I AM NUMBER FOUR (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

I Am Number Four—great teen flick—combines all the perks of a sci-fi movie with romance and action. Timothy Olyphant plays well as the caretaker for Alex Pettyfer’s character Daniel. Good work for Director D.J. Caruso.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young John Smith escapes his home planet, Lorien, with eight others to find a short-lived sanctuary on planet Earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director D.J. Caruso for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Bender, J.C. Spink, and David Valdes making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John (Alex Pettyfer), Henri (Timothy Olyphant), Number 6 (Teresa Palmer), Sarah (Dianna Agron), Sam (Callan McAuliffe), Mogadorian Commander (Kevin Durand), Mark (Jake Abel), Sheriff James (Jeff Hochendoner), Kevin (Patrick Sebes), Number 3 (Greg Townley), Number 3’s Guardian (Reuben Langdon), Nicole (Emily Wickersham), Receptionist (Molly McGinnis), Frank (Brian Howe), Bret (Andy Owen), Girl on Street (Sophia Anne Caruso), Sam’s Stepdad (Charles Carroll), and Mr. Berhman (L. Derek Leonidoff).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has potential for a sequel or a prequel. Director D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye and xXx: Return of Xander Cage) shows skill in direction of this film.

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Ben Meyers

BRAD’S STATUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Brad’s Status—intellectual drama that examines one man’s life against those of seemingly more accomplished friends—serves up a depressing look at life at the mundane level. While the acting is very good, this film does not serve up a traditional entertainment piece.

Film, Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Middle-aged Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) confronts crisis as he faces his life’s accomplishments against those of his peers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mike White for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Esberg, Carla Hacken, Mark Kamine, John Penotti, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Toll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Troy Sloan (Austin Abrams), Melanie Sloan (Jenna Fischer), Craig Fisher (Michael Sheen), Billy Wearslter (Jemaine Clement), Jason Hatfield (Luke Wilson), Ananya (Shazi Raja), Maya (Luisa Lee), Nick Pascale (Mike White), Xavier (Xavier Grobet), Chris Kanew (Adam Capriolo), Cherie Parkinson (Felicia Shulman), Harvard Mother (Jane Wheeler), Admission Officer (Karl Graboshas), Admissions Receptionist (Jon Bernad), Busker (Jonah Carson), Female Professor (Susan Glover), Azalia’s Hostess (Meghan Gabruch), and Mark (Kenny Wong).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film seems created to provoke thought rather than entertain. It’s classified as a comedy-drama, but offers little hope for a life beyond the here and now for the main character while working more on the darker side of comedy rather than the lighter side of comedy. Not a traditional Ben Stiller flick.

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Ben Meyers

BAD BOYS (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Bad Boys—action-packed and worth watching—has a solid format backed with the excellent and wise casting of Will Smith with Martin Lawrence as its main protagonists. Bad Boys puts Will Smith in his fourth theatrical release while simultaneously working in the television series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Great story that deserved the 2003 sequel Bad Boys II that reprised Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as an unbeatable acting team. The movie works for the mature audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Police Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are assigned recovery of $100,000,000 in heroin stolen from a locked police vault.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lucas Foster and Bruce S. Pustin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Girl Decoy (Lisa Boyle), Carjacker (Michael Taliferro), Eddie Dominguez (Emmanuel Xuereb), Fouchet (Tchéky Karyo), Noah Trafficante (Marc Macaulay), Kuni (Ralph Gonzalez), Ferguson (Vic Manni), and Casper (Frank John Hughes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the mature audience, this movie satisfies viewers looking for a little comedy mixed with action.

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Ben Meyers

STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Steel Magnolias has emotional impact and a certain charm that makes its audience feel like it got a front row seat into the inside circle of a group of friends who are well depicted by Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field, and Daryl Hannah. The acting is average to really good; portrayal of story is great.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A tightly knit group of small-town Louisiana women work through trials and blessings in their own unique ways.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Herbert Ross for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Victoria White for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine), Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah), Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Julia Roberts), Drum Eatenton (Tom Skerritt), Spud Jones (Sam Shepard), Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott), and Sammy Desoto (Kevin J. O’Connor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Steel Magnolias works as outstanding entertainment for the female audience.

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Ben Meyers

THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Throw Momma From The Train—substantially well-written comedy—provides value for the entertainment dollar. The script thrives due to Danny DeVito’s direction and the excellent casting choice that pairs DeVito with Billy Crystal. The love/hate relationship that, sometimes, can exist between close family members gets a thorough examination. The film provides great entertainment at every level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Owen (Danny DeVito) develops a fool-proof method to get away with murder providing Larry (Billy Crystal) will do his part, too.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Danny DeVito for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Arne Schmidt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen (Danny DeVito), Larry (Billy Crystal), Beth (Kim Greist), Momma (Anne Ramsey), Margaret (Kate Mulgrew), Lester (Branford Marsalis), Joel (Rob Reiner), Detective DeBenedetto (Bruce Kirby), Sargeant (Joey DePinto), and Mrs. Hazeltine (Annie Ross).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is unforgettable. Anne Ramsey plays an unforgettable ‘Momma’.

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Ben Meyers

A BEAR NAMED WINNIE (Released to Television Canada 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  A Bear Named Winnie—features Michael Fassbender before Steve Jobs—is not a high quality watch. It's okay, but slow. Read Ben Meyers' critique on the movie, Steve Jobs, the Fassbender version.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Canadian veterinarian, who is fighting  during WW1, finds a Black bear tied to a post at a tanning shop and reluctantly pays the exorbitant price the tanner offers. The veterinarian becomes friends with the bear over the period of WWI.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Kent Harrison for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Simon Vaughan and Kim Todd for making the film possible. Cast includes Michael Fassbender, David Suchet, Gil Bellows, Stephen Fry, and Jonathon Young. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It presents itself like a television movie, which it is. Do not expect a great watch from this film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HEAT (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Heat—WOW! entertainment—earns a standing ovation from its beginning to its end. The fight scenes are realistic and the acting is impeccable. Director Michael Mann deserves a huge Bravo! for this film. The film’s all-star cast push it into first class status.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) relentlessly tracks life long criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pieter Jan Brugge and Arnon Milchan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), Nate (Jon Voight), Michael Cheritto (Tom Sizemore), Justine (Diane Venora), Eady (Amy Brenneman), Charlene Shiherlis (Ashley Judd), Sergeant Drucker (Mykelti Williamson), and Casals (Wes Studi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The action in this film is well-done, tense, and perfectly timed.

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Ben Meyers

THE RAISIN (Released to the LA Comedy Film Festival, Los Angeles, California USA 2017)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  The Raisin—odd short film—has quality camerawork, outstanding scenery, and authentic actors. It's storyline revolves around abandoning long held beliefs and embracing something new. This film is culturally significant.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A man carries potatoes home and cooks one.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Rob Carter for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sara Shulman, Archie Brooksbank, and Tom Holloway for making the film possible. Cast includes Trevor Allan Davies and Helen Ryan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is interesting to see how this team defines the process of change.  Home Video Available Here: Ben Meyers

DESPICABLE ME 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Despicable Me 3—when you thought Despicable Me couldn’t get any better, it did—provides a Bravo/Encore! entertainment piece that quickly achieves gem status. This movie, funny, loving, and well-thought out shows Directors Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, and Eric Guillon’s talents as they skillfully move this story along through animation. Casting chose the voices of Steve Carrell and Kristen Wiig, some of the best in the business, to tell the story. The music sets terrific tone. This is a best work for all involved. It works for ages 8 and up.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Gru and Dru (voices of Steve Carrell) team up to beat the enemy Balthazar Bratt (voice of Trey Parker).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, and Eric Guillon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Chris Renaud for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lucy (voice of Kristen Wiig), Margo (voice of Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voice of Dana Gaier), Agnes (voice of Nev Scharrel), Minions/Museum Director/Additional Voice (voice of Pierre Coffin), Fritz/Silas Ramsbottom (voice of Steve Coogan), Gru’s Mom (voice of Julie Andrews), and Valerie Da Vinci (voice of Jenny Slate).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is a winner from the get-go.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED STATE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Red State—controversial and difficult to watch—examines a cult religious leader and the congregation that follows him. Michael Parks’ role of a pastor who leads his congregation into ritual murder is very well acted. John Goodman, who plays the ATF Agent sent to forcibly shut the church down, also ably acts his part with believability and strength. The movie can serve as education into the world of followers versus leaders, the dangers of following extreme viewpoints without respect for law and order, and how charismatic persons can lead people into deadly and dangerous, life-threatening situations. The film performs at a highly realistic level and serves a very mature adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks) leads his congregation into ritual killing of homosexuals.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kevin Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victor Choy, Jason Clark, Philip Elway, Shea Kammer, Nhaelan McMillan, Elyse Seiden, and Harvey Cohen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Travis (Michael Angarano), Mrs. Vasquez (Deborah Aquila), Billy Ray (Nicholas Braun), Randy (Ronnie Connell), Dana (Kaylee DeFer), Route 9 Friend (Joey Figueroa), Jarod (Kyle Gallner), Travis’ Mother (Anna Gunn), Deputy Pete (Matt Jones), and Travis’ Father (John Lacy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film is not for the faint of heart and serves the very mature audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CROCODILE DUNDEE (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Crocodile Dundee—unforgettable, rewatchable, and sweet—flavors itself with Australia from its beginning to its end. It reveals unforgettable glimpses into Australian interaction with wildlife, both human and animal. A classic BRAVO! film that works for its money at every level. Kudos to Director Peter Faiman for his outstanding direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Journalist Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) travels to Australia to cover a story on Crocodile Dundee (Paul Hogan). After the news coverage, she invites him on an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Faiman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Cornell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael J. ‘Crocodile’ Dundee (Paul Hogan), Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), Walter Reilly (John Meillon), Neville Bell (David Gulpilil), Cinco), Con (Ritchie Singer), Ida (Maggie Blinco), Donk (Steve Rackman), Nugget (Gerry Skilton), Duffy (Terry Gill), and Trevor (Peter Turnbull).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is as watchable today as it was thirty years ago. A classic movie that deserves its place in the home movie library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

3:10 TO YUMA (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

3:10 to Yuma—2007 remake of the 1957 film with Van Heflin and Glenn Ford—has spunk partially due to the casting of New Zealand Actor Russell Crowe and Wales Actor Christian Bale. The film ends with a surprisingly unexpected twist. Excellent work by Director James Mangold. Watch for Peter Fonda in the film as well as some good performances by Logan Lerman, Kevin Durand, and Luke Wilson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dan Evans (Christian Bale) attempts to deliver outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stuart M. Besser, Ryan Kavanaugh, and Lynwood Spinks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Evans (Logan Lerman), Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts), Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), McElroy (Peter Fonda), Emma Nelson (Vinessa Shaw), Doc Potter (Alan Tudyk), Marshal Weathers (Luce Rains), and Alice Evans (Gretchen Mol).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a surprisingly good movie for the western movie fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Moon—unusual, well-thought out, imaginative psychological sci fi drama—starts with a bang and plays out nicely as it settles in to tell its story. Sam Rockwell plays his character well with only two small scenes which could have been stronger: the scene where he bumps his hand against Robot Gerty and when he burns his hand on the hot water faucet. The film on the whole is well-done and very entertaining.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) finds that his company, Lunar Industries, has been cloning him for years and devises a plan to escape additional cloning.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Duncan Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Trevor Beattie, Bill Zysblat, Michael Henry, and Bil Bungay for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: GERTY (voice of Kevin Spacey), Tess Bell (Dominique McElligott), Little Eve (Rosie Shaw), Nanny (Adrienne Shaw), Eve (Kaya Scodelario), Thompson (Benedict Wong), Overmeyers (Matt Berry), Technician (Malcolm Stewart), and Sam Bell Clone (Robin Chalk).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth watching and especially serves the Sam Rockwell fan well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REGARDING HENRY (Released to Theaters USA 1991)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Regarding Henry—sophisticated writing by J.J. Abrams—investigates the marriage of a professional couple whose life is disrupted and has to be rebuilt from its foundation. Harrison Ford and Annette Bening catch even the slight nuances of the story with extreme skill.  Poignant and well done entertainment for the adult audience.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A power hungry, corrupt lawyer is gunned down in a convenience store. He has to rebuild his life from its foundation.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Mike Nichols for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Scott Rudin for making the film possible. Cast includes Harrison Ford and Annette Bening.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a 'do not miss' movie. With Harrison Ford at the helm, it deserves its watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers