THE BOOK THIEF (Released to the Mill Valley Film Festival, San Rafael California, USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Book Thief, a poignant tale of tragic endings and new beginnings, becomes that exceptional story that one will not soon forget due to the thoughtful, mindful way in which the script presents itself to its audience. There is a twist in the story as the identity of the Narrator (Roger Allam) is revealed which provides the perfect ending to a smoothly written and well-told tale.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

World War II story about the young foster girl, Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse), who loves to  read. Everything in her young life helps her read—her kindly foster father; a well-stocked library from which she, without permission, ‘borrows’ books; a Jewish refugee hiding in the family’s basement; and her schooling. 

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Brian Percival. Thank you to Executive Producer Redmond Morris for making the film possible. Cast include: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer, Sandra Nedeleff, and Nico Liersch.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Reminds one of the important things in life and how those events can lead to a beautiful life, well-lived.

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Ben Meyers

ALL IS LOST (Released to the Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

All is Lost has one actor (Robert Redford) and literally no dialogue; yet, it manages to hold spellbound attention for 105 minutes. Natural and realistic, the film takes us to the Indian Ocean, a damaged yacht, a bad storm, a capsized yacht, a lifeboat, another bad storm, failed attempts to achieve rescue, resourceful attempts to preserve life, and a deep dip into a hopeless situation with no possible resolution.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director and Writer J.C. Chandor. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Ogden Barnum, Glen Basner, Joshua Blum, Howard Cohen, Eric d’Arbeloff, Cassian Elwes, Corey Moosa, Zachary Quinto, Laura Rister, and Kevin Turen for making this film possible. Cast Include: Robert Redford,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A really wonderful film that exhibits above par finesse.

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Ben Meyers

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON * (Released to the New York Film Festival, New York City, New York USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—a highly sculpted, cultural film—easily earns its four-star rating. A 'not-to-be-missed' movie, it captivates international markets, dominates box office sales, and wins four Academy Awards. The story takes its audience through the angst of unfulfilled love, the passion of fulfilled love, the bitterness of ill-used power, and the betrayal of friendship—all against outstanding Asian scenery.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A legendary sword weaves its way through many story threads to re-connect events of the past, present, and future.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ang Lee. Thank you to Executive Producers David Linde and James Schamus for making the film possible. Cast include: Michelle Yeoh, Fa Zeng Li, Zhang Ziyi, Chow Yun-Fat, Sihung Lung, Chen Chang, Xian Gao, and Yan Hai.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film performs well. 

*Also Known As: Wo hu cang long 

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Ben Meyers

A CAT IN PARIS * (Released to the San Francisco International Film Festival, San Francisco, California USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

A Cat in Paris—good storyline, simply animated French feature—may be a little complicated to follow for the younger crowd, but will still please. The story, about a jewel thief named Nico (voice of Steve Blum), a black cat, and a little girl named Zoé (voice of Lauren Weintraub), involves a treacherous nanny, Claudine (voice of Anjelica Huston), and an evil gang—in a superb tale about stealing, kidnapping, and justice. The film contains some exciting chase scenes across French rooftops, just the right amount of danger, a small mystery, and a satisfying resolution for all audiences.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol. Thank you to Executive Producer Emmanuel Bernard for making the film possible. Cast include: J.B. Blanc, Steve Blum, Marcia Gay Harden, Anjelica Huston, Matthew Modine, Lauren Weintraub, Mike Pollack, Philippe Hartmann, Gregory Cupoli, and Marc Thompson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A great film, appealing and likeable.  

*Also Known As: Une vie de chat

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Ben Meyers

HOUSEBOAT (Released to Theaters USA 1958)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Houseboat—suitable, not spectacular—has a sense of likableness that that one cannot deny and the family theme is very well done. This is a clean and decent Cary Grant film that is very watchable.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Tom Winters is a lawyer, a widowed father to three children, and needs to get a new home. A set back with the mover necessitates looking for a different home than the one he had chosen and he moves into a houseboat.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Melville Shavelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jack Rose for making the film possible. Cast includes Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, Martha Hyer, and Harry Guardino.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It is a 'Disney-styled in spirit' story and serves as a good fill-in-some-time movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TROY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Troy, interesting, does a much better job of telling the classic, god-related story than many other films within this genre. The acting is suitable to good and the presentation/portrayal work at the same level. The writing department writes from an angle that greatly enhances previous attempts to portray this story with some very good dialogue lines about who should fight wars between kings. There are unnecessary nudity and sexual scenes in the movie. But, overall, the movie makes some valid points about war and makes way for good, after viewing discussion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie tracks the events that led to the Grecian attack on Troy over Helen. 

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Producer Wolfgang Petersen. Thank you to Producers Diana Rathbun and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast include: Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis, Jacob Smith, Brad Pitt, John Shrapnel, Brendon Gleeson, Diane Kruger, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and Siri Svegler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is a suitable watch and tells a fairly good story. Watch for Actor Peter O’Toole in his later life professional work and the support of Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Brian Cox, Brenden Gleeson, Brad Pitt, Sean Bean, and Diane Kruger.

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Ben Meyers

FROM UP ON POPPY HILL* (Released to the Toronto International Film Festival Toronto Canada 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

From Up on Poppy Hill—another classic from Studio Ghibli, a real treat in animation and storyline—shows the talents of Director Gorô Miyazaki, Director Hayao Miyazaki’s son. It’s a sweet story about teen-aged Umi Matsuzaki (voice of Sarah Bolger), a young girl who manages a Japanese boarding house, takes care of younger siblings, does all the cooking and household chores, cares for her grandmother, and goes to school full time. Every morning, before school, she raises three flags in the manner her sea-faring father, Yūichirō Sawamura taught her. The colorful flags send the message, “I Pray for Safe Voyages.” Umi meets a boy named Shun Kazama (voice of Anton Yelchin) at school. He writes the school newspaper and she soon is involved not only with writing the newspaper but also in trying to save a study house that provides a place for many of the school clubs. Umi and Shun begin to care for each other romantically, but Shun finds that it is possible they are relatives. The film takes an unusual twist as the two seek the truth of their heritage that has been lost during World War II and the Korean War. The award winning Japanese movie pleasantly resolves itself into a happy ending, making it a very good choice for adult and child entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gorô Miyazaki for directing efforts, Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Nobuo Kawakami, and Frank Marshall for making the film possible. Cast include: Anton Yelchin, Sarah Bolger, Alex Wolff, Bridget Hoffman, Elisa Gabrielli, Jeff Dunham, Ronan Farrow, and Beau Bridges.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This sweet story goes sky high in quality.
 

*Also known as Kokuriko-zaka kara

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Ben Meyers

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (Released to Theaters USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty—a fabulous remake of the 1947 Danny Kaye movie of the same name—becomes worth your time and money. The film examines Life magazine’s decision to close its doors and the dedication of one underpaid and unrecognized employee, beleaguered Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller), to ensure that the final issue is one of its greatest issues. People are what make Life magazine outstanding and Walter Mitty not only finds his person, but finds courage to face danger and adventure across Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas while tracking one of Life’s best photographers for Life’s final cover photo. It’s a terrific story across a backdrop of great scenery and gives the viewer a nice ‘pop’ of satisfied happiness at the end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ben Stiller for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers G. Mac Brown, Meyer Gottlieb, and Gore Verbinski for making the film possible. Cast include: Jon Daly, Kristen Wiig, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film makes a great watch for whole family.

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Ben Meyers

3 DAYS TO KILL (Released to Theaters USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

3 Days to Kill—a quality action flick—melds work and family issues superbly while adding comedic references that take the edge off some of the film’s more intense scenes. Don’t miss this one. It’s received unfair reviews and has been underestimated in nearly every quarter including box office monetary income. The script is solid. The actors very well cast. It allows a refreshingly rational resolution to age-old family challenges. It resolves the way we truly want things to resolve—original family intact and working together to build a future despite severe challenges. The film portrays the message that family comes first, before profession, and it completely works as Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner), on a CIA mission and sick with what sounds like a cold, finishes a mass killing in an apartment room with the assistance of CIA Vivi Delay (Amber Heard) delegated to lead Ethan’s new CIA assignment. Throughout the action a strong second story runs as Ethan endeavors to maintain a relationship with his daughter and estranged wife. CIA action intensifies through the entire movie until the climatic ending that provides a non-disappointing adrenaline rush.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

CIA agent works his profession while dealing with severe family issues.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director McG. Thank you to Executive Producers Christophe Lambert and Tucker Tooley for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen, Tómas Lemarquis, Richard Sammel, Marc Andréoni, Bruno Ricci, Jonas Bloquet, and Eriq Ebouaney.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great work for Director McG.

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Ben Meyers

WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (Released to Theaters USA 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

Who Framed Roger Rabbit follows a classic, complicated ‘whodunit’ plot line making it the perfect entertainment for adults. Its brilliant interweaving of animation with live action is flawlessly seamless, highly imaginative, and believable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

There’s trouble in Toontown and Detective Eddie Valiant is the man for the job.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Robert Zemeckis. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Great work by Music Composer Alan Silvestri. Cast include: Bob Hoskins, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer, Stubby Kaye, Alan Tilvern, Richard LeParmentier, Lou Hirsch, Betsy Brantley, Joel Silver, Mae Questel, Mel Blanc, and Tony Anselmo.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific character development of animated and live characters ensures full audience engagement.

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Ben Meyers

FREAKONOMICS: THE MOVIE (Released to Tribeca Film Festival Manhattan Borough New York New York USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

Freakonomics: The Movie—documentary broken into four segments—endeavors to explore the value of a name, corruption in Sumo wrestling, late 1990s United States crime decline, and value of bribing to induce change in human behavior. The film appears disjointed and fragmented, does not adequately provide alternative viewpoints for argumentation, lacks resolution and emotional appeal, and falls deeply short on why any of this is relevant information. The film lost nearly $2,800,000 in box office. While the two narrators are personable, their combined personality is not enough to pull this film off.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Exploration of method to change human behavior, a decade of crime decline, corruption in a sport, and name value.

Additional Thanks

Good Work for Directors Heidi Ewing, Alex Gibney, Seth Gordon, Rachel Grady, Eugene Jarecki, and Morgan Spurlock. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Fiore, Seth Gordon, Damon Martin, Jay Rifkin, and Michael Roban for making the film possible. Cast include: James Ransone, Tempestt Bledsoe, Morgan Spurlock, Melvin Van Peebles, Bill Gates, Greg Crowe, and Lian Amado.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. There are serious connective issues with information presentation built within.

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Ben Meyers

THE IRON GIANT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Iron Giant—If you saw it in childhood and loved it, you will love it still. The adult re-watch most probably will generate a “Nothing’s changed. I love it!” For the kid in you, this is it—a terrific animated feature for all ages.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The Iron Giant (voice of Vin Diesel) falls to earth and an adventuresome boy named Hogarth Hughes (voice of Eli Marienthal) stumbles upon him, educates him, and then tries to save him from the world.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Pete Townshend for making the film possible. Cast include: ELi Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel. James Gammon, Cloris Leachman, Christopher McDonald, M. Emmet Walsh, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a childhood classic worth another viewing as an adult. It’s the perfect addition to home movie collections.

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Ben Meyers

BALLET 422 (Released to the Tribeca Film Festival Manhattan Borough New York, New York USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ballet 422—inspirational ballet documentary—details the making of New York City Ballet’s ballet number 422, Paz De La Jolla, by choreographer Justin Peck. It’s worth a watch for anyone who would like to know more about choreography, the work involved, and the lifestyle of ballet performers.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This film details the beginning of Justin Peck's career as a dance choreographer.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Jody Lee Lipes. Thank you to Producers Ellen Bar and Anna Rose Holmer for making the film possible. Cast includes Justin Peck, Tilner Peck, Sterling Hyltin, and Amar Ramasar.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a professional, quick, intimate documentary that details the work behind outstanding ballet performances.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers