THE MARTIAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Martian—WOW!—easily becomes an excellent addition to the home video library. The star-studded, hot-ticket cast (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Donald Glover, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Benedict Wong (from Marvel Comics)) are well-mixed. Jeff Daniels shows his versatility when one thinks of him in this movie versus Dumb and Dumber or State of Play.  The movie earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A team works to rescue a man left behind on Mars. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Drew Goddard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peňa, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Mackenzie Davis, and Donald Glover. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful sci-fi movie and worth its watch; a well-done film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

DETONATOR (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Detonator—poor script—needs improvement due to the script writing. However, the movie is a perfect example of the director and actors making the best of a script that is not high quality. They show true craftsmanship as they work with what has been given and make it shine the best they can. Pierce Brosnan, Patrick Stewart. Alexandra Paul, Ted Levine, and Christopher Lee produce a solid 3.8|5.0 Star film that stands a little above most 3.8 rated films. Know that the film still makes a fair watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about international witness protection. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Peter Snell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Pierce Brosnan, Patrick Stewart, Christopher Lee, Ted Levine, and Alexandra Paul. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good show and worth watching as a quick afternoon watch. 

* Also known as Death Train

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers 

WHITE WOLVES: GHOSTS OF THE ARCTIC (DVD Release Germany 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

White Wolves: Ghosts of the Artic—short film documentary—earns its watch as a good study of wolf behavior during pup raising time. The filming takes place on Canada’s Ellesmere Island. The camera work is very good; the story is simple and interesting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about the struggle to raise wolf pups before winter strikes in the Arctic. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Oliver Goetzl and Barbara Doran for directing and writing effort. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is an interesting documentary and worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

DEEPWATER HORIZON (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Deepwater Horizon—GREAT special effects—follows them with good acting and presentation. The movie could be rewatched just to observe the special effects. Because this movie bases itself on an actual event, it allows viewers to get inside that event to experience what it could be like to have an oil rig explode. Watch for the cameo of Trace Adkins, the western singer and actor, toward the end of the movie. The movie mixes the elements of suspense and thrill to earn its rights to time and financial expenditure. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An oil rig malfunctions, and the lives of all workers become endangered. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, and David Womark for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O’Brien, and Kate Hudson. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is well done and worth watching. 



Ben Meyers

DUNE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Dune—read a plotline before going—works at an exceptionally high level of complication and sophistication. This is an intellectual watch that may be completely appreciated by a limited audience with specialized knowledge. It is not as interesting, nor as good as the original movie, but the film does elaborate on Baron Vladimir Harkonnen’s character and about his position in moving the story forward. While the cast is star-studded, it surprisingly, at times, needs more realistic acting and consistency in acting skills. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family has become powerful due to its control of ‘spice’. A ruler decides that a new family needs to control the ‘spice.’ 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Denis Villeneuve for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve, and Eric Roth for making the film possible. Cast includes: Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is interesting to see the differences between the original Dune and this story (which has been completely rewritten with bits of the original story sprinkled in at curtain junctures). There is little to recommend this movie to a general audience other than to see new actors coming into their professional maturity and to view some very good special effects, makeup artists' terrific abilities, and some fantastic architectural structures. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Legend of Tarzan—fun and almost exciting at times—did well in its casting of Alexander Skarsgȁrd for the part of Tarzan. It is good to see Samuel L. Jackson as part of this cast. Surprisingly, in a much overly done story, this remake turns into a fairly good watch that adds more depth to the original films about Tarzan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An embellishment on the original Tarzan stories. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Jerry Weintraub, David Barron, Alan Riche, and Tony Ludwig for making the film possible. Cast includes: Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, and Christoph Waltz. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Fun and watchable. Good work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

INFERNO (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Inferno—complicated, but not unintelligible—is the third and final film of the Dan Brown book series. Director Ron Howard shows his mettle as a director who plumbs the depths of the story to accent its highlights as well as demanding the most from his casted actors. The movie relies on a series of flashbacks, always a difficult presentation to work with because it requires extreme dedication to continuity and deep audience engagement to follow the story. Director Howard pulls both story requirements off well. It’s a good movie to watch when an audience desires that deeper level of engagement and easily earns its right to sit in the home video library along with the previous Dan Brown movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An amnesiac has difficulty putting together scattered memories. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Irrfan Khan, Omar Sy, Ben Foster, and Sidse Babett Knudsen. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie works at the complicated level and earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

MAN OF STEEL (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Man of Steel—huge improvement over the original 1978 film Superman with Christopher Reeve—accesses the acting talents of Henry Cavill for the role of Superman and Russell Crowe for the role of Jor-El. Both choices are outstanding. The presentation, writing, special effects are on par. The acting works from the good to very good. Superman fans should be well-pleased with this production’s enhancements. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline.

Superman once again fills his role as fighter for the good of Earth’s inhabitants. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Zack Snyder for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, and Deborah Snyder for making the film possible. Cast includes: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Russell Crowe. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Be aware the film especially appeals to Superman fans. 

Video Critique Available Here: 


Ben Meyers

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF DAWN TREADER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of Dawn Treader—simple enough for the child, complicated enough for the adult—presents a storyline that is not up to par with either the child or adult audience. Then again, this movie has better presentation than the second film in the series possibly because so much of it has been moved to water stage scenes. Be aware the film works on a bland level and somehow misses the mark of a good, high quality show. The acting works at the good to okay level. The animal animation and costuming are commendable. Watch for quite excellent dragon animation. For investment capital, this may have been considered a risky investment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Lucy develops a deeper relationship with Aslan. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Apted directing effort. For directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Johnson, Andrew Adamson, and Philip Steuer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter, and Tilda Swinton. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This film completes the Chronicles of Narnia movie series. The story ends on a happy note. The movie will satisfy the Chronicles of Narnia movie audience.

Video Movie Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

MULAN (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Mulan raises the question: What is Disney going for in this film? It seems flat due to its less than epic visual techniques. The acting and presentation range from good to okay and the movie itself does not compete well with other Mulan movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Mulan, a female with high Chi, decides to use it.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Niki Caro for directing effort. Thank you to Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, and Jason Reed for making the film possible. Cast includes: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Gong Li, and Jet Li. 


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a good to okay watch. It is interesting to see Donnie Yen play in a Disney film. The animated movie version of Mulan is a better entertainment piece than this live version.

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

 

FORD VS. FERRARI (Theatrical Release USA 2019)


 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ford Vs. Ferrari earns its place on Ben Meyers Movie Critics’ Best Films list. It deserves its WOW! and BRAVO! and could easily be watched more than once. Great acting by Matt Damon and Christian Bale who team beautifully in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Competition between automakers as well as a good look at the development of the Ford GT40. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Jenno Topping, and James Mangold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, and Josh Lucas. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a film that makes its audience feel like they get a true insider view into the auto racing world. Excellent entertainment ride. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

KANGAROO VALLEY (Video on Demand (VOD) World-Wide 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Kangaroo Valley—excellent camera work, crystal clear HD imaging—has nothing new to present to the audience. Everything, from the narrator to the organization of each scene is professionally done. In the end, though, it is a documentary much like ones that would have been presented on television in the 1960s. The story itself moves slowly. It is an easy-on-the-mind, quiet watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary follows life events of a joey kangaroo. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kylie Stott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ari Mark and Phil Lott for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sarah Snook. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is what it is,…a wildlife show delivered in HD with crystal clear imaging and a good storyline. It may be a good watch for children but know it is around an hour long and may not hold the attention of youngest viewers.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

THE SWIMMERS (Video on Demand Release World-Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Swimmers—wonderful watch—quickly becomes an inspirational film that deeply delineates the plight of refugees, the cost of relocating from one country to another, and the nearly impossible circumstances that frame refugees: homelessness, health issues, abandonment by transporters, and ability to find safe housing, regular meals, and necessary clothing. A champion’s story that presents miracle after miracle that needs to happen to make the transition possible as well as delivering the chilling message of the cost of relocation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Documentary about Olympic swimmers and their efforts to reach Olympic competition. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sally El Hosaini for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Ali Jaafar, and Tim Cole for making the film possible. Cast includes: Nathalie Issa, Manal Issa, Ahmed Malek, Matthias Schweighofer, Ali Suliman, Kinda Alloush, and James Floyd. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. WOW! film with a strong dose of reality in every bite is a great presentation of perseverance in following  dreams. Good subtitles and voiceovers. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

VOLCANO: RESCUE FROM WHAKAARI (Video on Demand World Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari—odd and sad event—is the story of White Island Volcano in New Zealand that erupted in 2019 with steam and other material, nearly destroyed several groups of tourists, and left many physically scarred. This is the story of the survivors, the ones who did not survive, and provides a back story on the event. What a film! Very informative and well put together. One of the better documentaries on the market. Worth its watch. Crafted more for the teen/adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Documentary about the people who lived and died during and after a volcanic eruption in New Zealand. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rory Kennedy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jennifer Davisson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Phillip Watson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Inman, Hazel Osborne, Pouroto Ngaropo, Andy McGregor, Lauren Urey, Matt Urey, Jesse Langford, Geoff Hopkins, Kelsey Waghorn, Brian DePauw, Ngaroahiahi Patuwai Maangi, Isaac Tait, and Jason Hewitt. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch that not only brings a part of New Zealand alive but introduces several different ways of thinking that humans do when getting ready to engage activities that may be dangerous. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers


THE BALCONY (From CalArts (California Institute of Arts) Santa Clarita California Released on YouTube USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Balcony—short film—attempts to graphically define loneliness and the need to connect with others. The short film shows a vignette of modern life and an audience may be left with a boring, sadness that is difficult to shake after watching. The simple animation begins with a top-down view, which is a nice variation from many short films. It’s simply animated but its story seems too much like real life to fall in love with it as entertainment. It is what it is 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Define loneliness attempt marks this short movie. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Anya Martin for directing effort. CalArts student film distributing on YouTube. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is what it is; a good effort. One interpretation may not be what the writers wanted the audience to take away. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

 

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Avengers: Age of Ultron—this second film is better than the first Avengers movie—has a type of synergy that the first movie could not accomplish. Watch for some new superheroes like Vision and Wanda (from Disney+ television) who are incorporated into this movie’s storyline and, of course, the traditional sneaking in of Stan Lee in a cameo appearance. This film’s Marvel characters overflow like a huge bouquet on a small table and provide a basically good entertainment piece. Good work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The strongest and best fighters for earth join forces to rid it of the latest threat to its peace and happiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Joss Whedon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victoria Alonso, Louis D’Esposito, Jon Favreau, Alan Fine, Jeremy Latcham, Stan Lee, and Patricia Whitcher for making the film possible. Cast members include: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a bit better than its prequel, can be enjoyed as a family, and earns its watch.  

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

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