HATARI! (Theatrical Release USA 1962)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hatari!—one of John Wayne’s better works—features a great deal of African scenery and wildlife. It has a little romance thrown in at all the right places and has an interest factor of how wild animals were caught before using tranquilizing guns. Watch for Bruce Cabot and Red Buttons as well as lesser-known cast members that create a good team. Thank you to Director Howard Hawks for making a film worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A team of workers who legally supply animals to zoos and animal parks have a series of adventures and misadventures while capturing wild animals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Howard Hawks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Howard Hawks for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Hardy Krüger, Elsa Martinelli, Red Buttons, Gerard Blain, Bruce Cabot, Michèle Girardon, Valentin Devargas, Eduardo Franz, Queenie Leonard, Jon Chevron, Sam Harris, Cathy Lewis,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie earns its watch with its simple, but solid, story set in Africa. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

 

BUMBLEBEE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bumblebee—good showcase for actress Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit (2010) actress)—serves at the level of a fun watch that plays well. It is a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl finds that the car she has been given is really a transformer. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Travis Knight for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, and Mark Vahradian for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hailee Steinfeld, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Cena, Jason Drucker, Pamala Adlon, Stephen Schneider, Ricardo Hoyos, John Ortiz, Glynn Terman, Len Cariou, Kollen Holtz, Gracie Dzienny, Fed Dryer, and Isabelle Ellingson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is just fun all the way through. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase—simple, cute story that is different from the 2007 movie version—draws viewers in with its tie to an old classic, the Nancy Drew mysteries book set. No matter how good or bad it may be, there is a desire to see the movie because of that tie. Know that this movie is a run-of-the-mill for the young teen mystery fan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Nancy meets an elderly woman who believes her house has become haunted and Nancy is on the case. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Katt Shea for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Kleeman, and Chip Diggins for directing effort. Cast includes: Sophia Lillis, Zoe Renee, Mackenzie Graham, Andrea Anders, Sam Trammell, Linda Lavin, Andrew Matthew Welch, Jon Briddell, Jesse C. Boyd, Evan Castelloe, Josh Daugherty Jay DeVon Johnson and Ayanna Wardlow,. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Run-of-the-mill story for a new generation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Central Intelligence surprises with its solid story built around comedy and action scenes. It relies on very good interaction between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. Be aware that as a family watch there is some nudity and sexual references built into the story. They contribute nothing to the storyline except to limit the viewer audience. 

Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An old high school acquaintance reconnects with an accountant and asks him to come meet him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rawson Marshall Thurber for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Scott Stuber, Peter Principato, Paul Young, and Michael Fottrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet, Jason Bateman, Aaron Paul, Ryan Hansen, Tim Griffin, Timothy John Smith, Sione Kelepi, Dylan Boyack, Thomas Kretschmann, Megan Park, George Carroll, and Aaron Paul. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This well-presented movie couples action with comedy and comes up with a good entertainment piece. The film can easily be missed due to its lack-luster poster. Don't let its poster fool you. It’s a surprisingly good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TAKEN 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Taken 3—good movie—continues to access the acting skill of Liam Neeson to tell the Bryan Mills' "Taken" stories. This movie follows the basic format of high action within the gangster world. Watch for a welcome, good performance by Forrest Whitaker. The movie will not disappoint fans of this series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action thriller film is about: Bryan Mills' ex-wife is dead and he tries to solve the mystery. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Olivier Megaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Luc Besson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Dougray Scott, Sam Spruell, Don Harvey, Dylan Bruno, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, Jonny Weston, Andrew Borba, and Judi Beecher. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is very well done and worth watching. It is great to see Liam Neeson in these types of films. They work particularly well for him as he presents just the right amount of caring and emotional involvement to create realism and believability. He carries the emotional appeal well.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

MISSING IN ACTION (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Missing in Action—run-of-the-mill action flick—uses high nudity and strong reliance on Vietnamese street scenes to drive its story. Watch for some poor stage settings at the beginning of the movie before it enters more realistic scenery later in the show. Lots of noise, violence, and general patronage to Chuck Norris-type grit completely satisfies the Chuck Norris action fan base and serves as an okay watch with its 1980s storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action war film is about: looking for and releasing prisoners of war in Vietnam. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joseph Zito for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chuck Norris, M. Emmett Walsh, David Tress, Lenore Kasdorf, James Hong, Ernie Ortega, Pierrino Mascarino, Erich Anderson, Joseph Carberry, Avi Kleinberger, Willie Williams, Ric Segreto, Bella Flores, and Gil Arceo.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is a high action movie that has strong focus on street scenes and stage settings in Vietnam. It serves at the adult level due to high nudity and sexual themes and is an okay afternoon watch for the mature audience. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BELLE (Fantastic Fest Release Austin Texas USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Belle—uniquely marks itself with some surprisingly WOW! singing—unfortunately drops into a sad copy/paste of the Beauty and the Beast story. The audience immediately asks ‘Where did that come from?’ and that question makes the rest of the film falter in entertainment value. The movie got high ratings by many in the entertainment world, but it is not that great in storyline or in portrayal. If one can get past all the glamour and hype, the movie becomes an okay watch, not an outstanding watch. For English speakers there is an English version of the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl finds a way to re-start a singing career. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mamoru Hosoda for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Nozomu Takahashi, Yuichiro Saito, Toshimi Tanio, and Genki Kawamura for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shôta Sometani, Tina Tamashiro, Lilas Ikuta, Ryôko Moriyama, Michico Shimizu, Fuyumi Sakamoto, Yoshimi Iwasaki, Sachiyo Nakao, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Mamoru Miyano, Sumi Shimamoto, and Koji Yakusho. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The singing is probably the best part of the film. The storyline is a bit mediocre, but the animation is really good with soft and appealing background scenery. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SON OF FLUBBER (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Son of Flubber—sequel to The Absent-Minded Professor—runs on a  simple, fun, and goofy theme. Fred MacMurray reprises his role as Professor Ned Brainard. While its not a great story and does not have a terrific presentation, it still serves as an easy-on-the-mind watch that does not require a great deal of audience emotional involvement to enjoy. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a professor’s attempts to get an invention approved by the US Government. The expected revenue does not materialize and he works on another invention.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Ed Wynn, Charles Ruggles, Leon Ames, Ken Murray, William Demarest, Paul Lynd, Elliott Reid, Bob Sweeney, Joanna Moore and Edward Andrews. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a clean, decent, afternoon watch that contains its fair share of comical dialogue. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE OLD WAY (Released to Video On Demand USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Old Way—surprising story with an unexpected conclusion—becomes one of those ‘don’t judge the movie from its poster’ films. It serves the needs of the western genre audience quite well, has a fresh storyline despite adherence to the traditional revenge story of the western. Nicolas Cage does his part well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A gunman changes his life, when he gets married and begins managing a general goods store, but his past finds him for one last shootout 20 years later. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brett Donowho for directing effort. Thank you to Producers R. Bryan Wright, Micah Haley, Sasha Yelaun, Robert Paschall Jr., Brett Donowho, Colin Floom, and Fred Roos for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Nicolas Cage, Ryan Kiera Armstrong,  Clint Howard, Katelyn Le Bauer, Noah Le Gros, Abraham Benrubi, Nick Searcy, Dean Armstrong, Phillip Aguirre, Everett Blunck, Brett Donowho, Shilo Fernandez, Corby Griesenbeck, and Boyd Kestner. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie has good presentation and serves western movie expectations at the fair to good level. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: The Last Knight has the highest rating of any Transformers movie to this date on Ben Meyers International Movie Critics. WOW! This Transformers movie hit all the bells and whistles with terrific special effects, acting, and presentation. Mark Wahlberg is the perfect casting choice for this movie series. The story is more complicated, but not so complicated to become unintelligible. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

In King Arthur’s time, the wizard Merlin is given a staff to help King Arthur win a deadly battle. Later, Merlin hides the staff. In current times, the war between earth and the transformers continues and a need to find and use the staff arises. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel, Laura Haddock, Santiago Cabrera, Isabela Mersed, Jarrod Carmichael, Stanley Tucci, Liam Garrigan, Martin McCreadie, Rob Witcomb, Marcus Fraser, John Hollingworth, and Daniel Adegboyega.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The special effects are at the WOW! level and are presented very well. This movie is more than worth watching. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FURIOUS 7 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Furious 7—WOW!—encapsulates everything we know and love about this series  The Fast and Furious spirit is back in a furious way. Everything in this movie—the action, acting, special effects, presentation, and story—works. The movie surpasses all expectations of what this franchise can provide. Watch for good performance by Jason Statham and look for the cameo of Lucas Black in this movie. This is one film that is a Winner from the word go. This film has some suggestive themes and/or partial nudity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two criminals receive pardons and have re-settled in the United States but their criminal past catches up with them and they find themselves battling for their lives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fottrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Lucas Black, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Gal Gadot, John Brotherton, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch for Fast and Furious fans. No disappointment here. The film is great from the word go.   

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

War for the Planet of the Apes—very good camera work, acting, and special effects—intersperses its story with enlargement and explication of the old movie series. This movie is the best of the series of films. Planet of the Apes fans will not be disappointed in this watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A war develops between humans and apes for ultimate dominance of earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Reeves for directing the film. Thank you to Producers Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Amiah Miller, Terry Notary, Ty Olsson, Michael Adamthwaite, Toby Kebbell, Gabriel Chavarria, Judy Greer, Sara Canning, Devyn Dalton, and Aleks Paunovic.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie plays within a highly realistic framework and, while it is more darkly themed than other Planet of the Apes films, it earns its watch and will be appreciated particularly by Planet of the Apes movie fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REMEMBER THE TITANS (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Remember the Titans—inspirational sports film—accesses the acting talents of Denzel Washington. Watch particularly for the terrific acting by Hayden Panetierre as Coach Yoast’s daughter. This film is a good addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A black football coach is hired to coach in an all-white high school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Boaz Yakin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood, Ethan Suplee, Kip Pardue Hayden Panettiere, Nicole Ari Parker, Kate Bosworth, Earl Poitier, Ryan Gosling, and Burgess Jenkins. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good sports film with a great storyline. It is worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BIG MOMMA’S HOUSE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Big Momma’s House—Martin Lawrence and Paul Giamatti—works comedy from suggestive dialogue and scenes. It’s an entertaining watch for the teen/adult audience. Watch for a good performance by Anthony Anderson. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two FBI agents track the ex-girlfriend of an escaped convict in hopes of recovering the money he stole from a bank. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Raja Gosnell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Friendly and Michael Green for making the film possible. Cast includes: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Paul Giamatti, Jascha Washington, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Ella Mitchell, Carl Wright, Phyllis Applegate, Starletta DuPois, Jessie Mae Holmes, Nicole Prescott, Octavia Spencer, and Tichina Arnold. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has a good storyline, good acting, and good presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RED PLANET (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Red Planet as a whole lacks likableness. It is flat with no life and has a weak conclusion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An effort to terraform Mars becomes a troubled venture. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Antony Hoffman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Canton, Bruce Berman, and Jorge Saralegui for making the film possible. Cast includes: Val Kilmer, Carrie-Anne Moss, Tom Sizemore, Benjamin Bratt, Simon Baker, Terence Stamp, Jessica Morton, Caroline Bossi, Bob Neill, and Neil Ross. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie runs at the average level. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

PATCH ADAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Patch Adams—Robin Williams—sells the idea of a way for medical doctors to act in a more compassionate way with hospital staff and patients. This movie may not be an A-grade film, but it tells a need-to-be-told story.  Well-written and presented, the movie more than deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man develops a desire to become a doctor and introduces unorthodox ways of treating patients. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom Shadyac for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mike Farrell, Barry Kemp, Marvin Minoff, Charles Newirth, and Marsha Garces Williams. Cast includes Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton, Josef Sommer, Irma P. Hall, Frances Lee McCain, Harve Presnell, Daniella Kuhn, Peter Coyote, James Greene, Michael Jeter, and Harold Gould. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a wonderful film to watch, has heart, and makes the audience think about the medical profession in a different way. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers