I.Q. (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

                                                                                                    

I.Q.—another one of those easy-to-be-missed Walter Matthau movies that hide in unexpected places and when found become little treasures that one does not easily forget (see his 1971 film, A New Leaf, as another example of such a movie). IQ has an original idea, delivers itself in a creative and completely unexpected manner, makes you wait for its ending until the ending, and becomes an overall great watch. The casting of Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, and Stephen Fry work incredibly well. Don’t miss this one. It’s a good watch. With very little tweaking, this movie would have become a classic Christmas re-watch through the years on par with It’s a Wonderful Life.Film 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline.

Romance has a little help from Albert Einstein and his friends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fred Schepisi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sandy Gallin, and Scott Rudin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ed Walters (Tim Robbins), Catherine Boyd (Meg Ryan), Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau), Kurt Gödel (Lou Jacobi), Boris Podolsky (Gene Saks), Nathan Liebknecht (Joseph Maher), James Moreland (Stephen Fry), Bob Rosetti (Tony Shalhoub), Frank (Frank Whaley),and Louis Bamberger (Charles Durning).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a simple, sweet romance that could be easily missed and shouldn’t be missed. Clean, decent fare for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER (Released to Theaters USA 1991)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Flight of the Intruder—really good film—is easy-to-miss partly because of its blasé title, partly due to scheduling its release at the same time as Operation Desert Storm, and releasing it in January, one of the worst months to release a film. The acting team of Danny Glover and Brad Johnson are good. Willem DaFoe is a very good addition to the film. Watch for the cameo of David Schwimmer.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Navy ship makes multiple rounds with airplanes to destroy key spots ordered by high command during the Vietnam War. One airplane goes rogue.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Milius for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mace Neufeld for making the film possible. Cast includes Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, Brad Johnson, Rosanna Marquett, and Tom Sizemore.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It's a cohesive film that works from a solid foundation.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE PIXAR STORY (Newport Beach International Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pixar Story—one of those loveable documentaries that an audience wishes would never end—deals heart, soul, and power through the screen by the bucketful. This documentary is so well done that it becomes one of those Bravo! Please use this model for all future documentaries. It is sweet to watch how Director Leslie Iwerks put this enthralling documentary together. Best in show for 2008.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Pixar’s beginning to its maturity.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leslie Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leslie Iwerks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (voice of Stacy Keach), Himself (John Lasseter), Himself (Brad Bird), Himself (John Musker), Himself (Ron Clements), Himself (Ollie Johnston), Himself (Frank Thomas), Himself (Randy Cartwright), Himself (Ron Miller), and Himself (Glen Keane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie gives kudos to Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, and the many other incredible minds who put together a unique and ground-breaking animation studio that still produces the best of the best animated movies in the United States. This documentary is well worth the investment of time and money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MICKEY, DONALD, GOOFY: THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Video Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers—classic Disney—couldn’t be more entertaining. The movie becomes a great child/adult share. Great work for Director Donovan Cook. It’s a fun watch all the way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lowly janitors make a bid for their position as royal musketeers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Donovan Cook for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Margot Pipkin and Laurel Betts for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mickey Mouse (voice of Wayne Allwine), Donald Duck (voice of Tony Anselmo), Goofy/Pluto/Additional Voices (Bill Farmer), Minnie (voice of Russi Taylor), Daisy (voice of Tress MacNeille), Pete (voice of Jim Cummings), Clarabelle/Additional voices (April Winchell), The Beagle Boys/Additional Voices (voice of Jeff Bennett), The Beagle Boys/Additional Voices (voice of Maurice LaMarche), and The Troubadour (voice of Rob Paulsen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great ‘follow your dream’ story and what could happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. The film works as an 'all fun and games' movie.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BARRY LYNDON (Theatrical Release USA 1975)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Barry Lyndon—a Stanley Kubrick-directed film—becomes a classic viewing from its first scenes to its ending scenes. Actor Ryan O’Neal plays the part of Barry Lyndon almost to the point of being surreal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A soldier with a roguish personality marries into nobility.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stanley Kubrick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jan Harlan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barry Lyndon (Ryan O’Neal), Lady Honoria Lyndon (Marisa Berenson), The Chevalier du Balibari (Patrick Magee), Captain Potzdorf (Hardy Krüger), Lord Ludd (Steven Berkoff), Nora Brady (Gay Hamilton), Barry’s Mother (Marie Kean), Lischen (Diana Körner), Reverend Samuel Runt (Murray Melvin), and Sir Charles Lyndon (Frank Middlemass).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie uses classic British-style storytelling techniques and may seem a bit slow, but stick with the movie. It’s worth both time and dollar as it explores marriage, difference in class values, position, morality, and maintenance of family fortune and reputation. It’s high level entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRAIL OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Trail of the Pink Panther has been created from archived, deleted scenes from previous Pink Panther movies that Peter Sellers starred in because he died before this movie began filming. The smoothness in presentation maintains the Sellers’ charisma and delivers a well-done and worth watching movie. Great work for Director Blake Edwards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Inspector Clouseau pursues a criminal who dares to steal the Pink Panther diamond.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jonathan D. Krane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers), Sir Charles Litton (David Niven), Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), Clouseau’s Father (Richard Mulligan), Bruno Langois (Robert Loggia), Professor Auguste Balls (Harvey Korman), Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), and Hercule Lajoy (Graham Stark).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film delivers full value as it delivers Inspector Clouseau’s unique efforts to solve crime via a series of unplanned mishaps that solve crime a la atypical sleuthing methods.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MECHANIC (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Mechanic—one of Charles Bronson’s best performances—gritty, intense adult film explores the world of professional assassins with stark, realistic, and shocking thoroughness. Bronson, as usual, delivers an outstanding performance that is well-supported by a terrific script and a perfect casting choice of Jan-Michael Vincent as the ultimate protagonist. Completely entertains and surprises at every level. Great work for Director Michael Winner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A professional hitman breaks organizational rules with severe consequences.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Winner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson), Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent), Harry McKenna (Keenan Wynn), The Girl (Jill Ireland), Louise (Linda Ridgeway), The Man (Frank DeKova), Intern (James Davidson), Policeman (Lindsay Crosby), Messenger (Steve Cory), and Yamoto (Tak Kubota).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Do not miss this film. As entertaining in 2019 as it was in 1972. It belongs in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MICKEY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS: SNOWED IN AT THE HOUSE OF MOUSE (Video Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed In at the House of Mouse—classic animated Christmas watch—easily becomes one of those annual seasonal watches that celebrates the season with that unbeatable Disney style. A very good story, well-voiced, and a pleasant moral that can be easily assimilated becomes the perfect animated choice for the season.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The House of Mouse becomes snowed in at Christmas time and not everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Craig, Roberts Gannaway, and Rick Calabash for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tony Craig and Roberts Gannaway for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Panchito (voice of Carlos Alazraqui), Mickey Mouse (voice of Wayne Allwine), Donald Duck/Huey/Dewey/Louie (voice of Tony Anselmo), Mr. Jollyland (voice of Jeff Bennett), Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson), Beast (voice of Robby Benson), Ludwig Von Drake/Mad Hatter/Grumpy/Gus/Captain Hook (voice of Corey Burton), Jiminy Cricket (voice of Eddie Carroll), Ursula (voice of Pat Caroll), Narrator (voice of John Cleese).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sweet, heartfelt, and well-done, this animated feature becomes a classic feature that works as a perfect child/adult share. Excellent tribute to the skills of Directors Tony Craig, Robert Gannaway, and Rick Calabash. Very nice trip down memory lane that belongs in the family’s home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOSTILES (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Hostiles—a Christian Bale/Rosamund Pike film—works. The cinematography shows terrific scope. The storyline doesn’t miss a beat in authentically realizing the genre of the western movie theme. Rosamund Pike plays a wide range of emotion well. A best work for Director Scott Cooper who successfully orchestrates a western film worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A single survivor from a Comanche attack joins a small military detail traveling to Fort Winslow and then on to Montana.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Cooper for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Byron Allen, Mark Borde, Chris Charalambous, Mark DeVitre, Carolyn Folks, Terence Hill, Jennifer Lucas, Donald E. Stewart, and Will Weiske  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wesley Quaid (Scott Shepherd), Rosalee Quaid (Rosamund Pike), Lucy Quaid (Ava Cooper), Sylvie Quaid (Stella Cooper), Buffalo Man (David Midthunder), Apache Man (Gray Wolf Herrera), Captain Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale), Master Sergeant Thomas Metz (Rory Cochrane), Corporal Henry Woodson (Jonathan Majors), and Captain Royce Tolan (John Benjamin Hickey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Western movie fans, this film restores the western movie genre to its former status, following the style of the 1950s and 1960s. It’s true to the genre and easily accomplishes a Bravo! performance for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEASTLY (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Beastly has some terrific actors and actresses such as Vanessa Hudgens, Mary Kate Olsen, and Alex Pettyfer. It is well done. The script is great even though the story is neither new or fresh. Director Daniel Barnz shows great talent within this genre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An arrogant young man becomes horridly ugly due to a witches’ curse and will remain that way for the rest of his life unless he can find someone who loves him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daniel Barnz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Flynn and Roz Weisberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kyle (Alex Pettyfer), Student (Justin Bradley), Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen), Sloan (Dakota Johnson), Trey (Erik Knudsen), Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), Male Teacher (Karl Graboshas), Rob (Peter Krause), Zola (LisaGay Hamilton), Student at Green Party (Jonathan Dubsky), Dr. Davis (David Francis), Will (Neil Patrick Harris), Halloween Partygoer (Rhiannon Moller-Trotter), Junkie (Steve Godin), and Victor (Gio Perez).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a good story and worth the ticket. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KICKING & SCREAMING (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Kicking & Screaming quickly earns its place as a good child/adult share. A surprise casting choice of Will Farrell offset with Robert Duvall absolutely works in this quite good comedy. The film is one of Will Farrell’s better works. Seeing Mike Ditka adds spice to the story. Look for a young Josh Hutcherson in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Phil Weston (Will Farrell) believes he is his own man, not at all like his father, until he gets his own soccer team to coach.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jesse Dylan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Judd Apatow, Daniel Lupi, and Charles Roven for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Phil Weston (Will Ferrell), Buck Weston (Robert Duvall), Mike Ditka (Mike Ditka), Barbara Weston (Kate Walsh), Janice Weston (Musetta Vander), Sam Weston (Dylan McLaughlin), Bucky Weston (Josh Hutcherson), Mark Avery (Steven Anthony Lawrence), Hunter (Jeremy Bergman), Byong Sun (Elliott Cho), Ambrose (Erik Walker), Connor (Dallas McKinney), Gian Piero (Francesco Liotti), Massimo (Alessandro Ruggiero), and Jack (Sammy Fine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This flick has lots of laughter tucked into every scene. Will Farrell and Robert Duvall have good charisma and make a great casting choice for comedy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse sets the stage for its sequel. Watch for some terrific fighting scenes to include an epic battle between a vampire and werewolf. Great work for Director David Slade. The final scenes of the movie are exceptionally intriguing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vampire Victoria Sutherland (Bryce Dallas Howard) builds a newborn vampire army to avenge her husband.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Slade 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: Riley (Xavier Samuel), Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Eric (Justin Chon), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Mike (Michael Welch), Angela (Christian Serratos), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Mr. Biers (Paul Jarrett), Mrs. Biers (Iris Quinn), Renee (Sarah Clarke), Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli), and Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse stands as a great sequel to The Twilight Saga: New Moon. This series of drama/action romances are some of the best out there.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A MAN CALLED HORSE (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

A Man Called Horse reminds us of why Richard Harris is considered one of the best actors of our times. The native American actors and actresses perform very well. The costuming and staging departments outdid themselves in quality. Outstanding direction by Director Elliot Silverstein shows heart and brings to life an exceptionally well-written and well-timed script that illustrates Native American ritual and life in a worthy manner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

English noble-born John Morgan (Richard Harris), after capture by a Native American tribe, integrates and becomes both a warrior and a leader.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elliot Silverstein for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Sandy Howard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buffalo Cow Head (Judith Anderson), Batise (Jean Gascon), Yellow Hand (Manu Tupou), Running Deer (Corinna Tsopei), Joe (Dub Taylor), Ed (James Gammon), Bent (William Jordan), Black Eagle (Eddie Little Sky), Longfoot (Michael Baseleon), Thorn Rose (Lina Marin), Elk Woman (Tamara Garina), Striking Bear (Terry Leonard), Medicine Man (Iron Eyes Cody), Medicine Man (Tom Tyon), and Medicine Man (Jackson Tail).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Excellent acting makes this movie POP! Thank you to all involved in making it a reality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NUMBERED (Television Release Israel 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Numbered—Holocaust documentary film—interviews survivors and, via the media of film, makes a living memorial of this traumatic event in their lives.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Jewish Holocaust survivors show their tattooed arm numbers and tell their stories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Dana Doron and Uriel Sinai for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s important to document and record the Holocaust survivors’ memories, reactions, and life lived after the event.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers