THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Tuskegee Airmen details African American military service during WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen film performs at a similar level as the 2012 film, Red Tails. The movie serves as a great story that educates without preaching. Bravo for a very good military story directed by Robert Markowitz.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War II births the 332 Fighter Group, an all-black fighting group serving the United States Army Air Corp.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Markowitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Frank Price for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne), Walter Peoples (Allen Payne), Leroy Cappy (Malcolm Jamal Warner), Lieutenant Glenn (Courtney B. Vance), Benjamin O. Davis (Andre Braugher), Major Joy (Christopher McDonald), Colonel Rogers (Daniel Hugh Kelly), Senator Conyers (John Lithgow), Billy Roberts (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Lewis Johns (Mekhi Phifer), and Young Hannibal (Christopher Bevins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This well-told and worthy film deserves its kudos for educating as well as entertaining.

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Ben Meyers

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly—never gets old—spices itself with treacherousness, violence, and a bit of comedy along its path toward becoming one of the best westerns ever conceived and executed. Sergio Leone brands this film and clears the path for additional Spaghetti westerns. This is not for children, but it is for the older teen and up with some violence and language. Kudos for especially powerful, suspenseful ending scenes. Great work for everyone involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Blondie (Clint Eastwood) works to find his share of confederate gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sergio Leone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Grimaldi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tuco (Eli Wallach), Sentenza/Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), Alcoholic Union Captain (Aldo Giuffrè), Father Pablo Ramirez (Luigi Pistilli), Maria (Rada Rassimov), Storekeeper (Enzo Petito), Mexican Peon (Claudio Scarchilli), Sheriff (John Bartha), Baker (Livio Lorenzon), and Jackson/Bill Carson (Antonio Casale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a bona fide, rewatchable classic western.

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Ben Meyers

THE CIRCLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Circle examines reasons behind citizens’ choice to allow 100 percent audio/video surveillance in their lives. Emma Watson does a terrific job in her role of a young woman who recommends ‘going completely transparent’ in this sci fi drama about personal monitoring. Her supporting cast—Tom Hanks, Patton Oswald, and Bill Paxton—help to establish how decisions, with far reaching impact, happen in small baby steps that move entire worlds toward inevitable outcomes. Great work for Director James Ponsoldt who gives a solid look into a future that is already here. One sex scene and language move this movie into the late teen/adult category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Mae Holland (Emma Watson) helps a real-time audio/video company establish dominance nationally and internationally as good choice for humanity’s safety, health, and crime reduction.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Ponsoldt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stefanie Azpiazu, Peter Cron, Evan Hayes, Russell Levine, Federica Sainte-Rose, Ron Schmidt, Steve Shareshian, Marc Shmuger, and Sally Willcox for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mae (Emma Watson), Mercer (Ellar Coltrane), Bonnie (Glenne Headly), Vinnie (Bill Paxton), Annie (Karen Gillan), Bailey (Tom Hanks), Beck (Beck), Dan (Nate Corddry), and Jared (Mamoudou Athie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves as a reminder of how a single, likable spokesperson can move an entire world through decision-making processes.

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Ben Meyers

MEGAN LEAVEY (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Megan Leavey moves itself out of B-grade status partly due to its choice of subject matter—military canine detection and their handler units, establishment of a female in a male-dominated soldier unit, and the interweaving of a second underlying story that graphically shows a specific type of home-life with which some enlisted personnel must rationalize and come to terms. While the film does not establish itself in the academy award winning class, it does have a certain aura, created by actress Kate Mara, that pushes it into a good, solid watch category. The film firmly broadens education about deployed army canines, their retirement, and usefulness to war efforts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Soldier Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) requests canine duty and deploys with a highly aggressive male dog.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jose Luis Escolar, Scott Holroyd, Robert Huberman, and Nicole Stojkovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jackie (Edie Falco), Barbie (Alisa Harris), Receiving Marine #1 (Nick Madrick), Receiving Marine #2 (Jason Turner), Female Drill Instructor #1 (Sasha Morfaw), Female Drill Instructor #2 (Jennifer Duke), Female Drill Instructor #3 (Megan Leavey), Jim (Will Patton), Master Sergeant (Corey Johnson), Jones (Andrew Moon), Timmins (Alicia Lobo), Lopez (Melina Matthews), and Drunk Guy in Bar (Luka Peros).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This flick has a universal appeal that supersedes its war movie classification.

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Ben Meyers

THE WALL (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Wall shows how a film can utilize a single, simple setting of an adobe-type wall, cast a single onscreen actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, without a true supporting cast, and establish a well-done, worth watching movie. Brilliantly done, this war flick does not work at the B-grade level. Its highly entertaining story, tightly packed into a short, sweet 81 minutes of viewing time, uses every single one of its minutes well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Army sniper Shane Matthews (John Cena) investigates an Iraqi oil line with his spotter Sergeant Allen Isaac (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Doug Liman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Dave Bartis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shane Matthews (John Cena) and Juba (voice of Laith Nakli).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great acting and great suspense combine to create a terrific desire to see what will happen next.

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Ben Meyers

FENCES (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Fences combines Denzel Washington and Viola Davis in an encore, BRAVO! performance that dramatically captures a moment in marriage and plays it according to choices made by the main players caught in the situation. The film defines the word, masterpiece. Great work for all involved with a special thank you to the outstanding drama direction by Denzel Washington.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) seeks happiness through control of his world as he understands it.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Denzel Washington for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Molly Allen, Eli Bush, Aaron L. Gilbert, Charles D. King, Andrew Pollack, Kim Roth, and Dale Wells for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rose Maxson (Viola Davis), Jim Bono (Stephen Henderson), Cory (Jovan Adepo), Lyons (Russell Hornsby), Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson), Raynell (Saniyya Sidney), Deputy Commissioner (Christopher Mele), and Evangelist Preacher (Lesley Boone).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works at the emotional level and supports itself with powerful acting performances. One of the best, if not the best, dramas of 2016. Beautiful! Kudos to all involved in its production.

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Ben Meyers

ARRIVAL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Arrival—a ‘do not miss this story’ film—explores what humans may learn from aliens when we choose not to shoot ‘em with guns first and talk later. The movie sports a little suspense while shooting to the top of the sci fi entertainment class. The acting is very good with Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forrest Whitaker strutting their skills in every scene. This is one of best science fiction films of 2016 and is actually rewatchable due to its well-written, in-depth script. Watch for the light twist at the end that is more than worth the 116-minute viewing time.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) becomes capable of using an alien language that gives power to see the future and the past.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Denis Villeneuve for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dan Cohen, Eric Heisserer, Karen Lunder, Tory Metzger, Milan Popelka, Stan Wlodkowski, Glen Basner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker), Agent Halpern (Michael Stuhlbarg), Captain Marks (Mark O’Brien), General Shang (Tzi Ma), 8-year-old Hannah (Abigail Pniowsky), and 12-year-old Hannah (Julia Scarlett Dan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Like The Day the Earth Stood Still when first introduced to the big screen, Arrival serves as a ‘best’ sci fi film that introduces fresh concepts well-worth exploring. Don’t miss this completely satisfying movie.

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Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—may be the best of the series—spices it up a bit with the addition of Sean Connery’s performance as Indiana Jones’ father. The relationship and dynamics between the two are unforgettable. Great performance for both actors. Once again, the audience gets the treat of non-stop adventure, journeying to unknown regions and, believe it or not, pushes its envelope beyond even that. Thank you to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for providing an adventure that audiences will not soon forget and love to view time and time again. Best work by all involved. This movie is the third installment in a four-set saga. It takes 19 years to release the next story in the series: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his father, Dr. Jones (Sean Connery) search for the Holy Grail.

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: Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), Elsa (Alison Doody), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), Young Indy (River Phoenix), Vogel (Michael Byrne), and Kazim (Kevork Malikyan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth every dime and every minute of your time to see this movie. The special effects are spectacular. Sean Connery works with Harrison Ford like a dream.

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Ben Meyers

CLICK (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Click—rated PG-13, but works more at the ‘R’ level due to sexual references—ends with a terrific moral of the story that typifies Adam Sandler movies. The moral of the story comes packaged without preaching and adequately hides itself for the audience to unveil and understand. The movie’s Director Frank Coraci does an outstanding job of moving the story along.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) receives a remote control with power to move him into the past or into the future. He begins moving through his future life based on choices he set in motion in his present life.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Frank Coraci for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Bernardi and Tim Herlihy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Donna Newman (Kate Beckinsale), Morty (Christopher Walken), Ammer (David Hasselhoff), Ted Newman (Henry Winkler), Trudy Newman (Julie Kavner), Bill (Sean Astin), Ben Newman at 7-years old (Joseph Castanon), and Ben at 17-years old (Jonah Hill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s worth watching for the meaty moral of the story and works on a type of slapstick comedy level for the adult audience. Great work for Director Frank Coraci.

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Ben Meyers

MERU (Sundance Film Festival Basin Recreation Fieldhouse in Park City, Utah USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Meru—breathtaking—takes viewers on a vertical climb to the top of Meru with great camera shots documenting the journey. Well done. Thanks to all involved for an inside view into what it takes to achieve exceptionally difficult physical goals.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

This is the first documented ascent of Shark’s Fin on Meru.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jimmy Chin, Shannon Ethridge, and Elizabeh Chai Vasarhelyi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Conrad Anker, Grace Chin, Jimmy Chin, Amee Hinkley, Jeremy Jones, Jon Krakauer, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, and Renan Ozturk.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The ultimate rock climbing film provides terrific inspiration for the late teen/adult viewer.

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Ben Meyers

EVAN ALMIGHTY (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Evan Almighty—spinoff from Jim Carrey’s Bruce Almighty—continues to use Morgan Freeman as God while examining how diametrically opposed family prayers can work when otherworldly forces are at work. The story concept is good, the comedy is there, and Director Tom Shadyac shows great promise for comedy movies. It’s a good family share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) has an appointment with God Almighty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tom Shadyak for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Ilona Herzberg, Matt Luber, and Dave Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: God (Morgan Freeman), Joan Baxter (Lauren Graham), Dylan Baxter (Johnny Simmons), Jordan Baxter (Graham Phillips), Ryan Baxter (Jimmy Bennett), Congressman Long (John Goodman), Rita (Wanda Sykes), and Marty (John Michael Higgins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There’s enough comedy to make it a watch for the whole family.

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Ben Meyers

TOTAL RECALL (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Total Recall—fresh, new out-of-the-box sci fi—presents an intellectually pleasing, innovative story, well supported by Arnold Schwarzenegger as the leading character. Watch for Michael Ironside, Sharon Stone, and the good acting by Mel Johnson Jr. Listen for the good voicing by Robert Picardo for the robot Johnnycab, a terrific character piece introduced into the script. The film does contain language, sexual references, and some nudity; but the film is worth at least a viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Reality and fantasy become inexplicably intertwined after Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) takes a memory-implanted trip to Mars.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Paul Verhoeven for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hauser (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Melina (Rachel Ticotin), Lori (Sharon Stone), Vilos Cohaagen (Ronny Cox), Richter (Michael Ironside), George/Kuato (Marshall Bell), Benny (Mel Johnson Jr.), Helm (Michael Champion), Dr. Edgemar (Roy Brocksmith), Bob McClane (Ray Baker), Dr. Lull (Rosemary Dunsmore).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie uses technics to great advantage in creating a solid sci fi film that delivers terrific action entertainment.

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Ben Meyers

GHOSTBUSTERS II (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ghostbusters II—terrific sequel movie—shows the whole ghostbuster gang 'at it' again and turns the entertainment level up just a bit with terrific comedy and special effects. Director Ivan Reitman (Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, and Junior) gets the most out of the script, the actors, and the scenes. The audience will not lose their dime watching this movie. You’ll get your money’s worth.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The ghost busting team’s ability to continue operating their business has been suspended until New York comes under attack by supernatural forces and they are needed to resolve serious problems.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ivan Reitman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bernie Brillstein, Michael C. Gross, and Joe Medjuck for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Dr. Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), Louis Tully (Rick Moranis), Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts), Dr. Janosz Poha (Peter MacNicol), The Judge (Harris Yulin), The Mayor of New York (David Margulies), and Hardemeyer (Kurt Fuller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie compliments the first story in the series and provides good entertainment value.

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Ben Meyers

IMAGINE THAT (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Imagine That—family entertainment at its best—provides a solid, creatively well-told and written, good story. Excellent timing and clean comedy serve every audience. Eddie Murphy completely captures the workaholic father personality and Yara Shahidi’s outstanding performance as a child who needs father attention combine to create a lovable, earnest story with a wonderful ending. Great work by Director Karey Kirkpatrick in pulling this story together for a terrific onscreen entertainment piece. While initial reviews were not favorable, this is a treasure not to be missed.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Financial advisor Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy) finds inspiration and advice for moving up the corporate ladder from his daughter Olivia’s (Yara Shahidi) imaginary friends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Karey Kirkpatrick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ric Kidney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy), Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church), Olivia Danielson (Yara Shahidi), Tom Stevens (Ronny Cox), Noah Kulick (Stephen Rannazzisi), Trish (Nicole Ari Parker), John Strother (DeRay Davis), Lori Strother (Vanessa Williams), Dante D’Enzo (Martin Sheen), and Rose (Lauren Weedman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a fun romp through a child’s world; a great family share watch.

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Ben Meyers

LICENCE TO KILL (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Licence To Kill keeps tradition with those over-the-top opening action scenes that audiences have come to expect as the trademark of a good 007 Bond film. While this film is almost on par with the previous Timothy Dalton interpretation of Agent 007 in The Living Daylights (1987), this movie does the same thing that the last Dalton film did to this spy series. It runs more along a police story’s line than a bona fide spy thriller story. The movie almost seems to naturally set itself up for a replacement James Bond which does happen with the casting of Pierce Brosnan as the next James Bond in the 1995 release of GoldenEye and in the 1997 release of Tomorrow Never Dies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

James Bond (Timothy Dalton) finds himself performing as a rogue agent when his licence to kill becomes revoked.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Glen for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Albert R. Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Timothy Dalton), Pam Bouvier (Carey Lowell), Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi), Lupe Lamora (Talisa Soto), Milton Krest (Anthony Zerbe), Sharkey (Frank McRae), Felix Leiter (David Hedison), Professor Joe Butcher (Wayne Newton), Dario (Benicio Del Toro), Truman-Lodge (Anthony Starke), and Ed Killifer (Everett McGill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While it seems Sean Connery will always stand alone as the quintessential James Bond (Diamonds Are Forever), for 007 fans needing a dip into ‘Bond’, the movie will not disappoint and is worth watching. However, Diamonds Are Forever and Tomorrow Never Dies perform at higher, quality watches than this movie.

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Ben Meyers

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Fullmetal Alchemist—based on one of the best Japanese manga—contains mystery, action, and highly creative story telling. While the animation works at the flat level of typical Japanese anime, the story itself presents such high-quality interest that the lower quality of animation loses significance. The fact that the story stands on two brothers trying to help each other adds to the emotional involvement factor. Do some research on alchemy before watching to appreciate this complicated story’s depth.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alchemists Edward Elric (Ryôsuke Yamada) and his brother Alphonse (voice of Atom Mizuishi) work together to find the philosopher’s stone to repair damage incurred while trying to resurrect their mother.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fumiko Sori for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Yumiko Yoshihara for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Winry Rockbell (Tsubasa Honda), Roy Mustang (Dean Fujioka), Maes Hughes (Ryûta Satô), Riza Hawkeye (Misako Renbutsu), Shou Tucker (Yô Ôizumi), Cornello (Kenjirô Ishimaru), Lust (Yasuko Matsuyuki), Gluttony (Shinji Uchiyama), Envy (Kanata Hongô), Maria Ross (Natsuma), Hakuro (Fumiyo Kohinata), and GraciaHughes (Natsuki Harada).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great story that delivers intellectual value and literally begs for its sequel.

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Ben Meyers