DINOSAUR (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Dinosaur—intriguing storyline—lacks the WOW! factor of a truly great animated movie. It serves a 10-year-old child watch better than the younger set as the latter may feel a little uneasy about some thematic elements. The film seems almost bland at times despite its good storyline. The animation still serves current audiences. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This animated film is about: a last of a dinosaur species is adopted by a lemur family. A meteor crashes into earth causing the two species to cross to the mainland looking for a home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Pam Marsden for making the film possible. Cast includes: D.B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, Ossie Davis, Max Casella, Hayden Panettiere, Samuel E. Wright, Julianna Margulies, Peter Siragusa, Joan Plowright, and Della Reese. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  

 Yes. This movie may remind audiences of The Land Before Time animated movie series. However, its storyline is more intriguing and makes it worth watching. It works on a more realistic presentation than Land Before Time.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes—good action film—has a good story and plays well. The presentation is okay, but the film is not as good as Rise of the Planet of the Apes or as good and likeable as the last film of the old series Battle of the Planet of the Apes. This film, as a whole, is suitable watch and does serve the Planet of the Apes fan club well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: a group of apes who rebel against human dominance.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Reeves for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Ken Russell, Toby Kebbell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The animation of the apes is phenomenal with total blending of the interaction from ape to ape as well as from ape to human. The movie particularly serves the audience who loves the Planet of the Apes stories.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SUMMER RENTAL (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Summer Rentals—original and fun beach movie—shows John Candy in good comedic form. WOW! This is such a simple story but it earns its watch. It has been put together well and deserves its resurrection from the 1980s. Look for the late Rip Torn in one of his earlier works. The downside is the completely blunt conclusion to this film as if the writers could not come up with an easier conclusion rather than the rock hard ending this movie has. The film serves as a good watch for the teen/adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Images

Storyline 

A family runs into difficulty with their vacation rental home. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Carl Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Producer George Shapiro for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Candy and Richard Crenna. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has an original storyline and is a great, easy-on-the-mind watch. Thank you to everyone involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: Age of Extinction serves up its own brand of ‘cool’. While it is not as good as the first three films in the series with Shia LeBeouf, Mark Wahlberg serves a tougher variation in his interpretation of the main character that works very well. The film is a little long and could use a bit of editing to cut run time, but it tells its story well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: a time when humans believe Transformers, no matter which side they are on, are dangerous and need to be eliminated.

 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film serves the Transformers’ movie fan well. It is a good teen/adult share movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KONG: SKULL ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Kong: Skull Island—everything is okay, but not great—serves as a good cult watch for the fan devoted to Kong movies. It is interesting to see John C. Reilly in the movie. The movie does not fare well when compared to the 2005 Peter Jackson version of King Kong. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: researchers who look for life on Skull Island and find more than they expected to find. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and Alex Garcia for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary, and John C. Reilly. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. A Kong film lover may enjoy this movie. The animation is great. But, know that the better watch is Peter Jackson’s 2005 version: King Kong.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOME ALONE 3 (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Home Alone 3—cute—does not have the vibrancy of the first two movies in this series. The reason for parental presence is not as viable as the first movie’s reason. The film is what it is and serves as a good afternoon flick but does not have that re-watch status of the first film. Acting, presentation are good, and slapstick humor come in at the okay level. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This family comedy film is about: A young boy who is given a remote-controlled car that contains a highly valuable microchip inside that thieves desire. The thieves make a plan to retrieve it and the boy makes a plan to return it to authorities. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Raja Gosnell for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers John Hughes and Hilton Green for making the film possible. Cast includes: Alex D. Linz and Haviland Morris. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While the first two Home Alone films are better watches than this one, the movie can be enjoyed as a family watch. It lacks the vibrancy of the previous 2 movies. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rambo: Last Blood—hardcore, gritty story—drives gore and violence to a new level that far exceeds previous Rambo movies. The movie has been tailored for the mature adult audience. It is worth watching for that audience. The story is solid. The acting and presentation are good. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl is kidnapped by a Mexican cartel and Rambo goes to rescue her. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Adrian Grunberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Avi Lerner, Kevin King Templeton, Yariv Lerner, Les Weldon for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Sergio Peris-Menchata, Adriana Barraza, Yvette Monreal, Genie Kim, Joaquin Cosio, and Oscar Jaenada. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch for the mature audience and relies on a tough story backed with good acting and presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MEDALLION (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Medallion—cool concept and great to see Jackie Chan—does not show Jackie Chan at his best. The fight scenes need better editing. The movie performs at the okay level and does not match to the usual quality of Chan’s movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Chinese boy is given the power to unite or break a medallion that has the power over death and life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gordon Chan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Alfred Cheung for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan, Lee Evans, Claire Forlani, Julian Sands, and John Rhys-Davies. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie is somewhat fun to watch and its ‘campiness’ may  help the movie’s watch-ableness. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE GAME PLAN (Theater Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Game Plan—cute—uses the skills of actor Dwayne Johnson who does a very good job of filling his role but seems too nice to play the rough guy, as shown at the very beginning of the movie, when interacting with the young girl. As his role softens, he is more believable and the movie levels out to audience expectation. The movie has its charm and does earn its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This comedy film is about a football player who unknowingly has a daughter who shows up and claims him as her father. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andy Fickman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Madison Pettis, Kyra Sedgwick, Morris Chestnut, and Roselyn Sanchez. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has charm and serves as a nice fill-in-the-time, afternoon watch. It’s a good family share movie. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CHUPA (Video On Demand (VOD) World-Wide 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Chupa—odd film—takes an animal that has a generally bad reputation and portrays it as good. The movie does not have the best of storylines and has a generally weak presentation. The film seems to play on the idea that the chupacabra is a cuddly, likeable animal, which is a cool concept, but no one knows, in reality, solid facts about this animal or whether it exists.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This animated/live action film is about: a grandfather who keeps a Chupacabra in one of his outbuildings. his grandson from America who is visiting him finds the Chupacabra and makes friends with it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jonás Cuarón for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Michael Barnathan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Demián Bichir, Evan Whitten, Christian Slater, Ashley Ciarra, and Nicholas Verdugo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The presentation is weak. This movie is not as appealing as family-oriented movies: Beethoven, Aristocats, or Disney Nature films.  

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE PEZ OUTLAW (South by Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Pez Outlaw—unusual documentary—tells a good, well-put-together story of Steve Glew, the USA Pez collector and seller. The movie is slightly reminiscent of  two other unusual documentaries, Burt’s Buzz and  the Bio-Pic American Splendor. Read a plotline before going to increase background story understanding before watching. The interviews are great and the movie earns its watch as a nice change of pace. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This biographical documentary film is about: Steve Glew’s involvement with the Pez company merchandise and product lines. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Ignatius Green, Nate Larson, Theo Love, and Chris Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Steve Glew, Kathy Glew, Josh Glew, Mike Mitros, David Welch, Bud Damberg, P.J. Lechleitner, Julia Hilario, John Devlin, Jim Blaine, Tina Gunsauls, Johann Patek, Richie Belyski, Moriah Newman, Gunther Leitner, Peter Jennings, and  Scott McWhinnie. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film especially appeals to the entrepreneurial audience. It’s interesting to see how Steve Glew becomes a collector and a seller for Pez collectible products in the USA. Good story and great work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

ROBOTS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Robots—original and fun—is a super terrific film to watch to catch its many, many references to famous movies, television ads, and dialogue lines one of which is James Bond’s line, “Shaken, Not Stirred.” The animation is terrific and the movie uses recognizable voicing that also increases its likability factor. The movie does get a little sleepy as it winds down to its conclusion but it maintains its watch-ability status. Listen for Robin Williams’ voice as the character, Fender. Wow! What a treat. This movie is great for the Child/Adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The son of a robot family matures into a robot who wants to be an inventor.   

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Wedge for directing effort. Thank you to Jerry Davis, John C. Donkin, and William Joyce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks, Amanda Bynes, and Drew Carey. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The wind down (conclusion) is not unwatchable but is not up to par and needs improvement. Overall, the  movie is a wonderful film and serves as a great child/adult share movie. It’s fresh, creative, and got great presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RED RIVER (Theatrical Release USA 1948)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Red River can be a little campy, archaic, and weak in presentation at times. But there is an art in the movie that cannot be denied…almost like a Picasso painting where everything does not fit together perfectly but overall is likable in its uniqueness. John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, and Walter Brennan capture a certain spirit of the age that refreshingly does not apologize for its goals and how it gets those goals accomplished. Directors Howard Hawks and Arthur Rosson establish the movement of the movie. The movie could be almost called a cult classic. The film has a good, light conclusion. It is worth an afternoon watch…maybe a couple of afternoons because it is over a 2-hour entertainment piece. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man starts up a new Texas cattle ranch and moves the marketable cattle along the Chisholm Trail. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Howard Hawks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Howard Hawks for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Walter Brennan, and Joanne Dru. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie shows its age both in scripting and presentation. It’s an interesting study in vintage film-ology and is a good picture to use if studying Walter Brennan, the Chisholm Trail, or John Wayne films. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Pacific Rim: Uprising works like a movie that has no story and someone tries to piece something together to give reason for the lights on the screen. It’s okay and provides some interest until the last 20 minutes or so of the movie. Then it goes left field, falls irretrievably to the bottom of its barrel, and dies. At that point the film is almost hard to get through. This film ends the movie series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The United States has shut down the production of Jaegers, but Jaeger enthusiasts look for parts on the black market to build the Jaegers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven S. DeKnight for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Guillermo del Toro, John Boyega, Femi Oguns, Thomas Tull, and Jon Jashni. Cast includes:  John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Jing Tian, Cailee Spaeny, Rinko Kikiuchi, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona, Max Zhang, and Charlie Day. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie does not present a story on screen.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

TENDER MERCIES (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Tender Mercies is an okay film that is not meant to entertain or really touch the heart. The movie works very much in the cold truth of the realities of life, losing, re-evaluating, and starting up again. Robert Duvall perfectly catches the tone of the story and gives an exceptional performance as an alcoholic who works to find a place in the world he finds himself in. If the audience is looking for ‘feel good, escape,’ this film does not give that. It does show how to stabilize life at a level where other options can be explored if one desires or becomes well enough to examine other options. It’s not joyful, hopeful, or happy. It is the tough and gritty reality of life in stasis and in the process of healing.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This drama film is about a washed-up country music star who begins a new life in a small town. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bruce Beresford for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Philip S. Hobel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Duvall, Tess Harper. Betty Buckley, Wilford Brimley, and Ellen Barkin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is interesting and can be an educational watch to view stabilization after deep emotional hurt. But, it can be a ‘downer’ watch because from one perspective the main character seems to fail in almost everything he does in life and wallows in it. On the other hand, he does find a life and establishes order from chaos as he maintains that life. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers