HOBSON'S CHOICE (Released to Theaters USA 1954)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Hobson's Choice—GREAT movie—has full stage settings in every scene. Acting is notable with Charles Laughton, John Mills, and Brenda De Banzie. This is the second remake of a 1920 movie. Be sure and watch this 1954 remake. This movie begs for its addition to the home video library. It's a classic that will be returned to throughout the years for entertainment.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A boot and shoe maker, who is also an alcoholic, Mr. Henry Hobson, has three daughters and a deceased wife.  The daughters are of marrying age and need to start their own lives, but Mr. Hobson is far from letting them go. Mr. Hobson has a good thing going to benefit himself, working them in his shop for no pay. Then, the oldest daughter breaks the mold by picking simple, illiterate, professional boot maker from her father's shop for a husband and inspiring her younger siblings to start their lives also.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director David Lean for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer David Lean for making the film possible. Cast includes Charles Laughton, John Mills, Brenda de Banzie, Daphne Anderson, and Prunella Scales. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Quality entertainment. WOW! What a story! Charles Laughton and John Mills along with Brenda De Banzie are perfect for this film. This film is an 'add to the home video library film collection.' More than worth that ticket. It's classic all the way. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

KILL THE IRISHMAN (Released to limited Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsììì  Kill the Irishman—adult watch—ranks well with existing mafia movies. The use of Val Kilmer, Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Christopher Walken creates the perfect casting mix. Good watch overall. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  The true story of the American gangster, Danny Greene.  Additional Thanks   Thank you to Director Jonathan Hensleigh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt, Eugene Musso, and Tommy Reid for making the film possible. Cast includes Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, and Christopher Walken. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. It's a good watch overall when wanting a good gangster movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

PANDA PLAN (Released to Theaters USA/Canada 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì  Panda Plan—mistitled—weaves so many interests' desire to 'get the panda' that it becomes unclear there is a 'plan'. Only at the conclusion does one see the purpose and true importance of the baby panda. While the sentimental conclusion is nicely done to some extent, it does not repair the rest of the movie.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Jackie Chan plays himself as an actor who is getting many invites to ceremonies and famous persons' homes for attendance. Among the lineup of things he is offered, one thing peaks Jackie's interest—adopting a famous panda bear.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Luan Zhang for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Han Wei and Wei Wang for making the film possible. Cast includes Jackie Chan, Xiang Wei, Ce Shi, and Yanbo Han. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  No. This film could be skipped for other Chan films like Mr. Nice Guy, Rumble in the Bronx, Dragon Blade, or the remake of The Karate Kid to name a few. However, young children may like this movie due to the inclusion of a baby panda in its story. Panda Plan 2 is on its way. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers  .

JUST GO WITH IT (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Just Go With It—not the typical romance—has suggestive themes that dominate and prevail throughout the movie. There are no redeeming moral or ethical standards present.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A plastic surgeon wants to make a good impression on his girlfriend  and enlists the aid of his medical assistant.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Dennis Dugan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Adam Sandler, Jack Giarrputo, and Heather Parry for making the film possible. Cast includes Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Dave Matthews, Bailee Madison, Griffin Gluck, and Nicole Kidman.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. For the sophisticated, mature adult audience, it might work; but for younger audiences it is not suitable.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOOD NEIGHBOR SAM (Theatrical Release USA 1964)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Good Neighbor Sam—clean, comical romp—has potential to be suggestive but plays out clean. Watch for the late legend, Edward G. Robinson as Simon Nurdlinger. This is an easy-on-the-mind watch. No unwanted surprises.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Sam Bissell gets a promotion to serve the Nurdlinger Dairy account as their advertising executive and the story is on.  Additional Thanks  Thank you Director David Swift for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer David Swift for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Lemmon, Romy Schneider, Dorothy Provine, Michael Connors, Edward Andrews, Louis Nye, Robert Q. Lewis, and Edward G. Robinson.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It has that typical Jack Lemmon comedy style all wrapped up in a clean, honest romp.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE FORTUNE COOKIE (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  The Fortune Cookie—good writing—accesses the talents of  Jack Lemmon, Walter Mathau, Ron Rich, and Judi West to tell the tale of how guilt lays a heavy hand on a good-hearted person.  Film  Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A lawyer tries to squeeze money out of another law firm by faking the seriousness of his brother-in-law's recent fall.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Billy Wilder for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Billy Wilder for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ron Rich, Cliff Osmond, and Judi West.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Quality writing with a kind conclusion.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HOPSCOTCH (Released to Theaters USA 1980)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Hopscotch—Walter Matthau—has a surprise around every corner. Fresh and full storyline delivers its carefully executed plan with clarity and no complications. Runs a straight course from beginning to end.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A CIA agent begins writing a book to expose CIA dirty work as pay back for demoting him to a desk job.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ronald Neame for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Edie Landau and Ely Landau for making the film possible. Cast includes Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Sam Waterston, Herbert Lom, and Ned Beatty. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a cute movie that causes thinking throughout. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

JOHNNY MNEMONIC (Released to Theaters USA 1995)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Johnny Mnemonic—cult classic—relies on an exceptionally complicated storyline and need improvement in acting and portrayal. The creativity and freshness of story is undeniable. It is good to see Keanu Reeves in one of his earlier works.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Johnny Mnemonic is a data courier for large corporations who use his brain to upload and download their data. He has an opportunity to return to a normal life when he earns enough money to access the people and an AI who can help him. His journey to freedom is beset with betrayal and exceptional danger.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Robert Longo for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Don Carmody for making the film possible. Cast includes Keanu Reeves, Dolph Lundgren, Takeshi Kitano, Ice-T, and Dina Meyer.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The movie's title alone carries high expectations for a good theatre experience. Add the presence of Keanu Reeves and expectations raise even higher. Read a plotline before going. The movie is exceptionally complicated.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE GUILT TRIP (Released to Theaters USA 2012)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Guilt Trip—typical interpretation of Jewish Mother/Son relationship—accesses the acting talent of Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand to interpret its story. It gets off to a rocky start and improves along the way with a nice conclusion. There are sexual references and includes a visit to a strip bar.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A son encourages his mother to take a road trip with him.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Anne Fletcher for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorne Michaels, John Goldwyn, and Evan Goldberg for making the film possible. Cast includes Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a light, fill-in-time film. It has sexual references and includes a trip to a strip bar. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers Video Critique

MARTIN AND LEWIS (Released to Television USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Martin and Lewis—television movie—runs on a weak story. The characters do not have depth; the answers to the what, how, and why are missing. This is an adult audience film.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline  Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis find a comedy routine that works.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Neil Meron, Mark Sennet, and John Stamos for making the movie possible. Cast includes Sean Hayes and Jeremy Northam. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It runs shallow, no depth. Written more like a favorable impression for one person. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BIG TIME MOVIE (Released to Television Turkey 2012)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Big Time Movie—suitable/okay—may remind audiences of The Monkees 1966 television show or the Beatles' The Yellow Submarine movie. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Big Time Rush Boy Band wants to perform in England but when they arrive they get caught up with English spies trying to catch an evil mastermind.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Savage Steve Holland for directing effort. Cast includes Kendall Schmidt, Tanya Chisholm, Steve Kramer Glickman, Clara Bravo, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr, and Logan Henderson. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It needs improvement in presentation and acting. but is humorous and may work for both adults and teens.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers