among Will Smith’s best films with raw tension in full presence from its beginning to its end. Watch for Jack Black and Seth Green.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Labor Lawyer Robert Dean (Will Smith) unknowing receives a video detailing the murder of Congressman Hammersley. He becomes the target of National Security Agency personnel.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Scott for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Andrew Z. Davis, Chad Oman, and James W. Skotchdopole for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), Edward Lyle (Gene Hackman), Thomas Brian Reynolds (Jon Voight), Rachel F. Banks (Lisa Bonet), Carla Dean (Regina King), Congressman Sam Albert(Stuart Wilson), Christa Hawkins (Laura Cayouette), Hicks (Loren Dean), David Pratt (Barry Pepper), Bingham (Ian Hart), Krug (Jake Busey), Jones (Scott Caan), Daniel Zavitz (Jason Lee), Brill (Gabriel Byrne), Jerry Miller (James Le Gros), Shaffer (Dan Butler), and Fiedler (Jack Black).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is worth both your time and your money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

VICTOR (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Victor becomes one of the better Christian films on the market as it works through the importance of family and a workable faith in breaking and leaving the drug addiction cycle.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Victor (Patrick Davis Alarcón), an emigrant from Puerto Rico, in a desperate effort to help his financially struggling family enters the drug trafficking business and soon finds himself enslaved to the drugs he sells.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brandon Dickerson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Greg Wilkerson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Patrick Davis Alarcón, Lisa Vidal, Josh Pence, J. Michael Trautman, José Zúñiga, Mike Wade, Rick Gonzalez, Matt Angel, Haley Ramm, Mason Davis, Nick Eversman, Matt Marquez,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worthy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NO ESCAPE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

No Escape turns edge of the seat excitement into some of Owen Wilson’s best work. While Owen Wilson seems to lend himself well to the comedic experience, sometimes with a little romance thrown in, he turns into an outstanding casting choice for this thriller/action movie. His talent lies, partially, in the wisdom of finding his own action style. It absolutely works. This film is among some of 2015s best thriller/action movies. Kudos to every actor in this film; the acting is some of the best on today’s market. The script is well done. No fault found in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

American Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson), his wife, Annie (Lake Bell), and their two daughters, Lucy Dwyer (Sterling Jerins) and Beeze Dwyer (Claire Geare), get caught in a Laotian rebel war.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Erick Dowdle for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Alexander, Andrew Pfeffer, Jeffrey Stott, and Gary Michael Walters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan, Thanawut Ketsaro, Chatchawai Kamonsaknitak, Sahajak Boonthanakit, and Tanapol Chuksrida.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is so well done that it is a re-watch just to see Owen Wilson in the fatherly, rescue role within the thriller genre.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers