THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Hundred-Foot Journey—creative, fresh, inspiring—educates and teaches beautiful life lessons without losing its complete dedication to a movie’s primary purpose…to entertain and entertain well. The casting department needs special recognition for perfectly putting together one of the most well-coordinated casts to depict two completely different cultures perfectly.  The movie is worth addition to the home video library and easily earns more than one watch over many years. A clean, decent, integrity-filled movie that offers terrific solutions to difficult challenges.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

An Indian cuisine restaurant and a French cuisine restaurant go head-to-head to compete for business. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Lasse Hallstrom for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Juliet Blake, Steven Spielberg, and Oprah Winfrey for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), Papa Kadam (Om Puri), Hassan Haji Kadam (Manish Dayal), Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), Mansur Kadam (Amit Shah), Mahira Kadam (Farzana Dua Elahe), Mukthar Kadam (Dillon Mitra), Aisha Begum Kadam (Aria Pandya), Mayor (Michel Blanc), and Jean-Pierre (Clement Sibony). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great concept that found complete flowering.

Ben Meyers

SCHUMACHER (All-Media Release World-wide 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Schumacher—WOW! Documentary—has an incredibly detailed story to tell and will be especially appreciated by Formula 1 racing fans. Driver Michael Schumacher, one of the best Formula 1 race car drivers in the 1990s and early 2000s, gets a thorough examination both on the personal and the professional levels.  It’s an enjoyable journey that supports itself with great archival footage, interviews, and tremendous honesty. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A closeup and personal view of Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hanns-Bruno Kammertons for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Vanessa Nocker and Benjamin Seikel for making the film possible. Cast include: Wife Corinna, Father Rolf, Brother Ralf, Children Gina-Maria and Mick, Manager Willi Weber, Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Hakkinen, Damon Hill, David Coulthard, and Flavio Briatore. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This documentary is worth more than one watch for racing fans and becomes a good addition to the home video library.

Ben Meyers

AGAINST THE ICE (Video Release World-wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Against the Ice—explorer survival film—picks up pace when the two leading explorers are on their actual treks into the wilderness and when they discover they have been abandoned by their crew when they return to home base. The attempt to survive mentally and physically is very well done, creates interest, and establishes realism in how to survive. More clarity needs to be established why this expedition was important to the Danes and its historical significance. Do a little Wikipedia research on explorers Ejnar Mikkelsen and Iver Iversen to enhance appreciation of the film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Explorers endeavor to prove that Greenland is not connected to a mainland. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Flinth for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Baltasar Kormakur for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Ejnar Mikkelsen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Iver Iversen (Joe Cole), Niels Neergaard (Charles Dance), Naja Holm (Heida Reed), Carl H. Jorgensen (Gisli Orn Garoarsson), Vilhelm Laub (Sam Redford), Hans Peter Olsen (Ed Speleers), Georg Amdrup (Þorsteinn), Georg Poulsen (Diarmaid Murtagh), and Carl Unger (Frankie Wilson). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This film is needs clarity in storyline to really understand why this film is significant compared to any other adventure/explorer movie. It is realistic and teaches how to survive. 

Ben Meyers

RESCUED BY RUBY (Video Release Worldwide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Rescued by Ruby—great family film—teaches important, need-to-know facts about autism in humans and in rescue animals, how to support, and how to develop environments for outstanding performance. The movie runs thoughtfully and develops its story carefully. It deserves addition to the family home video library due to its gentle storyline and great actors. Loving storyline emphasizes supportive marriages and good communication between partners.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A rescue dog and her rescuer look for a way to become a team as K-9 dog and handler. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Katt Shea for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dan Angel, Jane Charles, and Brian Gott for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Daniel O’Neil (Grant Gustin), Ruby (Bear), Matt Zarrella (Scott Wolf), Melissa O’Neil (Ksylah Zander), Pat Inman (Camille Sullivan), Seamus Brady (Tom McBeath), Sam (Sharon Taylor), Amanda Grinnell (Eileen Pedde), Michael (Jude Culham-Keays), and Rick McGuinness (Giacomo Baessato). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Very appealing, straight forward story that teaches and inspires. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

U.S. MARSHALS (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

U.S. Marshals—second installment of the Fugitive series—accesses Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pantoliano, and Wesley Snipes to tell its action-packed, well-timed, wonderfully written story. The movie has quality written all over it and deserves a place in the home video library. It’s a fun ride for the teen/adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A prison plane crashes and prisoners scatter.  U.  S. Marshals are summoned to track one prisoner who is considered exceptionally dangerous. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stuart Baird for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Anne and Arnold Kopelson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones), Mark Sheridan (Wesley Snipes), John Royce (Robert Downey, Jr.), Cosmo Renfro (Joe Pantoliano), Bobby Biggs (Daniel Roebuck), Noah Newman (Tom Wood), Savannah Cooper (LaTanya Richardson), Marie Bineaux (Irene Jacob), Catherine Walsh (Kate Nelligan), Bertram Lamb (Patrick Malahide), Frank Barrows (Rick Snyder), Xiang Chen (Michael Paul Chan), Vincent Ling (James Sie), and Sheriff Poe (Tracy Letts). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a well-written, quality watch that serves the teen/adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ENCOUNTER (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Encounter—the title creates expectation for an alien movie. This expectation is underscored with opening visual scenes that include insect flesh bites and insects crawling on walls. Soon, the movie seems to transfer focus to a disconnected family drama. While the movie confuses its audience with its seeming double storyline, the interaction between the father and his two sons is realistic and well done. The conclusion leaves its audience hanging without resolution and uses a type of bluntness that makes a sequel advisable to tie the story together.  Riz Ahmed has 64 credits on IMDb and has the charisma to create a deep fan base. He needs better films to work with.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A U.S. Marine kidnaps his two sons and makes a run to hide in the desert. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Pearce for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dimitri Doganis, Piers Vellacott, and Derrin Schlesinger for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Malik Khann (Riz Ahmed), Hattie Hayes (Octavia Spencer), Shepard West (Rory Cochrane), Piya Khan (Janina Gavankar), Jay Khan (Lucian-River Chauhan),   (Adita Geddada), Dylan (Misha Collins), Lance Dunn (Shane McRae), Raul (Antonio Jaramillo), and Grant (Keith Szarabajka). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie waivers between an alien encounter storyline and a family drama. That duality seems to decrease the story’s power to punch hard to its conclusion. But, for hardcore Riz Ahmed fans, there is no lack in high onscreen visibility for this charismatic actor.

Ben Meyers

YOU’VE GOT MAIL (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

You’ve Got Mail—wonderfully upbeat and sweet romance—hits all the right buttons in presentation, timing, and portrayal. The story relies on exceptionally well written dialogue lines. Despite some suggestive scenes, the scenes are handled with taste and the movie works, in large part, to the interactions between  main characters interpreted by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Watch for Steve Zahn as George Pappas and the outstanding performance of Jean Stapleton (All in the Family television series) as Birdie. This is a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Big business versus small business gets a thorough examination by means of a largescale bookstore corporation versus a local neighborhood bookstore. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nora Ephron for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lauren Shuler Donner and Nora Ephron for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan), Patricia Eden (Parker Posey), Birdie (Jean Stapleton), Kevin (Dave Chappelle), George (Steve Zahn), Nelson Fox (Dabney Coleman), Frank Navasky (Greg Kinnear), and Christina (Heather Burns). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good film for the adult audience and is very well done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Bill and Ted Face the Music—very appealing—serves more entertainment value than the original Bill and Ted films. While the movie can stand as a standalone watch, it does help in processing the story if the audience has some familiarity with Bill and Ted movies. In this movie the presentation of Alex Winters and Keanu Reeves as ‘under-intelligent’ does not work as well as in the previous films, seems a little out of place at times, but in the long run works. The film’s message absolutely works. The makeup artist deserves special commendation as does the animation department. It’s a crazy ride that earns it watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Bill and Ted need to find a way to unite the world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dean Parisot for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Scott Kroopf, Alex Lebovici, David Haring, Steve Ponce, Ed Solomon, and Alex Winter for making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: Ted Logan (Keanu Reeves), Bill Preston (Alex Winter), Kelly (Kristen Schaal), Theadora (Samara Weaving), Wilhelmina (Brigette Lundy-Paine), Dennis McCoy (Anthony Carrigan), Princess Elizabeth Logan (Erinn Hayes), Princess Joanna Preston (Jayma Mays), and Missy (Amy Stoch). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This highly creative movie works at the intellectual level with a whirlwind of jigsaw scenes that finally reduce to a single, very welcome conclusion. Terrific addition to the original Bill and Ted movies and worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Clifford the Big Red Dog uses the old technique of animated character interacting with live action characters. This movie’s story, like the childrens’ book it is based upon, delivers a simple, straightforward story that serves children’s needs for entertainment and can serve as a decent child/adult share. Watch for the lovable performance by John Cleese and note the good performance by Darby Camp as Emily, Clifford’s caretaker as well as a good performance by Jack Whitehall as the caretaker for Emily. While the story is not memorable or earns classic status, it serves its own purpose and is worth a light afternoon or evening watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Clifford, the small puppy, needs a home and finds his place in life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Walt Becker for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jordan Kerner and Iole Lucchese for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Clifford, Emily Howard (Darby Camp), Casey Porter (Jack Whitehall), Zac Tieran (Tony Hale), Maggie Howard (Sienna Guillory), Mr. Packard (David Alan Grier), Mr. Yu (Russell Wong), Mr. Bidwell (John Cleese), Owen Yu (Izaac Wang), Veterinarian (Kenan Thompson), and Mrs. Crullerman (Tovah Feldshuh). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a good watch for families. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOOK OF ELI (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Book of Eli—WOW!—nothing lacking here. Denzel Washington plays a near perfect role as the person who has been chosen for a nearly impossible work. This film is exceptional for its timing. The action works at every level. Gary Oldman plays the perfect villain. Great work for Directors the Hughes Brothers. This movie easily earns its addition to the home video library. It serves the adult audience well and has a terrific conclusion with an unexpected twist. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

In the aftermath of world destruction, books stand at premium value…one book, in particular, seeks a permanent, continuing place on earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors the Hughes Brothers for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joel Silver, Susan Downey, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, and Denzel Washington for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Eli (Denzel Washington), Bill Carnegie (Gary Oldman), Solara (Mila Kunis), Redridge (Ray Stevenson), Claudia (Jennifer Beals), Martz (Evan Jones), Hoyt (Joe Pingue), Martha (Frances de la Tour), George (Michael Gambon), Engineer (Tom Waits), Hijack Leader (Chris Browning), and Lombardi (Malcolm McDowell). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is rough in its storyline and gritty in portrayal. It earns its investment of time and money. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

RUMBLE (Video Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rumble—great animated film—earns its permanent place in the family home video library.  While a few more fight scenes for Rayburn, Jr. would have been welcome, perhaps a sequel could rectify that. Great voicing, animation, and portrayal of storyline makes this a quality watch for the family. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The story’s timeline occurs at a time when huge monsters wrestle in the fight ring for fame, riches, and glory. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hamish Grieve for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Brad Booker and Mark Bakshi for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Steve/Rayburn Jr. (Will Arnet), Winnie Coyle (Geraldine Viswanathan), Tenacular (Terry Crewes), Mayor (Fred Melamed), Rayburn, Sr. (Charles Barkley), King Gorge (Chris Eubank), Lady Mayhem (Bridget Everett), Jimothy Brett-Chadley III (Ben Schwartz), Klonk (Brian Baumgartner), Lights Out McGinty (Jimmy Tatro), and Axehammer (Becky Lynch). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its blunt ending, the film scores high in entertainment value. It’s a WONDERFUL watch for age 10+ audiences.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHARK TALE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Shark Tale—not much new here serves average entertainment fare with great animation. Even though the movie uses big names in the voicing cast, the addition of the names does not add enough to the film to increase its entertainment value. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The movie tells a gangster/mafia story about a lowly fish who, by a series of events, rises to power, fame, and fortune. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, Rob Letterman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Damaschke, Janet Healy, and Allison Lyon Segan for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Oscar (Will Smith), Don Lino (Robert De Niro), Angie (Renee Zeilweger), Lenny (Jack Black), Lola (Angelina Jolie), Sykes (Martin Scorcese), Ernie and Bernie (Ziggy Marley and Doug E. Doug), Frankie (Michael Imperioli), Luca (Vincent Pastore), and Don Feinberg (Peter Falk). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s fun to hear Will Smith voicing an animated movie, but this film is overshadowed by other fish animated movies such as Finding Nemo or Finding Dory.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A HERO * (Theatrical Release France 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Hero—Iranian/French film—tells its unusual story with good camera work and an appealing presentation. The actors are well-chosen. Watch for its bittersweet conclusion. This is a terrific introduction to Iranian movie production and worth its watch for international flavor. Good English subtitles, but it is preferable to watch this movie as a streaming movie as the dialogue works fast and it is easy to miss some dialogue even if one is a fast reader. Most audiences may need to stop and rewind to catch all the dialogue. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man decides to be honest and finds himself in great difficulty. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Asghar Farhadi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alexandre Mallet-Guy and Asghar Farhadi for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Rahim (Amir Jadidi), Bahram (Mohsen Tanabandeh), Farkhondeh (Sahar Goldoost),  Mrs. Radmehr (Fereshteh Sadr Orafaie), and Nazanin (Sarina Farhadi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The storyline can be a bit complicated at certain junctures; but, overall, it is worth a watch. 

Also Known As: Ghahreman

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A QUIET PLACE PART II (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Quiet Place: Part II, one of those rare sequel films that exceeds the value of the first film and begs for a third treatment. WOW! Realistic. Great work for Director John Krasinski as director of both films. He created a captivating sequel. Good entertainment for Teen/Adult audiences everywhere. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A family looks for a safe place from aliens who seek sound and kill those producing it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Krasinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, and John Krasinski for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt), Emmett (Cillian Murphy), Regan Abbott (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus Abbott (Noah Jupe), and Man on the Island (Djimon Hounsou). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Sure to inspire a sequel…the film is a wonderful watch. It’s a good story for everyone. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHITE SNAKE 2: GREEN SNAKE* (Theatrical Release China 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

White Snake 2: Green Snake—sequel to the 2019 film White Snake—provides an interesting, animated watch that takes a complete watch to understand. It provides an ethereal story that serves the Teen/Adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Demons fight with demons. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Amp Wong for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Cui Di for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Verta (Xiaoxi), Masked Man (Wai Wai), Sima (Wei Chao), Niutou (Zhao Mingzhou), Baoqing Fox (Xiaopu Zheng), Fahai (Song Xuchen), Sister Sun (Qiu Qiu), Spider Goblin (Zhang Biyu), Blanca (Zhang Zhe), Scholar (Lin Qiang), and Xu Xian (Yang Tianxiang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is memorable. 

*Also Known As: Green Snake or Bai She 2: Qing She jie qi

Ben Meyers

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Hitman’s Bodyguard—Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds—presents non-stop action scenes filled with non-stop ‘smart’ dialogue.  The storyline has been done many times before and the format is nothing new. It’s a cookie cutter action flick that runs as an almost run-of-the-mill piece of entertainment of good guys versus bad guys. Worth a watch, when in the mood for an action movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A hitman and his bodyguard endeavor to make it to court on time.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Patrick Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Mark Gill, John Thompson, Matt O’Toole, Les Weldon for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek), Amelia Roussel (Joaquim de Almeida), Moreno (Barry Atsma), Renata Casoria (Tine Joustra), Rebecca Harr (Kirsty Mitchell), Garrett (Sam Hazeldine), Litvin (Mikhail Gorevoy), Mr. Seifert (Richard E. Grant), Ivan (Yuri Kolokolnikov), Judge (Georgie Glen), and Interpol Agent (Patrick Hughes).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works as a simple thrill ride that’s good while it lasts, but it has no substance other than lights, noise, flash, and non-stop dialogue patter.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit—great to see Wallace and Gromit on the big screen again—takes the audience on a gentle ride through a simple story that is not too loud, too noisy, too busy, or too stressful. This little flick works just right for a family share. Well-written and presented story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Wallace and Gromit are on the job to protect Tottington Hall’s vegetable competition.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Nick Park and Steve Box for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Claire Jennings, Carla Shelley, Peter Lord, David Sproxton, and Nick Park for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Wallace (Voice of Peter Sallis), Gromit, Lord Quartermaine (Voice of Ralph Fiennes), Lady Tottington (Voice of Helena Bonham Carter), Police Mackintosh (Voice of Peter Kay), Reverend Hedges (Voice of Nicholas Smith), Mr. and Mrs. Murch (Voice of Liz Smith and Dicken Ashworth), Mr. Growbag (Voice of Edward Kelsey), Ms. Blight (Voice of Mark Gatiss), and Miss Thripp (Voice of Geraldine McEwan). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Top-of-the-line stop motion animation makes this movie a sweet watch for the whole family. Clean and works at a higher level than other films of animation. Great artistic work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers