LIONS FOR LAMBS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Lions for Lambs takes three stories and endeavors to connect them, but in, what appears to be, an effort not to offend, fails to deliver the connection in a hard-hitting, coherent, and relevant fashion. The film lacks strength and becomes hard to decipher for relevance. Tom Cruise and Robert Redford seem out of character while Meryl Streep, surprisingly, performs at the average to good level. The best actor in this movie is Andrew Garfield.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Professor Stephen Malley (Robert Redford) encourages student Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield) to engage and do something worthwhile.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Redford for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Daniel Lupi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Janine Roth (Meryl Streep), Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise), Ernest Rodriguez (Michael Peña), Lieutenant Colonel Falco (Peter Berg), ANX Editor (Kevin Dunn), Arian Finch (Derek Luke), Soldier (Larry Bates), Soldier (Christopher May), Soldier (David Pease), Soldier (Heidi Janson), Sniper (Christopher Carley), Student (George Back), Student (Kristy Wu), and Student (Bo Brown).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s good to read a plotline on this film before going to increase understanding of what it is attempting to do. The relevance seems lost throughout the film.

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Ben Meyers

FATAL INSTINCT (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Fatal Instinct lacks realism, good acting, dynamic dialogue, and almost everything needed to make a film stand out from other films within its genre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Sometimes ‘evidence’ does not point in the right direction to properly solve a crime.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Carl Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Pieter Jan Brugge for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ned Ravine (Armand Assante), Laura Lincolnberry (Sherilyn Fenn), Lana Ravine (Kate Nelligan), Lola Cain (Sean Young), Frank Kelbo (Christopher McDonald), Max Shady (James Remar), Judge Skanky (Tony Randle), Clarence (Clarence Clemons), Laura’s Husband (Michael Cumpsty), Arch (John Witherspoon), Milo Crumley (Blake Clark), Restroom Patron (Edward Blanchard), Restroom Stall Patron (David Greenlee), Guy in Bumper Car (Tim Frisbie), Freckle-faced Kid (Michael MacCleod), and Judge Ben Arugula (Carl Reiner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This movie is just another police story without any distinguishing features that make it memorable.

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Ben Meyers

BEER FOR MY HORSES (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Beer for My Horses has potential, but Toby Keith and his supporting cast do not appear to be comfortable acting in this movie. There is no naturalness that is essential to establishing story. The film quickly becomes a run-of-the-mill output that misses every opportunity to redeem itself. The scene that shows the fertilizer heist needs editing or possible retake to upgrade its quality. Watch for Tom Skerritt in the movie.

Storyline

Joe Bill ‘Rack’ Racklin (Toby Keith) and friends become involved with Mexican drug lords.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Salomon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Leslie Belzberg and T.K. Kimbrell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lonnie Luther Feldman (Rodney Carrington), Annie Streets (Claire Forlani), Skunk (Ted Nugent), Buck Baker (Barry Corbin), Tito Garza (Greg Serano), Sheriff Wilson Landry (Tom Skerritt), Cammie (Gina Gershon), Charlie (Willie Nelson), Deputy Stippins (Chris Browning), Norvel (Myk Watford), Manuel Garza (Carlos Sanz), Johnny Franks/Agent Levon Spurlock (Chad Brummett), Gypsy Gene (David Allan Coe), Merriweather (Mark Povinelli), and Becky (Beth Bailey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Better police movies are the Lethal Weapon 1-4 series.

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Ben Meyers

LEPRECHAUN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

Leprechaun 2 serves up evil and horror better than the first film. Warwick Davis plays a great villainous leprechaun. Look for a very worthy finale to the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) decides to take a bride, Bridget (Shevonne Durkin), with or without her approval.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rodman Flender for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mark Amin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cody (Charlie Heath), Morty (Sandy Baron), Ian (Adam Biesk), William O’Day (James Lancaster), Housewife (Linda Hopkins), Drunk at the Pub (Arturo Gil), Tourist’s Girlfriend (Kimmy Robertson), Tourist (Clint Howard), Midwestern Dad (Andrew Craig), Frank (David Powledge), Homeless Man (Billy Beck), Desk Sergeant (Al White), Detective (Martha Hackett), and Partner (Jonathan R. Perkins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This sequel film improves on the first Leprechaun movie, but still fails to consistently match the horror of Saw and Saw 2.

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Ben Meyers

GET SMART (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Get Smart—a movie dedicated to the television series—features Steve Carrell as the character Max Smart and Anne Hathaway as the character Agent 99. The film stands as a piece of good entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Maxwell Smart (Steve Carrell) receives a highly coveted promotion to field agent when an entire department of field agents’ identities are compromised.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Segal for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Steve Carrell, Dana Goldberg, Jimmy Miller, Brent O’Connor, and Peter Segal for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson), The Chief (Alan Arkin), Siegfried (Terence Stamp), Agent 91 (Terry Crew), Larabee (David Koechner), The President (James Caan), Agent 13 (Bill Murray), Hymie (Patrick Warburton), Bruce (Masi Oka),Lloyd (Nate Torrence), Shtarker (Ken Davitian), Krstic (David S. Lee), Dalip (Dalip Singh), and Vice President (Geoff Pierson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For those who loved the Maxwell Smart television series, this movie serves up the same type of comedy and does it well. The movie is worth its ticket.

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Ben Meyers

DR. OTTO AND THE RIDDLE OF THE GLOOM BEAM (Video Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam—highly creative—seems at first glance as a ‘drop in the bucket’ film, but as the movie progresses one sees that the script analyzes life in a humorous and especially observant manner that everyone can relate to. Jim Varney uses his typical low-budget tactics to create this film, but the Varney lovability is there in full measure.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dr. Otto desires to control the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John R. Cherry III for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jerry Carden and John R. Cherry III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Otto/Rudd Hardtact/Laughin’ Jack/Guy Dandy/Auntie Nelda/Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney), Otto’s Head Hand (Glenn Petach), Lance (Myke R. Mueller), Doris (Jackie Welch), Slave Willie/Kegler (Daniel Butler), Tina (Esther Huston), Rhonda Sue (Tina Goetze), Monique (Jennifer Wood), Bank President Rutherford (David Landon), V.P. #1 (Mac Bennett), Lance’s Dad (Winslow Stillman), Lance’s Mom (Mary Jane Harvill), Herr Vonschnick (Irv Kane), Mme. Vonschnick (Leslie Potter), Man at Autoteller (Bill Middleton), Woman at Autoteller (Nancy Alderson), and Checkout Girl (Bonnie Keen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The inspiration is there and the multiple personalities Jim Varney plays add to the interest of the film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ERNEST GOES TO AFRICA (Video Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Ernest Goes to Africa—simple entertainment fare for the Ernest P. Worrell fan—provides great African scenery as a backdrop to Jim Varney’s antics.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ernest (Jim Varney) buys two jewels from a flea market without realizing they are priceless relics to an African tribe.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John R. Cherry III for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kenneth M. Badish and John R. Cherry III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hey You, the Hindu/Auntie Nelda/African Woman Dancer (Jim Varney), Rene Loomis (Linda Kash), Mr. Thompson (Jamie Bartlett), Betty (Clare Marshall), Sinkatutu Chief (Washington Xisolo), Prince Kazim (Robert Whitehead), Jameen (Zane Meas), Kareem (Charles Pillai), Bazoo (Sello Sebotsane), Dobbs (Frank Opperman), Thug #1 (Dan Robberts), Thug #2 (Frank Pereira), Weasel (Tony Caprari), Ol’ Man At Flea Market (Ian Yule), Stealing Man (David Germond), and Boss (Anthony Fridjhon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. For Ernest P. Worrell fans, it might work, but the movie has a long way to go to be a quality watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ERNEST IN THE ARMY (Video Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Ernest in the Army—the tenth and last of Jim Varney’s Ernest P. Worrell movies—becomes one of his best. It revolves around a solid storyline and delivers good comedy that can even be appreciated by war flick fans. Director John R. Cherry does another good job in support of the Ernest P. Worrell series.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ernest P. Worrell’s (Jim Varney) fantasy of joining the military materializes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John R. Cherry III for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John R. Cherry and Kenneth M. Badish for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Army Captain/Arab on Quicksand (Jim Varney), Cindy Swanson (Hayley Tyson), Colonel Bradley ierre Gullet (David Müller), Ben-Ali (Christo Davids), General Rodney Lincoln (Jeffrey Pillars), Barnes (Duke Ernsberger), President Almar Habib Tufuti (Ivan D. Lucas), Sergeant Ben Kovsky (John R. Cherry III), Ali Tenbu (Peter Butler), Kibee (Farouk Valley-Omar), Corporal Davis (Josh Cherry), and Pretty Woman (Amanda Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jim Varney built the Ernest P. Worrell series on a shoestring budget, acted in multiple roles in many of the films, and generally entertained us in his own unique style. He acted in many television series and voiced characters for movies like Toy Story.

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Ben Meyers

THE ALAMO (Theatrical Release USA 1960)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Alamo—not the worst John Wayne nor the best—sports an all-star cast that includes Richard Boone who delivers a noteworthy speech via the character Sam Houston. Be prepared for some heart touching, sad scenes for the last 50 minutes of the movie. The film earns its remake in 2004 with new casting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Battle of the Alamo told from pre-battle events through the actual battle.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Wayne for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Wayne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Colonel Davy Crockett (John Wayne), Colonel Jim Bowie (Richard Widmark), Colonel William Travis (Laurence Harvey), Smitty (Frankie Avalon), Captain James Butler Bonham (Patrick Wayne), Flaca (Linda Cristal), Mrs. Sue Dickinson (Joan O’Brien), Beekeeper (Chill Wills), Juan Seguin (Joseph Calleja), Lieutenant Reyes (Carolos Arruza), and Jethro (Jester Hairston).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s interesting to see John Wayne’s effort as a director and actor. Other films he directed: Big Jake (uncredited), The Green Berets, The Comancheros (uncredited), and Blood Alley (uncredited). A superior film with Wayne as the actor is The Shootist. A better film from the western genre is The Duel with Liam Hemsworth.

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Ben Meyers

SLAM DUNK ERNEST (Video Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Slam Dunk Ernest—average Ernest film—delivers a predictable Jim Varney-style movie. It is certainly not his worst film, but definitely not among his best movies either.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) desires to play basketball. The Archangel of Basketball (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) provides supernatural help.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John R. Cherry III for directing effort. Thank you to Producers George Horie and Stacy Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barry Worth (Cylk Cozart), Tommy T. (Colin Lawrence), T.J. (Miguel A. Núñez Jr.), Willie (Lester Barrie), Walter (Richard Leacock), Mr. Zamiel Moloch (Jay Brazeau), Ms. Erma Terradiddle (Stevie Vallance), Quincy Worth (Aaron Joseph), Sarge (Douglas Newell), Mr. Ellis (Henry O. Watson), Dr. Love (Lossen Chambers), Opponent 1 (Charles Andrew Payne), and Jackie (Brenda Crichlow).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Diehard Ernest fans will like this movie, but a better choice for Ernest fans is: Ernest in the Army.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FEARLESS HYENA (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

The Fearless Hyena, while not an outstanding kung fu movie, manages to impress with some of its training exercises like doing sit ups upside down while hanging from a tree. The story is typical of this genre and works as an afternoon watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Shing Lung (Jackie Chan) overestimates his ability to use kung fu and finds himself in trouble with much more skillful fighters than he.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jackie Chan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Li Hwa Hsu for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Grandpa (James Tien), The Coffin Seller (Dean Shek), The Unicorn (Hui Lou Chen), Yen (Shi-Kwan Yen), The Master (Kun Li), and Willow Sword (Tien-Chi Cheng).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s one of Jackie Chan’s earlier films and not one of his best, but it is good education to watch an earlier work to understand that skill and performance develop over time and, with steady work, ability increases.

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Ben Meyers

1492: CONQUEST OF PARADISE (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

1492: Conquest of Paradise—wannabe epic that didn’t quite get there—fails in character development, storyline, portrayal, force, and casting. Many of the actors’ personalities are not clearly enough defined to carry the story. Gérard Depardieu and the rest of this cast work at the average level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Columbus (Gérard Depardieu) receives help from Santangel (Frank Langella) in the form of personally loaned money as well as persuasion of Queen Isabel of Castille (Sigourney Weaver) to make a voyage to the New World.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mimi Polk Gitlin and Iain Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sanchez (Armand Assante),), Older Fernando (Loren Dean), Beatrix (Ángela Molina), Marchena (Fernando Rey), Moxica (Michael Wincott), Pinzon (Tchéky Karyo), Captain Mendez (Kevin Dunn), Bobadilla (Mark Margolis), Arojaz (Kario Salem), and 10-year-old Fernando (Billy L. Sullivan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film does not provide the quality viewing of other movies dealing with this subject.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEPRECHAUN (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

Leprechaun has the class act of Warwick Davis depicting a really evil leprechaun. He has an excellent supporting cast. The film made an eight to one box office intake and seems to range in an almost cult classic range of film partially due to the dark side of this leprechaun...no child’s play or nimble tricks here...this leprechaun is down to do business. Kudos to Holly Davis for terrific costume design and the makeup department for its outstanding artistry.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

When J.D. Reding (John Sanderford) and his daughter, Tory Reding (Jennifer Aniston), move into an old farmhouse, workers accidentally set free a Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) who has been deprived of his bag of gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mark Amin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nathan Murphy (Ken Olandt), Ozzie (Mark Holton), Alex (Robert Hy Gorman), Dan O’Grady (Shay Duffin), Shop Owner (John Voldstad), Mrs. O’Grady (Pamela Mant), Sheriff Cronin (William Newman), Deputy Tripet (David Permenter), Dispatcher (Raymond C. Turner), and Waitress (Heather Kennedy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s good to see Warwick Davis in this lead role and to see Jennifer Aniston in some of her earlier works. This film is not really a horror film, although it has its moments. The movie has five sequels starring Warwick Davis as the leprechaun. If one is looking for real horror, however, better watches are Saw and Saw II.

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Ben Meyers

A SIMPLE PLAN (Video Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

A Simple Plan—good concept that seems to fail at the script level. The acting quality is not consistent. Billy Bob Thornton seems miscast and weak as character Jacob Mitchell. The script is, for lack of better words, not ‘likeable’. The movie has a certain creepiness that make it hard to watch. It’s easy to understand why this film performed under budget at the box office.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Three men find 4.4 million dollars and quickly fall into evil action.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Raimi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mark Gordon and Mark Levinsohn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hank (Bill Paxton), Sarah (Bridget Fonda), Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), Lou (Brent Briscoe), Tom Butler (Jack Walsh), Carl (Chelcie Ross), Nancy Chambers (Becky Ann Baker), Baxter (Gary Cole), FBI Agent Renkins (Bob Davis), FBI Agent Freemont (Peter Syvertsen), Dwight Stephanson (Tom Carey), Mr. Schmitt (John Paxton), News Reporter (Marie Mathay), and Anchorman (Paul Magers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a good concept about misguided thinking when finding something of value and allowing greed to overpower the right inclination. The film seems to fail in likeableness.

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Ben Meyers

THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Indian in the Cupboard—great child/adult share film—has a good storyline, good acting, and a good concept. The movie is realistic enough to escape into the story and enjoy it.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nine-year-old Omri discovers that a small cupboard has the power to bring toy figures to life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frank Oz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Harris, Marty Keltz, Bernard Williams, and Deborah Forte for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Omri (Hal Scardino), Little Bear (Litefoot), Jane (Lindsay Crouse), Victor (Richard Jenkins), Patrick (Rishi Bhat), Tommy (Steve Coogan), Boone (David Keith), Lucy (Sakina Jaffrey), Gillon (Vincent Kartheiser), Teacher (Nestor Serrano), Adiel (Ryan Olson), Baby Martin (Leon Tejwani), Baby Martin (Lucas Tejwani), and Purple Mohawk (Christopher Conte).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Despite the quite simple script, the characters distinguish themselves with the easy-to-follow storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers