GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters does not sport great English voice-overs, but the subtitles are very good and the combination of the two work to establish dialogue. Despite a few lost words in dialogue, the concept and the manner in which the script flows make an overall good watch for a B-grade movie. It is worth a sequel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Godzilla controls earth. Humans and aliens attempt to regain control.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Hiroyuki and Kôbun Shizuno for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Yoshihiro Furusawa for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Haruo Sakaki (voice of Mamoru Miyano), Metphies (voice of Takahiro Sakurai), Tuko Tani (voice of Kana Hanazawa), Martin Lazzari (voice of Tomokazu Sugita), Adam Bindewald (voice of Yûki Kaji), Mulu-Elu Galu-Gu (voice of Jun’ichi-Suwabe), Eliott Leland (voice of Daisuke Ono), Rilu-Elu Belu-be (voice Kenta Miyake), Unberto Mori (voice of Ken’yû Horiuchi), Halu-Elu Dolu-do (voice of Kazuya Nakai), Endurph (voice of Kazuhiro Yamaji), Takeshi J. Hamamoto (voice of Kanehira Yamamoto), and Jack O’Sullivan (voice of Shinya Takahashi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, it’s worth a watch for the Godzilla fan.

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Ben Meyers

DADDY’S HOME (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Daddy’s Home does something rare in a comedy script—it keeps its comedic pace evenly distributed throughout the movie without a drop, dip, or single flag in style. The dialogue and scenes deliver a beautiful understanding of the nuances that play out between men of opposite character trying to work through and establish common meeting ground in a situation that seems to predict complete failure. The storyline is a little ‘edgy’ but makes that edginess work for the overall benefit of the film without offending. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg act their assigned characters through perfectly rendered body language, well-timed dialogue, and delightful coordination of choreography. Supporting cast members do not overshadow the lead characters’ roles. The film, from beginning to end, establishes itself as a terrific and thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

New step dad, Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), and ‘real’ dad, Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg), interlock horns over territorial rights.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sean Anders for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Anders, Riza Aziz, Jessica Elbaum, David Koplan, Joey McFarland, Diane Pokorny, and Kevin J. Messick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg), Sara (Linda Cardellini), Leo Holt (Thomas Haden Church), Megan (Scarlett Estevez), Dylan (Owen Vaccaro) Dr. Francisco (Bobby Cannavale), Griff (Hannibal Buress), Jerry (Bill Burr), Doris (Jamie Denbo), Dental Hygenist (Mark L. Young), Pete (Matthew Paul Martinez), Panda Singer #1 (Dave Davis), and Panda Singer #2 (James Harlon Palmer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves a sequel and sets itself up for Daddy’s Home 2 that adds John Lithgow, Mel Gibson, and John Cena to the story.

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Ben Meyers

NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Nicholas Nickleby, a story revisited by both British and American studios since 1903, need not bow its head in shame to any of its multiple predecessors. The film relies on the excellence of Christopher Plummer, Jim Broadbent, Nathan Lane, Jamie Bell, Anne Hathaway, Timothy Spall, and Alan Cummings to portray its story. Kudos to Director Douglas McGrath for another outstandingly directed film. Everything works in this Charles Dickens’ classic.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Good faith and justice win over evil scheming and greed as youthful Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) finds his way in the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Douglas McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gail Egan, Michael Hogan, and Robert Kessel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mrs. Nickleby (Stella Gonet), Mr. Nickleby (Andrew Havill), Child Nicholas Nickleby (Henry McGrath), Boy Nicholas Nickleby (Hugh Mitchell), Child Kate Nickleby (Poppy Rogers), Young Kate Nickleby (Jessie Lou Roberts), Kate Nickleby (Romola Garai), Newman Noggs (Tom Courtenay), Ralph Nickleby (Christopher Plummer), Madeline Bray (Anne Hathaway), Mr. Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), Mr. Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), Parent (Angela Curran), Smike (Jamie Bell), and Mrs. Squeers (Juliet Stevenson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The storyline does not lose on the kindness level and runs on a perfectly executed script. Bravo to all involved in the film’s release.

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Ben Meyers

THE LOVELY BONES (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lovely Bones—another Peter Jackson-directed classic—deals with the serial killer persona and how that can be enabled. The story runs with a strong spiritual background that helps relieve its gruesome reality. A Bravo! Bravo! film that needs to be watched if for nothing else than education concerning this personality type and as a precautionary tale.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) makes a deadly mistake and ends up a victim of serial killer George Harvey (Stanley Tucci).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ken Kamins, Tessa Ross, Steven Spielberg, and James Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg), Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz), Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon), Len Fenerman (Michael Imperioli), Lindsey Salmon (Rose McIver), Buckley Salmon (Christian Ashdale), Ray Singh (Reece Ritchie), Ruth Connors (Carolyn Dando), Holly (Nikki SooHoo), Samuel Heckler (Andrew James Allen), and Brian Nelson (Jake Abel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Hard-to-get-through, unpalatable, but must be told, subject matter serves the late teen/adult audience. It takes an outstanding set of producers and directors to balance earthly savageness with the kindness of heaven, but the right people were involved to perfectly balance this hard-to-be-told story. Kudos to Director Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Pictures, WingNut Films, and Film4 Productions.

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Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom falls into that elite ‘multiple-rewatch-is-absolutely-gonna-happen’ classification that only a few films achieve. The movie captivates its audience with superlative background sets, terrific actors, outstanding script, tense action sequences laced with comedic episodes to break tension, and balances everything with that unique aura that dominates the Indiana Jones series. Watch for the cameo appearance of Dan Aykroyd.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds himself involved in an adventure to rescue children, retrieve Sankara stones, and defeat members of the Thuggee cult.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers George Lucas and Frank Marshall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan), Mola Ram (Amrish Puri), Chattar Lal (Roshan Seth), Captain Blumburtt (Philip Stone), Lao Che (Roy Chiao), Wu Han (David Yip), Kao Kan (Ric Young), Chen (Chua Kah Joo), Maitre d’ (Rex Ngui), Chief Henchman (Philip Tan), and Weber (Dan Aykroyd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works as a classic study in non-stop action placed in outrageously exotic settings while being completely entertaining.

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Ben Meyers

CREED (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Creed does justice to the Rocky series. The script is a spinoff of the rest of the Apollo Creed (the boxer who died in Rocky 4) story. Sylvester Stallone is back and once again completely takes us by storm in his role as the seasoned trainer, Rocky Balboa, who coaches and trains Apollo Creed’s son. This is one of the best spinoff films you’ll ever see. Director Ryan Cooglar really struts his stuff in this top-of-the-line boxing film. The final fighting scene, fast-paced and realistic, totally enters the ‘WOW! What a fight!’ category. Exceptionally well-done, the film completely absorbs that old Rocky feel that no boxing film achieved since the first release of the Rocky films. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The illegitimate son, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), of Apollo Creed, the fighter who fought in the Rocky 1 through 3 films and was killed in the Rocky 4 film, decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and looks up Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to train him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ryan Coogler for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Nicolas Stern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bianca (Tessa Thompson), Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), Danny ‘Stuntman’ Wheeler (Andre Ward), ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew), Pete Sporino (Ritchie Coster), Stitch (Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran), Tommy Holiday (Graham McTavish), Amir (Malik Bazille), Padman (Ricardo ‘Padman’ McGill), and Leo ‘The Lion’ Sporino (Gabe Rosado).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It lives up to the original Rocky series with an outstanding performance by Sylvester Stallone as a seasoned Rocky Balboa. The film is a complete winner and worth watching more than once. Thank you to everyone involved in the production of this film for giving us one more gourmet taste of Rocky Balboa. WOW! What a film!

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Ben Meyers

FREEWAY: CRACK IN THE SYSTEM (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Freeway: Crack in the System—thorough and entertaining in its story development—tells the Rick Ross story, a story about making money that has consequences. Kudos to Director Marc Levin for making an excellent documentary.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

‘Freeway’ Rick Ross establishes a huge cocaine business in Los Angeles.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Marc Levin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marc Levin, Mike Marangu, Guy Logan, Antonio Moore, and Neil Harrington for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marc Levin, Freeway Rick Ross, and Warren G.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is worth both time and money for the late teen/adult audience as an education into the exceptionally ‘unpretty’ drug dealing lifestyle.

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Ben Meyers

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (Theatrical Release USA 1961)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Breakfast at Tiffany’s casts George Peppard with Audrey Hepburn to tell a classic story of someone who wants very much to be something other than what she is. The 1961 storyline seems a bit shocking for the times when compared against the previous decade’s Leave It to Beaver world, but is told in a manner that requires little parental guidance. Audrey Hepburn’s natural onscreen panache elevates the story to a higher level than it would have achieved with the choice of another actress.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) pursues wealth through any means possible while attempting to completely leave her country background behind her.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martin Jurow and Richard Shepherd for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Varjak (George Peppard), 2E Failenson (Patricia Neal), Doc Golightly (Buddy Ebsen), O.J. Berman (Martin Balsam), José da Silva Pereira (José Luis de Vilallonga), Tiffany’s Salesman (John McGiver), Mag Wildwood (Dorothy Whitney), Rusty Trawler (Stanley Adams), Librarian (Elvia Allman), Sally Tomato (Alan Reed), and Nightclub Stripper (Beverly Powers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a classic study.

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Ben Meyers

KNUCKLEHEAD (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Knucklehead—one of those ‘this is why we go to the movies’ films—sensationally wins its accolades at the emotional level. The Big Show, WWE Wrestling’s Paul Wight, portrays his character with believability as he captures the nuances of a gentle soul who is forced to do something quite different than his natural state of being. Dennis Farina, Will Patton, Saul Rubinik, Lester Speight, Melora Hardin, and Mark Feuerstein support Wight’s interpretation of his role well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Walter Krunk (Paul Wight) accidentally burns down an orphanage’s kitchen and needs to earn serious money to replace it. He becomes a professional fighter for Eddie Sullivan (Mark Feuerstein).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael W. Watkins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Barnett and David Calloway for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mary (Melora Hardin), Memphis Earl (Dennis Farina), Sister Francesca (Wendie Malick), Tina (Rebecca Creskoff), Vic Sullivan (Will Patton), Rabbi (Saul Rubinek), Mad Milton (Bobb’e J. Thompson), Redrum (Lester Speight), and Henry (Kurt Doss).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film has heart.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BATMAN BEGINS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Batman Begins thrives on marvelous special effects and its terrific storyline. The choice of European stars Christian Bale and Michael Caine blow the movie over the top for a 100-percent-quality piece of entertainment. Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Ken Watanabe, and Mark Boone Junior supply all that is necessary for Director Christopher Nolan to completely outdo all previous renditions of Batman’s story. As always, there are the ‘I wonder why’ scenes that Batman movies are renowned for: why a drug blown into a receiver’s face affects only that person and no one else; why some main characters are not impacted by a drug that seriously affects all of Gotham City’s inhabitants. Despite this, the film establishes itself as one of the best Batman stories told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) intends to avenge his parents’ deaths; but enters the crime fighting world on a much larger scale than a single avenging.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale), Alfred (Michael Caine), Ducard (Liam Neeson), Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), Dr. Jonathan Crane (Cillian Murphy), Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson), Earle (Rutger Hauer), Ra’s Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe), Flass (Mark Boone Junior), Thomas Wayne (Linus Roache), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Christian Bale interprets Batman at levels unknown until the release of this film. This movie takes the ‘hokey-ness’ out of the typical Batman character from Andy Warhol’s Batman and Dracula (1964) to Adam West’s Batman the Movie (1966) to actors Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Ben Affleck, and George Clooney’s renditions of the Batman persona. It’s a quality story supported with quality acting. The film is suitable for all ages.

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Ben Meyers

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie—fun for viewers 10-years and up—begs for its sequel. Exceptionally stylish animation supports creative characterizations to weave a solid, good storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

George (voice of Kevin Hart) and Harold (voice of Thomas Middleditch) hypnotize school principal Mr. Krupp (voice of Ed Helms) into believing he is Captain Underpants.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director David Soren for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rob Letterman and Dav Pilkey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Underpants `(voice of Ed Helms), Professor Poopypants (voice of Nick Kroll), Melvin (voice of Jordan Peele), Edith (voice of  Kristen Schaal), Ms. Ribble (voice of DeeDee Rescher), Mr. Rected (voice of Brian Posehn), Tommy (voice of David Soren), Mr. Fyde (voice of Mel Rodriguez), and Ms. Dayken (voice of Susan Fitzer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s good for at least one viewing, if just for the animation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never has potential to turn a non-Justin Bieber fan into a fan club member. An excellent 2011 documentary piece presents a WOW story that will not soon be forgotten. Director Jon M. Chu creates desire to see more of his fine documentary work. Cameraman Reed Smoot presents great skill in detailing the Bieber story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Justin Bieber’s prep for a concert intermixes with stories from his childhood and visits home.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon M. Chu for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Douglas C. Merrifield, David Nicksay, and Randy Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Justin Bieber), Themselves (Boyz II Men),  Herself (Miley Cyrus), Himself (Sean Kingston), Himself (Ludacris), Himself (Jaden Smith), Himself (Usher Raymond), Herself (Diane Dale), Himself (Bruce Dale), Himself (Ryan Good), and Herself (Allison Kaye).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. When the viewer wants to see an inspiring success story, this is it.

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Ben Meyers

THE TRUMAN SHOW (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Truman Show—an inspiring display of originality and creativity—becomes one of Jim Carrey’s better films. One of those ‘sit back and enjoy’ movies, due to its premium script, earns its WOW! KUDOS! as good entertainment for the whole family. Outstanding direction by Director Peter Weir. Watch for Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti in this movie as well as the legendary Composer Philip Glass (who acts as the keyboard artist).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Adopted by a movie company, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) becomes a star of reality television from birth to his early thirties until he discovers something is not quite right in his world.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Weir for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Lynn Pleshette for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Meryl Burbank/Hannah Gill (Laura Linney), Marlon (Noah Emmerich), Lauren/Sylvia (Natascha McElhone), Truman’s Mother (Holland Taylor), Truman’s Father (Brian Delate), Young Truman (Blair Slater), Lawrence (Peter Krause), Vivien (Heidi Schanz), Ron (Ron Taylor), and Don (Don Taylor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Classic comedy/drama that easily obtains ‘re-watchable’ status.

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Ben Meyers

THE GODFATHER (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Godfather—masterpiece of the great movie collection—depicts the gruesome reality of gangster life when large egos are stepped on and when interpretation of personal intent goes awry. The Godfather performs very well for the mature adult audience and marks itself as a terrific study film for academia.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) attempts stability between the five major mob families during the 1940s and 1950s.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Evans for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), Sonny Corleone (James Caan), Clemenza (Richard S. Castellano), Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Captain McCluskey (Sterling Hayden), Jack Woltz (John Marley), Barzini (Richard Conte), Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), Kay Adams (Diane Keaton), and Tessio (Abe Vigoda).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film becomes the classic definition standard for all mafia/mob movies, the best of the best. 

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Ben Meyers

FALLEN (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Fallen—grim, dark, sad reality documentary—concerns itself with men and women of law enforcement killed in the line of duty. Written and directed by Mark Marchese, a former police officer forced to retire due to injuries sustained while on duty, the film honors these men and women by bringing attention to their exceptionally dangerous job. Actor Michael Chicklis from the television show, “The Shield” (2002-2008), narrates the film. Kudos to Director Mark Marchese for pursuing the project with diligence.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The documentary explores the alarming number of American police officers killed in the line of duty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Thomas Marchese for directing efforts. Thank you to Darkroom Studios for its part in making production possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Michael Chiklis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film, a ‘must see’ educational 75 minutes, serves the larger need to cultivate deeper inquiry into the criminal element of our world and how to eliminate police officer death and injury. Thank you to every person involved in making this moving documentary.

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Ben Meyers

KING KONG (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

King Kong—second live action remake of the story since 1976 with a third upcoming 2017 remake: Kong: Skull Island—this 2005 film has Director Peter Jackson interpreting Kong through the efforts of Jack Black, Adrien Brody, and Naomi Watts. Combining terrific footage of natives dressed in outstandingly realistic costuming and makeup artistry with very good background scenery set this movie up to far surpass audience expectations for a King Kong movie. The only small criticism that can be made concerns the special effects of the brontosauruses and their pileup scene. There needs to be a tad more work put into the special effects to push those scenes over the top, but the creativity of the dinosaur pileup pushes that concern to the sidelines. Kudos to Peter Jackson for producing a good Kong movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

King Kong (Andy Serkis) falls in love with the girl, Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), and makes his journey to the United States to terrorize an entire city.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Jan Blenkin, Carolynne Cunningham, Peter Jackson, and Fran Walsh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Carl Denham (Jack Black), Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), Captain Englehorn (Thomas Kretschmann), Preston (Colin Hanks), Lumpy (Andy Serkis), Hayes (Evan Parke), Jimmy (Jamie Bell), Choy (Lobo Chan), Herb (John Sumner), and Mike (Craig Hall).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

  

Yes. The story’s well done and makes one highly anticipate what Peter Jackson has in store for audiences with his 2006 production of Lovely Bones. Special thanks to Peter Jackson for all his effort and hard work in productions like Lord of the Rings and the vast improvement on the Kong stories.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

APOLLO 13 (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Apollo 13—a meat and potatoes entertainment piece directed by Ron Howard—bases itself on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission. Absolutely, do not miss this movie. Every single thing, from the timing, the script, the casting, works in this movie. KUDOS to Director Ron Howard for creating an outstanding film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Apollo 13, America’s third planned Moon landing, enters failure mode when a liquid oxygen tank explodes and the second one begins leaking. The crew work frantically to create a plan that will allow them to return home.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Ron Howard for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Todd Hallowell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon), Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), Gene Kranz (Ed Harris), Marilyn Lovell (Kathleen Quinlan), Barbara Lovell (Mary Kate Schellhardt), Susan Lovell (Emily Ann Lloyd), Jeffrey Lovell (Miko Hughes), and Jay Lovell (Max Elliott Slade).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Ron Howard directs an outstanding film that underscores itself with the terrific cast composed of Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Clint Howard.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers