WHEELMAN (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Wheelman creates a desire to see more of Director Jeremy Rush’s work. The film is good and the cast choices are good. The movie is produced for the mature audience with a lot of language and a little gore.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Getaway driver Wheelman (Frank Grillo) takes a job for the mob and gets more than he bargained for.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jeremy Rush for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gianni Altobelli Anders Erden, J. Todd Harris, Philip Krepela, Chady Eli Mattar, George Parra, Art Robinson, Scott C. Silver, and Lisa Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Katie (Caitlin Carmichael), Clayton (Garret Dillahunt), Jessica (Wendy Moniz), Motherfucker (Shea Whigham), Real Handler (John Cenatiempo), Jazz Handler (Slaine), Mechanic (William Xifaras), Vinnie (Seth Ayott), Real Handler’s Man #3 (Keenen Bray), Motorcycle Driver (Joe Dryden), Hip Hop Guy (Eddie J. Fernandez Jr.), and Cop Car Driver (James Fierro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jeremy Rush is a good director for this film. This movie is interesting to watch in full.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LITTLE WOMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Little Women—a classic winner—shows Kirsten Dunst as a child actor. Her outstanding performance proves that talent can be a lifelong gift. Great work for Director Gillian Armstrong for pulling the magic out of the story without missing a single piece of its heart.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The four March sisters grow up and choose their individual life paths.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gillian Armstrong for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Denise Di Novi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jo March (Winona Ryder), Friedrich Bhaer (Gabriel Byrne), Meg March (Trini Alvarado), Older Amy March (Samantha Mathis), Younger Amy March (Kirsten Dunst), Beth March (Claire Danes), Laurie (Christian Bale), John Brooke (Eric Stoltz), Mr. Laurence (John Neville), Aunt March (Mary Wickes), Mrs. March (Susan Sarandon), Hannah (Florence Paterson), and Carriage Boy (Robin Collins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film has heart. Wonderfully written.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MR. CHURCH (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Church performs as an award-winning film due to the efforts of Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, Natascha McElhone, Xavier Samuels, Lucy Fry, and the rest of the cast. Kudos to Director Bruce Beresford for directing a film with heart woven into its fabric.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) cares for three successive generations within a family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bruce Beresford for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Anspaugh, Fredy Bush, Brad Kaplan, Lawrence M. Kopeikin, Dennis L. Pelino, David Tish, and Wei Cheng for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie (Britt Robertson), Marie (Natascha McElhone), Owen (Xavier Samuel), Poppy (Lucy Fry), Eddie Larson (Christian Madsen), Izzy (Mckenna Grace), Young Charlie (Natalie Coughlin), Young Poppy (Madison Wolfe), Young Owen (Lincoln Melcher), Mrs. Dickerman (Kathleen McMartin), Gibby (Sara Shearer), and Doctor (Kelly Lester).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This offbeat film carries itself from the beginning to the end. Great work for the actors and all support crew.

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Ben Meyers

PELE: BIRTH OF A LEGEND (Theatrcal Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Pelé: Birth of a Legend—documentary about one of soccer’s greats—has WOW and Encore! written all over it. Cameraman Matthew Libatique’s terrific cinematography and camera angles define this work. The story is well-written, the portrayal is excellent and serves the soccer game and the athlete, Pele, with a high level of integrity and skill. Directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist have Ben Meyers International’s ticket for talent in biographical movie direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This film shows the biographical story of Brazil’s soccer player, Pelé.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Guy East, Paul Kemsley, Benjamin Mathes, and Pelé for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pele (Kevin de Paula), Younger Pele (Leonardo Lima Carvalho), Dondinho (Seu Jorge), Celeste Arantes (Mariana Nunes), Waldemar de Brito (Milton Gonçalves), Mario Zagallo (Seth Michaels), Feola (Vincent D’Onofrio), Santos Club Coach (André Mattos), Narrator (voice of Phil Miler), Yuri (Rafael Henriques), Garrincha (Felipe Simas), French Announcer (voice of Adriano Aragon), and Lucia (Mariana Balsa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is worth several tickets—one for you and the rest for the many in the party. Thank you to all who were involved in the film’s production and release. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KINGDOM (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Kingdom—despite generally poor reviews—completely succeeds in action scenes and portrayal of story. Action scenes score 95/100 and portrayal scores 90/100. The movie may not have a large storyline, but it goes down well—completely palatable and manageable. Jennifer Garner pulls off a completely realistic and refreshing action scene fighting brutal hand-to-hand combat female to male that is memorable—above criticism. The movie’s timing works as well as the Clint Eastwood directed timing in Million Dollar Baby except it works on a larger scale notably suited to big screen presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In response to a bitter terrorist attack, the United States launches a special task force to investigate.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Aubrey, John Cameron, Ryan Kavanaugh, Mary Parent, and Steven P. Saeta for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx), Grant Sykes (Chris Cooper), Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman), Colonel Faris Al Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom), Sergeant Haytham (Ali Suliman), Damon Schmidt (Jeremy Piven), Robert Grace (Richard Jenkins), Aaron Jackson (Tim McGraw), Francis Manner (Kyle Chandler), Elaine Flowers (Frances Fisher), Gideon Young (Danny Huston), Ellis Leach (Kelly AuCoin), and Maricella Canavesio (Anna Deavere Smith).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has its place and exceeds the viewing quality of 13 Hours. Director Peter Berg has got the Ben Meyers’ ticket for a job well done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MYSTIC RIVER (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Mystic River—excellently directed by Clint Eastwood—stands as one of his best movies since the 2014 release of Jersey Boys. This movie won Sean Penn the 76^th Academy award for Best Actor and Tim Robbins the Best Supporting Actor award. The film is well written and well told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tragic childhood events follow three men into adulthood for a final resolution.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Bruce Berman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn), Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins), Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon), Whitey Powers (Laurence Fishburne), Celeste Boyle (Marcia Gay Harden), Annabeth Markum (Laura Linney), Val Savage (Kevin Chapman), Brendan Harris (Tom Guiry), Katie Markum (Emmy Rossum), Silent Ray Harris (Spencer Treat Clark), John O’Shea (Andrew Mackin), Nick Savage (Adam Nelson), Kevin Savage (Robert Wahlberg), and Esther Harris (Jenny O’Hara).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film does not play down its subject matter. It’s a classic tale worth both your time and money. The acting stands as among the best. It serves the late teen/adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOUSE HUNT * (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Mouse Hunt—lovable, sweet, comical—couples DreamWorks with Director Gore Verbinski in his directing debut and takes the big screen by storm. The story is flat out wonderful. The script so well-written that it deserves re-watch status. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Brothers Lars (Lee Evans) and Ernie (Nathan Lane) attempt to live in an inherited mansion, but find themselves competing with a skillful, long-term resident mouse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gore Verbinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bruce Cohen, Tony Ludwig, and Alan Riche for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: April Smuntz (Vicki Lewis), Alexander Falko (Maury Chaykin), Ernie and Lars’ Lawyer (Eric Christmas), Quincy Thorpe (Michael Jeter), Ingrid (Debra Christofferson), Hilde (Camilla Søeberg), Auctioneer (Ian Abercrombie), Roxanne Atkins (Annabelle Gurwitch), The Banker (Eric Poppick), Maury (Ernie Sabella), and Rudolph Smuntz (William Hickey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a ‘not to be missed’ film. Worth the ticket and the time. 

*Also Known as: Mousehunt

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1978)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Revenge of the Pink Panther does not falter in the panther lineup. Peter Sellers has the charisma and a voice that won’t quit for entertainment value. This movie is Peter Sellers’ last panther film. Well done by all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) becomes the target of the French Connection.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tony Adams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom),Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), Simone Legree (Dyan Cannon), Philippe Douvier (Robert Webber), Guy Algo (Tony Beckley), Al Marchione (Robert Loggia), Julio Scallini (Paul Stewart), Sergeant François Chevalier (André Maranne), Dr. Auguste Balls (Graham Stark), Fernet (Alfie Bass), Claude Russo (Sue Lloyd), and Cunny (Danny Schiller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth a ticket.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

COCO (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Coco—culturally significant with universal appeal—has the unmistakable quality of Pixar animation stamped all over it. Full of heart and lovability, this excellent and creative film serves the whole family’s entertainment needs, a good child/adult share. It stands at the level of Toy Story, Monster Inc., and Finding Nemo, but wisely brings itself to the entertainment party without copycatting previously made animated movies. It’s a movie worth collecting in the home library. Research and have a little family discussion about the Hispanic folklore surrounding the Day of the Dead celebration before going. Watch for the unexpected twist in the story. WOW! Encore! Bravo for Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) desires a musical career, but experiences a long detour toward his goal first.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt), Mamá Imelda (voice of Alanna Ubach), Abuelita (voice of Renee Viictor), Papá (voice of Jaime Camil), Papá Julio (voice of Alfonso Arau), Tío Oscar/Tío Felipe (voice of Herbert Siguenza), Clerk (voice of Gabriel Iglesias), Plaza Mariachi/Gustavo (voice of Lombardo Boyar), Mamá Coco (voice of Ana Ofelia Murguía), Frida Kahlo (voice of Natalia Cordova-Buckley), and Tía Rosita (voice of Selene Luna).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film requires buying three tickets. One for you today, one for you tomorrow, and one to share with a friend. This movie is a winner from the opening to the final scene.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVOLT (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Revolt—solid thriller set against a sci fi script—features an extremely charismatic actor, Lee Pace. The film, as entertainment, works for a home or lunch watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Aliens attack Kenya and seriously injure Special Forces Operative Bo (Lee Pace).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Miale for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Deckter and Joshua Horsfield for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nadia (Bérénice Marlohe), Stander (Jason Flemyng), Kara (Sibulele Gcilitshana), Roderick (Wandile Molebatsi), Juma (Sekoati Sk Tsubane), Jeandre (Leroy Gopal), Cedric (Welile Nzunza), Kenyan Captain (Patrick Bakoba), Lieutenant Smalls (Tom Fairfoot), Lookout (Ben Tjibe), Female Medic (Chantal Herman), Young Soldier (Barileng Malebye), and Poacher 1 (Jabulani Mthembu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works as a background party flick as you meet friends and settle in around the grill. For higher entertainment value, watch the 2005 remake of War of the Worlds.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JIM GAFFIGAN: OBSESSED (Television Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Jim Gaffigan: Obsessed—not as good as Jim Gaffigan: Cinco—still serves up a healthy portion of Gaffigan comedy. This routine will be well-received as good entertainment in the standup comedy lineup. It received a 2015 nomination for best comedy album.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Jim Gaffigan observes and examines life through Gaffigan eyes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jay Chapman for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Jim Gaffigan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This standup routine is fashionable and comical.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Escape from Alcatraz shows the Clint Eastwood grit and is a complete winner for entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood) develops a plan to escape from Alcatraz, a maximum security prison.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Siegel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Daley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Warden (Patrick McGoohan), Chester Dalton (Roberts Blossom), Clarence Anglin (Jack Thibeau), John Anglin (Fred Ward), English (Paul Benjamin), Charley Butts (Larry Hankin), Wolf (Bruce M. Fischer), Litmus (Frank Ronzio), Johnson (Fred Stuthman), Wagner (David Cryer), Zimmerman (Madison Arnold), and Fight Guard (Blair Burrows).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Its value has not diminished over time. The movie is a winning watch. Great work for Director Don Siegel. Look for Actor Fred Ward, good supporting actor.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AFRICA SCREAMS (Theatrical Release USA1949)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Africa Screams may not be the best of Abbott and Costello, but it’s classic comedy that deserves a ‘sit back and let the show roll.’ Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Abbott and Costello look for diamonds in Africa, encounter dishonest people, run from cannibalistic people, and find that sometimes man’s best friend is a gorilla.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Barton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Donald Crisp for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buzz Johnson (Bud Abbott), Stanley Livington (Lou Costello), Clyde Beatty (Clyde Beatty), Frank Buck (Frank Buck), Grappler McCoy (Max Baer), Boots Wilson (Buddy Baer), Diana Emerson (Hillary Brooke), Gunner (Shemp Howard), Harry (Joe Besser), Bobo (Burt Wenland), The Ape (Charles Gemora), Mr. Mercer (Arthur Hecht), and Interpreter (Bill Walker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves as an excellent academic study and begs the question: Why isn’t there a re-write, a sequel, or a prequel for this story? The script needs some brushing, but the foundation is solid.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DOUBLE JEOPARDY (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Double Jeopardy—terrific thriller—features Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones, and Bruce Greenwood. Kudos to Director Bruce Beresford for directing an enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat entertainment piece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Libby (Ashley Judd) wrongfully serves prison time and upon release searches for justice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bruce Beresford for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leonard Goldberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Travis (Tommy Lee Jones), Libby (Ashley Judd), Matty Age 4 (Benjamin Weir), Bobby (Jay Brazeau),Nick (Bruce Greenwood), Rudy (John Maclaren), Warren (Ed Evanko), Angie (Annabeth Gish), Bartender (Bruce Campbell), Yuppie Man (Brennan Elliott), Yuppie Girl (Angela Schneider), Cutter (Michael Gaston), and Rebecca Tingely (Gillian Barber).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A murder mystery with a twist changes the rules of the game. It serves up a WOW piece of entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ONE OF US (Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

One of Us provides a WOW! look into the perils of divorcing oneself from lifelong support structures and serves as a highly educational documentation of how life can work after such decisions are made. The study uses ultra-orthodox Hasidic Judaism as the model and follows the lives of three Hasidic Jews after they have made this type of decision. The film honestly documents the pain of the community as well as the pain of the individual and shows the difficulties of the individual who tries to establish independent living while not being able to completely leave long-established, basic life habits and ways of thinking.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Three Hasidic community members decide to leave their community for three separate reasons.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herself (Etty), Herself (Chani Getter), Himself (Ari Hershkowitz), and Himself (Luzer Twersky).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While not a new story, it serves as good documentation of difficulties surrounding community ostracism and finding place within unknown communities that operate on entirely different structure systems. Very good watch for teen/adult audiences that provides excellent opportunity for open discussion about the value or non-value of leaving childhood social support structures, difficulties of survival after the fact, and evaluating the reasons for leaving/reasons for return.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers