HACKSAW RIDGE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hacksaw Ridge—one film that can be watched over and over. This movie is rich in detail both in storyline and camera work. Watch for a terrific performance by Andrew Garfield. Mel Gibson shows his directing mettle in this movie and draws the best from the story, the camera crew, and the actors. The story has been plumbed to its very depth and accurately portrayed. Look for Hugo Weaving, Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn, and Mel Gibson’s son, Milo Gibson, in the cast. The movie, wonderfully orchestrated, has amazing war scenes. Mel Gibson struts his talents in the direction of this story. It deserves a place in the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A conscientious objector voluntarily enlists in the military and serves without being armed. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mel Gibson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Mechanic, David Permut, Terry Benedict, Paul Currie, Bruce Davey, Brian Oliver, and William D. Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Vaughn, and Richard Pyros. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This war movie has terrific stage settings, does not spare the audience the reality of field battle, brings a true story to the forefront of world attention, and the power of living one’s convictions. It’s a movie about the importance of life and preservation of life. Wonderful, wonderful film to watch. It’s an impact movie that makes its point well. A huge thank you to Mel Gibson and his crew for making another wonderful production. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CLAUS FAMILY 2 (VOD (Video on Demand) Release Belgium 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

The Claus Family 2—interesting concept—has a long way to go to reach watchable status. Many cast members reprise their roles to include: Jan Decleir, Mo Bakker, Stephaan Degand, Bracha Van Doesburgh, to name a few. This film does not improve in quality from the first movie, The Claus Family. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Christmas time is here and everyone is gearing up for the holidays and Jules wants to help a little girl get her parents back. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ruben Vandenborre for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Willem Pruijssers, Ruben Vandenborre, and Anthony Van for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Jan Decleir, Mo Bakker, Bracha van Doesburgh, Renée Soutendijk, Eva van der Gucht, Josje Huisman, Stefaan Degand, Janne Desmet. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie needs to plumb the emotions of the Christmas spirit and weave that into the film.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

GOLDEN HOUR (Internet Release USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Golden Hour—short film—is eye-candy for film buffs and makers. This short film is organized and captures the word ‘hectic’. Voice cast seems accomplished. It sets itself for a larger, comedic performance and does seem as if it is drawn from a larger idea. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This short movie is about the hectic life of producing movies. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sophie Li , Yan Li, Gabriel Regnier, Quentin Rigaux, Adel Sabi, and Jeremy Ye for directing effort Thank you to Producer Cecil Blondel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Zhang Yu, Stéphane Boucher, Lemmy Constantine, Yann Bean, Aimee La Joie, Jennifer Belobi, Zihao Guo, and Youngsun Lee-Tual. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch for film buffs and film makers alike. Good work for all involved in production.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

99 HOMES (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

99 Homes—above par acting—follows an orderly construction pattern and presents a good case for its basic premise of real estate corruption. Michael Shannon (World Trade Center) gives a highly realistic performance as does Andrew Garfield and Laura Dern. The movie is above average and more than earns its watch. Great work for all involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about the United States real estate collapse and activity that may have triggered that collapse. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ramin Bahrani for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ashok Amritraj, Ramin Bahrani, Kevin Turen, Justin Nappi for making the film possible. Cast includes:Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Tim Guinee, and Laura Dern. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is presented as fictional and presents a theory about the United States real estate crash. Complex and worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SAFE (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Safe—Jason Statham, the definition of hero in action flicks—shows strength, compassion, and how loyalty to a cause develops. This is a good watch for the adult action fan. The fight scenes are above average. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young math genius is saved by an ex-N.Y. cop from Thugs. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Boaz Yakin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Bender, Dana Brunetti, and Joseph Zolfo for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Statham 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is for the adult audience and more than worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL (Encounters Film Festival or Encounters South African international Documentary Film Festival, Cape Town and Johannesburg South Africa 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool—Miles Davis, the iconic jazz trumpeter—presents an uncommon story from his early age to his mid 60s and a resurrection of a failed career in the 1980s. Honest story and a good watch for Miles Davis fans. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The documentary is about Miles Davis, his times, his life, and his music.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stanley Nelson Jr. for directing effort. Thank you to Stanley Nelson Jr. and Nicole London for making the film possible. Cast includes: Carl Lumbly, Miles Davis, Reginald Petty, Quincy Troupe, Farah Griffin, Lee Annie Bonner, Ashley Kahn, Benjamin Cawthra, and Billy Eckstine. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good documentary for the adult audience, educational, and a great watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

 

PETER PAN (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Peter Pan—just when one thinks a remake doesn’t deliver—is one remake that earns its watch. The stage settings and costuming are eye-candy while the liveliness of presentation is well done. The casting choices are beautifully done. Enough attention has been allotted to the basic storyline to keep it true to expectations. This one is a very good addition to the family home video library.  The movie is a great child/adult share film. It has been really well done. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The classic Peter Pan story gets a live action treatment. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director P. J. Hogan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lucy Fisher, Douglas Wick, and Patrick McCormick for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jeremy Sumpter, Jason Isaacs, Rachel Hurd Wood, Richard Briers, Olivia Williams, and Lynn Redgrave. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This movie has beautiful costumes, terrific stage settings and is pretty much the quality of the original 1953 Disney animated classic.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SON OF THE MASK (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Son of the Mask—okay in every category—accesses the talents of Alan Cummings instead of Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Bob Hoskins  instead of Anthony Hopkins as Odin. The film is not great but watchable. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The movie is abou

t a mask that changes the personality of the individual who decides to wear it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Lawrence Guterman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Erica Huggins and Scott Kroop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jamie Kennedy, Alan Cumming, Traylor Howard, Steven Wright, Kal Penn, and Bob Hoskins. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is different and watchable.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE LEGEND OF THE LONE RANGER (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

The Legend of the Lone Ranger—good stage settings—runs as an okay film to fill an afternoon. There are a few interesting scenes that team President Ulysses Grant with Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, and George Custer which is odd but an interesting concept to add to the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The film is about a man and his native American friend who decide to establish law, order, and justice in the west as a team. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director William Fraker for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Coblenza for making the film possible. Cast includes: Klinton Spilsbury, Michael Horse, Christopher Lloyd, Matt Clark, Juanin Clay, and Jason Robards. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The film needs a boost in portrayal and acting. If the audience is looking for a walk down memory lane, then it might work for a childhood return to the Saturday morning format of The Lone Ranger televised series broadcast for children, but expectations run a little higher for a theater release. The movie comes off as superficial. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PORTABLE DOOR (Theatrical Release Australia 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Portable Door—terrific stage settings, great concept—serves as a highly intellectual watch, completely entertains, intriguing, almost mind-bending at times, and re-watchable. Ethereal and well-timed for effect, look for those difficult to connect the dots scenes. Terrific watch that The Jim Henson Company gives birth to is far beyond the Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and friends and is more than ready to teach something much deeper than 1,2,3 and A,B,C. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This fantasy film is about the search for a portable door that will provide freedom and healing of many persons who are related in one way or another to each other.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jeffrey Walker for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Blanca Listar and Todd Fellman for making the film possible. Cast includes Patrick Gibson, Sophie Wilder, Miranda Otto, Rachel House, Chris Pang, Jessica De Gouw, Damon Herriman, Sam Neil, and Christoph Waltz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Jim Henson  Company film works at the intellectual level and has a high level, ethereal feel to it. One may wish to watch it a second time due to its extremely rich development of story. It is completely worth its watch. Do not expect a Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy-styled story. This movie is exceptionally sophisticated. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CALL ME KATE (Video on Demand Release USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Call Me Kate—documentary on legendary Katharine Hepburn—gives terrific insight into the personality of Katharine Hepburn and how she expressed that personality. This honest documentary does not spare anything in her personal life. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary film is about Katharine Hepburn’s thinking processes that led to the major life decisions she made. 

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Lorna Tucker for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Cast includes: Anthony Hopkins, Lauren Bacall, Angela Lansbury, Ava Gardner, Katharine Hepburn, Clark Gable, Dick Cavett, Tayah Willcox, Katharine Houghton, Larry King, Kat Kramer, Bonnie Greer, and Angela Allen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This documentary focuses a great deal on the independent personality of Katharine Hepburn while following her career as the secondary underlying story. It’s a no-apology movie that provides a look at an upper class lifestyle within a close-knit family. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

LET’S EAT (San Diego International Film Festival San Diego California USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars
ììì 

Let’s Eat--cute and sweet/sour short film, the story of us all. The animation is really good with that nice, quiet, soft feel. The storyline is well-timed and written. The presentation and portrayal are surprisingly well-done for such a short film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a mother who comforts and protects her daughter and, then, in the cycle of life, the girl grows up to comfort and protect her daughter. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dixon Wong for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Takashi Cheng for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Anna Xie, Gina Su, Nora Ng-Quinn, and Amy Quo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This short film is well-written and nicely timed for maximum impact.

 Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

COCAINE BEAR (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Cocaine Bear—over-the-top gore and violence—may remind audiences of the film 28 Weeks Later due to the exceptional violence. The stage settings are natural and closely adhere to the settings found on United States Forest Service lands. Know this film has not been created as a family watch even though it has been advertised as a comedy of sorts. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a bear who finds ditched cocaine and ingests it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Elizabeth Banks for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Brian Duffield, and Aditya Sood for making the film possible. Cast includes: Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Christian Convery, Alden Ehrenreich, Brooklynn Prince, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Margo Martindale, and Ray Liotta. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Be warned this movie is for the adult audience and works on a extremely bloody, gory storyline, 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

LEGEND OF THE WOLF* (Theatrical Release Hong Kong 1997)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Legend of the Wolf—concept is in place—does not work within the framework of traditional Donnie Yen-quality entertainment as found in the Ip Man movie series. The best fight scene found in the movie is about 17 minutes toward the end of the film. The movie focuses on the quality of fight choreography. Not a lot of storyline, good cinematography for its time, stage settings are well-done. The movie can be gory and quite violent. It is an okay watch for a lazy afternoon and doesn’t offer anything new or outstanding. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An aged martial arts master tells the story of his long career to an upstart youth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Donnie Yen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Donnie Yen for making the film possible. Cast includes: Donnie Yen, Dayo Wong, Carman Lee, Ben Lam, Edmond Leung, and Mak Wai-cheung. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie focuses on fighting with dialogue made almost entirely of repetitive grunts and groans like the sound effects from many computer games like Mortal Kombat entertainment. The film works as an okay afternoon watch but there’s not much new here and the storyline is practically non-existent.

*Also Known as: The New Big Boss or Chin long suet 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

ROBO (Theatrical Release Russia USA 2019)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Robo shows flashes of heart throughout its story. The robot is well animated. The actors perform at the okay level. The versatility of voice actor Sergey Bezrukov is outstanding. Unfortunately, the film’s poor portrayal gets in the way of its entertainment capability. Character development runs at the minimal to zero level. The writing is simple, which is not a bad thing, but in this case it is not interesting. This movie just is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a boy who wants to be an artist versus parents who want him to be an engineer. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sarik Andreasyan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Semyon Shcherbovich-Vecher for making the film possible. Cast includes: Danill Izotov, Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Sergey Bezrukov, Mariya Mironova, Konstantin Layronenko, Hrant Tokhatyan, Liza Moryak, Kristina Orsa, Elena Yushkevich, and Klim Berdinskiy. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie is watchable for the good stage settings and the robot animation. But, if the audience is seeking a fuller film with high entertainment value and a high-quality robot-themed story, try the (2001) film, AI: Artificial Intelligence,  the (2004) film I, Robot (for the teen/adult share) or the (2005) film, Robots,(for the child/adult share). 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

A MAN CALLED OTTO (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Man Called Otto—wonderful film—WOW! tells a great story. Allows its audience to see how healing works, to know it takes time and not try to shorten or end that healing process…to give it its due until it is time to move on. Great watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This movie is about a man who  loses his wife and the process that it takes to heal and move on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marc Forster for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Fredrik Wikstrom Nicastro, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman. Cast includes: Tom Hanks, Mariana Trevino, Rachel Keller, Manuel Garcia Rulfo, Truman Hanks, and Mike Birbiglia. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Surprisingly good watch that is well received by Ben Meyers international Movie Critics. The movie is full, rich, and follows a deep understanding of the grief process from beginning to healing of that grief. Tom Hanks in his usual, best form, plumbs the depths of this story. Good watch  with a lot of heart. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers