WHEN JEWS WERE FUNNY (Released to The Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

When Jews were Funny—a significant and well-done documentary film—contains terrific interviews with 37 of the best of our standup comedians including Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, Eugene Mirman, Bob Einstein, Andy Kindler, Shelley Berman, and David Steinberg. This is a good, informative watch, a winner of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alan Zweig believes Jews are not as funny now as in the past and attempts to prove his point with archival footage and live interviews with Jewish comedians.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alan Zweig for directing efforts. Kudos to Musical Composer Michael Zweig for outstanding musical accompaniment Thank you to Executive Producer Perry Rosemond for making the film possible. Cast include: Marc Maron, Shelley Berman, Rodney Dangerfield, Howie Mandel, Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Einstein, Eugene Mirman, Jack Carter, Judy Gold, Norm Crosby, Andy Kindler, Alan King, Shecky Greene, Jackie Mason, David Steinberg, Elon Gold, Henny Youngman, Aaron Berg), and David Brenner.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary is highly entertaining.

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Ben Meyers

SCHOOL OF ROCK (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

School of Rock—offbeat and entertaining—allows Jack Black plenty of opportunity to show the audience his full comedic range. His supporting cast creates the perfect venue to allow him to explode to higher entertainment levels as he leads and they follow a most unlikely path to become full-fledged rock musicians. Rocking is what Jack Black (as character Dewey Finn) does. As he leads a music class to explore this part of the music world, a great story is born that is both unique and engaging.

Film Poster  Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) doesn’t have a job. Desperate, he pretends to be a fifth grade teacher, is accepted, and trains the class to win a musical contest called Battle of the Bands.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Linklater for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Aversano and Steve Nicolaides for making the film possible. Additional recognition needs to go to Composer Craig Wedren and Writer Mike White. Cast include: Jack Black, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Sarah Silverman, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Miranda Cosgrove, Kevin Alexander Clark, Robert Tsai, Maryam Hassan, and Zackary Infante.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s Jack Black at his best in a terrific, upbeat piece of entertainment. No lack found in this film.

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Ben Meyers

VIRUNGA (Released to the Tribeca Film Festival Manhattan, New York 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Virunga—an informative Netflix documentary—tells about African men who risk their lives to save the last of the Mountain Gorillas.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Oil exploration, an endangered specie, and politics create a tenuously ordered structure that is deeply threatened by poachers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Orlando Von Einsiedel for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Leonardo DiCaprio, Howard Buffet, Maxyne Franklin, Lisa Nishimura, Jess Search, Adam Del Deo, and Jon Drever for making the film possible. Special mention to Musical Composer Patrick Jonsson and Writer Orlando Von Einsiedel. Cast include: André Bauma, Emmanuel de Merode, Mélanie Gouby, Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo, and Vianney Kazarama.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an interesting watch because it explores a small portion of the complexities that involve environmental issues when commerce and politics are deeply intertwined with exploration of oil reserves.

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Ben Meyers

INTO THE WHITE * (Released to the Oslo Film fest Oslo Norway 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Into the White—a Norwegian film based on true events—contains some of the best foreign filming for 2012. While this film did not make money in the box office, it’s a good watch that proposes the interesting situation of placing German and British World War II bomber plane crash survivors in an isolated cabin where they must cooperate in order to survive a bitter winter. The acting is of such high quality that one feels one is watching actual real life situations. The terrific British casting choices include: Lachlan Nieboer and Rupert Grint, both superb for their parts. The terrific German casting includes: Florian Lukas, Stig Henrik Hoff, and David Kross, all superb for their parts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During a World War II air fight, a German plane is shot down leaving three survivors. The British fighter plane also crash lands leaving two survivors. The five men, despite the uneasy relationship, survive a bitter Norwegian winter by learning to rely on and trust one another.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Petter Næss for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Garde for making the film possible. Cast include: Florian Lukas, David Kross, Stig Henrik Hoff, Lachlan Nieboer, Rupert Grint, Kim Haugen, Knut Joner, Morten Faldaas, and Sondre Krogtoft Larsen.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a quite good film and well worth watching, one of the best Rupert Grint films since the Harry Potter series.

* Also known as Comrade, Lost in the Snow, or Cross of Honour

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Ben Meyers

MACHINE GUN PREACHER (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Machine Gun Preacher asks questions about our role as human beings and just how far we are willing to go to establish justice and security in our world. The movie begins edgily and takes a very surprising twist as main character Sam Childers (Gerard Butler) ‘gets’ religion. The storyline is definitely not preachy, creates conscience dilemmas, and shows one man’s solution to those dilemmas. The film’s story needs to be told and this one is told well. While it lost money in the box office, the film is exceptionally well cast with an unpredictable solution to grave human problems that make it an excellent choice.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sam Childers (Gerard Butler) ‘gets’ religion and becomes involved in endeavors to save African orphans.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marc Forster for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Gerard Butler, Michael Corso, Kyle Dean Jackson, Myles Nestel, Bill O’Kane, Louise Rosner-Meyer, Adi Shankar, Alan Siegel, Spencer Silna, and Brad Simpson for making the film possible. Cast include: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan, Kathy Baker, Michael Shannon, Ryann Campos, Madeline Carroll, Souleymane Sy Savane, Grant R. Krause,  Reavis Graham, and Peter Carey.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, a wonderful movie that inspires one to get involved with helping others.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BABY’S DAY OUT (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Baby’s Day Out—funny with a few heartfelt scenes and a basic, good storyline—turns into a good film. Story-wise, the presentation is suitable, and the film is cute. The acting is usual for slapstick comedy. The film is a suitable watch. Watch for a terrific, soft introduction and a very nice tie in with that introduction at the conclusion of the movie. Terrific adherence to classic story-telling techniques. The stage settings for the house and nursery are outstanding—eye candy for dreamers.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mischievous and wealthy Baby Bink (Adam Robert Worton) is kidnapped and leads his abductors on a wild chase.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Patrick Read Johnson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer William Ryan for making the film possible. Cast include: Joe Mantegna, Lara Flynn Boyle, Joe Pantoliano, Brian Haley, Cynthia Nixon, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Neville, and Matthew Glave.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s an afternoon flick to watch when nothing else is available, has some reminiscence (parallelism) to the first Home Alone movie except with a substitution of a very cute baby in the place of an older child.

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Ben Meyers

ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Ernest Saves Christmas—okay—relies on that unique comedic style of Jim Varney that drives all his movies. not first class and not a front row piece of entertainment, an afternoon, easy-on-the-mind entertainment style with a little comedy thrown in here and there...it is a style that is average...but charming, watchable, suitable, clean, and as refreshing as a child's innocent laughter.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Santa Claus (Douglas Seale) comes out of an airport complaining about failure to remember what everyone wants for Christmas. Santa retrieves his toy bag from baggage, hails a taxi, and draws Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) as his taxi driver.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John R. Cherry III for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Akerman and Martin Erlichman for making the film possible. Cast include: Jim Varney, Oliver Clark, Noelle Parker, Gailard Sartain, Billie Bird, Bill Byrge, Robert Lesser, and Key Howard.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is an average movie that has a creative charm of its own...a sweet holiday watch that works for Jim Varney fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FRIGID HARE (Released to Theaters USA 1949)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Frigid Hare—Bugs Bunny—is a creative short film that is also a good watch.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Bugs Bunny, looking for a warm Florida vacation, ends up at the South Pole.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Charles M. Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward Selzer for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a suitable watch.

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Ben Meyers

NO PLACE ON EARTH (Released to the Toronto Film Festival Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

No Place on Earth—another enthralling World War II survival story—tells firsthand how several Jewish families survive World War II hidden inside Ukrainian caves. This story utilizes actual survivors of that event: Saul Stermer, Sam Stermer, Cliff Stermer, Yetta Stermer, Sonia Dodyk, Sima Dodyk, Erin Grunstein Halpern, Chris Nicola, and Sol Wexler as well as actors standing in for those who have since passed. Terrific work for Director Janet Tobias.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An exploration of Ukrainian caves reveals they have been recently inhabited by humans.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Janet Tobias for directing efforts. Thank you to Musical Composer John Piscitello for musical scores. Thank you to Esther Stermer for writing the memoirs entitled, “We Fight to Survive,” on which the film is based. Thank you to Executive Producers J. Flint Davis, Timm Oberwelland, Steven Ruchefsky, Jeff Field, David McKillop, Molly Thompson, Susan Werbe, Katja Zink, and Andrew O’Connell for making the film possible. Cast include: Saul Stermer, Sam Stermer, Sonia Dodyk, Sima Dodyk, Yetta Stermer, Sol Wexler, Chris Nicola, Erin Grunstein Halpern, and Cliff Stermer.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a ‘How to Survive 101’ film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 succeeds because someone had the foresight to cast Kevin James as Paul Blart in the first and second films. Despite a few noticeably ‘forced’ scenes deliberately repeated for comedic effect (i.e., Blart skidding across the floor on his side past a planter), the sequel works and becomes an easy afternoon of light entertainment. We get the surprise of our lives when we find Blart in a troubled marriage and follow the movie to see how his life will turn for the better. Along with the drama involved with an only daughter getting ready to leave for college and start her own life, the film blends action with pathos and comedy in, of all places, Las Vegas.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Andy Fickman for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty P. Ewing, Jeff Sussman, and Ben Waisbren for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez, Neal McDonough, David Henrie, Shirley Knight, Daniella Alonso, Eduardo Veràstegui, and Nicholas Turturro.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes.  A good watch, but not as good as the first film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LONE SURVIVOR (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Lone Survivor—one of the best war movies of the year—details a Navy Seal teams’ infiltration of Afghanistan to capture Ahmad Shah. Script Writer Peter Berg based the story on the book written by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson. The film is a classic, a truly great story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Navy Seals infiltrate Afghanistan to capture Ahmad Shah, a Taliban leader. The team gets caught in unknown mountainous Afghanistan woods with no rescue in sight and a small retreat area.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Braden Aftergood, Brandt Andersen, Tamara Birkemoe, Remington Chase, Grant Cramer, Mark Damon, Simon Fawcett, Kerry Roster, Kerry Foster, Louis G. Friedman, George Furla, Ron Lynch, Stepan Martirosyan, Jeff Rice, Steven Saxton, Laren Selig, Adi Shankar, Jason Shuman, and Spencer Silna for making the film possible. Music Composer Steve Jablonsky’s “Explosion in the Sky” is outstanding. Cast include: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch , Ben Foster, Eric Bana, and Alexander Ludwig.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. No time or money lost on this flick. It’s outstanding from its start to its finish.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

Because of Winn-Dixie—a heartfelt story with good, reality-type casting—works as a clean family story. If you want a tale about new beginnings, starting over, how friendships begin, and the importance of forgiveness, then this is the movie for you. The script revolves around a stray dog and a young girl named Opal. The largest fault in the film is that its message—life is both sweet and sour—is not hidden well enough to let the audience realize the message on its own. The writers tell instead of letting discovery happen naturally for this all-too-well-known fact.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Despite her father’s, Preacher (Jeff Daniels), objections, Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) adopts a gregarious dog which she names Winn-Dixie. She soon makes friends with a large, diverse group of people and finds a solid place in her new home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wayne Wang for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ralph Singleton for making the film possible. Cast include: AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, Dave Matthews, Eva Marie Saint, Courtney Jines, Nick Price, and Luke Benward.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a sweet family movie that works to support positive messages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND (Theatrical Release Japan 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind—Japanese anime—takes about the first hour to set up its story and the last 30 to 40 minutes to clarify many of the questions that arise while watching. The story is almost incoherent for the first half and paces itself slowly. Expect a creative watch that seems almost Star War-ish as when Lord Yupa rides his bird animal across the desert. The camerawork is suitable, the voicing is very good, the musical scores and the special effects are very well done. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lord Yupa (voice by Patrick Stewart) sits astride a large, two-legged bird (like an ostrich). Both the bird and Lord Yupa have futuristic gas masks in place. Lord Yupa dresses in a long overcoat. A wide-brimmed hat droops around his head. He leads another bird who serves as a pack mule. Lord Yupa travels to a village that is covered in a type of cobweb, dismounts, takes his rifle from its case, and forces one of the house doors open. Everything inside is covered in spider webs and is completely desolate. Lord Yupa looks at the ground at the house entrance, sees a small doll, and picks it up. The doll crumbles to pieces in his hand and Lord Yupa says, “Yet another village—dead.” The camera flashes screens to dragonfly-like creatures swarming the village. Lord Yupa steps outside, looks at the sky, immediately mounts his bird, and flees.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Toru Hara, Michio Kondo, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma for making the film possible. Cast include: Alison Lohman, Uma Thurman, Chris Sarandon, Edward James Olmos, Mark Hamill, Jeff Bennett, Tress MacNeille, and Tony Jay.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Creative, but difficult to follow during the first half of movie. The film has great voicing and animation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WORLD WAR Z (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

World War Z, when all is said and done, is the classic zombie movie. Based on the novel by Max Brooks, its realism and aggressive action make it the ultimate zombie movie. Brad Pitt plays the character Gerry Lane excellently. Casting Agent Kate Dowd made fantastic choices with Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, and Pierfrancesco Favino. Director Marc Forster had a terrific script to work with thanks to the efforts of Screen Writers Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard, and Damon Lindelof.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

It begins with a ‘normal’ American family morning. Two girls run into the parent’s room and wake them. Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) watches the news while making breakfast. Girls eat their breakfast. Dad gets stuck in rush hour traffic and plays a guessing game with his wife and girls while waiting for traffic to move. Moments later the normal morning turns abnormal as a motorcycle whizzes by and knocks the driver’s side mirror off Gerry’s car. This zombie story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marc Forster for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Graham King, Brad Simpson, David Elliston, Tim Headington, Marc Forster, Paul Schwake, and Dana Goldberg for making the film possible. Cast include: Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, Fana Mokoena, David Morse, Elyes Gabel, and Peter Capaldi.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an action packed thriller for all zombie movie fans and non-zombie movie fans. It’s the one to watch if you are getting ready to explore zombie movies.

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Ben Meyers

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  The Cider House Rules—well written—presents a tough look at life and life choices. It is a mature adult subject material handled fairly discreetly with some nudity scenes. The portrayal and presentation are great. Look for a story well put together. This film earns its watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  An orphan boy, returned twice to the orphanage as an infant, becomes the protege of the orphanage doctor who trains him to be a medical doctor.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Lasse Hallström for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Richard N. Gladstein for making the film possible. Cast includes Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Kieran Culkin, Heavy D, Kate Nelligan, and Erykah Badu.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a Michael Caine and Tobey Maguire movie that is more than worth seeing. Be aware that some material content is tailored to the very mature adult audience. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers