LION (Made by Esma, Presented by the CG Bros. YouTube Channel 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Lion—animated short film—suffers from lack of clarity in story line. It presents questions to the point where one begins to look for a metaphorical meaning to the film which meaning does not soon present itself.

 Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube

Storyline 

A lion needs water and a buffalo prevents it from accessing water. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to YouTube for hosting the film. Thank you to the team of Melissa Fournier, Amelie Goursat, Thierry Hav, Gaïanka Martinet, Coline Mesplou, and Pauline Toutain for making the film possible for viewing. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This film probably is more understandable to the makers than to the viewer; but, it is interesting to examine the story telling ability and animation skills of this particular team. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers 

HAPPINESS CONTINUES (Video Release Singapore 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Happiness Continues—highlights Jonas Brothers’ energy as they reform their group—provides an inside look at the musical group. The show has excellent choreography and shows their popularity has not wavered as concert halls look filled. It is a great watch for Jonas Brothers’ fans.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Documentary film explores the career of the Jonas Brothers’ music group through music. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Anthony Mandler for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Wendy Goldstein, Baz Halpin, Monte Lipman, Phil McIntyre, and John Taylor for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sophie Turner, and Danielle Jonas. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie can be appreciated by fans of the Jonas Brothers.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

THE NOMADS (Philadelphia Film Festival, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Nomads—small WOW! inspirational jewel—shows how something as simple as a sport like Rugby can give power to cope with life. The portrayal and acting are ‘no shab’. BRAVO! for producing a film with heart.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

One woman’s efforts to help transfer students from two closed schools in Pennsylvania. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brandon Eric Kamin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Brandon Eric Kamin, Aimee McDaniel, Miriam Marcus, Tika Sumpter, and Mark Donadio for making the film possible. Characters /cast include: Cassie McNamara (Tika Sumpter), Mark Nolin (Tate Donovan), Jaymie (Thomas Pierce), Banner (Vladimir Versailles), Kahlil (Devon Ray), O’Brien (Andy Riddle), Kate (Marla Mindelle), Principle Wade (Christopher Mann), Coach KJ (Khalil McMillan), and Ice (Rackwon). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. ‘Needs to be watched’ movie that shows how to build the power so that a group of people can experience success.  Thank you to all involved in this well-thought through movie. Good watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

SPIRIT RIDER (Television Release 1993, Rereleased on Streaming in 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spirit Rider—captures the Native American essence of being—relies on a terrific and kind script that accurately portrays the difficulty of rehabilitating into a culture one belongs to after having been torn from it and displaced into a culture that is not one’s own. Watch for well-known and admired actors Herbie Barnes, Gordon Tootoosis, Tom Jackson, Adam Beach, and Graham Green as well as many others. The film causes reflection and provides good, after viewing discussion. The last scene seems unfinished as if asking for a sequel or suggesting that life goes on as an unfolding process. The movie easily moves across culture differences to universal appeal. Worth a watch and inclusion in the family home video library.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

                                            

Storyline 

A native American boy finds his way home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Wayne Arron for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jesse Threebears (Herbie Barnes), Camilla St. Claire (Michelle St. John), Albert St. Clair (Tom Jackson), Joe Moon (Gordon Tootoosis), Marilyn St. Claire (Tantoo Cardinal), Paul LeBlanc ( Adam Beach), Vern (Graham Greene), Minni (Josephine Courchene), and Grace (Maggie Nagle). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is what one wants to see in film…inspirational films where families find healing, work out complications, find place, peace, and harmony. Not many family films depict this as well as Spirit Rider. This is a feel good film that is well worth its watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

SPOOKY HOUSE (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Spooky House—interesting, fanciful, sweet, and at times comical—relies on the skills of Ben Kingsley, who as usual, pulls off a sophisticated, artistic, and completely professional rendition of his character, The Great Zamboni. The unexpected conclusion pulls at the heart strings and the audience can walk away with that feel good ‘We have been entertained’ experience. Don’t be put off by the title. The movie is not a horror film. It works more at the very good soft mystery level.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A professional magician finds his way back to happiness and a good stage career.


Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director William Sachs for directing effort. Thank you to Producer William Sachs for making the film possible. Character/cast include: The Great Zamboni (Ben Kingsley), Boss (Mercedes Ruehl), Mora (Katharine Isabelle), Max (Matt Weinberg), Yuri (Jason Fuchs), Beans (Ronald Joshua Scott), Prescott (Simon Baker), and Zoe (Chaz Monet). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes.  The movie is a superior child/adult, light afternoon share and sits among the better magician movies that have been produced. Whimsical, with great stage settings. Can easily be re-watched for the rich stage settings alone.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

LIKE MIKE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Like Mike
bases itself on a well-written script and delivers a bagful of cuteness. The entire cast works well as a team and gets the job done for sports entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy proves his mettle while playing basketball. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Schultz for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Barry Josephson and Peter Heller for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Calvin Cambridge (Bow Wow), Murph (Jonathan Lipnicki), Reg Stevens (Brenda Song), Tracy Reynolds (Morris Chestnut), Frank Bernard (Eugene Levy), Stan Bittleman (Crispin Glover), Ox (Jesse Plemons), and Coach Wagner (Robert Forster). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a cute watch for the young teen and adult sport movie fan. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 


Ben Meyers

JEWEL (Television Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Jewel does not inspire nor does it raise awareness for Down Syndrome children. The movie runs throughout as an effort to support a child with Down Syndrome and then ends with a weak relinquishment of that child to an institutional facility. It seems a convoluted story with a double message that seems confusing. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A woman gives birth to a Down’s Syndrome child and tries to give the child a life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Shapiro for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Terry Gould for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jewel Hilburn (Farrah Fawcett), Leston Hilburn (Patrick Bergin), and Cathedral (Cicely Tyson). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie presents a double message that creates confusion for the audience. It makes the audience wonder why someone battled for years for a child only to finally relinquish it to another caretaker.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

12 MONKEYS (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

12 Monkeys—a WOW! Bruce Willis movie—presents multiple, unexpected twists and turns in its storyline that require complete audience involvement to make sense of the events taking place. Director Terry Gilliam takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of suspense and drama that will not soon be forgotten. This top of the line mystery raises questions throughout the movie, such as “Who is James Cole and why is he sent to so many different places that seem completely unrelated” and “How is this going to interweave into a satisfying conclusion” that impel the movie forward with un-paralleled force. The movie is a surprisingly good science fiction film that more than advertises the acting skills of both Bruce Willis and Madeline Stowe. The script and its presentation are wonderfully done. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A man from the future is sent back in time to prevent the release of a virus that will kill most of the human population. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Terry Gilliam for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Charles Roven for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: James Cole (Bruce Willis), Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), Dr. Leland Goines (Christopher Plummer), Dr. Peters (David Morse), Jose (Jon Seda), Lieutenant Halperin (Christopher Meloni), Dr. Fletcher (Frank Gorshin), Tiny (Vernon Campbell), Teddy (Lisa Gay Hamilton), Geologist (Bob Adrian), and Zoologist (Simon Jones). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the film contains violence and sexual references, but both are not handled in an over-the-top graphic manner. This is a quality story that greatly involves the intellect and takes careful watching to follow its storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

CORRIE TEN BOOM: A FAITH UNDEFEATED (Released on Amazon Prime USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Corrie Ten Boom: A Faith Undefeated—WOW!—tells the story of Netherland-born Corrie Ten Boom’s early life more than her later life. Due to the nature of its content, it sits as a film of worth among the better documentaries. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The short (58 minutes) documentary about the early life of missionary Corrie Ten Boom. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Fernandez for directing effort. Thank you to Ben D. Ketting for presentation. Thank you to Pam Rosewell Moore for film personal interview support. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This documentary has been well organized and tells an important story. Good watch for everyone. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

BIG BROTHER * (Theatrical Release China 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Big Brother—great Hong Kong movie—pushes Donnie Yen into a quite different role than the expected martial arts/action roles he has played in the IP Man series. The movie has heart, good family values, and works for the teen/adult watch. Well-written story, easily earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A teacher employs unorthodox teaching methods to reach his students. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kam Ka Wai for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wong Jing, Connie Wong, and Donnie Yen for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Henry Chen (Donnie Yen), henry Chan (Chaney Lin), Leung Wing-sum (Joe Chen), Jack Li (Lok Mina-kit), Kane Law (Yu Kang), Bruce Kwan (Bruce Tong), Chris Kwan (Chris Tong), Gladys Wong (Gladys Li), and Gordon Hong (Gordon Lau). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Chinese-language film has good English subtitles. The storyline makes the movie a good watch. 

* Also Known As: Dai si hing

Video Critique Available Here: 

 


Ben Meyers

MONSTER ISLAND (Theatrical Release Mexico 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Monster Island—fresh and creative—earns its watch. This animated feature has excellent character development with interesting characters. The animation is well done. Unexpectedly good storyline. Can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Great work for all involved.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young boy travels to an island to find out what and who he is. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Leopoldo Aguilar for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Fernando de Fuentes and Jose Garcia de Letona for making the film possible. English language characters/cast include: Lucas (Phillip Adrian Vasquez), Nicolas (Roger Jackson), Norcutt (Johnny Rose), Veronica (Alicia Barragan), Carlotta (Katie Leigh), Peter (Eric Larsen), Cameron (Michael Robles), Dina (Nancy Sullivan), and Melanie (Jenifer Kaplan). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This animated feature from Mexico is surprisingly intriguing and worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

POCKET FULL OF MIRACLES (Theatrical Release USA 1961)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Pocket Full of Miracles—inspirational WOW! entertainment—serves the best of Glen Ford and Bette Davis. Absolutely wonderful supporting cast that includes Peter Falk and Ann-Margaret. Clean, heartfelt storyline engages the heart with its surprisingly dramatic storyline. Good reminder about the important value of every human life. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A street woman gets help from a mobster. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Capra for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Frank Capra for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dave the Dude (Glenn Ford), Apple Annie (Bette Davis), Queenie Martin (Hope Lange), Count Alfonso Romero (Arthur O’Connell), Joy Boy (Peter Falk), Henry Blake (Thomas Mitchell), Hudgins (Edward Horton), Louise (Ann Margret), Junior (Mickey Shaughnessy), Governor (David Brian), Mayor Jerome Cowan), Steve Darcey (Sheldon Leonard), Carlos Romero (Peter Mann), Soho Sal (Ellen Corgy), Cheesecake (Jack Elam), Big Mike (Mike Mazurki), and Police Commissioner (Barton MacLane).                                                           


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is what entertainment is all about. WOW! What a concept! Wonderful film that ranks among the classics. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

KESARI (World-Wide Release 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 


Kesari
—WOW!—earns its addition to the family home video library. This is a great share movie when relatives/friends/guests visit. It is completely rewatchable. The ethical values as well as the moral values are firmly in place. The small bit of profanity is handled in a clean way. The battles are well-fought with courage. The last battle scene is a work of art. The movie delivers itself in Hindi with good English subtitles. The movie completely relates to an international audience due to the strong appeal it makes to that which is admired most in the human, no matter the nation, tribe, clan, or family to which that human belongs.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Twenty-one Sikhs defend their position against an army of 10,000 men. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Anurag Singh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sumit Chawla for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Havildar Ishar Singh (Akshay Kumar), Jiwani (Parineeta Chopra), Naik Lal Singh (Suvinder Vicky), Lance Naik Chandra Singh (Vansh Bhardwaj), Gurmukh Singh (Surmeet Basran), Nand Singh (Ajit Singh), Buta Singh (Sandeep Nahar), Dava Singh (Harwinder Singh Aujla), Bola Singh (Rakesh Sharma), Uttam Singh (Adbrit Sharma), Jiwan Singh (Vivek Saini), Bhagwan Singh (Harbhagwan Singh), Ram Singh (Rajdeep Singh Dhaliwal), Gurpreet Toti, Sundar Singh (Harry Brar), Naravan Singh (Pali Sandhu). Hira Singh (Vikram Chouhan), Bhagwan Singh (Harwan Jhandi), Guryukh Singh (Pritbal Pali), Sepoy Ram Singh (Rimple Dhindsa),  Jiwan Singh (Gagneet Singh Makhan), Jiwan Jalandhari (Harmanpreet Singh), Daap (Brahma Mishra), Gilab Singh (Vikram Kochhar), Lieutenant Lawrence (Edward Sonnenblick), and Major Des Voeux (Richard Bhakti Klein). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is outstanding in every way. One of the best from India. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

PUFF: WONDERS OF THE REEF (Netflix Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Puff: Wonders of the Reef is a great Australian/United States documentary. Narrated by Australian actress Rose Byrne, the outstanding music score is accompanied by National Geographic quality camerawork. The lighting effects make this dark world come wonderfully alive and bright.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A small pufferfish looks for a home on a coral reef. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nick Robinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Electra Manikakis and Producers Peta Ayers, Nick Robinson, Daniel Stoupin, and Pete West for making the film possible. Thank you to Narrator Rose Byrne for voicing talent. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This incredibly peaceful and calming watch introduces the whole family to a world few humans will be able to see in their lifetime.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (A 2013 Short Film from the Netherlands, Released on YouTube USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Life is Beautiful
—animated short film with a beautiful message—has a completely unexpected ending. Worth the watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A very short man finds his strength. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Ben Brand for directing effort. Thank you to YouTube for providing a place for the film’s release. Thank you to NMTRIX Studios for a venue for production. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is very well worth the watch with its sweet message tucked into its story. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 


Ben Meyers 

DESTINATION WEDDING (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Destination Wedding—without the prolonged sex scene mid-show—can easily place for a movie of the year award. The film relies on a movie-making technique rarely used, consistent running dialogue, from its beginning to its end without the usual ‘fluff and stuff’ to increase entertainment value. ‘Fluff and stuff’ is not needed here as the dialogue stands quite well on its own. The movie completely involves the intellect. The writing, extremely sophisticated, examines the human condition of psychologically dissecting why we involve ourselves, as a species, in the ritual of mating, committing, and staying with lifelong partners…the process of falling in love comes under rigid, rigorous scrutiny and satisfactorily delivers its wonderful conclusion with a quite unique bouquet of roses. Incredible and satisfactory entertainment for a sophisticated, adult audience.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Two wedding guests find their place. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Victor Levin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Dinerstein, Cassian Elwes, Wayne Marc Godfrey, James Harris, Mark Lane, Jason Resnick, William Sadlier, and Jean Wyman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Lindsay (Winona Ryder), Frank (Keanu Reeves), Bride (DJ Dallenbach), Groom (Ted Dubost), Frank’s Mother (D. Rosh Wright), Frank’s Stepfather (Greg Lucey), Frank’s Stepfather’s Girlfriend (Donna Lynn Jones), Father of the Bride (Curt Dubost), Wedding Officiant (Michael Mogull), Tenor Sax (Scott Andrews), Upright Double Bass (James Gallardo), and Conga Drum Kit (Sean Sullivan). 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. A well-written, witty film, “O’ Brother Where Art Thou?” has suggestive scenes, but becomes an outstanding watch due to its sophisticated dialogue. Take out the graphic scene in the movie, Destination Wedding, and the movie becomes a 100 percent watch recommendation...a complete 'Yes' recommendation.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1971)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Escape From the Planet of the Apes—third movie in the series—provides a good sequel to the second film Beneath the Planet of the Apes. It’s a good explore within the ‘what if’ and gives a good story on a possible outcome of a situation like this. The gloom and doom trajectory at the movie’s conclusion has a surprising and unexpected twist. The interaction between the Scientist, Dr. Cornelius, Dr. Zira, and Dr Milo has been beautifully dialogued for realism. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Three talking chimpanzees land on Earth in a spacecraft. Professionals are split in their ideas of how to handle this unique situation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Don Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur Jacobs for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Cornelius (Roddy McDowell), Zira (Kim Hunter), Dr. Lewis Dixon (Bradford Dillman), Dr. Stephanie Branton (Natalie Trundy), Dr. Otto Hasslein (Eric Braeden), The President (William Windom), Milo (Sal Mineo), E-1 (Albert Salmi), E-2 (Jason Evers), Chairman (John Randolph), and General Winthrop (Harry Lauter). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a compliment to the second film and plays out well. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

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