ROSE ISLAND (Video Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rose Island—good bio-pic—tells its educational and interesting story with good Italian actors and uses voice overs for the English. Know that the voice overs do not match the mouth movements and can be a bit distracting at times. Be aware there are sexual references in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An engineer builds his own island in the ocean. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sydney Sibilia for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Paolo Lucarini for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Giorgio Rosa (Elio Germano), Maurizio Orlandini (Leonardo Lidi), Gabriella (Matilda De Angelis), W.R. Neumann (Tom Wlaschiha), Giovanni Leone (Luca Zingaretti), Franco Restivo (Fraizio Bentivoglio), Jean Baptiste Toma (Francois Cluzet), Carlo (Ascanio Balbo), Franca Violetta Zironi), and Pietro Bernardini (Alberto Astorri). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is an educational watch and worth seeing.

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

WEDDING CAKE (All-Media Germany 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Wedding Cake—interesting short film—provokes thought about what one takes into a marriage and the value of kindness with an awareness of another’s needs and not so much of one’s own needs. The message serves more of an adult audience than a child audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images 

Storyline 

A small definition of married life.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Viola Baier for directing the film. Thank you to YouTube for hosting the short film. Characters/cast include: Jessica Kramer and Helge Sidow. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The short film tells what one does and does not want in marriage and makes one think about what one can do to make it great to the last drop.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

MICE, A SMALL STORY (IsartDigital School’s YouTube Channel Release France 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Mice, a Small Story—animated short film—has a very good storyline and great animation. It reminds one, a bit, of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It ends where one wants to see more and serves as a good teaser film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube

Storyline 

Mice find an aluminum can pin that rats want. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to ISARTDigital and YouTube for release of the film. 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its shortness of presentation, it is worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers 

MEET DAVE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Meet Dave—simple afternoon flick—shows Eddie Murphy in some of his later work. The movie serves as suitable for a teen/adult watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man/robot serves as a spaceship for small aliens. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brian Robbins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Thomas Hammel and Arnon Milchan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dave (Eddie Murphy), Gina Morrison (Elizabeth Banks), Number 3 Cultural Officer (Gabrielle Union), Dooley (Scott Caan), Number 2 (Ed Helms), Number 17 (Kevin Hart), Knox (Mike O’Malley), Number 4 (Pat Kilbane), Engineer (Judah Friedlander), and Mark (Marc Blucas). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a good watch to see Kevin Hart in some of his earlier acting works. Be aware that the film, while a good watch, does contain rude humor. 

Video Critique Available Here: 


Ben Meyers

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is better than the first Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson. Dwayne Johnson is a fresh casting choice for the film. Michael Caine as Sean’s grandfather offsets the other actors well. Luis Guzman is a great addition to this film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A grandfather sends a signal to his grandson to come to an island. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Peyton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Bostick, Richard Brener, Samuel Brown, Michael Disco, Evan Turner, and Marcus Viscidi for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Hank (Dwayne Johnson), Alexander (Michael Caine), Sean (Josh Hutcherson), Gabato (Luiz Guzman), Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), Liz (Kristin Davis), and  Jessica (Anna Colwell). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a better watch than the Brendan Fraser version of The Center of the Earth film.

 Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

MIGRANTS (Seattle International Film Festival Release Seattle Washington USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Migrants—fabulous animation—has heart and excellent cohesive presentation. But, the conclusion is unclear and difficult to interpret with its introduction of people. The story up to the conclusion is clear, concise, and easy to follow. Original and creative idea. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Melting ice sends a mother polar bear and her cub far away from their native habitat. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Chadeisson for directing effort. Thank you to Jacob Philip for voicing effort. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This short film is well done and is very interesting to view. 

Video Critique Available here:

 


Ben Meyers

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-GHOST PROTOCOL (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol—part IV of a Mission Impossible movie series—is better than the third film due to its tighter script. While the previous movie has a flatness to it, this movie moves out of that flatness to perform as well as the first film in the series. The movie works as good teen/adult share entertainment. Watch for actor Simon Pegg as he reprises his role of Benji. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Ethan Hunt endeavors to accomplish another mission impossible. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise, J. J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Jane Carter (Paula Patton), Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nygvist), Anatoly Sidorov (Vladimir Mashkov), Trevor Hanaway (Josh Holloway), Brij Nath (Anil Kapoor), and Sabine Moreau (Lea Seydoux). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is a worthy watch and is very well put together.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

MIA AND THE WHITE LION * (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Mia and the White Lion works tension to the max at the beginning of the story as two young children interact with a lion. This movie allows a child far too much freedom in making and influencing parental decisions that have the capability to permanently affect a family’s well-being and happiness. Mixed messages are sent throughout the film that detract from its overall story. Be aware that there is a scene toward the end of the movie where a young daughter not only points a rifle at her father in anger, but pulls the trigger and hits him with a tranquilizer dart. She then proceeds to leave him lying in the outback while driving away in his vehicle with no regard for his safety or well-being. This sends a very poor message about the value of human life, the value of family relationships, and priorities in loyalty and love. Hunting practices are not well explained. If choosing to watch this film as a family watch, do some research and educate the children about the different types of safari hunting, what is legal, what is illegal.  The film does not present the case, upfront, that lions are endangered.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A young girl befriends a lion cub and must make hard choices as it grows into maturity.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Gilles de Maistre for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Valentine Perrin, Jacques Perrin, Nicolas Elghozi, Gilles de Maistre,  Stephane Simon, and Catherine Caborde for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Mia Owen (Daniah De Villiers), Alice Owen (Melanie Laurent), John Owen (Langley Kirkwood), Mick Owen (Ryan Mac Lennan), Kevin (Lionel Newton), Jodie (Lillian Dube), Dirk (Brandon Auret), and Charlie the Lion (Thor). 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. The film may have been more effective as a documentary film about lions as an endangered species. The fictional format detracts from the movie’s real purpose. Children should be advised before watching that a significant amount of time (3 years) was spent so that actors/actresses could bond with these animals before filming began so that children are not under the impression that wild animals are the same as domesticated animals. Also, before watching, there should be an education/instructive time allotted to rifles loaded with tranquilizer darts, weaponry, and shooting humans or even pointing such devices at people or threatening people with such devices as there is a disturbing scene toward the conclusion of the film where Mia not only shows anger toward her father, but shoots him with a rifle loaded with darts. While it is important to care for our environment and the many lifeforms that live within it, humans are a part of that environment. Respect needs also to be shown for the value of human life as well as animal life.

Also Known As: Mia et le leon blanc 

Video Critique Available Here:



 Ben Meyers

THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE WILDERNESS FAMILY * (Theatrical Release USA 1978)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Further Adventures of the Wilderness Family, although a little predictable at times, performs at a higher level of entertainment due to the expanded scenes that develop the character Boomer (George ‘Buck’ Flower). He brings flavor and an enhanced richness to the story that is welcome. Overall, the script is tighter and seems to have a better sense of direction and purpose than did its predecessor.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A family who has moved to the wilderness finds adventure after adventure as they adapt to living in the wild. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Zuniga for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur Dubs for making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: Skip Robinson (Robert Logan), Pat Robinson (Susan Damante-Shaw), Jenny Robinson (Heather Rattray), Toby Robinson (Ham Larsen), and Boomer (George Buck Flower).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This sequel film has more quality than the first film. It follows the same easy-on-the-mind formatting. It deserves its watch as a light afternoon entertainment piece. 

*Also known as: The Adventures of the Wilderness Family 2 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

DAYDREAM BELIEVERS: THE MONKEES' STORY (Television Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Daydream Believers: The Monkees' Story—not a thorough documentary—runs on a storyline so thin that even though each Monkee’s name is introduced, it is soon forgotten. Whatever the reason for this documentary’s lack of ‘thickness’ that sadly contributes to its lack of appeal, it makes an audience feel like switching entertainment at its beginning. But because it is a band bio-pick or if one is beginning research on this musical group, one may desire to finish the film. Flat and non-effective, it devalues the effort of this group as performers.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The story behind the formation of The Monkees and their rise to fame. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Neill Fearnley for directing effort. Characters/cast include: Davy Jones (George Stanchev), Peter Tork (L.B. Fisher), Michael Nesmith (Jeff Geddis), and Micky Dolenz (Aaron Lohr). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Overall,  it’s a somewhat interesting watch, but it could be more universally written for the audience unfamiliar with this rock group.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

MAC AND ME (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 


Mac and Me
—personable—reminds one a bit of ET: Extraterrestrial because it relies on a similar story of a small extraterrestrial who makes friends with children, but the likeness ends there. While ET: Extraterrestrial has a better script and its own special spark, Mac and Me easily earns its watch as a terrific child/adult share and has a particularly pleasing conclusion. In some ways the movie seems a bit trite with its new home/new adventure storyline, but heart and kindness shines throughout the movie and excuses that. It earns it watch as a comfortable night out with the family watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young extraterrestrial takes residence with a family. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stewart Raffill for directing effort. Thank you to Matt Damon, William Kerr, and R.J. Louis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Janet Cruise (Christine Ebersole), Michael Cruise (Jonathan Ward), Courtney (Tina Caspary), Debbie (Lauren Stanley), Eric Cruise (Jade Calegory), Mitford (Vinnie Torrente), Wickett (Martin West), Zimmerman (Ivan Rado), Jack Jr. (Danny Cooksey), Linda (Laura Waterbury), and Splatter Car Driver (Jack Eiseman). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Not as good as ET: Extraterrestrial, but in its own way serves as a good, clean child/adult watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

EDWARD ON EDWARD* (All-Media World-Wide Release 1996)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Edward on Edward—exceptionally thorough documentary— tells about King George VI older brother King Edward VII who later was made Duke of Windsor after he abdicated the throne for love of a woman that was not part of the royal designation to marry. This film is very well done, but complicated. The documentation is lovely work as presented by King George VI’s grandson, Prince Edward Earl of Wessex. Exceptionally interesting, extremely well-organized, the documentary raises and answers many questions about love, leadership, obligation, loyalty, courage, life, and duty. This film becomes an excellent source of after viewing discussion, a terrific history lesson, and deserves a permanent place in the home video library. Wonderful archival footage. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Thoroughly documents the life of the Windsors after the abdication of the British throne. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robin Bextor for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Latham and Desmond Wilcox for making the film possible. Characters/cast include:  Host (Prince Edward), Self (Duke of Windsor), and Self (George Earl of Harewood). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. An exceptional documentary earns its watch and re-watch. 

*Also Known As: Whatever Happened to the Windsors? 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mission: Impossible III—notable special effects—has a complicated storyline. The first part of the movie has no real life spark until  Lawrence Fishburne enters the scene and commands the stage with his striking screen presence. About halfway through the movie,  it  improves even more and holds that stronger tone through the rest of the film. Without the special effects, this movie performs at the average level.  Watch for Simon Pegg’s good performance.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Ethan takes another mission impossible assignment. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J.J. Abrams for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Julia Meade (Michelle Monghan), Zhen Lei (Maggie Q), Declan Gormley (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), and John Musgrave (Billy Crudup). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Suitable for Mission Impossible story fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

ALPHA AND OMEGA 7: THE BIG FUREEZE* (DVD Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Alpha and Omega 7: The Big Fureeze—short film—serves a young child audience. To some extent better than the last film for storyline. Presentation and portrayal continue to need improvement in the series. The animation is neat and clean.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The cubs rescue Humphrey and Kate after a blizzard. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Tim Maltby and Brian Pimental for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers R.K Chand, Dipesh Desai, and Susan Gelb for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kate (Kate Higgins), Runt (Voice of Debi Derryberry), Claudette (Voice of Marieve Herington), Paddy/Marcel (Voice of Christopher Smith), King (Voice of Blackie Rose), Hench (Voice of Shaun Gerardo), Link/Lyle (Solomon Gartner), and Eve (Voice of Cindy Robinson). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie is suitable for the young child.

 Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

ABRAHAM LINCOLN VAMPIRE HUNTER (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter has little storyline, runs on gore, some nudity, and sexual references. Adult watch that serves a narrow audience. Not for the faint of heart…nothing much here except night scenes with lots of teeth, open mouths, tricks with a silver coated axe, and blood everywhere. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Abraham Lincoln hunts vampires. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Timur Bekmambetov for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and Jim Lemley for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Abraham Lincoln (Benjamin Walker), Henry Sturgess (Dominic Cooper), and Will Johnson (Anthony Mackie). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes.  It works as a horror, thriller film, but know that little storyline is present here. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III* (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III—cheezy special effects and martial arts—serves as a walk down memory lane for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans. This older movie series catches the human element that the new 2014/2016 series remake fails to capture. The original series has a spark that makes that series work. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 The turtles need to rescue their friend, April.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stuart Gillard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Thomas Gray, Kim Dawson, and David Chan, Thomas Gray, and Kim Dawson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Leonardo (Voice of Brian Tochi),Donatello (Corey Feldman), Raphael (Tim Kelleher), Michelangelo (Robbie Rist), Splinter (James Murray), April O’Neil (Paige Turco), Casey Jones (Elias Koteas), Walker (Stuart Wilson), Niles (John Aylward), Lord Norinaga (Sab Shimono), and Mitsu (Vivian Wu). 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This film ends the old series. For diehard turtle fans, it may be a desirable watch due to its original  likableness.

 *Also known as: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time 

Video Critique Available Here:




 Ben Meyers

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