RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rambo: First Blood—terrific Sylvester Stallone film—shows Stallone at his best as he depicts a warrior endeavoring to manage in a society that does not value or respect warrior skills. Stallone has a strong supporting cast that includes David Caruso, Richard Crenna, and Brian Dennehy (Teasle). The movie is an involving watch that provides terrific after watching discussion material. This is a ‘do not miss’ movie for an adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A military veteran gets into trouble with a small town sheriff. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ted Kotcheff for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Buzz Feitshans for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, and Brian Dennehy. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie runs on a provocative theme that provides good discussion material afterwards about veterans, their place in society, how they are valued, and the difficulty of re-adjusting to normal life after serving in wartime situations. The movie more than serves the Sylvester Stallone fanbase with complete entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JUAMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: The Next Level—sequel to the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle movie—is the third film in a series dedicated to the game of Jumanji. This movie allows the characters from the second Jumanji movie to reprise their roles. The movie gathers its entertainment value from a terrific cast, great acting, and its sweet ability to intermix comedy with action. The movie is a great choice to add to the Jumanji series in the home entertainment library. The film begs for its sequel. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Four friends re-enter the Jumanji game for the second time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Matt Tolmach, and Jake Kasdan for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Danny Glover, and Danny DeVito. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film provides an unusually good mixture of both comedy and adventure. The script is creative, fresh, and allows Dwayne Johnson another opportunity to show his diverse ability to play a variety of characters well. The movie makes a terrific addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

BOURNE ULTIMATUM (Theatrical release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bourne Ultimatum is the third film in a series of five films with the fifth film, Jason Bourne, producing in 2016. This series of movies is surprisingly consistent in both quality and presentation. The writing is outstanding, the dialogue is intriguing, and the acting above average. Bourne Ultimatum earns its recommendation as a movie ‘more than worth watching.’ Matt Damon, as character Jason Bourne, does not overplay his role and delivers a sensible, believable, well-thought-out presentation of the main character’s challenges to survive in a world where so many facts are missing. Complicated, multi-faceted, and interesting, this movie requires audience involvement and active mental engagement. The movie is both gripping and intellectually driven. It provides good entertainment value for both time and money investment. Kudos to Director Paul Greengrass for keeping the story on target.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Jason Bourne continues to unravel clues to his past. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, and Paul Sandberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Albert Finney, and Joan Allen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s unusual to find a series piece that holds interest and produces consistent entertainment fare. This movie, as were the first two Bourne films, more than worth watching and easily becomes a ‘must see’ movie.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NORTH TO ALASKA (Theatrical Release USA 1960)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

North to Alaska runs on a shallow storyline and bad to okay acting. It sticks to a limited set of stage settings and gives no relief with any outstanding cinematic views of Alaska or the Seattle coastlands. The small exploration into the logging community in Seattle are the most interesting scenes in this movie. The film tries to be a comedy but doesn’t quite get there. Both John Wayne and Stewart Granger do not compliment each other well in this film and the addition of Fabian does not help.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Brothers strike it rich in the Alaskan wilderness. One brother travels to Seattle to get a wife for the other brother. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Henry Hathaway for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry Hathaway, John Lee Martin, and Charles Feldman for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Capucine, Ernie Kovacs, and Fabian. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film appeals to a very small audience, is completely predictable, and is one of John Wayne’s lesser performances. Better John Wayne westerns include: The Shootist or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TOP GUN: MAVERICK (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Top Gun: Maverick—WOW!—has terrific action, storyline, and dialogue lines. The story has come to its maturity and presents onscreen at a much higher level than the original Top Gun movie. Tom Cruise takes this film to the next level in entertainment value with his terrific supporting cast. It easily becomes one of the better military films marketed and easily establishes itself as a prime candidate for addition to the home video library. It has entertainment value written all over it. 

Film Poster of Google Images 

Storyline 

This war film is about precision air fighters who must remove a set of targets perceived as dangerous to world safety. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joseph Kosinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, and David Ellison for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie defines great storytelling and improves vastly on the first Top Gun movie. It shows maturity, values courage and loyalty, and the importance of rehearsal and training. Wonderful work for all involved in production. Incredibly well-written piece of entertainment.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FAST FIVE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fast Five—neck-breaking, original, and fresh stunt work—defies biology and physics laws to deliver an action-packed eyeful of incredible movie entertainment. This film, part five of the Fast and Furious franchise,  does not miss a drumbeat in entertainment value for the audience who loves outstanding stunt work and original action scenes.  The story is fresh and highly entertaining. The movie delivers fully for audiences who love action films. It is more than worth watching with a great presentation. WOW! 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about a group of thieves who target a drug dealer’s wealth in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Noritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fortrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Dwayne Johnson, and Joaquim de Almelda. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie runs fast, requires attention to watch, and presents some terrific action scenes between Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials— part 2 of the Maze Runner Movie Series—does not perform at the same level as the first film in the series. It complicates itself in storyline and in presentation as it does not provide a strong enough link to the first movie. Read a plotline before you go even if you watched the first Maze Runner movie.  The movie does have its thrills and some of the background scenery is quite good. There is a third film in this series: The Maze Runner: The Death Cure. It is unusual in that these young actors present a maturity that will appeal to both the teen and adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The days of experimentation on children are not over as a group of survivors from Maze Runner experiments discover. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wes Ball for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Lee Stollman, and Joe Hartwick Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scordelario, Thomas Brodle-Sangster, Giancario Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Lill Taylor, and Patricia Clarkston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the story is complicated and if an audience does not follow the series, it would be best to read a plotline before going to this movie as a standalone watch. This is one of the rare teen-actor movies that performs as a good watch for adults. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY (Theatrical release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day—nothing new here—leaves its audience with the vague feeling of ‘I’ve seen this before.’ It’s okay and that’s its comfort zone. It is what it is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Sometimes a horrible day’s events can end on quite a different note. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Miguel Arteta for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Lisa Henson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, and Ed Oxenbould. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The premise is good, but the story falls flat with its odd presentation that can be difficult to get past. An audience may find itself wishing to leave when barely into the film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEAST (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beast—short storyline stretched into a full-length movie—may have presented itself better as a documentary movie about an actual event rather than as a movie. The film has nowhere to go. No story with enough depth to encourage a televised series or a sequel movie unless it goes the route of movies like Sharknado. Everything about the movie is suitable and the acting works, as does the action scenes.  But the script does not have enough storyline to run a whole movie nor does it provide depth of story. It works better if severely edited and given a short film presentation for television rather than a film release. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This outdoor action film is about a rogue lion who hunts humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Baltasar Kormákur for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Baltasar Kormákur, James Lopez, and Will Packer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, and Leah Sava Jeffries. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie does not work with a fresh storyline nor is it a high-quality watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DUMBO (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Dumbo—completes the story of the original animated movie of Dumbo—lacks feeling and emotion. It has no soul and cannot make itself relatable on any level. Despite good coloration, the film seems dark with no human component or relatable sweetness that the original film had. The acting runs from fair to bad and even though it contains quite famous actors who are lovable and draw audiences…nothing draws an audience in this movie. 

Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A baby elephant with unusually large ears shows that he can fly. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Burton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Justin Springer, Ehren Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder, and Derek Frey. Cast includes: Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, and Alan Arkin. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This movie completes and rounds out the story from the original animated story of Dumbo, but it does not improve on the storyline. There is no feeling in this film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KING RICHARD (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

King Richard—inspirational film—makes an instant move to the family home video library. WOW! This is a ‘do not miss’ movie. Nearly everything about it works. Not only does Will Smith completely develop his role well, but the casting of Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene “Brandy” Willams,  Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as the two sisters Venus and Serena Williams are simply a dream come true.  This movie leaves a GREAT clear-down-to-the-toes good feeling. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A father works with his two daughters to help them achieve and secure a good life playing professional tennis. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Reinaldo Marcus Green for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tim White, Trevor White, and Will Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, and Jon Bernthal. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. More than worth watching! Wonderful film about the importance of planning for a great life and then unrelentingly pursuing that dream. Will Smith is a good pick for this film with outstanding skill and understanding of Venus and Serena Williams’ father, Richard Williams. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle—fresh, fun, and comical—more than works for its watch and money investment. The dialogue is great and provides a non-stop patter to elicit laughter from its audience. It’s a welcome diversion from the over-the-top action movies that have been designed to keep their audience at the edge of their seats. The cast works so fluidly that one can only say thank you to Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, Bobby Cannavale, and Nick Jonas for good entertainment.  This is great work for all involved in production. The movie just works—all the way around.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Teens discover an old gaming console while cleaning out a school basement room as a detention exercise. When they decide to play it, they find themselves sucked into the game with a set of lives assigned to them and an adventure they will never forget. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt Tolmach and William Teotler for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is just fun to watch. It varies from the first presentation of Jumanji as it goes into comedy fairly quickly after establishing the basic personality of the cast members. There are a few suggestive scenes, but those scenes are made for laughs, and are clean and palatable. The movie makes a good teen/adult share and leaves a good feeling that one has been served a quite good comedy.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

SECRET HEADQUARTERS (Video on Demand (VOD) USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Secret Headquarters—superhero movie—accesses the talents of Owen Wilson to play the superhero. Wilson gives the role just the right touch to make it a good superhero movie for the younger set. The film presents some new and upcoming younger actors/actresses that provide good entertainment value. The presentation and portrayal are good. The movie has lots of flash and dash that children may enjoy. Watch for Michael Peña in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A superhero’s son discovers what his father does for a living and the adventure is on as the son and some of his peers examine superhero equipment and then get surrounded by criminals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and Orlee-Rose Strauss for making the film possible. Cast includes: Owen Wilson, Walker Scobell, Jesse Williams, Keith L. Williams, Momona Tamada, Charles Melton, and Michael Peña. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a suitable children’s watch with lots of lights and action. It’s a light, easy-on-the-mind watch for an adult.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ant-Man and the Wasp—not much new here compared to the last film—still manages to earn a watch. This is the second film in the Ant-Man movie series. The acting, presentation, and animation are great. This movie plays with a mid-credit scene that intriguing leads to the desire to see the third movie in the series: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Watch for Laurence Fishburne who has now acted in both DC and Marvel superhero movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about a father and a daughter who attempt to rescue the wife/mother from another realm with help from Ant-Man. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peyton Reed for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder Fortson, Randall Park, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, and Michael Douglas. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This superhero movie is more than worth watching. It’s a great PG-13 crowd watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AMERICAN SNIPER (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

American Sniper is one of those movies that, from its opening scenes, an audience knows it is going to be a wonderful story. It’s that rare movie that a critic will have to watch again to critique because one just wants to sit back and enjoy it rather than watch it to critique it. The writing is so very good. The dialogue lines are so human. Nothing is lost of the human element in this film. Bradley Cooper has been chosen as the perfect cast for the part of the assassin. WOW! What a film! Director Clint Eastwood has done it again by bringing us a true story and turning an already great story into an incredible piece of entertainment. The movie earns its place in the home video library and is worth a re-watch, its time, and its money investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man, motivated by news channel coverage of violence against the United States, decides to enlist in the Navy Seals and becomes a sniper. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper, and Peter Morgan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Navid Negahban, and Keir O’Donell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Clint Eastwood-directed films are some of the best on the market. This movie is no exception. Wonderful work by all involved in this production.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FUGITIVE (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Fugitive—all around good watch—has been so well written that it becomes a classic example of how to build a ‘man on the run’ story. The film is intense and involves the audience’s emotion to the point that desire builds throughout the movie for the main character to survive and have a good outcome. Part of that is due to the wise choice to cast Harrison Ford against Tommy Lee Jones. Watch for  Joe Pantoliano, one of those rare actors who can play any part well, in this film. This movie becomes the prequel that leads to U.S. Marshals. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A surgeon is accused of killing his wife and sentenced to death. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andrew Davis for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arnold Kopelson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Andreas Katsulas, and Jeroen Krabbé

. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This crime/thriller film is a great watch and re-watch. This film earns its respect. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers