ONE LIFE (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

One Life—WOW!—is a 'need to be told' story. Anthony Hopkins, terrific performer, gives one of the best performances of his career. Helena Bonham Carter gives a beautiful peek into the complexity of her essence. Watch for the terrific performance by Johnny Flynn as Young Nicky Winton. This movie is a good example of what makes movie fans want to pay money for their ticket. The story is inspirational and meaningful. Watch for a cameo appearance of Jonathan Pryce.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

During the early years of Hitler's invasion of Europe, a British citizen finds that refugees fleeing to Czechoslovakia are in dire need of help. He feels compelled to help and takes on the daunting task of rescuing and transporting nearly a thousand children to safety. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Hawes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Simon Gillis, Peter Hampden, Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, Barbara Winton, and Eva Yates for making the film possible. Cast includes: Anthony Hopkins, Lena Olin, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Steed, Matilda Thorpe, Daniel Brown, Alex Sharp, Jirí Smek, Romola Garai, and Barbora Váchová. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Thank you to everyone involved in re-telling this story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

HOW TO RIDE A HORSE (Released to Theaters USA 1950)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

How to Ride a Horse—short film—features on the 1941 Reluctant Dragon biopic. It was re-released as a 1950 stand alone film. This small, unique movie tells a wonderfully funny and loveably instructive story about the beginning moves that must be taken to ride a horse.  WOW! These early years established back to back short animations that show terrific imagination and originality. The link to watch this short film is:  

https://archive.org/details/how-to-ride-a-horse-1941

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This short film is an informational comedy about how to ride a horse featuring Goofy the Dog. 

Additional Thanks 

 Thank you to Director Jack Kinney and Assistant Director Lou Debney for directing the movie. Cast Includes Pinto Colvig, and John McLeish  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is original, comical, and tells a wonderful story. Great work for all involved.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALADDIN 2: THE RETURN OF JAFAR (Released to VHS USA 1994)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aladdin 2: The Return of Jafar—lost the first Aladdin movie's vibrancy—has a weaker script and portrayal. The movie presentation and its animation  work at the suitable to good level. The casting voices are well-chosen. This film serves the child's audience more than the adult audience.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Aladdin is in the palace now. Jafar does not want to be a genie anymore and wants to be back in the palace.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Toby Shelton, Tad Stone, Alan Zaslove for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Tad Stone, Alan Zaslove, Assistant Producer Jessica Koplos, Associate Producer Maia Matisse, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Alexander, Johnathan Freeman, Jeff Bennett, Gilbert Gottfried, Val Bettin, Brad Kane, Liz Callaway,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. It is interesting but it seems that the writers were at loss to make something work because of the success of the first film  and were not sure how to continue the story. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON (Released to Theaters USA 1941)

Note: This critique is on the biopic about how Robert Benchley pitched The Reluctant Dragon to Walt Disney Studios. 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Reluctant Dragon— is a fictional biopic on how Robert Benchley pitched The Reluctant Dragon to Walt Disney, with a tour of the Disney production staff, studios, and how they make cartoons. This film is wonderful and tells a wonderful story. An easy way to explore the background of what it takes to make a cartoon, to meet some of the actors who make Donald Duck and Pluto live on screen. Watch for the special cameo appearance of Walt Disney himself. This is one of the better biopics on the market.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Robert Benchley, with his wife's tremendous encouragement, reluctantly tries to pitch his book, The Reluctant Dragon to Walt Disney studios.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Alfred L. Werker, Hamilton Luske, Jack Cutting, Ub Iwerks, Jack Kinney, for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes Robert Benchley, Frances Gifford, Buddy Pepper, Nana Bryant, Claud Allister, Barnett Parker, and Billy Lee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a wonderful biopic and tells a wonderful story. It is great to see what makes Disney Studios work and what goes into the production of some of this studio's most iconic characters and cartoons.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

THE LION KING II: SIMBA'S PRIDE (Released to VHS USA 1998)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride—okay, not terrific—works more for the child audience than the adult audience. The story runs on an 'I've seen this too many times before' theme. The script seems almost thrown together and one thinks: ‘REALLY! Is this what this story is about?’ The animation is drawn. The theme is not clear. It is a sequel running off the steam of its prequel engine and it cannot quite make it to the end of the tracks where the station house is located.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Darrell Rooney and Co-Director Rob Deluca for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew Broderick, Neve Campbell, Andy Dick, Robert Guillaume, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, and Nathan Lane. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It may work for children but for adults this film can be skipped.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ENCHANTED (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Enchanted—rich costuming that does not bespeak stinginess in design or use of fabric—serves sweetness of heart on a very huge platter. Great concept that serves a child/adult share movie's needs very well. James Marsden plays the part of a prince well. Patrick Dempsey is great.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

 A Fairy Tale Princess gets thrown into the real world by an evil Queen before the princess can marry her prince. 

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Kevin Lima for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Christopher Chase, Sunil Perkash, and Ezra Swerdlow for making the film possible. Cast includes Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, Susan Sarandon, Julie Andrews, Jeff Bennett, Kevin Lima, and Emma Rose Lima. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a good one-time watch. Good work for all involved in production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATE'S COVE (Released to DVD World-WIde 2010)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove—average film—works below par of the pod of Free Willy movies. The film has a weak script. Some actors do not seem as connected to storyline as they should be. This film has a suitable/okay portrayal and presentation. It does not fit well with the earlier presentations of the Free Willy movies. Watch for Bindi Irwin, daughter of Steve and Terri Irwin, in her leading role in this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A girl's father gets injured while working on his house. He sends his daughter to his late wife's father while he tries to re-establish his life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Will Geiger for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Chris Miller, and Producers Laura Lodin, John Stainton, David Wicht for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bindi Irwin, Beau Bridges, Bongo Mbutuma, Siyabulela Ramba, Stephen Jennings, Matthew Dylan Roberts, Hiema Jaffa, Kevin Otto, Louw Venter, Darron Meyer, Julie Hartley, Sue Dall, Sofie Schmidt, and Matthew Kennedy

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It might work for children because of the adventure/drama and seeing a killer whale, which if one does a little research will find that the whale is an animatronic and animated whale. But for adults, they will see that the acting and storyline are not very good.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE EQUALIZER (Released to Theaters Canada 2014)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Equalizer—this is part 1 of 3 films released through the 2010s decade with part 3 released  in 2023. This film is actually really well made. The story itself has interest even though the main driver of its story is cringe-worthy violence.  Denzel Washington is very believable for this type of  film. Watch for his interesting technique of approach to engage action. This is a Director Antoine Fuqua movie. Fuqua and Washington also worked together in the film Training Day which is even better than this movie. The Equalizer tells it the way it is and has no apologies. It is good to see David Harbour and Bill Pullman in the movie. Overall, it is a quality entertainment piece that is more than worth the adult's time and money. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

 A home retail store worker and former military man goes to a diner at night to have tea and read a good book and finds that a young woman, who he befriends, is in hospital badly beaten by a prostitute ring owner. He goes on a vigilante spree to clean shop. 

Additional Thanks 

 Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer, David J. Bloomfield, Ezra Swerdlow, and Ben Waisbren, for making the film possible. Cast includes Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, David Meunier, and Johnny Skourtis.   

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has not been crafted for the faint of heart. It is well made for the adult audience. This film tells it the way it is. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DEATH WISH 3 (Released to Theaters USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Death Wish 3 is better than the second film in the series. Charles Bronson cleans up the streets, again. Be aware that the movie relies on heavy violence and has some nudity and sexual content. But, the story definitely provokes desire to see justice done. Watch for Alex Winter (from the Bill and Ted movies) in cameo appearances. Martin Balsam plays Bennett, a new friend to Paul Kersey.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Paul Kersey goes to New York to visit a friend and finds he has been murdered. The neighborhood's crime runs rampant. Paul Kersey cleans shop.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Co-Producer Michael Winner for directing/co-producing effort. Thank you to Producers Yoram Globus and Menahem Golan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Charles Bronson, Deborah Raffin, Ed Lauter, Martin Balsam, Gavan O'Herlihy, Kirk Taylor, Alex Winter, Tony Spiridakis, Ricco Ross, Tony Britts, David Crean, Nelson Fernandez, Alan Cooke, and Bob Lee Dysinger.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. It's violent and rough, but has a good story.  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (Released to Theaters USA 2017)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lego Batman Movie—great animation—throws villains at the audience like raindrops falling from the sky once the Joker gets to the Phantom Zone. Scenes get messy and difficult to follow. Some villains are given prominence which helps and it is interesting to see which villains Warner Brothers sees as more significant than others. The movie is good, overall. It has a solid beginning and conclusion. The voice cast is well-chosen. The presentation and portrayal are good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Batman fights Joker, again, in Lego form.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris McKay for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Will Allegra, Matthew Ashton, Bradford Lewis, Benjamin Melniker, Steven Mnuchin, Zareh Nalbandian, Michael E. Uslan, and Jill Wilfert for making the film possible. Cast includes: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Siri, Zach Galifianakis, Jenny Slate, Jason Mantzoukas, Conan O'Brien, and Doug Benson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Overall, the movie tells a suitable to good story and throws in a little comedy as a bonus. At places it runs slow, but definitely works as a good child/adult share film for  a one-time watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BEAR (Released to Theaters France 1988)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Bear—average—starts a slow decline from its opening scenes. The focus is not on human character development but on a small bear's attempt to survive. It's a feel good movie not based in reality as in the scene with a cougar's attempt to eat the small bear and then leaving due to a large bear's threat behind the small bear. In reality this would be a show between two predators over the prey, the small bear. But, it is shown as a large bear protecting the small bear which would not be the case in nature. When an audience might think the film is hopelessly over, a few more scenes are thrown in as if to fill a time limit. The presentation and acting work at the okay to suitable level. There are some animal sex scenes in the movie.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images/Wikipedia

Storyline

A baby bear loses its Mother to an avalanche. He eventually goes on an adventure to find food and makes friends with a larger bear.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director  Jean-Jacques Annaud for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Claude Berri and Associate Producer Pierre Grunstein for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bart the Bear, Youk the Bear, Tchéky Karyo, Jack Wallace, and André Lacombe.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The camerawork for the animal scenes is interesting; but on the whole, the movie is average.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREE WILLY 3: THE RESCUE (Released to Theaters USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Free Willy 3: The Rescue—better written than the last film. Although the acting is suitable and the presentation is good, the story itself needs a reality check toward the latter part of the film.  The movie is not great, but serves as an okay, easy-on-the-mind afternoon watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Jesse and Randolph work to save Willy and Willy's relatives from an illegal whaling boat.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Pillsbury for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Richard Donner, Arnon Milchan, Lauren Shuler Donner, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason James Richter, August Schellenberg, Annie Corley, Vincent Berry, Patrick Kilpatrick, Tasha Simms, Peter LaCroix, Steven E. Miller, Ian Tracey, Matthew Walker, Roger Cross, Rick Bergess, Roman Danylo, and Michael Dobson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. The movie can easily be followed and is a suitable/okay watch.

Ben Meyers

THE PARENT TRAP (Released to Theaters USA 1998)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Parent Trap—good remake of the Hayley Mills' classic—uses the talents of Dennis Quaid, Natashia Richardson, and Lindsey Lohan to tell the bulk of its story. While the original Hayley Mill's movie is beyond question, the best of the two, this film is 'nothing to sneeze at'. It has a feisty, competitive beginning and shows high intelligence as the girls, after switching places, quickly improvise when in tight spots. The time spent learning each others roles in very different houses does seem a little far-fetched. In reality, it seems the switch would be discovered long before being revealed...but the busy schedules of each house can forgive some of that. The movie is a good remake and worth watching if merely because the story is so good. It's an easy addition to the home video library along with the Hayley Mills' classic.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Two girls are sent to the same summer camp and discover that they not only look exactly alike, but have the same birthdate. They talk and find that their parents were divorced when the girls were infants and had split the twins between them.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Nancy Meyers for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Shyer, Co-Producer Bruce A. Block, for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Lindsey Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natashia Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter, Simon Kunz, Polly Holiday, Maggie Wheeler, Ronnie Stevens, Joanna Barnes, and Hallie Meyers-Shyer, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch and tells a good story.  This film has good portrayal and presentation. It's Lindsey Lohan at her best. Good work for all who made the remake story possible.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM (Released to Theaters USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Secret: Dare to Dream—quiet message movie—starts well and connects to its audience. The writing is not powerful nor is it impactful. The acting is suitable/good and relies softly on Josh Lucas and Katie Holmes. The movie is supposed to show how to effectively use a secret as revealed in the Rhonda Byrnes' book The Secret and the documentary movie of the same name. This film, The Secret: Dare to Dream, does intimate the ideas from the documentary, but fails to be impactful,  meaningful, or even life changing to those who watch this film, as the documentary might be to those who understand at a very deep level that there is something elemental that works for you when you seek it. It's about knowing what you want and moving toward that. The Secret: Dare to Dream works as a clean and honest love story.

Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

An engineer helps a widow and her children who are barely skimming by financially.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andy Tennant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Skye Byrnes, Frank Fertitta, Lorenzo Fertitta, Elissa Friedman, Paul Harrington, and Christopher H. Warner, for making the film possible. Cast includes Katie Holmes, Josh Lucas, Celia Weston, Jerry O’Connell, Sarah Hoffmeister, Aidan Pierce Brennan, Chloe Lee, Katrina Begin,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a suitable watch as a clean love story, but does not deliver the full gold standard of the original documentary. 

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers