FROST/NIXON (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Frost/Nixon—fabulous, tense watch—balances itself with excellent dialogue and a cast that works seamlessly together to tell the story. Watch for Kevin Bacon’s outstanding performance. Pitting Michael Sheen against Frank Langella completely works. This movie is more than worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

David Frost gets an interview with President Nixon after his resignation from the presidency.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer. Ron Howard, Tim Bevan, and Eric Feliner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Platt, and Sam Rockwell.


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful, taut watch and worth watching. 



Ben Meyers

LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile—okay, not great—sports terrific animation of the crocodile but lacks in almost every other category. The movie advertises itself as a musical, but even the music seems displaced and not up to par.  The casting is ‘kind of generic’ with a ho-him feel. It’s lack of pizzaz positions this film as more of a child’s watch and not a high-quality child’s watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hutch Parker, Will Speck, and Josh Gordon for making the film possible. Cast includes: Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Winslow Fegley, Scoot McNairy, Brett Gelman, Ego Nwodim, and Shawn Mendes. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has nothing new to add except the crocodile.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

CAPTAIN MARVEL (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Captain Marvel manages to make a splash in entertainment value even though the story, the presentation, and acting are a bit less than the entertainment value. There is something about this movie that makes its call for a re-watch because it manages to entertain even without the factors that usually determine rewatchable-ness. The movie is just enjoyable from the ‘get-go’. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images   

Storyline 

A Starforce member has recurring nightmares about a person and is led to the place where she interacted in real life with this person. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Annette Bening, Jude Law, and Clark Gregg. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is very well done and more than worth watching. It’s great to see Samuel L. Jackson’s facial features digitalized to make him look younger. Don’t leave before watching the credits roll as there is a bit of entertainment tucked there that is entertaining.

 Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

INTERSTELLAR (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Interstellar—fabulously written—has an exceptionally creative and interesting storyline. The movie accesses the talents of Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, John Lithgow, Michael Cain, Timothée Chalamet, Matt Damon, Makenzie Foy, Casey Affleck, and Jessica Chastain. Watch for short cameos of David Oyelowo, William Devane, and Ellen Berstyne. Director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, and The Prestige) works magic with a story that, under different direction, would have been lost in the realm of unintelligible. Instead, he worked the very good writing and good cast into a highly watchable movie that provides a welcomed stretch to the imagination. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A little girl encounters a ghost in the family library and finally discovers who it is.

 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, and Lynda Obst for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Caine, and Matt Damon. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderfully written story and supports itself on great acting. 

Home Video Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers

THOR: THE DARK WORLD (All-Media World-Wide USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Thor: The Dark World manages to bring a large story to the big screen on higher-than-average levels. The storyline is okay to good and presents itself well. The acting is good, the film is entertaining, and worth watching. It gets the job done for the superhero audience and is worth the time and money spent for that audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Thor and Loki compete head-to-head for control and dominance. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Alan Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akkinnuoye-Agbaje, and Kat Dennings.


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes.  This is worth watching. The graphics special effects are a bit overpowering, but befitting for the realm in which Thor lives. The concluding scenes offer a nice twist that makes a sweet conclusion for the audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man: Homecoming—a type of reboot of the 2002 classic film—does not take the audience through the spider bite and getting superpowers. The movie begins with Spider-Man as the lone vigilante and goes into his recognition by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) as a possible recruit into the Avengers. It’s easy to accept Tom Holland in the role of Spider-Man. The film does not play like the usual super hero movie but it serves as a good watch for the superhero fan and sets itself up for sequels due to the invitation for Spider-Man to become part of the Avengers. Watch for Abraham Attah, from the movie Beast of No Nation, in this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about Spiderman becoming part of the Avengers’ team and the fighting against the use of super-advanced weapons in the hands of criminals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Watts for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., and Laura Harrier. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch and has a nice twist in its concluding scenes seconds before the ending credits roll. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

X-MEN (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men—great concept—entertains and has great casting: Patrick Stewart, James Marsden, Ian McKellan, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Tyler Mane, and Ray Park (Darth Maul character in Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace and Toad in the X-Men).  Watch for Hugh Jackman in his first role as Wolverine. The movie is not the high quality one would expect, but it is suitable and particularly serves the superhero fan.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about a time when it becomes increasingly apparent that not all humans are the same…some are mutants with superhuman abilities…the government intervenes…mutants divide in opinion of how to integrate with humans so they can occupy the same environmental space safely. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Bryan Singer for directing efforts. Thank you to Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter for making the film possible. Cast includes: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Bruce Davison, Rebecca Romin, Ray Park, and Anna Paquin. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the first live-action X-Men film. It is watchable and will suit superhero fans well.

Video Critique Available Here:

 


Ben Meyers 

JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jurassic World Dominion combines the cast from Jurassic Park with the cast of Jurassic World. This makes a noticeable splash onscreen that can be appreciated most by audiences who have followed both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World series. The film almost categorizes itself as a run-of-the-mill dinosaur movie, but it is watchable and, for fans of the series, will provide a good walk down memory lane. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Jurassic World animals roam freely in a modern world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Colin Trevorrow for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Isabella Sermon, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, DeWanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie, BD Wong, and Omar Sy. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is the third film in the Jurassic World series. It is a good to okay watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers




THE LARVA ISLAND MOVIE (Internet Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

The Larva Island Movie—interesting concept—is a sequel to the television series Larva Island (2018-2019) and Larva (2011-2022). It has good animation, great voicing, and suitable presentation. The storyline is a little difficult to interpret well and leaves itself open to different interpretations. This is a South Korean animation effort. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man survives being adrift at sea, tells his story, and the story publishes. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Byoung-Wook Ahn for directing efforts. Cast includes: Hong Bum-ki, Kang Shi Hyun, and Eddy Lee. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a simple watch and has a unique flavor, but is not easily understood. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers 

THE MULE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Mule—very creative and interesting storyline—serves as an exceptionally good watch for the adult audience. Clint Eastwood has deeply layered this film with an elderly man’s life story and thoroughly explores choices as well as outcomes of choices. Watch for the very good pairing of Bradley Cooper and Michael Peña. Know that this film runs on highly amoral lines, has sexual content and violence. It does not serve a wide audience range. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A 90-year-old man becomes a ‘mule’ for a major drug cartel. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Dan Friedkin, Jessica Meier, Tim Moore, Kristina Rivera, and Bradley Thomas for making the film possible. Cast includes: Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, and Andy Garcia. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie earns its watch and the investment of time and money. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

HANNA (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hanna—fresh and highly creative story concept—reveals the outstanding acting talents of Saoirse Ronan. Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett do a terrific job of creating suspense as they work against each other as secret agents. The movie is tense, suspenseful, and completely unique—a well-done drama thriller that makes a good watch for an adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl, engineered to be a super soldier, decides to leave her final training and search for her past and her future. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Wright for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Leslie Holleran, Marty Adelstein, and Scott Nemes for making the film possible. Cast includes: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Vicky Krieps. Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams, Michelle Dockery, Jessica Barden, Jason Flemyng, and Cate Blanchett. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is completely engaging and worth its watch. Be aware that the film exercises excessive and graphic violence. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

SR. (Video Release World-Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sr.—great camera work—uses black and white effects which allow a unique audience focus on dialogue rather than being distracted by color. The movie is like a whole that has been fragmented into many pieces which the audience needs to make into a whole…much in the same way as one would study a Picasso piece of art and may try to piece it back together for understanding. Director Chris Smith fabulously catches the dichotomy between two lives and the way they affect each other and the preparatory work that leads to Jr. Downey’s terrific success as an actor. Be aware this movie is intensely personal and sentimental. The final scenes are particularly moving and Downey Jr.s’ final concluding lines warrant the entire watch. 

Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Robert Downey, Jr. creates a movie that documents some of the last years that he and his father share together. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey, Emily Barclay Ford, and Kevin Ford for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Downey Sr. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has been formatted in a type of collage and becomes particularly interesting in that it raises more questions than it answers. It particularly is of interest to persons who wish to know more about the Downey family. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

THE WAR WAGON (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The War Wagon—one of John Wayne’s better films—is told well and presented well. The story, as are many westerns, does not reach classic status, but does receive a higher score than most westerns because Wayne, by this date, has completely matured as an actor with a strong, visible, dominating screen presence. Kirk Douglas plays as co-actor. The duo make a great team. Watch for other classic actors: Bruce Cabot, Bruce Dern, Howard Keel, and Keenan Wynn. It’s an honest watch and deserves addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A rancher, after release from prison, desires return of his property. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Burt Kennedy for making the film possible. Thank you to Producer Marvin Schwartz for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Howard Keel, Robert Walker Jr., Bruce Cabot, Keenan Wynn, and Joanna Barnes. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its age, this movie is more than worth watching. It has lost none of its entertainment value through the years. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

UNBROKEN (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Unbroken—one of Angelina Jolie’s better works as director, not as good as her movie First They Killed My Father—rates as ‘no shab.’.It’s very well-done in every area and has a terrific storyline to work with. This true-to-life story of Louis Zamperini is well worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Italian man, raised in the United States, becomes a winning Olympic runner and then serves in World War II. When his airplane crashes in the ocean, he and his teammates need to survive. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Angelina Jolie for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Angelina Jolie, Matthew Baer, Erwin Stoff, and Clayton Townsend for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, and Finn Wittrock. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Very well-done film. It’s worth its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

THE CALL OF THE WILD (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Call of the Wild—better than the 1972 Charlton Heston interpretation—uses animated animals as did Peter Jackson in The Lord of the Rings. Especially note the animal, Buck, for exceptionally life-like animation except he seems more human-like and above the intelligence level of real dogs. This also seems to have affected the acting relationship between the dog and Harrison Ford at certain junctions in the movie. This is not considerably noticeable so that the story becomes affected. This is a good watch and quite entertaining. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The story focus is about a dog, lost to its owner, who is taken to Alaska to act as a sled dog for mail delivery. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Sanders for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Erwin Stoff and James Mangold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, and Bradley Whitford. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie bases itself on the classic novel of the same name written by Jack London. It’s one of the better renditions of this story. 

Video Critique Available Here: 



Ben Meyers

GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK. (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Good Night, and Good Luck.—the unusual and unique format for telling this story, works fabulously. David Strathairn perfectly shows the audience the character of Edward R. Murrow and what he wanted.  Look for Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels, and George Clooney as supporting cast. The movie can be easily missed because of its unassuming poster and lack of advertising, but know it is a WOW! watch because of subject matter and the way it concludes. A small criticism is that the same jazz singer is accessed repeatedly through the film. It would have been welcome to have a variety of singers for the background music. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A movie about newscaster Edward R. Murrow. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Clooney for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Grant Heslove for making the film possible. Cast includes: David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney, Jeff Daniels, Robert Downey Jr., Frank Langella, Ray Wise, and Tate Donovan. 


Buy a ticket
? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is wonderful if only for the format used in telling the story. WOW! What a concept and presentation! The movie earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:



Ben Meyers

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