THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Magnificent Seven is an example of a re-make film that actually improves on the original film. Great acting from Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent O’Onofrio, Peter Sarsgaard and some new names Byung Hung Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, and Haley Bennett under the direction of Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Tears of the Sun, and Southpaw) pull together a truly outstanding western. This is a Wow! film for the western movie fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The western town of Rose Creek needs liberation and widow, Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), gathers a team of liberators.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Antoine Fuqua, Walter Mirisch, and Ben Waisbren for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier), Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), Teddy Q (Luke Grimes), Matthew Cullen (Matt Bomer), Denali (Jonathan Joss), McCann (Cam Gigandet), Maxwell (Emil Beheshti), Preacher (Mark Ashworth), Josiah (Billy Slaughter), and Anthony (Dodge Prince).

                                                                

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a classic re-make that wins and has great action scenes that are very well done. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight Saga: New Moon has a terrific story underlined by a good script. The special effects in the film are very good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) attempts to protect Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) by breaking off their romantic relationship.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Weitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gran (Christina Jastrzembska), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Mike (Michael Welch), Eric (Justin Chon), Angela (Christian Serratos), Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Mr. Berty (Russell Roberts), James (Cam Gigandet), Aro (Michael Sheen), Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower), and Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie stands as an excellent effort for Director Chris Weitz and prepares Twilight fans for the next film in the Twilight series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PRINCESS DIARIES (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Princess Diaries carries its story well. It’s a great film for Anne Hathaway fans and, with the wise choice of Julie Andrews to round out the cast, becomes an almost classic family movie. The storyline’s concept and the resulting script are great. Special thanks goes to Director Garry Marshall for using his broad directing skills to great advantage. The 2004 sequel is Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) reveals to her grand-daughter, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathway), that she is the princess of a small country named Genovia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garry Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Debra Martin Chase, Whitney Houston, and Mario Iscovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) Joe (Hector Elizondo), Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo), Lana Thomas (Mandy Moore), Mia’s Mom (Caroline Goodall), Michael Moscovitz (Robert Schwartzman), Student Josh Bryant (Erik von Detten), Student Jeremiah Hart (Patrick John Flueger), Teacher Mr. O’Connell (Sean O’Bryan), Vice Principal Gupta (Sandra Oh), Charlotte Kutaway (Kathleen Marshall), Gym Teacher Harbula (Mindy Burbano), Music Teacher Wells (Kimleigh Smith), Cheerleader Anna (Elizabeth Gudenrath), Cheerleader Fontana (Bianca Lopez), and Cheerleader Lupe (Tamara Levinson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is clean, worth a sequel, and serves the whole family well. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Murder on the Orient Express presents a classic story in grand style under the good direction of Director Sidney Lumet. This is a great watch for the teen/adult.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hercule Poirot endeavors to solve a murder case on the Orient Express.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sidney Lumet for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Brabourne and Richard B. Goodwin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney), Mrs. Hubbard (Lauren Bacall), Bianchi (Martin Balsam), Greta (Ingrid Bergman), Countess Andrenyi (Jacqueline Bisset), Pierre (Jean-Pierre Cassel), Colonel Arbuthnot (Sean Connery), Beddoes (John Gielgud), Princess Dragomiroff (Wendy Hiller), McQueen (Anthony Perkins), Mary Debenham (Vanessa Redgrave), Hildegarde (Rachel Roberts), Ratchett (Richard Widmark), Count Andrenyi (Michael York), Hardman (Colin Blakely), and Doctor (George Coulouris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a worthy watch that features an all-star cast.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AFTERMATH (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Aftermath—suspense drama—places Arnold Schwarzenegger in more of a dramatic role than in an action role. This film requires more emotion from him as did his movie Maggie. Schwarzenegger easily proves that he will handle anything Hollywood wants to throw at him. Likewise, this film works as a terrific credit for Scoot McNairy and for Director Elliott Lester.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two planes crash mid-air and completely change the lives of an air traffic control officer, Jake (Scoot McNairy), and  construction worker, Roman (Arnold Schwarzenegger).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elliott Lester for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Martin Blencowe, Barry Brooker, Ted Fox, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Javier Gullón, Ari Handel, Anthony Jabre, Robert Jones, Vance Owen, Steven Saxton, Josh Stern, Mark Stewart, and Stan Wertlieb for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Christina (Maggie Grace), Samuel (Judah Nelson), James Gullick (Larry Sullivan), Thomas (Jason McCune), Matt (Glenn Morshower), Eve (Mariana Klaveno), Robert (Martin Donovan), Tessa (Hannah Ware), Andrew/Corpulent Man (Christopher Darga), Airline Supervisor (Teri Clark), Nadiya (Danielle Sherrick), and Airport Employee (Jeff Panzarella).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It sits among Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best films. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE NATURAL (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Natural—a great baseball film—compares to the quality of the sports movie, Field of Dreams, while outclassing the sports movie, 42. The film has heart; that heart makes it a worthy watch. Terrific casting includes Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duval, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, and Joe Don Baker. Great work for Director Barry Levinson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

At 19-years-of-age Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) sets out to play baseball, gets sidetracked, and doesn’t return to the game until he is 35 years old.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Levinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Philip M. Breen and Roger Towne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), Iris Gaines (Glenn Close), Memo Paris (Kim Basinger), Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley), Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey), The Judge (Robert Prosky), Red Blow (Richard Farnsworth), The Whammer (Joe Don Baker), Sam Simpson (John Finnegan), Ed Hobbs (Alan Fudge), Young Roy (Paul Sullivan Jr.), Young Iris (Rachel Hall), and Ted Hobbs (Robert Rich III).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Completely inspiring watch; a story that fits Robert Redford from its beginning to its end.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Phantom of the Opera—excellent remake of a classic—introduces Emmy Rossum as the lead vocalist who blows her role over the top with a voice that will not be ignored. Possibly one of the best classic films of this decade, it capitalizes on the talents of Gerard Butler and Patrick Wilson. The movie defines the word finesse for actors’ performance. The movie deserves more than one viewing and, in fact, begs for its re-watch due to the symbolism laced throughout the film. Read a plotline before you go to enhance viewer appreciation. Great work for Director Joel Schumacher.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Madame Giry (Miranda Richardson) helps a child raised in a circus freak show escape and hides him underneath an opera house. He grows up alone and unloved until he meets Christine (Emmy Rossum).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joel Schumacher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeff Abberley, Julia Blackman, Keith Cousins, Louise Goodsill, Paul Hitchcock, Ralph Kamp, and Austin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Phantom (Gerard Butler), Christine (Emmy Rossum), Raoul (Patrick Wilson), Carlotta (Minnie Driver), Firmin (Ciarán Hinds), Andre (Simon Callow), Piangi (Victor McGuire), Meg Giry (Jennifer Ellison), Reyer (Murray Melvin), Buquet (Kevin McNally), Lefevre (James Fleet), Carlotta’s Maid (Imogen Bain), Carlotta’s seamstress (Judith Paris), and Carlotta’s Wigmaker (Miles Western).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a classic. Outstanding music.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BATMAN AND HARLEY QUINN (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Batman and Harley Quinn places emphasis on Nightwing (formally Robin) and Harley Quinn. This animated feature has its own cool and serves the teen audience well. The voices are well-chosen. Thank you for all involved in producing a Batman animated story that holds attention and follows the format of modernizing the series with more realism.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Batman (voice of Kevin Conroy) assigns the job of finding Harley Quinn (voice of Melissa Rauch) to Nightwing (voice of Loren Lester).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Liu for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker, Sam Register, Bruce Timm, and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harleen Quinzel (voice of Melissa Rauch), Poison Ivy/Pamela Isley (voice of Paget Brewster), Floronic Man/Jason Woodrue/Additional Voices (voice of Kevin Michael Richardson), Wesley/Additional Voices (voice of Eric Bauza), Bobby Liebowitz/Additional Voices (voice of Trevor Devall), Swamp Thing/Sarge Steel/Additional Voices (voice of John DiMaggio), Rhino/Additional Voices (voice of Robin Atkin Downes), Harold Goldblum/Min/Max/Anderson/Additional Voices (voice of Rob Paulsen), Project Supervisor/Additional Voices (voice of Mindy Sterling), and Booster Gold (voice of Bruce Timm).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is worth a watch. The conclusion comes as somewhat of a surprise.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SHOOTIST (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Shootist—John Wayne’s final film—is as good as it gets for western film. It’s classic John Wayne and a final farewell gift to all his fans. Lauren Bacall and Ron Howard support Wayne in this story. Both actress and actor are beyond reproach. Look for Jimmy Stewart, Richard Boone, Harry Morgan, and John Carradine in this fabulous send off.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

J.B. Books (John Wayne) rents a Carson City, Nevada boarding house room as a place to die.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Siegel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers M.J. Frankovich and William Self for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall), Gillom Rogers (Ron Howard), Dr. Hostetler (James Stewart), Sweeney (Richard Boone), Pulford (Hugh O’Brian), Cobb (Bill McKinney), Marshall Thibido (Harry Morgan), Beckum (John Carradine), Serepta (Sheree North), Dobkins (Rick Lenz), Moses (Scatman Crothers), and Burly Man (Gregg Palmer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a classic and ‘not to be missed’ film for all western and possibly non-western film fans. Director Don Siegel did an outstanding job in moving this film along toward a terrific conclusion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GOLDEN COMPASS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Golden Compass—inspired by novelist Philip Pullman’s stories—shows great imagination working within a parallel universe where working with personal daemons, powerful armor-shielded bears, and rescuing orphans becomes the common place. The movie is a WOW! piece of entertainment that features the voices of actors like Ian McShane, Freddie Highmore, and Ian McKellen. Dakota Blue Richards, who plays Lyra, does an outstanding job.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) takes a trip with Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman) and finds Mrs. Coulter has a serious agenda that affects orphans, Gyptian children, and children from poor families.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Weitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Toby Emmerich, Michael Lynne, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, and Paul Weitz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), Roger (Ben Walker), Pantalaimon (voice of Freddie Highmore), Iorek Byrnison (voice of Ian McKellen), Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green), John Faa (Jim Carter), Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay), Ragnar Sturlusson (voice of Ian McShane), Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), and First High Councilor (Christopher Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is complicated and rich in symbolism. The film deserves a sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Harley Davidson and The Marlboro Man works for the adult audience while it examines lifestyles of the not so rich and not so famous. The acting is good and the script has a style of its own. The film is worth one viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An armored car heist goes wrong when the robbers find it carries drugs, not money.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jere Henshaw for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harley Davidson (Mickey Rourke), Marlboro (Don Johnson), Virginia Slim (Chelsea Field), Alexander (Daniel Baldwin), Jimmy Jiles (Giancarlo Esposito), Lulu Daniels (Vanessa Williams), Thom (Robert Ginty), Kimiko (Tia Carrere), Old Man (Julius Harris), Jose (Eloy Casados), and Jack Daniels (Big John Studd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worthy of a watch. Director Simon Wincer pulls this story together with Mickey Rourke, Don Johnson, Daniel Baldwin, and Vanessa Williams. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEOWULF (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Beowulf—perfect example of motion capture animation—presents some the best of Robert Zemeckis’ efforts to develop new animation technologies that are so realistic it seems one is watching live acting. This film shows what Zemeckis (Polar Express) does best in special effects. While the script and storyline may not be the best, the special effects are outstanding. The all-star voice casting adds to the quality of the entertainment. The film becomes a worthy watch to stay abreast of technology and the changing face of the entertainment industry.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Beowulf becomes involved with a Water Demon and finds there are some battles that are neither won or lost. They repeat themselves over and over again with different protagonists yearning for and receiving ruling rights over others with resulting disastrous consequences for those ruled and those who rule.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Zemeckis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Roger Avary, Neil Gaiman, and Martin Shafer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wealthow (Robin Wright),Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins), Musician #1 (Paul Baker), Musician #2 (John Bilezikjian), Musician #3 (Rod D. Harbour), Musician #4 (Brice Martin), Gitte (Sonja Fortag), Hild (Sharisse Baker Bernard), Estrith (Charlotte Salt), Cille (Julene Renee), Garmund (Greg Ellis), Eofor (Rik Young), Wulfgar (Sebastian Roché), and Yrsa (Leslie Zemeckis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This experimental, animated film with its special effects becomes a wonder to watch...a milestone in the entertainment industry brought to you by Robert Zemeckis.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SLEEPERS (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 5.0|5.0 Starsììììì

Sleepers—a WOW, Bravo, masterpiece—tells a bitter, difficult story with finesse. The storyline, script, portrayal, cast are superb. It deserves a standing ovation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Four grown men find a way to avenge injustices faced in youth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Levinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Giuliano for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nokes (Kevin Bacon), Tommy (Billy Crudup), Father Bobby (Robert De Niro), John (Ron Eldard), Carol (Minnie Driver), King Benny (Vittorio Gassman), Danny Snyder (Dustin Hoffman), Ferguson (Terry Kinney), Shakes’ Father (Bruno Kirby), Fat Mancho (Frank Medrano), Shakes (Jason Patric), Young Shakes (Joe Perrino), and Michael (Brad Pitt).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie does not preach, but still manages to teach a heavy lesson. It serves a late teen/adult viewing audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DAYBREAKERS (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Daybreakers’ interesting concept drives this movie so that it becomes like a great novel—one can’t stop watching/reading due to tremendous desire to see what will happen next. Even though the movie contains some very average acting scenes, these scenes are spiced up with some very good acting performances. Sam Neill seems a little out of character in this movie, but still gives his usual professional performance. Watch for Willem Dafoe.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

When the world becomes populated with more vampires than humans, a need for a solution arises.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block and Jason Constantine for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lisa Barrett (Harriet Minto-Day), Senator Turner (Jay Laga’aia), Senator Westlake (Damien Garvey), Homeless Vampire (Sahaj Dumpleton), Businessman (Allan Todd), Businesswoman (Gabriella Di Labio), Police Officer (Ben Siemer), Police Officer (Peter Welman), Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke),  Vampire School Kids (Callum McLean, Jarrad Pon, Victoria Williams, and Zoe White).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Spierig brothers take the age-old vampire story to the next level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers