FACE/OFF (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì


Face/Off
casts Nicolas Cage with John Travolta to produce an unusual flick based upon revenge. The film stands overall as a good movie with its fair share of action. The movie does not require a great deal of energy to work out the story line and quickly becomes a ‘sit back and enjoy the show’ piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Sean Archer (John Travolta), an FBI agent, engages terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) in a series of confrontations.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Woo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Douglas, Jonathan D. Krane, and Steven Reuther for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eve Archer (Joan Allen), Pollux Troy (Alessandro Nivola), Sasha Hassler (Gina Gershon), Jamie Archer (Dominique Swain), Dietrich Hassler (Nick Cassavetes), Victor Lazarro (Harve Presnell), Dr. Malcolm Walsh (Colm Feore), Prison Guard Walton (John Carroll Lynch), Hollis Miller (CCH Pounder), Tito Biondi (Robert Wisdom), Wanda (Margaret Cho), Buzz (James Denton), Loomis (Matt Ross), and Dubov (Chris Bauer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It performs a little above the status of a ‘B’ grade action film and is worth the watch. Great work for Director John Woo.

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Ben Meyers

HAPPY GILMORE (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Happy Gilmore—
while not Adam Sandler’s best film—is well written and well-acted. The film is worth adding to the home library. It uses the talents of Cristopher McDonald, Francis Bay, Julie Bowen, Carl Weathers, Bob Barker, Richard Kiel, Kevin Nealon, Will Sasso, and tucks in Ben Stiller as Hal, an orderly in a nursing home.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Hockey-player Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) finds his true sport in golf.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dennis Dugan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bernie Brillstein, Brad Grey, and Sandy Wernick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), Grandma (Frances Bay), Chubbs (Carl Weathers), Otto (Allen Covert), IRS Agent (Robert Smigel), Bob Barker (Bob Barker), Mr. Larson (Richard Kiel), Doug Thompson (Dennis Dugan), Jeering Fan (Joe Flaherty), Himself (Lee Trevino), Potter (Kevin Nealon), Announcer (Verne Lundquist), and Happy’s Waterbury Caddy (Jared Van Snellenberg).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth a re-watch and over the years will be one you’ll enjoy seeing again. Great work for Director Dennis Dugan.


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Ben Meyers

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Journey to the Center of the Earth
is a good show and worth watching. While Brendan Fraser does not seem to fit his assigned character well, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem are well cast for their parts. The story is great and the concept is well thought out. Like the original Journey to the Center of the Earth, there is not much storyline here. But, there are bits and pieces of the film that stand out (like the dinosaur chase).

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

An uncle, Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), and his nephew, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson), look for Sean’s missing Father and find the center of the earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eric Brevig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Toby Emmerich, Brendan Fraser, W. Mark McNair, and Tripp Vinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannah Ásgeirsson (Anita Briem), Professor Alan Kitzens (Seth Meyers), Max Anderson (Jean Michel Paré), Elizabeth (Jane Wheeler), Old Man (Frank Fontaine), Leonard (Giancarlo Caltabiano), Sigurbjörn Ásgeirsson (Garth Gilker), and Gum-chewing Girl (Kaniehtiio Horn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is well-made and has some creatively different scenery (like the raft in the ocean) that is quite good.


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Ben Meyers

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

TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight Saga: New Moon
has a terrific story underlined by a good script. The special effects in the film are very good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) attempts to protect Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) by breaking off their romantic relationship.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Weitz 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: Gran (Christina Jastrzembska), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Mike (Michael Welch), Eric (Justin Chon), Angela (Christian Serratos), Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Mr. Berty (Russell Roberts), James (Cam Gigandet), Aro (Michael Sheen), Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower), and Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie stands as an excellent effort for Director Chris Weitz and prepares Twilight fans for the next film in the Twilight series.


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Ben Meyers

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Magnificent
Seven is an example of a re-make film that actually improves on the original film. Great acting from Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent O’Onofrio, Peter Sarsgaard and some new names Byung Hung Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, and Haley Bennett under the direction of Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Tears of the Sun, and Southpaw) pull together a truly outstanding western. This is a Wow! film for the western movie fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The western town of Rose Creek needs liberation and widow, Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), gathers a team of liberators.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Antoine Fuqua, Walter Mirisch, and Ben Waisbren for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier), Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), Teddy Q (Luke Grimes), Matthew Cullen (Matt Bomer), Denali (Jonathan Joss), McCann (Cam Gigandet), Maxwell (Emil Beheshti), Preacher (Mark Ashworth), Josiah (Billy Slaughter), and Anthony (Dodge Prince).
                                                                
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a classic re-make that wins and has great action scenes that are very well done. 

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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 Carell) 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 Carell, 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.


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Ben Meyers

THE PRINCESS DIARIES (Theatrical Release USA 2001)


Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Princess Diaries
carries its story well. It’s a great film for Anne Hathaway fans and, with the wise choice of Julie Andrews to round out the cast, becomes an almost classic family movie. The storyline’s concept and the resulting script are great. Special thanks goes to Director Garry Marshall for using his broad directing skills to great advantage. The 2004 sequel is Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) reveals to her grand-daughter, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathway), that she is the princess of a small country named Genovia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garry Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Debra Martin Chase, Whitney Houston, and Mario Iscovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) Joe (Hector Elizondo), Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo), Lana Thomas (Mandy Moore), Mia’s Mom (Caroline Goodall), Michael Moscovitz (Robert Schwartzman), Student Josh Bryant (Erik von Detten), Student Jeremiah Hart (Patrick John Flueger), Teacher Mr. O’Connell (Sean O’Bryan), Vice Principal Gupta (Sandra Oh), Charlotte Kutaway (Kathleen Marshall), Gym Teacher Harbula (Mindy Burbano), Music Teacher Wells (Kimleigh Smith), Cheerleader Anna (Elizabeth Gudenrath), Cheerleader Fontana (Bianca Lopez), and Cheerleader Lupe (Tamara Levinson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is clean, worth a sequel, and serves the whole family well. Great work for all involved.


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Ben Meyers

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Murder on the Orient Express
presents a classic story in grand style under the good direction of Director Sidney Lumet. This is a great watch for the teen/adult.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hercule Poirot endeavors to solve a murder case on the Orient Express.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sidney Lumet for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Brabourne and Richard B. Goodwin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney), Mrs. Hubbard (Lauren Bacall), Bianchi (Martin Balsam), Greta (Ingrid Bergman), Countess Andrenyi (Jacqueline Bisset), Pierre (Jean-Pierre Cassel), Colonel Arbuthnot (Sean Connery), Beddoes (John Gielgud), Princess Dragomiroff (Wendy Hiller), McQueen (Anthony Perkins), Mary Debenham (Vanessa Redgrave), Hildegarde (Rachel Roberts), Ratchett (Richard Widmark), Count Andrenyi (Michael York), Hardman (Colin Blakely), and Doctor (George Coulouris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a worthy watch that features an all-star cast.

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Ben Meyers

VAN HELSING (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Van Helsing
provides the perfect setting for Hugh Jackman to show his acting skills and shows the versatility of Kate Beckinsale as she pulls off a vampire movie that is totally different from her 2003 Underworld movie. Terrific work by Director Stephen Sommers.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale) fight vampires, wolfmen, and other creatures fantastic.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Sommers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sam Mercer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Count Vladislaus Dracula (Richard Roxburgh), Carl (David Wenham), Frankenstein’s Monster (Shuler Hensley), Aleera (Elena Anaya), Velkan (Will Kemp), Igor (Kevin J. O’Connor), Cardinal Jinette (Alun Armstrong), Verona (Silvia Colloca), Marishka (Josie Maran), Top Hat (Tom Fisher), Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Samuel West), Mr. Hyde (Robbie Coltrane), Dr. Jekyll (Stephen Fisher), and Barmaid (Dana Morávková).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth at least one ticket and has potential for re-watch over the years.

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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 has a long way to go to be a quality watch.


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Ben Meyers

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