THE NEXT KARATE KID (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Next Karate Kid—teen flick—works on about the same entertainment level as the previous Karate Kid movies. It is a good story choice to change the karate kid to a female lead and casting Hilary Swank is a surprisingly good choice. Hilary Swank and Pat Morita seem to work well together. The switch in gender roles lends an entirely different and welcome flavor to this film. The script, overall, is good and the story flows well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Storyline

A young girl becomes the next karate kid under the tutelage of Mr. Miyagi.

 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Cain for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer R. J. Louis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Miyagi (Pat Morita), Julie Pierce (Hilary Swank), Dugan (Michael Ironside), Louisa (Constance Towers), Eric (Chris Conrad), Abbot Monk (Arsenio Trinidad), Ned (Michael Cavalieri), Charlie (Walton Goggins), Tall Monk (Jim Ishida), Monk (Rodney Kageyama), Buddhist Monk (Seth Sakai), Mr. Wilkes (Eugene Boles), School Clerk (Keena Keel), Gabe (Tom O’Brien), and Morgan (Thomas Downey).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves its watch.


Video Critique Available Here:


Ben Meyers

ALWAYS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Always—classic, lovable story—utilizes the talents of Richard Dreyfus and John Goodman to tell its story. John Goodman seems to take portions of the script and completely embody it as his own…wonderful acting. The script concept is fresh, well-written, loaded with heart. WOW! What a hidden gem! It may not be a 5-star movie, but it is a ‘do NOT miss it’ film that is more than worth watching. It is a good addition to the home film library and has re-watchable status. Just wonderful entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia


Storyline

A pilot dies and his spirit mentors a new pilot. The new pilot becomes enamored with the spirit’s still living girlfriend.


Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pete Sandich (Richard Dreyfuss), Dorinda Durston (Holly Hunter), Ted Baker (Brad Johnson), Al Yackey (John Goodman), Hap (Audrey Hepburn), Dave (Roberts Blossom), Powerhouse (Keith David), Nails (Ed Van Nuys), Rachel (Marg Helgenberger), Don (Dale Dye), Alex (Brian Haley), Charlie (James Lashly), Grey (Michael Steve Jones), Air Traffic Controller (Kim Robillard), and Dispatcher (Jim Sparkman). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a rare jewel in the entertainment field. Thank you for all involved in making this such a treat to watch.


Video Critique Available Here:




Ben Meyers

A SILENT VOICE: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release Japan 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

A Silent Voice: The Movie—animated film—dramatizes its story to the point of turning it into a soap opera for teens. This hampers its ability to tenderize the subject matter, to touch the heart at a deeper level, to plumb the depths/facets of a tough situation, and to run just on the edge of boredom at times. The animated characters portray the story well and the voices are well chosen. Too many questions are left unanswered, not enough why questions are asked or answered…why does the one girl dislike the deaf girl for the duration of their personal interaction (which spans years). Some characters are dropped into the story without enough transition to really appreciate their significance. This seems to create an uneven flow in the overall movie because the audience is left behind a bit while trying to understand how the new character fits into the already existing storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young deaf girl becomes the object of bullying.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Naoko Yamada for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Hideaki Hatta, Susumu Okinaka, Osamu Yoshiba for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shôya Ishida (Voice of Miyu Irino), Shoko Nishimiya (Voice of Saori Hayami), Yuzuru Nishimiya (Voice of Aoi Yûki), Tomohiro Nagatsuka (Voice of Kensho Onô), Naoko Ueno (Voice of Yûki Kaneko), Miyoko Sahara (Voice of Yui Ishikawa), Miki Kawai (Voice of Megumi Han), Satoshi Mashiba (Voice of Toshiyuki Toyonaga), Young Shoya Ishida (Voice of Mayu Matsuoka), Young Kazuki Shimada (Voice of Sachiko Kojima), Young Keisuke Hirose (Voice of Hana Takeda), Takeuchi-sensei (Voice of Fuminori Komatsu), Ito Nishimiya (Voice of Ikuko Tani), Maria Ishida (Voice of Erena Kamata), and Shoya’s sister (Voice of Ayano Hamaguchi).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The animation is soft, easy on the eyes and the concept of the story is great. It addresses bullying and its sad consequences as well as the necessity of a hero to stand up and stop a bad situation from getting worse.


Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLUE (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Clue brings the Clue board game to the big screen. It works at the cult classic level with comical characterization and a very unusual conclusion.



Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia


Storyline

Six people are invited to dinner and people begin to get murdered.


Additional Thanks                                              

Thank you to Director Jonathan Lynn for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers  Peter Guber, George Folsey Jr., John Landis, and Jon Peters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Wadsworth (Tim Curry), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), Yvette (Colleen Camp), Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), The Cop (Bill Henderson), and The Singing Telegram Girl (Jane Wiedlin).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The cast seems to enjoy making this movie, but also remembers to act. That increases it’s entertainment value.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Trumpet of the Swan
—solid animated story—gets a bit redundant on environmental themes. It’s fun to see the swan blow a trumpet. The trumpet song is probably the best in the movie. The movie serves the child audience better than adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A trumpeter Swan has no voice until someone gives him a trumpet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Terry L. Noss and Richard Rich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Seldon Young for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Father (Voice of Jason Alexander), Mother (Voice of Mary Steenburger), Billie (Voice of Reese Witherspoon), Boyd (Voice of Seth Green), Monty (Voice of Joe Mantegna), Sam Beaver (Voice of Sam Gifaldi), Louie (Voice of Dee Bradley Baker), Billie (Voice of Melissa Disney), Serena (Kath Soucie), Ella (Voice of Elizabeth Daily), A.G. Skinner (Voice of Pamela Adlon), Maurice/Ranger (Voice of Steve Vinovich), Sweets (Voice of Gary Anthony Willliams), and Senator (Voice of Corey Burton).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Good choice for children. 


Video Critique available at:


Ben Meyers

WALL STREET (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Wallstreet presents some of the best of Michael Douglas as well as Charlie and Martin Sheen. This is a solid story, well acted, and excellent watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A young man, who wants wealth quick and fast, takes a teacher who will help him reach his goals even if getting ‘there’ is illegal.


Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Oliver Stone for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward R. Pressman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), Carolyn (Tamara Tunie), Dan (Franklin Cover), Chuckie (Chuck Pfeiffer), Marvin (John C. McGinly), Lou Mannheim (Hl Holbrook), Lynch (James Karen), Natalie (Leslie Lyles), Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), Natalie’s Assistant (Faith Geer),Charlie (Frank Adonis, Dominick (John Capodice), Carl Fox (Martin Sheen), Girl in Bed (Suzen Murakoshi), and Receptionist (Dani Klein).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Everything about this movie works…leaves a good feeling that one has been fully entertained. It works very well for the adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:





Ben Meyers

W. (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

W. ties together generally known information about George W. Bush without really revealing anything new. The conference room scenes seem intent on labeling his war as an oil war which moves the film’s script into a bias viewpoint that makes the movie more difficult to critique. Many of the actors seem uncomfortable or out-of-place with their assigned characters and do not follow the close physical resemblance that has marked most modern movies that deal with actual people. The exceptions are: Richard Dreyfuss as Vice President Dick Cheney, Jeffery Wright as Colin Powell, and Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice. It is worth one watch, but runs shallowly rather than giving something new or plumbing the depths of what drives George W. Bush.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia


Storyline

An interpretation of George W. Bush’s life as an adult and into his presidential election.


Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Oliver Stone for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Teresa Cheung, Elliot Ferwerda, Peter D. Graves, Johnny Hon, Christopher Mapp, Tom Ortenberg, Thomas Sterchi, Matthew Street, David Whealy, Albert Yeung, and Mark Brooke for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George W. Bush (Josh Brolin), Speechwriter #1 (Colin Hanks), Karl Rove (Toby Jones), Paul Wolfowitz (Dennis Boutsikaris), Colin Powell (Jeffrey Wright), Condoleezza Rice (Thandie Newton), Donald Rumsfeld (Sc
ott Glenn), Dick Cheney (Richard Dreyfuss), and George Tenet (Bruce McGill), George H.W. Bush (James Cromwell), and Oil Worker (Juan Gabriel Pareja).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One scene that is particularly interesting is the conference room discussion that shows how presidential counselors view a common problem and present a variety of solutions to that problem.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers


EXTRACTION (Internet Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Extraction—serves up a good portion of WOW! excitement—gives an eyeful of Chris Hemsworth as a more mature actor. Be aware that the movie starts a little roughly, but as Hemsworth gets into the flow of the mission, the movie upswings to its ending scenes. The action is almost gripping at times. The cast is well chosen and it has a satisfying conclusion that makes the audience feel justice has been served. This movie works at the level of True Lies in entertainment level.


Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A mercenary soldier takes the task of rescuing a kidnapped boy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Hargrave for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ari Costa, David Guillod, Junyi Hu, Todd Makurath, Patrick Newall, Steven V. Scavelli, Zhonglei Wang, and Zhongjun Wang for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), Rake’s Son (Bryon Lerum), Rake’s Son (Ryder Lerum), Ovi Mahajan (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), Sachin (Shivam Vichare), Arjun (Piyush Khati), Cute Girl (Sara Rumao), Saju (Randeep Hooda), Pari/Ovi’s Maid (Aarti Kulkarni), Cop #1 (Umakant Pa
til), Cop #2 (Praveen Indu), Prison Guard (Swapnil Kokam), Ovi Mahajan Sr. (Pankaj Tripathi), Neysa (Neha Mahajan), and Aarav (Pallas Prjapati).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Easy-to-follow movie, good enough to deserve a night out at a theater with favorite movie buddies.

Video Critique Available Here:




Ben Meyers

THE X FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì


The X Files: I Want to Believe—classic X-Files story turned into a movie—has the typical format that the television series used and will satisfy the X-Files fan. The main roles are reprised by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Director Chris Carter did an outstanding job re-capturing the original flavor and intent of the show. The acting is good; the portrayal is great; the suspense is the same.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Russians kidnap people for medical experimentation and Mulder with Scully are on the case.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Carter for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Brent O’Connor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), ASAC Dakota Whitney (Amanda Peet), Father Joseph Crissman (Billy Connolly), Agent Mosley Drummy (Xzibit), Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi), Callum Keith Rennie (2nd Abductor), Father Ybarra (Adam Godley), Gaunt Man (Alex Diakun), 2nd Victim (Nicki Avcox), 1st Abductor (Fagin Woodcock), Christian Fearon (Marco Niccoli), Margaret Fearon (Carrie Ruscheinsky), Blair Fearon (Spencer Maybee), and Female Assistant (Veronika Hadrava).


Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is well made and entertaining.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers


THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Jewel of the Nile—sequel movie to Romancing the Stone—accesses comedy through Actor Danny DeVito, reprises Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner to tell a solid story. It is not as entertaining as Romancing the Stone, but still manages to serve up a fair amount of action and comedy. It’s worth a watch. Watch for Avner Eisenberg. He shows strong personality onscreen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia


Storyline

A boyfriend and his friend go to rescue a girlfriend and find more adventure than they expected.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lewis Teague for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Michael Douglas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack (Michael Douglas), Joan (Kathleen Turner), Ralph (Danny Devito), Omar (Spyros Focas), Jewel (Avner Eisenberg), Tarak (Paul Dvid Magid), Barak (Howard Jay Patterson), Karak (Randall Edwin Nelson), JTarak (Paul David Magid), Barak (Howard Jay Patterson), Karak (Randall Edwin Nelson), Arak (Samuel Ross Williams), Gloria (Holland Taylor), Le Vasseur (Guy Cuevas), Missionary (Peter DePalma), Pirate (Mark Daly Richards), Nubian Chief (Sadeke Colobanane), Nubian Wrestler (Hyacinthe N'Iaye), and Rock Promoter (Daniel Peacock). 


Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is good afternoon watch. 


Video Critique Available Here:





Ben Meyers


HIGH AND DIZZY (Theatrical Release USA 1920)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

High and Dizzy—cute short film—plays, surprisingly, for a fairly mature audience with its chosen storyline. This Harold Lloyd movie completely entertains with a neat script and professional acting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A sleepwalker challenges a doctor’s skills to help her survive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hal Roach for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Suzanne Lloyd Hayes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Boy (Harold Lloyd), The Girl (Mildred Davis), His Friend (Roy Brooks), and Her Father (Wallace Howe).


 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is great afternoon watch…fits a lunch break well or two morning/afternoon breaks.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers


KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Kingdom of Heaven—interesting overall—needs an audience with a good background in the Crusade stories to appreciate the significance of this story. It loses itself due to failure to link itself strongly to culture and history. The actors are well picked. This story, however, seems complicated and the character, Balien de Ibelin (Orlando Bloom), seems to beg the question: Why is he important to the story at large? 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A man travels to Jerusalem to fight against its people and ends up fighting for the people who live there. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lisa Elizey, Branko Lustig, and Terry Needham for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gravedigger (Martin Hancock), Priest (Michael Sheen), Balian’s Wife (Nathalie Cox), Firuz (Eriq Ebouaney), Odo (Jouko Ahola), Hospitaler (David Thewlis), Godfrey de Ibelin (Liam Neeson), Squire (Philip Gelnister), Balian de Ibelin (Orlando Bloom), Apprentice (Bronson Webb), English Sergeant (Kevin McKidd), Village Sheriff (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Angelic Priest (Steven Robertson), Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas), and Imad (Alexander Siddig).

  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a movie that needs a plotline read, before going, to follow the story and to understand the significance of its story as it relates to history. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

JOAN THE WOMAN (Theatrical Release USA 1916)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Joan the Woman—interesting, easy-to-understand silent movie—serves up a long piece of entertainment that dramatizes itself into boredom, but also has to be carefully watched due to the way silent movies are delivered...fast flowing scenes. The cast has been well chosen and delivers strong skillful interpretations of their roles. One leaves this movie thinking it would be a more powerful read than an onscreen watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Before deployment, a World War I soldier has a dream about Joan of Arc.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Cecil B. DeMille for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Cecil B. DeMille for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joan of Arc (Geraldine Farrar), Charles VII (Raymond Hatton), General La Hire (Hobart Bosworth), Cauchon (Theodore Roberts), Eric Trent (Wallace Reid), La Tremouille (Charles Clary), Laxart (James Neill), L’Oiseleur (Tully Marshall), Gaspard (Lawrence Peyton), Jacques d’Arc (Horace B. Carpenter), The King’s Favorite (Cleo Ridgely), Isambeau (Lillian Leighton), Katherine (Marjorie Daw), Rrnest Joy), and Jean de Metz (John Oaker).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This fills in some details of the Joan of Arc story as the approach is a little different. Be aware that it delivers a lengthy exploration of its subject—a full 2 hours and 18 minutes.

Video Critique Available Here:



 Ben Meyers

DAREDEVIL (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Daredevil—average superhero movie—lacks realism. Part of the challenge lies in the less than spectacular special effects. The other challenge lies with how the actors interpreted and delivered their respective roles. A remake could correct these two flaws or alternatively move on to a sequel with these corrected. Leading man Ben Affleck seems a little light for his part which unbalances the movie and allows Colin Farrell and Jennifer Garner to come forward as the strongest actors here. This movie will most likely move into cult classic status.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

A young man becomes a superhero after being blinded.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Steven Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bernard Williams and Stan Lee for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Ben Affleck), Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner), Bulleyes (Colin Farrell), Wisk Fisk/The Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan), Franklin Nelson (Jon Favreau), Leland Orser), Nick Manolis (Lennie Loftin), Ben Urich (Joe Pantliano), Wesley Owen Welch ((Leland Orser), Nick Manolis Father Everett (Derrick O' (Lennie Loftin),  (Young Matt (Scott Terra), Karen Page (Ellen Pompeo), Nikolas Natchios (Erick Avari), Father Everett (Derrick O’Connor), Jose Quesada (Paul Ben Victor), Jack Murdock (David Keith), and Abusive Father (Frankie J. Allison). 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. Better Marvel films to see are Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Video Critique Available Here:




Ben Meyers

THE EXPENDABLES 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Expendables 3—much, much better than the first two films in this series—capitalizes on the action and adventure that we expect from these actors. It’s a down-to-business, realistic action movie with a great storyline…all around notable. Antonio Banderas is a welcome addition, balances the movie, and contributes well to the story. He does the ‘hotshot’ personality well. Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, and Kellan Lutz are new cast members that create this terrific mix that just works. The female interest Ronda Rousey adds pepper to the mix. All together made an intense piece of entertainment. Worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A team forms to fight evil.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Patrick Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Guymon Casady, John Constantine, Boaz Davidson, Jon Feltheimer, Basil Iwanyk, Eda Kowan, and Trevor Short for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Drummer (Harrison Ford), Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), Doc (Wesley Snipes), Gunner (Dolph Lundgren), Toll Road (Randy Couture), Caesar (Terry Crews), Bonaparte (Kelsey Grammar), Thorn (Glen Powell), Galgo (Antonio Banderas), Mars (Victor Ortiz), Luna (Ronda Rousey), and Smilee (Kellan Lutz). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Patrick Hughes pulls this movie into a solid 4-star rating by means of mixing up and balancing the cast. The movie is more than worth a watch and will satisfy all action movie fans. No apologies here. It’s action-packed. Don’t pass on it.  

Video Critique available Here:





Ben Meyers

CAPTAIN KIDD’S KIDS (Theatrical Release USA 1919)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Captain Kidd’s Kids—silent short film with a good storyline—backs itself with terrific camerawork and background scenery. It accesses the talents of Harold Lloyd, ‘Snub’ Pollard, and Bebe Daniels to portray the story with Hal Roach in the directing chair.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a bachelor party a young man has an amazing dream.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hal Roach for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Boy (Harold Lloyd), The Girl (Bebe Daniels), The Valet (Snub Pollard), Ah Nix (Fred C. Newmeyer), The Girl’s Mother (Helen Gilmore), Servant (Charles Stevenson), Big Pirate (Noah Young), and Pirate Girl (Marie Mosquini) and Small Pirate (Sammy Brooks).


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A wonderful film to see for an afternoon lunch watch. Not much has really changed from then until now. That is a good life lesson to learn early. This is a simple story told well.


Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

ARE CROOKS DISHONEST? (Theatrical Release USA 1918)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Are Crooks Dishonest?—silent short film—has good storytelling techniques in place. This short movie takes its audience on a journey that as professionally done as any movie today. Harold Lloyd, ‘Snub’ Pollard, and Bebe Daniels entertain the audience. Director Gilbert Pratt shows skillful direction.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

Two conmen try to take advantage of a young woman and her father. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gilbert Pratt for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harold (Harold Lloyd), Miss Goulash (Bebe Daniels), Snub (Snub Pollard), William Blaisdell, Sammy Brooks, Lige Conley, William Gillespie, Old Lady in the Park (Helen Gilmore), Lew Harvey, Charles Stevenson, and Old Man in the Park (Gus Leonard).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great work. 

Video Critique Available Here:




Ben Meyers

HAUNTED SPOOKS (Theatrical Release USA 1920)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Haunted Spooks
—silent short film—takes a simple script from the paper it’s written on, transforms it to the big screen, and makes a likable ghost story that
still serves the whole family well. Not too scary, just right, and it makes a short entertainment piece that can be shared as a family before retiring for the evening. It also serves as a good introduction to Harold Lloyd as an actor. The film is wonderful.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A young couple will inherit a home if they live there for a year. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hal Roach and Alfred J. Goulding for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Suzanne Lloyd Hayes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Boy (Harold Lloyd), The Girl (Mildred Davis), and The Butler (Wallace Howe). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a light, sweet romp that’s easy on the mind.

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

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