THE YIN-YANG MASTER: DREAM OF ETERNITY (Video Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity—fantasy film—has top-notch special effects. The story is complicated and requires a careful watch partially due to themes that one does not get deep insight into within western entertainment and that are uniquely part of eastern tradition and thought. The movie is entirely fresh and original. Absolutely no boredom here as heroes revolve in and out of deeply spiritual worlds to solve highly unusual difficulties in the real world.  High suspense dominates the film. The movie has great subtitles and English voiceovers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An ancient and powerful demon must be kept in check.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Guo Jingming for directing effort. Cast includes: Deng Lun, Mark Chao, Olivia Wang, and Wang Duo.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is put together very well, has fabulous animation and special effects. Good work overall.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BRIGHT (Video Release World-Wide 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Bright, a fantasy action film, pairs Will Smith with Joel Edgerton to produce an interesting action film that is well-acted, entertaining, and watchable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Aliens and humans work together to keep law and order.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Ayer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Eric Newman, David Ayer, Bryan Unkeless, and Ted Sarandos for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry, Edgar Ramirez, and Ike Barinholtz.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is quite well done and worth watching for action fans. Be aware there is some nudity that precludes it from the children’s audience.

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Ben Meyers

INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Inspector Clouseau—the one film of the Pink Panther series of films that Peter Sellers is not in—features Alan Arkin, who provides a good rendition of the original spirit of this film series. Peter Sellers continued to dominate the Pink Panther market, after this film, through the 1970s despite Arkin’s sharper image and precise style of presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Inspector Clouseau once again bumbles his way through solving a case. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bud Yorkin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lewis J. Rachmil for making the film possible. Cast include: Alan Arkin, Frank Finlay, Barry Foster, Patrick Cargill, Beryl Reid, and Clive Francis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite the usual suggestive themes within the story, the film, for the most part, induces a fair amount of chuckles from its audience. It’s worth its watch even though it is over 50 years old as of 2022.

Ben Meyers

HALF PAST DEAD (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Half Past Dead—good B-Grade action film—supplies just the right amount of action to satisfy action fans. Steven Segal performs with his usual steadiness and meets fan expectations well. The audience can leave with a smile because entertainment expectations are met in this simple, yet straight-forward story. It’s a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This action film is about a thief incarcerated in the new Alcatraz prison who gains high profile attention from a terrorist team, the FBI, and undercover agents, on the day of his execution, because of the $200,000,000 he stole and never revealed the location of.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Michael Paul for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Elie Samaha, Steven Segal, and Andrew Stevens for making the film possible. Cast includes: Steven Seagal, Morris Chestnut, Ja Rule, Nia Peeples, Tony Plana, and Kurupt.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Simple, entertaining action film that accesses the talents of Steven Segal and will satisfy Segal fans well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SOURCE CODE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Source Code—psychological drama at its very best—completely outdoes itself in almost every category a movie can be critiqued in. Jake Gyllenhaal keeps his audience guessing from the beginning to the very end of this movie with his great interpretations of every scene. The flashbacks are some of the best in the business with no lag-time and no ‘what was that all about?’  questions. The movie is well-sequenced, a true ‘sit-down-and-watch’ film. This is a perfect movie to watch in streaming because it is so packed with entertainment value that one does not want to take that sometimes needful break to attend to a phone call or other matter. Streaming allows the audience to not miss a single scene in this action thriller. Watch for Jeffrey Wright, a perfect pick for the research doctor. The movie is the perfect addition to the home video library that no guest will mind watching more than once. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A soldier’s last 8 minutes of life is used repeatedly to solve the mystery of who is responsible for blowing up a passenger train. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Duncan Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Gordon, Jordan Wynn, and Philippe Rousselet for directing effort. Cast includes: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden, Russell Peters, Scott Bakula, Frederick De Grandpre, and Cas Anvar. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Completely fresh. Well-written. Perfect timing. Completely involves its audience. Presents a perfect twist at its conclusion. It’s a ‘do not miss’ action, sci-fi movie that more than earns its time investment and dollars. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ZERO TO HERO (Video Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Zero to Hero—Hong Kong bio-pic—tells its wonderful love story and dowses, drenches it with heart. Completely encapsulates the fact that  every life has value. Perfect example of turning impossible to possible with gold medals attached. A story that causes audiences to cheer as Wa Wai conquers obstacle after obstacle while maximizing all opportunities and making the best out of what is given him. It does sit in the B-Grade film list, but completely earns its watch, its time investment, and its dollar investment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A mother and her son struggle to build a life for him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jimmy Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Sandra Ng for making the film possible. Cast includes: Louis Cheung, Siu-ho Chin, Chung-hang Leung, Hoi-pang Lo, and Sandra Ng.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is highly inspirational and backs itself with a great story. Completely involves the audience. It’s a “I can feel it film.”

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

ELIZABETH AND MARGARET: LOVE AND LOYALTY (Television Release World-Wide 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Elizabeth and Margaret: Love and Loyalty—terrific documentary—thoroughly examines familial relationships, duty, and loyalty at the national leadership level by plumbing the depths of the relationship of two sisters and the difficult decisions that must be made to serve duty over person. Interesting, entertaining, and educational, it’s a keen presentation that has carefully thought through the difficulties of harmonizing royal life.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The relationship between two royal sisters gets thorough investigation in this documentary. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Lucy Swingler and Stephanie Wessell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Emily Dalton for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II-Self(Queen Elizabeth II), Self-Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon-Self (Princess Margaret),Princess Margaret's Authorized Biographer-Self (Christopher Warwick), Royal Historian-Self (Kate Williams), Royal Historian-Self (Hugo Vickers), Editor of Majesty Magazine and Royal Biographer-Self (Ingrid Seward), Royal Historian-Self (Ed Owens), Historian-Self (Onyeka Nubia), and Former Appeals Director NSPCC-Self (Giles Pegram). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This exceptionally professional presentation serves WOW! in both education and entertainment departments. Deepens appreciation for lifestyles and values of leading families. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNCOMMON VALOR (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Uncommon Valor—outstanding action—tells an unusual story of how one man’s vision forms a team from disparate backgrounds into one cohesive unit fighting with common purpose and direction. The tension, action, and realism of this movie are irreproachable. It uses the talents of Gene Hackman, Patrick Swayze, and Fred Ward to tell an incredible story of courage. The film stands at 39 years of age as of 2022 and is completely viable as an over-the-top WOW! war movie that completely captivates audience attention with its edge of the seat presentation. No lack here in entertainment value.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man builds a team to rescue his son who is presumed to be a prisoner of war and alive.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ted Kotcheff for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Buzz Feitshans and John Milius for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Col. Jason Rhodes (Gene Hackman), Kevin Scott (Patrick Swayze), Harry MacGregor (Robert Stack), Wilkes (Fred Ward), Blaster (Reb Brown), Sailor (Randall 'Tex' Cobb), Johnson (Harold Sylvester), Charts (Tim Thomserson). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie performs as an over-the-top action thriller and presents an exceptionally realistic story. Watch for Jane Kaczmarek (from the 2000 to 2006 television show Malcolm in the Middle). 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THIRTEEN LIVES (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Thirteen Lives increases its watchability as it moves from its introduction to the body and then into its concluding scenes. There is no lack in capitalizing on the movie’s natural dramatic appeal and it appeals on the international level due to its heart, courage, and desire to keep moving forward despite nearly impossible odds. This British film uses American Director Ron Howard and relies on British and Thai actors to tell its amazing story. Watch for Joel Edgerton. The movie earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Twelve school boys and their coach get caught in a flooding cave. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for making the film possible. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Karen Lunder, William Connor, PJ van Sandwijk, and Gabrielle Tana for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton, and Tom Bateman. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has good acting. It makes the most of its storyline, is not boring, and uses actors’ talents well. It is worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROOTING FOR ROONA (Video Release World-Wide 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rooting For Roona—short film documentary—has been well-organized in both storyline and presentation. The interviews have been well-chosen. The film uses interviews that rely on narration so that viewers can understand its storyline with wonderful subtitles. The film shows heart, dedication, and loyalty to the cause of preserving life.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Documentary about a baby with an enlarged head due to hydrocephalus and the intervention surgeons took to help the child live and heal. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Pavitra Chalam and Akshay Shankar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Curley Street for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Mr. Begum, Mrs. Begum, and Roona Begum. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film shows intervention procedures available for this health challenge as well as possible outcomes. Overall, it is an interesting movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DAVID AND THE ELVES (Video Release World-Wide 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

David and the Elves lacks force and drive. Some weakness in the movie could have been corrected by the director by drawing the natural abilities of the actors to the forefront especially Elf Albert. This Polish and United States film has a good, basic concept but fails to cross over to the international audience in heart and entertainment value. The movie uses voice overs that serve the basic purpose but fail to match mouth movement well. 

Storyline 

An elf runs away to help a young boy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michal Rogalski for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Netflix for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Cyprian Grabowski, Jakub Zajac, Cezary Zak, Monika Krzywkowska, Anna Smolowik, and Michal Czernecki. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. Better holiday stories are: A Christmas Story or The Santa Clause. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Snow White and the Huntsman casts actors and actresses that, at first glance, seem a bit shocking and makes the audience question how this cast is going to work in this story. But, after getting into the story, they work well because this story interpretation does not work on the more childlike version that Disney portrayed. Charlize Theron as the evil queen, Kristen Stewart as Snow White, and Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman are well cast for the more brusque and gritty presentation of realism that this Snow White depicts.  Be prepared for more violence, more dark scenes, war, blood and gore than Disney allowed. it is great to see the modification of regular sized people into small people as used in Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit film series. While this movie is not fabulous, it is watchable if only for a comparison in different interpretations of the same story and how the story can be re-tailored for completely different audiences.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Snow White meets the huntsman and sets out on an adventure of a lifetime. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rupert Sanders for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joe Roth and Sam Mercer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Snow White (Kristen Stewart), Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron), Eric the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth), William (Sam Clafin), Beith (Ian McShane), Muir (Bob Hoskins), Gort (Ray Winstone), Nion (Nick Frost), and Coll (Toby Jones). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Be prepared to enter the real world of a young woman, with a right to the throne, fighting to establish that right, against the usurper to the throne. The movie is watchable but know this is not the more innocent, traditionally presented fairy tale of Snow White.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DRUNKEN MASTER (Theatrical Release Hong Kong 1978 Re-released in Theaters USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Drunken Master—good teen/adult share film—is the first in a series of two films that has a third film in the series with remarkably different content. Completely worth watching, Drunken Master shows Jackie Chan in a rougher mode than later films depict him. He demonstrates great acrobatics and body exercises that are little known in the western world. The only criticism is the overwhelming presentation of fighting scenes to the point where the movie loses its storyline and makes the movie seem a bit bland at times. But, this small criticism is erased due to the remarkable techniques and moves of the Drunken Master’s fighting styles. The dubbing does not always match the mouth movements well, but the quality of the movie quickly overcomes this small fault. This movie more than earns the time and money

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young man finally learns that he needs discipline and enrolls under a demanding martial arts instructor.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Yuen Woo-ping for directing effort.  Thank you to Producer Ng See Yuen for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Wong Fei-hung (Jackie Chan), Beggar-So (Yuen Siu-Tin), Thunderleg Yen Tie Hsin (Hwang Jang-Lee), and Professor Kai-Hsin (Dean Shek). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This younger version of Jackie Chan shows some of his best fight techniques. The acting quality is more than worth watching. The storyline is simple, entertaining, and completely watchable. This Chinese/Hong Kong entertainment easily crosses international borders to delight and entertain. The movie uses both subtitles and voice dubbing for English-speaking audiences. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

 

JACK FROST (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Jack Frost—cool concept (pun not intended)—plays as an average movie more like television fare than theatrical fare. Michael Keaton, Mark Addy, Kelly Preston, and Joseph Cross work well together to present an interesting take on the Jack Frost concept. The movie works as family fare for a light afternoon entertainment period. It does not require a great deal of energy or involvement to watch. It’s clean fare with no offensive surprises.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A professional musician takes an unusual turn in life.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Troy Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Canton and Irving Azoff for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Snowman/Jack Frost (Michael Keaton), Gabby Frost   (Kelly Preston), Mac MacArthur (Mark Addy), and Charlie Frost (Joseph Cross). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a simple, easy-on-the-mind, clean, likable story that can be easily followed while doing other things. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OPERATION MINCEMEAT (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Operation Mincemeat bases itself on the book written by Ben Macintyre. The movie is a true story that occurred during World War II. This is a great story that holds audience attention. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images. 

Storyline 

Britain sets up a plan to fool the Nazis during World War II. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Madden for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Cohen, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Kris Thykier for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Ewen Montagu (Colin Firth), Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen), Jean Leslie (Kelly Macdonald), Hester Leggett (Penelope Wilton), Ian Fleming (Johnny Flynn), John Godfrey (Jason Isaacs), Ivor Montagu (Mark Gatiss), Iris Montagu (Hattie Morahan), Jock Horsfall (Mark Bonnar), Bentley Purchase (Paul Ritter), John Masterman (Alex Jennings), and Winston Churchill (Simon Beale). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie especially appeals to audiences who love intrigue. It earns its watch.   

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ICE AGE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Ice Age—one of the classics in animated entertainment—has heart, terrific character development, and relatability for a wide audience. Know that the animation is aging but the film is as engaging as it was 20 years ago. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Migration time as the Ice Age begins to change. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Wedge for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lori Forte for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Manny (Voice of Ray Romano), Diego (Voice of Denis Leary), Sid (Voice of John Leguizamo), Scrat (Voice of Chris Wedge), Soto (Voice of Goran Visnjic), Zeke (Voice of Jack Black), Oscar (Voice of Diedrich Bader), Lenny (Voice of Alan Tudyk), Carl (Voice of Cedric the Entertainer), and Frank (Voice of Stephen Root). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Completely entertains at a high level of comedy.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

BECKETT (Video Release World-Wide 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Beckett—intense, intriguing, and thrilling—plays well with John David Washington. The movie earns its watch and serves action movie fans well. The writer did a great job of hiding where the film is going so that the audience is engaged from its beginning to its ending.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                     

Storyline 

A tourist trip to Greece turns upside down for a man who sees something he shouldn’t have seen. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Ferdinando Cito Filomarino for directing effot. Thank  you to Producers Luca Guadagnino, Marco Morabito, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, and Gabriele Moratti for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Beckett (John Washington), Stephen Tynan (Boyd Holbrook), Lena (Vicky Krieps), April (Alicia Vikander), Father (Michael Stuhlbarg), Officer Xenakis (Panos Koronis), and Eleni (Maria Votti). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is more than worth watching. It’s intense and thrilling. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers