BLADE OF THE 47 RONIN (Released on DVD USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Blade of the 47 Ronin decides to be boring toward the middle and end of the film This creates a ho-hum presentation that causes interest to flag. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                             

Storyline 

A witch wants to destroy the last of the seed of the 47 Ronin. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Ron Yuan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Tim Kwok for making the film possible. Cast includes Anna Akana, Mark Dacascos, Teresa Ting, Mike Moh, Dustin Nguyen, Yoshi Sudarso, and Chris Pang. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has almost everything going for it. The presentation in many places of this film is not in place as it should be. and the presentation seems boring though much of the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUMB HOUNDED (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Dumb Hounded— cute short toon—features Droopy the Basset Hound. This short film has a redundant theme that causes the film to run its course long before the allotted time concludes. Monotony makes the audience want to move on but the film has not yet concluded. There is a distinct feeling of relief when the final credits roll.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline                                                                                     

 Droopy, a blood hound, pursues an escaped prisoner. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tex Avery for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fred Quimby for making the film possible. Cast includes Bill Thompson and Frank Graham. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is good to see the big bad wolf and Droopy in the same movie. The writing  needs to move away from the repetitive scenes into original and more varied situations.                                                                               

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REASON AND EMOTION (Theatrical Release USA 1943)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì                                                                                                                             

Reason and Emotion—Disney World War II short film designed for the American audience—is a message film, but as applicable today as it was then. A good watch to remind that calmness of mind and emotion is always a good choice. This works more as an intellectual watch rather than entertainment. It is well-organized and solidly built.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Word War II short film that talks about keeping calm, reason news events out, and do not give in to fear-mongering. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bill Roberts for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes Frank Graham, Sarah Selby, Mary Lennon, Harry E. Lang, and Ward Kimball. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This short film is exceptionally well-written and well-organized—a good watch.                            

Video Critique Available Here:           

                                              

Ben Meyers

LIFE WITH FEATHERS (Theatrical Release USA 1945)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Life With Feathers—original and comical short film—uses ample character development within a short time and gives its audience within a few short minutes a better story than many movies give within 90 to 120 minutes of film time. Good work for all involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Sylvester the cat is asked by a bird to eat it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director I. Freleng for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward Selzer for making the film possible. Cast includes Mel Blanc, Sara Berner, and Dave Barry. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This short toon is a sweet watch with good creativity and fresh storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

SNITCH (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Snitch—Dwayne Johnson—becomes interesting because it portrays a man who is not going to allow the bad side of  'life' to happen to his son. This film is a thrilling, wild ride into the underworld of drugs.  It is great to see Barry Pepper and Susan Sarandon in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A father attempts to shorten his son’s prison sentence by turning in drug lords. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ric Roman Waugh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dwayne Johnson, Nigel Sinclair, Matt Jackson, Jonathan King, Dany Garcia, Alex Brunner, Tobin Armbrust, and  Pargat Gill for making the film possible. Cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Barry Pepper, Jon Bernthal, Michael K. Williams, Melina Kanakaredos, Nadine Velazques, Rafi Gavron, David Harbour, Benjamin Bratt, and Susan Sarandon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch for fans of Dwayne Johnson and Jon Bernthal. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

MORTAL KOMBAT (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Mortal Kombat—overall a better watch than the first two films— seems a little monotonous toward the middle and toward the end of the film, but it moves to a good conclusion and the film can be especially appreciated by Mortal Kombat fans. The movie is exceptionally realistic in the gore.  The gore is over the top in some scenes. Watch for the animated Goro in this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

Who will rule Earth Realm and a battle ensues.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Simon McQuoid for directing effort. Thank you to Producers James Wan, Todd Garner, Simon McQuoid, and E. Bennett Walsh for making the film possible. Cast includes Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadnobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Chin Han, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is better than the previous two films, uses stronger actors, has a higher level of writing, and good presentation and acting. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY HEROES WERE COWBOYS (Internet Release USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

My Heroes Were Cowboys—not enough viewing time to make this short film an impact—does not focus on why this horse trainer is unique. What does he do that makes him the best in the business? What did he do that made horse training different than what it always has been? More of his horses and the things they do would have greatly enhanced both the value and the interest level of this documentary. The documentary needed to be ‘fleshed out’ to show the audience the specialness of a horse trainer and how he uniquely serves the horse training industry. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary explores the story of a horse trainer from Australia named Robin Wiltshire. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tyler Greco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Andre Andreev, Dan Covert, Erin Fahey, Ian Gotler, Tyler Greco, Carly Lassegard, Joel M. Litje, Jim Muscarella, and Joe Victor tne for making the film possible. Cast includes Kate Wiltshire, Patrick Wiltshire ,and  Robin Wiltshire. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. At least we know there is a horse trainer named Robin Wiltshire in the world. But that is not enough to create a reason to watch this documentary. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HERCULES (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Hercules—Lou Ferrigno—is one more failed attempt by a film studio to pull off a story of the gods movie. The story is weak and copies so many scenes from  other movies that all chance of a fresh, creative look at this story are immediately lost. It works as a collage of many movies. The story has been weakly written and the presentation is a bit archaic at times. It does not give Lou Ferrigno an opportunity to show off the hard work that went into his body building. It may serve as one more example of how not to produce a story of the gods. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The life and times of Hercules gets an interpretation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Luigi Cozzi for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer John Thompson for making the film possible. Cast includes Lou Ferrigno, Brad Harris, Sybil Danning, Rossana Podesta, Ingrid Anderson, Mirella D’Angelo, William Berger, Bobby Rhodes, Gianni Garko, Yehuda Efroni, Delia Boccardo, Caludio Cassinelli, Franco Garofalo, Gabriella Giorgelli, Raf Baldassarre, Stelio Candelli, Valentina Montanari, Rocco Lerro, and Eva Robins.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It could be classified as a type of cult classic and could be compared academically to other Hercules stories. But, overall, this movie could be skipped.  

Video Critique Available Here:                           

Ben Meyers

GLASS ONION (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Glass Onion—good mystery—uses all the classic mystery story moves to make an entertaining movie. It heavily relies on stage settings to make its story seem more unique than it really is, but still satisfies mystery movie fans. Watch for an eclectic casting mix that includes Daniel Craig with Edward Norton and Dave Bautista. Watch for the cameo appearance of Hugh Grant. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man plans to energize the world with hydrogen power. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rian Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ram Bergman and Rian Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It's more than worth watching for mystery movie fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

JACK L. WARNER: THE LAST MOGUL (Released to the London Film Festival London England 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul—great documentary—accesses the relatives and friends of Jack L. Warner to tell his life story. The documentary is thorough enough to allow good insight to his personality as well as his business philosophies. The story unfolds at a steady pace, is well organized, and an entertaining watch. Great work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This is the life and times of Jack L. Warner of Warner Brothers movie Studios. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gregory Orr for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gregory Orr for making the film possible. Cast includes Shirley Jones, Jack Warner Jr., Debbie Reynolds, Neal Gabler, William T. Orr, Sheila MacRae, Rudy Behimer, Lina Basquette, Rudi Fehr, Owen Crump, Aljean Harmetz, Jacquelyn Park, Gil Perkins, and Jean Howard. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the documentary to tell fans how Warner Brothers’ Movie Studio got started and how it works with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BACKDRAFT (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Backdraft may not be in the A-grade category, but the special effects are rave-able. The movie has an all-star cast and a multi-layered storyline that moves along well.  Watch for a cameo appearance by Clint Howard, Director Ron Howard’s brother. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                   

Storyline 

This disaster-themed movie shows in detail how a rookie firefighter earns his seasoned status and respect from others who share his profession. 

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Richard B. Lewis, John Watson, and Pen Densham for making the film possible. Cast includes Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Donald Sutherland, and Robert De Niro.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a wonderful watch and more than worth watching. This is a Ron Howard classic. Thank you to everyone who made production and release possible. It is a great addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE BURIAL (Released on Video on Demand (VOD) World-Wide 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Burial—terrific court/lawyer movie—easily wins its place as one of the better 2023 movie watches. The story holds interest and appeals to the intellect. It contains several surprise twists that are well-timed for the story. The film accesses the acting talents of Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx to tell its outstanding story. The movie deserves inclusion in the home video library and can be enjoyed as a re-watch through the years. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A funeral home operator finds himself in financial difficulty and approaches another funeral home operator to sell his assets. He is promised a buyout which turns into a false promise. He needs legal help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Maggie Betts for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bobby Shriver, Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Celine Raltray, and Trudie Styler for making the film possible.  Cast includes Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Jurnee Smollett, Alan Ruck, Mamoudou Athie,  Pamela Reed, and Bill Camp. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch and a good achievement for Amazon Studios. Great work for all involved in production and release. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EARTHQUAKE (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Earthquake is beginning to show its age but is still a good watch. The archaic ‘creep’ is easily overshadowed by some terrific earthquake scenes and a completely unexpected conclusion. Watch for Lorne Greene from the Bonanza television series playing a part in this movie. He is accompanied by a terrific cast of Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and George Kennedy. Watch for cameo appearances by Walter Matthau. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Los Angeles experiences an earthquake that creates huge devastation in its downtown area and a release of a dam’s water into main man-built waterways.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Robson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mark Robson for making the film possible. Cast includes Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene, Genevieve Bujold, Richard Roundtree, Marjoe Gortner, Barry Sullivan, Lloyd Nolan, and Victoria Principal.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?               

 Yes. While this film seems a little lagging and overdone in some scenes, it is still a thrilling watch more than 45 years later as of 2023. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard plays comedy through extremism in violence and uses a highly personable female actress as the perpetuator of that violence. The movie is strictly an adult watch but works creatively with its repetitive scenes of ongoing gunfire. Unfortunately, the whole dialogue had to be easy to write because the ‘F’ word, used with great emotion and fire power, is just about the only dialogue spoken. Watch for the completely unexpected conclusion and a very sassy, highly personable, main actress. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A professional bodyguard loses his license and his reputation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Patrick Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt O’Toole, Les Weldon, Yariv Lerner for making the film possible. Cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, Caroline Goodall, Rebecca Front, Gabriella Wright, Alice McMillan, Kristofer Kamiyasu, Tom Hopper, Blake Ritson, and Richard E. Grant.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It works for the most part and is, overall, a good watch for the storyline, action, and smart comedy. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TEMPLE OF FILM: 100 YEARS OF THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE (Video on Demand (VOD) USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Temple of Film: 100 Years of The Egyptian Theatre tells a little snippet about the greatness of the Egyptian Theater and how films look better there than almost anywhere else. This short film documentary informs the audience about Los Angeles historical theatre and Netflix's restoration efforts to restore this theatre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A documentary-style movie about the Los Angeles Egyptian Theatre, its restoration by Netflix, and why it is beloved. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Angus Wall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Anfernee Aguado, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard for making the film possible. Cast includes Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Guillermo del Toro, Peyton Hall, Lynette Howell Taylor, Rian Johnson, Rene Lagler, and Benjamin Tucker. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is especially of interest to persons not familiar with the Egyptian Theatre and its lavish interior. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RAT CATCHER (Television Release World-Wide 2023)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Rat Catcher—interesting storyline—may not have the best of scripts for a short film but it does cause its audience to think. Ralph Fiennes plays the rat catcher and is supported by Richard Ayoade and Rupert Friend. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A rat catcher thinks about an effective means to outwit rats. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wes Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, and Steven Rales for making the film possible. Cast includes Richard Ayoade, Ralph Fiennes, Rupert Friend, Eliet Ford, Benoit Herlin, and Till Sennhenn

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a suitable 17-minute short film that gets the entertainment job done to some extent. It could serve well on a short lunch break. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers