KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL* (Released to Theaters USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl—a simple children’s classic to be cherished for years to come—captures innocence in its story about America’s Great Depression. This is a perfect movie for children and adults desiring to capture life as we wish it could be.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story begins with a typewriter stamping letters onto a page. The camera then shows the inside of Kit Kittredge’s (Abigail Breslin) tree house. While the credits are rolling, the camera, on occasion, flips to the typewriter as it types out the date, May 2, 1934. Kit Kittredge’s voiceover says that the Great Depression is everywhere, but not in her world. That quickly changes as her father loses his business and her mother takes in a wide assortment of boarders. All Kit focuses on, however, is her desire to be a newspaper reporter and she finds her opportunity in the town’s hobo jungles.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Patricia Rozema for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Julia Roberts and Marisa Yeres for making the film possible. Cast include: Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond, Chris O’Donnell, Jane Krakowski, Wallace Shawn, Max Thieriot, Willow Smith, Glenne Headly, and Zach Mills.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a clean, fun-filled, positive film that perfectly captures our imaginative reminiscences of the 1930 Depression years without the depression.

* Also known as Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery

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Ben Meyers

THE MASTER OF DISGUISE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Master of Disguise—smart, witty, fresh—performs as one of the better comedies released for a while. There are some risqué scenes, but overall Dana Carvey (as Pistachio Disguisey) gives us a royal treat in comedic and creative diversity that is unbeatable. While the film did not receive positive reviews, the creativity makes this film shine. Even though this has been given a low numerical rating by Ben Meyers International, it still deserves praise for the work performed by directors, producers, actors, and actresses. It provides a very good showcase for Dana Carvey’s talents. It’s re-watchable purely to ensure no piece of the very smartly written dialogue is missed.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Secret Agent Fabbrizio Disguisey (James Brolin) does not want to pass on the family occupation to his children, moves to America, opens a restaurant, and raises his family. But, it’s not as easy as he thinks to break family tradition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Perry Andelin Blake for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jack Giarraputo and Adam Sandler for making the film possible. Cast include: Dana Carvey, James Brolin, Jennifer Esposito, Harold Gould, Brent Spiner, Edie McClurg, and Austin Wolff.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Even though it is 3.6 Stars and maybe not as good as higher quality comedies, it’s a very smartly written comedy generously packed with terrific one-liners.

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Ben Meyers

DISNEY NATURE: GHOST OF THE MOUNTAINS (Theatrical Release China 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Disney Nature: Ghost of the Mountains is an excellent Disney Nature documentary that covers activities of the Chinese Snow Leopard. It’s award winning in filming and interviews. It’s an hour and eighteen minutes of pure viewing pleasure that comes with a family friendly ‘G’ rating.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Disney filming crews travel China’s high mountains to film the elusive Snow Leopard.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Wallis for his directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Brian Leith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Antoine Fuqua

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 

Yes. It is thorough and accomplishes its assigned task with style and class

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Ben Meyers

A MIGHTY HEART (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  A Mighty Heart—disorganized and bluntly presented—has a suitable to okay presentation. It has a good story and once started, audiences will want to finish it.   Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A pregnant journalist sees her journalist husband off where he expects to get a scoop on the war on terror in Pakistan.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Michael Winterbottom for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Andrew Eaton for making the film possible. Cast includes Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Irrfan Khan, Archie Panjabi, and Will Patton.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It has a lot to fix to increase flow. But the story is interesting to some extent and tells its story suitably well. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SPANGLISH (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

Spanglish—probably one of the best, well-written scripts of 2004—explores familial relationships in a state of flux. It makes no apologies for its complications and effortlessly introduces the audience to better choices when family situations begin to go sour. It’s a forgiving movie as told through the eyes of Hispanic housemaid Flor's (Paz Vega) daughter, Christina (Victoria Luna/Shelbie Bruce). This film becomes an excellent study in choices and how to take a higher road.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hispanic housemaid Flor (Paz Vega) finds herself in the predicament of mutual attraction between herself and her employer.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director James L. Brooks. Thank you to Executive Producers Joan Bradshaw and Christy Haubegger for making the film possible. Additional character/cast include: John Clasky (Adam Sandler), Deborah Clasky (Téa Leoni), Evelyn (Cloris Leachman), Bernice (Sarah Steele), and Georgie (Ian Hyland).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Excellent adult watch for choosing higher moral paths when the heart pulls another way.

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Ben Meyers

VALKYRIE (Released to Theaters USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Valkyrie—one of the best directed World War II films—sits among Ben Meyers International Movie Critics favorite films of 2008. The storyline revolves around the Hitler assassination attempt by Germany’s highest ranking military leaders. Great acting and portrayal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Colonel Claus Von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) attempts to assassinate Hitler (David Bamber).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bryan Singer for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Ken Kamins, Chris Lee, John Ottman, Dwight C. Schar, Mark Shapiro, and Daniel M. Snyder; Music Composer John Ottman; and Script Writers Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander for making possible an outstanding film. Cast include: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, Eddie Izzard and David Bamber.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A wonderful presentation for Tom Cruise fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN (Released to Theaters 1977)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Race for Your Life Charlie Brown—light and innocent—tells a wonderful story. The animation still relies on that simple Charlie Brown style. It's a classic animated film that everyone will fall in love with. The voice casting is wonderfully chosen. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Charlie Brown and the gang go to summer camp.     Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Bill Melendez for directing effort.  Thank you to Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson for making the film possible. Cast includes Duncan Watson, Stuart Brotman, Gail Davis, Liam Martin, Melanie Kohn, Jimmy Ahrens, Kirk Jue, Jordan Warren, Tom Muller, Greg Felton, and Bill Melendez.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This is a great film and tells a great story. It is the classic film for everyone young and old. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

101 DALMATIANS (Released to Theatrical USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

101 Dalmatians is a little short in time length, but makes up for that in its Wow! factor. This movie is a great, live-action remake of the animated movie of the same name. The terrific acting of Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil makes this movie work beyond expectations. She creates an unforgettable character. Her henchmen, acted by Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie, are perfectly rendered. Watch for some of the best costuming of any film from 2009. Kudos to the Rosemary Burrows and Anthony Powell costuming department.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) desires the spotted fur from Dalmatian puppies to make clothing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edward S. Feldman and Bill Ryan for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, and Alonzo Tim McInnerny.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script by John Hughes is well-written and makes a good, solid foundation for Director Stephen Herek to perform the magic that makes this film one that can be watched over and over by the child and adult. It’s a good home library addition.

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Ben Meyers

COYOTE FALLS (Released to Theaters USA 2010)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Coyote Falls—not as good as the original Wile E. Coyote/Roadrunner short film classics from the 1949 era and forward—retains the tropes of Coyote and Roadrunner and that inclusion of well-known identifiers makes this story work. The portrayal and presentation work at the suitable to good range. The animation uses computer generation and is 'awesome'. It's an interesting and fun watch. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  Wile E. Coyote goes after Roadrunner from a bridge and uses a rope as a jumping aid.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Matthew O'Callaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone for making the film possible.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It's a suitable, fun watch that has very good computer animation compatible with current computer animation effort.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SUPER FUZZ (Released World-Wide 1980)*

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Super Fuzz—not a quality watch but cutely comical—entertains even though it relies on a predictable storyline. It completely satisfies Terence Hill fans.   Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A policeman gets superpowers from a plutonium bomb.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Sergio Corbucci for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Vittorio Galiano and Josi W. Konsi for making the film possible. Cast includes Terrence Hill, Ernest Borgnine, Joanne Dru, and Marc Lawrence. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Ernest Borgnine and Terence Hill make a good casting choice for this Italian film.

 

*Also Known as Super Snooper

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Ben Meyers

ITHACA (Middleburg Film Festival Middleburg Virginia USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Ithaca explores the occupation of telegram delivery through periods of war. While it seems to contain bits and pieces and whole yards of storyline from films like the 2002 We Were Soldiers, the 1943 The Human Comedy, and the 2011 Telegram Man, it is well enough written to deserve its own special watch. Sam Shepard’s acting is superbly natural and completely complimented by the acting skills of Hamish Linklater and Alex Neustaedter. Meg Ryan performs at her usual professional pace and it is a treat to see her son, Jack Quaid, playing in the movie with her. It seems that movies have a deeper emotional feel when family members team to depict story lines. An example is the 2010 The Way that teamed Emilio Estevez with his father, Martin Sheen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Homer Macauley (Alex Neusteadter) gets a position at the telegraph office and finds the position requires delivery of telegrams informing Mothers and family members that their sons have died in World War 2.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Meg Ryan for her directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Cloth, Aaron L. Gilbert, Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Robert Immerman, Steven R. Palmisano, Scott Setrakian, Alan Simpson, and Allan J. Stitt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Willie Grogan (Sam Shepard), Mr. Macauley (Tom Hanks), Mrs. Macauley (Meg Ryan), Marcus Macauley (Jack Quaid), Mary Arena (Molly Gordon), Tom Spangler (Hamish Linklater), Tobey George (Gabriel Basso), Home Macauley (Alex Neustaedter), and Corbett (Scott Shepherd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is worth watching. Although there is not a large storyline here, the acting is very good and the story is well portrayed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHEN JEWS WERE FUNNY (Released to The Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

When Jews were Funny—a significant and well-done documentary film—contains terrific interviews with 37 of the best of our standup comedians including Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, Eugene Mirman, Bob Einstein, Andy Kindler, Shelley Berman, and David Steinberg. This is a good, informative watch, a winner of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alan Zweig believes Jews are not as funny now as in the past and attempts to prove his point with archival footage and live interviews with Jewish comedians.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alan Zweig for directing efforts. Kudos to Musical Composer Michael Zweig for outstanding musical accompaniment Thank you to Executive Producer Perry Rosemond for making the film possible. Cast include: Marc Maron, Shelley Berman, Rodney Dangerfield, Howie Mandel, Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Einstein, Eugene Mirman, Jack Carter, Judy Gold, Norm Crosby, Andy Kindler, Alan King, Shecky Greene, Jackie Mason, David Steinberg, Elon Gold, Henny Youngman, Aaron Berg), and David Brenner.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary is highly entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SCHOOL OF ROCK (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

School of Rock—offbeat and entertaining—allows Jack Black plenty of opportunity to show the audience his full comedic range. His supporting cast creates the perfect venue to allow him to explode to higher entertainment levels as he leads and they follow a most unlikely path to become full-fledged rock musicians. Rocking is what Jack Black (as character Dewey Finn) does. As he leads a music class to explore this part of the music world, a great story is born that is both unique and engaging.

Film Poster  Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) doesn’t have a job. Desperate, he pretends to be a fifth grade teacher, is accepted, and trains the class to win a musical contest called Battle of the Bands.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Linklater for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Aversano and Steve Nicolaides for making the film possible. Additional recognition needs to go to Composer Craig Wedren and Writer Mike White. Cast include: Jack Black, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Sarah Silverman, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Miranda Cosgrove, Kevin Alexander Clark, Robert Tsai, Maryam Hassan, and Zackary Infante.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s Jack Black at his best in a terrific, upbeat piece of entertainment. No lack found in this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

VIRUNGA (Released to the Tribeca Film Festival Manhattan, New York 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Virunga—an informative Netflix documentary—tells about African men who risk their lives to save the last of the Mountain Gorillas.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Oil exploration, an endangered specie, and politics create a tenuously ordered structure that is deeply threatened by poachers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Orlando Von Einsiedel for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Leonardo DiCaprio, Howard Buffet, Maxyne Franklin, Lisa Nishimura, Jess Search, Adam Del Deo, and Jon Drever for making the film possible. Special mention to Musical Composer Patrick Jonsson and Writer Orlando Von Einsiedel. Cast include: André Bauma, Emmanuel de Merode, Mélanie Gouby, Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo, and Vianney Kazarama.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an interesting watch because it explores a small portion of the complexities that involve environmental issues when commerce and politics are deeply intertwined with exploration of oil reserves.

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Ben Meyers

INTO THE WHITE * (Released to the Oslo Film Fest Oslo Norway 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Into the White—a Norwegian film based on true events—contains some of the best foreign filming for 2012. While this film did not make money in the box office, it’s a good watch that proposes the interesting situation of placing German and British World War II bomber plane crash survivors in an isolated cabin where they must cooperate in order to survive a bitter winter. The acting is of such high quality that one feels one is watching actual real life situations. The terrific British casting choices include: Lachlan Nieboer and Rupert Grint, both superb for their parts. The terrific German casting includes: Florian Lukas, Stig Henrik Hoff, and David Kross, all superb for their parts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During a World War II air fight, a German plane is shot down leaving three survivors. The British fighter plane also crash lands leaving two survivors. The five men, despite the uneasy relationship, survive a bitter Norwegian winter by learning to rely on and trust one another.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Petter Næss for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Garde for making the film possible. Cast include: Florian Lukas, David Kross, Stig Henrik Hoff, Lachlan Nieboer, Rupert Grint, Kim Haugen, Knut Joner, Morten Faldaas, and Sondre Krogtoft Larsen.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a quite good film and well worth watching, one of the best Rupert Grint films since the Harry Potter series.

* Also known as Comrade, Lost in the Snow, or Cross of Honour

Video Critique Available Here :

Ben Meyers