JUST LIKE HEAVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Just Like Heaven—wonderful, romantic film—presents a highly creative, clean story. This movie moves well. It captures and involves its audience. It plays on terrific character development. Reese Witherspoon is an outstanding pick for playing opposite Mark Ruffalo. This movie deserves every minute of its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young woman needs to reconnect to life in more ways than one. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Waters for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo), Katrina (Ivana Milicevic), Darryl (Jon Heder), Jack (Donal Logue), Abby Brody (Dina Waters), Dr. Fran Lo (Rosalind Chao), Dr. Brett Rushton (Ben Shenkman), Lead Ghostbuster (Joel Miller), and Grace (Caroline Aaron). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Exceptionally fresh and well-written storyline lead to a very satisfying watch. Entertaining. Deserves both monetary and time investment for its watch. 

Ben Meyers

THE SOUL OF SUCCESS: THE JACK CANFIELD STORY (World-Wide Release All-Media 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Soul of Success: The Jack Canfield Story—short documentary film—serves more as a motivational movie than as a real documentary. Very little dialogue focuses on his personal life while most of the movie focuses on achievement of monetary wealth rather than building a well-rounded life that leads to true success. Very little is said about the time investment it takes to sustain his current business. One does not get to know who Jack Canfield is. The movie depreciates relatability and therefore depreciates in entertainment value. Part of this may be due to the limit of 54 minutes for this watch.  The film lacks POP due to the lack of personality development. The movie lacks aura and loses much charm that could have reached the larger audience. It would have been wonderful to see more family photos of his wife, his children, and his mother, his father and step-father despite their personal challenges.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Jack Canfield’s rise to fortune. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nick Nanton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Bretthauer, J.W. Dicks, Tamara Magalotti, Sussi Mattsson, Nick Nanton, and Sophia Stavron. Cast: Jack Canfield, his wife, his CEO, and a few friends.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite this being a short film and not having enough time to fully flesh out this wonderful story, it is worth watching to see what Jack Canfield has done to be successful. 

Ben Meyers

KEVIN JAMES: SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF (Television Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Kevin James: Sweat the Small Stuff—short film format—emphasizes clean humor. It is as good as another Kevin James stand-up routine, Kevin James: Never Don’t Give Up (also streaming on Netflix) and establishes him as a good comedian for the general audience, a comedy routine that the whole family can attend with no surprises. It’s  comical and well done. It deserves its watch and serves as a great addition to the family home video collection. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Stand-up comedy routine that focuses on life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lauren Gray, Kevin James, Paul Miller, Kimber Rickabaugh, and Jeff Sussman. Cast: Kevin James. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful, clean standup comedy routine that the whole family can watch (presented on Netflix Streaming).

Ben Meyers

SPIDER-MAN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man 2—not as good as its prequel—does not present with the power of the first film. The actors seem a bit disengaged at times as if they know the script but are not involved. The exception to this is J.K. Simmons who has his part ‘down to a tee’ and provides some terrific comic relief. Aasif Mandvi has great screen presence. Alfred Molina looks great as a villain but does not pull a strong enough villain presence to work. This film, overall, is a good enough watch, but does not improve on the entertainment value of the first film in the series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Spider-Man fights evil. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Rami for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Parker/Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire), Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), Harry Osborn (James Franco), Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), May Parker (Rosemary Harris), and Rosie Octavius (Donna Murphy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the second installment of the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man films before Andrew Garfield became Spider-Man. Know that Spider-Man 2 with Tobey Maguire is better than The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Andrew Garfield.

Ben Meyers

PAN (Theatrical Release 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Pan—creative attempt to make a live action prequel story for all the Peter Pan films made since 1953—has terrific special effects but also has a big story that needs more than the 90 minutes assigned to it. This makes it difficult for an audience to find its comfort zone within the special effects. It is also difficult to understand Captain Hook as presented in this story and his relationship with Peter Pan. But besides all that, it is worth watching if one takes the movie as it is and understands that it is going to be fast paced with a lot happening in a little time. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Peter Pan before he became Peter Pan. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Wright for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Paul Webster for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Peter Pan (Levi Miller), Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman), James Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara), Smee (Adeel Akhtar), Mother Barnabas (Kathey Burke), Bishop (Nonso Anozie), Mary (Amanda Seyfried), Chief Great Little Panther (Jack Charles), Nibs (Lewis MacDougall), Steps (Bronson Webb), Kwahu (Na Tae-joo), and Mermaids (Cara Delevingne). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Overall, the story gets lost in the special effects to the point where the story is undefined.

Ben Meyers 

SOLIS (Television Released in UK 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Solis drags from its early scenes to its concluding scenes. It seems to run like a soap opera melodrama and does not present itself well on the big screen. The main character is taken through much suffering. Director Carl Strathie cannot stabilize, at any point in the film, a relatable link between the audience and the main character despite the pain the main character experiences. While the scope of outer space is almost as good as in the film,  Gravity, it becomes difficult to recommend this movie over films such as Life or Europa Report.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

An astronaut seems bound to enter the danger zone of our sun. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Carl Strathie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charlette Kilby, Alan Latham, Carl Strathie, Steven Ogg, and Caleb Wilson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Troy Holloway (Steven Ogg), Commander Roberts (Voice of Alice Lowe), Milton (Voice of Sid Phoenix), Lieutenant Harris (Voice of Henry Douthwaite), Liz Holloway (Kate Coogan), and Ship (Voice of Charlette Kilby). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film could almost be skipped for the film Gravity, even though the presentation of Gravity could also be much improved. It is worth watching to get an increased appreciation for the scope of outer space. 

Ben Meyers 

QUIET VICTORY: THE CHARLIE WEDEMEYER STORY (Television Release 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story, because of its television format, does not hit the emotional button as did the theater movie, The Pride of the Yankees with Gary Cooper. Quiet Victory, however, provokes much thought about disease outcome and possibilities of retaining value and purpose despite debilitating health conditions. It also becomes an interesting watch for its deep presentation of family interaction when a family is presented with severe health challenges. While the movie needs improvement in both camerawork and presentation, it earns its watch for educational value and the more positive choices that can be made when a family decides to serve each other rather than run away from the challenge.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A coach contracts Lou Gehrigs’ disease.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Roy Campanella II for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Linda Otto for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Lucy Wedemeyer (Pam Dawber), Charlie Wedermeyer (Michael Nouri), Bobby Maker (Peter Berg), Charlie’s Doctor (James Handy), Assistant Coach (Reginald VelJohnson), Ted Simonsen (Noble Willingham), Older Kale Wedemeyer (Stephen Dorff), and Skinner (Kyle Chandler). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The camera work seems low budget and the presentation definitely falls into television quality, but it has worth in its value as presenting how a bad situation can become a victory when a family makes different choices that work on the service side rather than self-serving side of life.

Ben Meyers

TRADING PAINT (Theatrical Release 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Trading Paint—good movie for John Travolta fans—plays well with an easy-on-the-mind story and presentation. John Travolta is a perfect choice for his character and seems very comfortable in the role. The cast creates just the right mix, seems on target, and acts rather than resorting to theatrics for story portrayal. It is a welcome entertainment piece that does exactly what a movie is supposed to do…entertain.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A father and son dirt race and work through family and professional challenges.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Karzan Kadar for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Burgueno, Andrea Iervolino, Alexandra Kim, and Silvio Muraglia for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Sam Munroe (John Travolta), Becca (Shania Twain), Cam Munroe (Toby Sebastian), Cindy (Rosabell Laurenti Sellers), Linsky (Michael Madsen), Stumpy (Kevin Dunn), Ben (Buck Taylor), Diner Redneck (Luis Da Silva), Martha (Margaret Bowman), Kelly (Gioia Libardoni), Dr. Deena Thompson (Denny Mendez), Jack Dunn (Chris Mullinax), Ray Miller (Red Farmer), Track Girls (Jen Baker and Faith Bruner), and James (Jonathan Aidan Cockrell). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie is very well presented and portrayed. It is worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE MIST (Theatrical Release United States 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Mist—odd concept—plays on a creature feature theme without really touching horror except at the most elemental level. It’s an okay watch, not an outstanding watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A mist terrorizes a small rural town. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Darabont for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Darabont, Martin Shafer, and Liz Glotzer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: David Drayton (Thomas Jane), Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), Amanda Dunfrey (Laurie Holden), Brent Norton (Andre Braughr), Ollie Weeks (Toby Jones), Jim Grondin (William Sadler), Dan Miller (Jeffrey DeMunn), Irene Reppler (Frances Sternhagen), and Private Wayne Jessup (Sam Wilwer). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While not an outstanding horror movie, it is a look at Stephen King’s novel and serves Stephen King fans.

Ben Meyers

 

BUBBLE (Video Release World-Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Bubble—Japanese Anime—captivates its audience and creates a type of entertainment magic toward the conclusion of the film that makes a person want to watch it again. Great work for all involved. The film has terrific voice overs.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Children play in bubbles.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Tetsuro Ayaki for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Yoshihiro Furusawa and Jouji Wada for making the film possible. Cast/characters include: Hibiki (Voice of Jun Shison), Uta (Voice of riria.), Shin (Voice of Mamoru Miyano), Kai (Voice of Yuki Kaji), Denki Ninja Leader (Voice of Tasuku Hatanaka), Usagi (Voice of Sayaka Senbongi), Isozaki (Voice of Ryota Osaka), Osawa (Voice of Wataru Hatano), Undertaker (Voice of Marina Inoue), Kanto Mad Lobster (Voice of Shin’ichiro Miki), and Makoto (Voice of Alice Hirose).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie is more than worth watching and almost could be watched again. It is wonderful to see, well written and presented.

Ben Meyers

KINDERGARTEN COP (Theatrical Release United States 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Kindergarten Cop makes an excellent casting choice with the team of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pamela Reed. It serves more as an adult watch rather than an adult/child share film, Overall, it is a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A cop goes undercover in a kindergarten class. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ivan Reitman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ivan Reitman and Brian Grazer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Joyce Palmieri (Penelope Ann Miller), Detective Phoebe O’Hara (Pamela Reed), MissSchlowski (Linda Hunt), Cullen Crisp (Richard Tyson), Eleanor Crisp (Carroll Baker), Dominic Palmieri (Christian and Joseph Cousins), Jillian (Cathy Moriarty), Samantha’s Mother (Park Overall), Zach’s Mother (Jayne Brook), Joshua’s Mother (Heidi Swedberg), Captain Salazar (Richard Portnow), Henry Shoop (Bob Nelson), and Stewardess (Angela Bassett). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie has some nudity, profanity, and sexual references that move it into an adult category. It does work with a good storyline, presents well, and supports itself on good acting.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EARLY MAN (Theatrical Release United States 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Early Man—great stop-motion animation—presents a simple, yet creative story suitable for all ages. The downside of the film is some of the character development is not as well-defined as in other Aardman Studios films such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run. But the wonderful animation makes up for some of that lack. The storyline itself is memorable and quite comical. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images             

 Storyline

 Early man develops the game of soccer and learns how to play at a more skilled level.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Nick Park for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Lord, David Sproxton, Nick Park, Carla Shelley, and Richard Beek for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dug (Eddie Redmayne), Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston), Goona (Maisie Williams), Chief Bobnar ( Timothy Spall), Queen Oofeefa (Miriam Margolyes), Dino (Kayvan Novak), Brian and Bryan (Rob Brydon), Treebor (Richard Ayoade), Magma (Selina Griffiths), Asbo (Johnny Vegas), Barry (Mark Williams), Gravelle (Gina Yashere), Grubup (Richard Webber), Eemak (Simon Greenall), and Hognob (Nick Park).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Aardman Studios produces a ‘feel good’ stop motion animated piece of entertainment that can be watched and enjoyed by all age groups. Well done, fun watch despite the lack of good character development. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED RIDING HOOD (Theatrical Release Unted States 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Red Riding Hood—live action expansion on the Little Red Riding children’s story—works with a musical background that needs more creativity to enhance the film’s story. The film’s presentation falls flat despite best attempts to add to the original story. Unfortunately, the movie does not move into the rank of great films or films that can be added to the home library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Red Riding Hood moves into the werewolf genre to explain an ancient childhood fairy tale. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Catherine Hardwicke for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, and Julie Yorn for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Valerie (Amanda Seyfried), Suzette (Virginia Madsen), Cesaire (Billy Burke), Grandmother (Julie Christie), Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), Henry Lazar (Max Irons), Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), Adrien Lazar (Michael Shanks), Madame Lazar (Christine Willes), The Captain (Adrian Holmes), The Reeve (Michael Hogan), Father Auguste (Lukas Haas), Lucie (Alexandria Maillot), Roxanne (Shauna Kaine), Prudence (Kacey Rohl), Rose (Carmen Lavigne), Marguerite (Jennifer Halley), and The Wolf (Voice of Archie Rice). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s an interesting interpretation of Red Riding Hood, but it falls short of making an impression on a general audience as it chooses to move into the supernatural realm to explain the original story. The musical score is an odd choice throughout the movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHARIOTS OF THE GODS (Theatrical Release West Germany 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Chariots of the Gods—interesting and insightful documentary—presents a singular argument for the existence of ancient artifacts. Although it may not adequately address other theories, it is worth watching due to a fairly broad presentation of some of the lesser-known artifacts, locations of these artifacts, and their unique characteristics that raise questions such as how, why, and what.  The camera work is very good 50 years later. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Ancient artifacts and details about their oddities are presented as evidence of aliens acting on earth.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harald Reinl for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Manfred Barthel and Gunther Eulau for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Narrators Heinz-Detley Bock, Klaus Kindler, and Christian Marschall. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie investigates a variety of archaeological findings while establishing, in each instance, a connection to alien visitation to earth and offers little possibilities for other explanations. It has been put together well and introduces a few artifacts that have not been well publicized. It deserves a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOO OLD FOR FAIRY TALES (Theatrical Release Poland 2022)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Too Old for Fairy Tales—Polish film with good English voice overs—delivers a sweet story that serves all audiences. It’s an easy-on-the-mind, clean watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy learns to grapple with the reality of his mother’s illness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Harald Reinl for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mikolaj Pokromski for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Waldek Banas (Marciej Karas), Delfina Rogalska (Amelia Fijalkowska), Staszek Lebioda (Patryk Siemek), Mariola (Dorota Kolak), Teresa Banas (Karolina Gruszka), and Grandfather (Andrzej Grabowski). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie turns into a surprisingly good family watch and encourages after viewing discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALLIED (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Allied—interesting—is a Robert Zemeckis-directed film. It relies on the acting skills of Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard. The film is well-written and provides enough twists and turns to satisfy both the spy thriller and mystery/romance adult audience. Be aware there are graphic sexual scenes in this film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

The movie is about romance between two spies and the outcome of that romance.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Robert Zemeckis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Graham King and Steve Starkey for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Max Vatan (Brad Pitt), Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard), Frank Heslop (Jared Harris), S.O.E. Official (Simon McBurney), Bridget Vatan (Lizzy Caplan), George Kavanagh (Daniel Betts), Guy Sangster (Matthew Goode), Monique (Camille Cottin), Hobar (August Diehl), and Paul Delamar (Thierry Fremont).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Be aware of graphic sexual scenes. The movie serves the sophisticated adult audience. It is well-written, has a surprise conclusion, and entertains throughout.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers