IRON MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Iron Man distinguishes itself with good concept and excellent casting. Robert Downing, Jr. once again stamps his excellence on a film and receives good backup from Jeff Bridges. Marvel Comic fans will love this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Billionaire Tony Starks (Robert Downey, Jr.) becomes injured in Afghanistan, captured by terrorists, and forced to work on developing a special missile for the terrorists. He builds himself an Ironman suit instead and becomes a superhero.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon Favreau for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Ari Arad, Peter Billingsley, Louis D’Esposito, Ross Fanger, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, and David Maisel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Rhodey (Terrence Howard), Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Christine Everhart (Leslie Bibb), Yinsen (Shaun Toub), Raza (Faran Tahir), Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), General Gabriel (Bill Smitrovich), Abu Bakaar (Sayed Badreya), and JARVIS (voice of Paul Bettany).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If you’ve got to see an Iron Man movie, it doesn’t get any better than this one.

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Ben Meyers

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Where the Red Fern Grows—faultless jewel that needs no polishing—does not falter in natural, simple, and realistic presentation of Wilson Rawls’ classic novel. Bravo! Special thank you to Director Norman Tokar for outstanding direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Billy (Stewart Petersen) desperately desires two purebred coon hounds and develops a plan to acquire and train them.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Norman Tokar for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers George Ellis Doty for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Grandpa (James Whitmore), Mother (Beverly Garland), Father (Jack Ging), Sheriff (Lonny Chapman), Alice (Jill Clark), Sara (Jeanna Wilson), Sam Bellington (Bill Thurman), Ben Kyle (Bill Dunbar), Rubin Pritchard (Rex Corley), Rainie Pritchard (John Lindsey), and Mr. Pritchard (Garland McKinney).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie commands a permanent place in the family's home film library  collection.

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Ben Meyers

SAINTS AND SOLDIERS (Temucola Valley International Film Festival Temecula California USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Saints and Soldiers serves up A-grade entertainment for the war movie fan. It sports a very good script and delivers an excellent story, well told. The film results in two sequels. It’s flare and unique style make it a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

During World War II Allied soldiers, who just escaped from the Malmedy Massacre, attempt a twenty-mile trek through bitter winter weather to deliver intelligence information.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ryan Little for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Charlie Chan and Sunny Chen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Corporal Nathan ‘Deacon’ Greer (Corbin Allred), Medic Steven Gould (Alexander Polinsky), Flight Sergeant Oberon Winley (Kirby Heyborne), Private Shirley ‘Shirl’ Kendrick (Larry Bagby), Staff Sergeant Gordon Gunderson (Peter Holden), Rudolph ‘Rudi’ Gertz (Ethan Vincent), Catherine Theary (Melinda Renee), Sophie Theary (Ruby Chase), and Radio Announcer (Jeff Birk), and Private McKinley (Benjamin Gourley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie details an important piece of history while presenting entertainment for the war movie fan as well.

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Ben Meyers

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Raiders of the Lost Ark has mesmerized audiences, as of this 2018 writing, for 37 years and continues to be the definition of action/adventure films based on its unique storyline, well-written script, perfectly timed sequencing, exotic stage settings, casting choices, ‘fresh’ action scenes, and satisfying breaks of unforgettable comedy. Kudos to Director Steven Spielberg and Producer George Lucas for creation of an entirely satisfying saga.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nazis search for the Ark of the Covenant, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds it, and the fight is on to establish control of the priceless archaeological find.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Howard G. Kazanjian and George Lucas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marion (Karen Allen), Bellog (Paul Freeman), Toht (Ronald Lacey), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Brody (Denholm Elliott), Sapito (Alfred Molina), Dietrich (Wolf Kahler), Gobler (Anthony Higgins), Barranca/Monkey Man (Vic Tablian), and Colonel Musgrove (Don Fellows).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film serves the whole family well.

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Ben Meyers

THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Tuskegee Airmen details African American military service during WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen film performs at a similar level as the 2012 film, Red Tails. The movie serves as a great story that educates without preaching. Bravo for a very good military story directed by Robert Markowitz.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War II births the 332 Fighter Group, an all-black fighting group serving the United States Army Air Corp.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Markowitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Frank Price for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne), Walter Peoples (Allen Payne), Leroy Cappy (Malcolm Jamal Warner), Lieutenant Glenn (Courtney B. Vance), Benjamin O. Davis (Andre Braugher), Major Joy (Christopher McDonald), Colonel Rogers (Daniel Hugh Kelly), Senator Conyers (John Lithgow), Billy Roberts (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Lewis Johns (Mekhi Phifer), and Young Hannibal (Christopher Bevins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This well-told and worthy film deserves its kudos for educating as well as entertaining.

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Ben Meyers

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly—never gets old—spices itself with treacherousness, violence, and a bit of comedy along its path toward becoming one of the best westerns ever conceived and executed. Sergio Leone brands this film and clears the path for additional Spaghetti westerns. This is not for children, but it is for the older teen and up with some violence and language. Kudos for especially powerful, suspenseful ending scenes. Great work for everyone involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Blondie (Clint Eastwood) works to find his share of confederate gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sergio Leone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Grimaldi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tuco (Eli Wallach), Sentenza/Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), Alcoholic Union Captain (Aldo Giuffrè), Father Pablo Ramirez (Luigi Pistilli), Maria (Rada Rassimov), Storekeeper (Enzo Petito), Mexican Peon (Claudio Scarchilli), Sheriff (John Bartha), Baker (Livio Lorenzon), and Jackson/Bill Carson (Antonio Casale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a bona fide, rewatchable classic western.

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Ben Meyers

THE CIRCLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Circle examines reasons behind citizens’ choice to allow 100 percent audio/video surveillance in their lives. Emma Watson does a terrific job in her role of a young woman who recommends ‘going completely transparent’ in this sci fi drama about personal monitoring. Her supporting cast—Tom Hanks, Patton Oswald, and Bill Paxton—help to establish how decisions, with far reaching impact, happen in small baby steps that move entire worlds toward inevitable outcomes. Great work for Director James Ponsoldt who gives a solid look into a future that is already here. One sex scene and language move this movie into the late teen/adult category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Mae Holland (Emma Watson) helps a real-time audio/video company establish dominance nationally and internationally as good choice for humanity’s safety, health, and crime reduction.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Ponsoldt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stefanie Azpiazu, Peter Cron, Evan Hayes, Russell Levine, Federica Sainte-Rose, Ron Schmidt, Steve Shareshian, Marc Shmuger, and Sally Willcox for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mae (Emma Watson), Mercer (Ellar Coltrane), Bonnie (Glenne Headly), Vinnie (Bill Paxton), Annie (Karen Gillan), Bailey (Tom Hanks), Beck (Beck), Dan (Nate Corddry), and Jared (Mamoudou Athie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves as a reminder of how a single, likable spokesperson can move an entire world through decision-making processes.

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Ben Meyers

MEGAN LEAVEY (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Megan Leavey moves itself out of B-grade status partly due to its choice of subject matter—military canine detection and their handler units, establishment of a female in a male-dominated soldier unit, and the interweaving of a second underlying story that graphically shows a specific type of home-life with which some enlisted personnel must rationalize and come to terms. While the film does not establish itself in the academy award winning class, it does have a certain aura, created by actress Kate Mara, that pushes it into a good, solid watch category. The film firmly broadens education about deployed army canines, their retirement, and usefulness to war efforts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Soldier Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) requests canine duty and deploys with a highly aggressive male dog.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jose Luis Escolar, Scott Holroyd, Robert Huberman, and Nicole Stojkovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jackie (Edie Falco), Barbie (Alisa Harris), Receiving Marine #1 (Nick Madrick), Receiving Marine #2 (Jason Turner), Female Drill Instructor #1 (Sasha Morfaw), Female Drill Instructor #2 (Jennifer Duke), Female Drill Instructor #3 (Megan Leavey), Jim (Will Patton), Master Sergeant (Corey Johnson), Jones (Andrew Moon), Timmins (Alicia Lobo), Lopez (Melina Matthews), and Drunk Guy in Bar (Luka Peros).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This flick has a universal appeal that supersedes its war movie classification.

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Ben Meyers

THE WALL (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Wall shows how a film can utilize a single, simple setting of an adobe-type wall, cast a single onscreen actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, without a true supporting cast, and establish a well-done, worth watching movie. Brilliantly done, this war flick does not work at the B-grade level. Its highly entertaining story, tightly packed into a short, sweet 81 minutes of viewing time, uses every single one of its minutes well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Army sniper Shane Matthews (John Cena) investigates an Iraqi oil line with his spotter Sergeant Allen Isaac (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Doug Liman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Dave Bartis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shane Matthews (John Cena) and Juba (voice of Laith Nakli).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great acting and great suspense combine to create a terrific desire to see what will happen next.

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Ben Meyers

FENCES (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Fences combines Denzel Washington and Viola Davis in an encore, BRAVO! performance that dramatically captures a moment in marriage and plays it according to choices made by the main players caught in the situation. The film defines the word, masterpiece. Great work for all involved with a special thank you to the outstanding drama direction by Denzel Washington.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) seeks happiness through control of his world as he understands it.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Denzel Washington for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Molly Allen, Eli Bush, Aaron L. Gilbert, Charles D. King, Andrew Pollack, Kim Roth, and Dale Wells for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rose Maxson (Viola Davis), Jim Bono (Stephen Henderson), Cory (Jovan Adepo), Lyons (Russell Hornsby), Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson), Raynell (Saniyya Sidney), Deputy Commissioner (Christopher Mele), and Evangelist Preacher (Lesley Boone).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works at the emotional level and supports itself with powerful acting performances. One of the best, if not the best, dramas of 2016. Beautiful! Kudos to all involved in its production.

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Ben Meyers

ARRIVAL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Arrival—a ‘do not miss this story’ film—explores what humans may learn from aliens when we choose not to shoot ‘em with guns first and talk later. The movie sports a little suspense while shooting to the top of the sci fi entertainment class. The acting is very good with Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forrest Whitaker strutting their skills in every scene. This is one of best science fiction films of 2016 and is actually rewatchable due to its well-written, in-depth script. Watch for the light twist at the end that is more than worth the 116-minute viewing time.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) becomes capable of using an alien language that gives power to see the future and the past.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Denis Villeneuve for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dan Cohen, Eric Heisserer, Karen Lunder, Tory Metzger, Milan Popelka, Stan Wlodkowski, Glen Basner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker), Agent Halpern (Michael Stuhlbarg), Captain Marks (Mark O’Brien), General Shang (Tzi Ma), 8-year-old Hannah (Abigail Pniowsky), and 12-year-old Hannah (Julia Scarlett Dan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Like The Day the Earth Stood Still when first introduced to the big screen, Arrival serves as a ‘best’ sci fi film that introduces fresh concepts well-worth exploring. Don’t miss this completely satisfying movie.

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Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—may be the best of the series—spices it up a bit with the addition of Sean Connery’s performance as Indiana Jones’ father. The relationship and dynamics between the two are unforgettable. Great performance for both actors. Once again, the audience gets the treat of non-stop adventure, journeying to unknown regions and, believe it or not, pushes its envelope beyond even that. Thank you to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for providing an adventure that audiences will not soon forget and love to view time and time again. Best work by all involved. This movie is the third installment in a four-set saga. It takes 19 years to release the next story in the series: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his father, Dr. Jones (Sean Connery) search for the Holy Grail.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers George Lucas and Frank Marshall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), Elsa (Alison Doody), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), Young Indy (River Phoenix), Vogel (Michael Byrne), and Kazim (Kevork Malikyan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth every dime and every minute of your time to see this movie. The special effects are spectacular. Sean Connery works with Harrison Ford like a dream.

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Ben Meyers

CLICK (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Click—rated PG-13, but works more at the ‘R’ level due to sexual references—ends with a terrific moral of the story that typifies Adam Sandler movies. The moral of the story comes packaged without preaching and adequately hides itself for the audience to unveil and understand. The movie’s Director Frank Coraci does an outstanding job of moving the story along.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) receives a remote control with power to move him into the past or into the future. He begins moving through his future life based on choices he set in motion in his present life.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Frank Coraci for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Bernardi and Tim Herlihy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Donna Newman (Kate Beckinsale), Morty (Christopher Walken), Ammer (David Hasselhoff), Ted Newman (Henry Winkler), Trudy Newman (Julie Kavner), Bill (Sean Astin), Ben Newman at 7-years old (Joseph Castanon), and Ben at 17-years old (Jonah Hill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s worth watching for the meaty moral of the story and works on a type of slapstick comedy level for the adult audience. Great work for Director Frank Coraci.

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Ben Meyers

MERU (Sundance Film Festival Basin Recreation Fieldhouse in Park City, Utah USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Meru—breathtaking—takes viewers on a vertical climb to the top of Meru with great camera shots documenting the journey. Well done. Thanks to all involved for an inside view into what it takes to achieve exceptionally difficult physical goals.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

This is the first documented ascent of Shark’s Fin on Meru.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jimmy Chin, Shannon Ethridge, and Elizabeh Chai Vasarhelyi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Conrad Anker, Grace Chin, Jimmy Chin, Amee Hinkley, Jeremy Jones, Jon Krakauer, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, and Renan Ozturk.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The ultimate rock climbing film provides terrific inspiration for the late teen/adult viewer.

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Ben Meyers

EVAN ALMIGHTY (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Evan Almighty—spinoff from Jim Carrey’s Bruce Almighty—continues to use Morgan Freeman as God while examining how diametrically opposed family prayers can work when otherworldly forces are at work. The story concept is good, the comedy is there, and Director Tom Shadyac shows great promise for comedy movies. It’s a good family share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) has an appointment with God Almighty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tom Shadyak for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Ilona Herzberg, Matt Luber, and Dave Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: God (Morgan Freeman), Joan Baxter (Lauren Graham), Dylan Baxter (Johnny Simmons), Jordan Baxter (Graham Phillips), Ryan Baxter (Jimmy Bennett), Congressman Long (John Goodman), Rita (Wanda Sykes), and Marty (John Michael Higgins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There’s enough comedy to make it a watch for the whole family.

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Ben Meyers

TOTAL RECALL (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Total Recall—fresh, new out-of-the-box sci fi—presents an intellectually pleasing, innovative story, well supported by Arnold Schwarzenegger as the leading character. Watch for Michael Ironside, Sharon Stone, and the good acting by Mel Johnson Jr. Listen for the good voicing by Robert Picardo for the robot Johnnycab, a terrific character piece introduced into the script. The film does contain language, sexual references, and some nudity; but the film is worth at least a viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Reality and fantasy become inexplicably intertwined after Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) takes a memory-implanted trip to Mars.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Paul Verhoeven for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hauser (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Melina (Rachel Ticotin), Lori (Sharon Stone), Vilos Cohaagen (Ronny Cox), Richter (Michael Ironside), George/Kuato (Marshall Bell), Benny (Mel Johnson Jr.), Helm (Michael Champion), Dr. Edgemar (Roy Brocksmith), Bob McClane (Ray Baker), Dr. Lull (Rosemary Dunsmore).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie uses technics to great advantage in creating a solid sci fi film that delivers terrific action entertainment.

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Ben Meyers