THE HORNET’S NEST (Video Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Hornet’s Nest—educational and eye-opening documentary—tastefully allows immediate access into lives of professional journalists who cover United States strategic ground movement into some of its most dangerous assignments. Shows the risk involved and the training necessary for this occupation without glamorizing the day to day reality of the work. Great cinematography coupled with excellent interviews between journalists and the military teams they follow make this a terrific piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Father and son journalists, Mike Boettcher and Carlos Boettcher, team to cover a mission into Afghanistan that becomes more dangerous and intense than predicted.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Brenkus, Edward Coppola, Johnny Dela Valdene, Bert Ellis, Stewart Hoge, Erik Litmanovich, Paul B. Loyd Jr., Jason Mergott, Josh Solovy, Michael Stern, and Ed Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Frank Adamski), Himself (Ofren Arrechaga), Himself (Ed Bankston), Himself (Bryan Burgess), Himself (Christian Cabaniss), Himself (Jeremy Faulkner), Himself (Dustin Feldhaus), Himself (Chris Fields), Soldier (Brit Jacobs), Himself (Jameson Lindskog), Himself (Steve Lutsky), Himself (Kevin Mott), Himself (Tye Reedy), Soldier (Kellis Richardson), Herself (Diane Sawyer), and Soldier (Shane Shelton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth every single one of its 97 minutes. Terrific documentary gives excellent insight into journalists who cover armed forces' campaign maneuvers. Mike Boettcher shows great skill as a storyteller and as a photographic artist. The documentary is well done. Thank you to all involved. Kudos!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FLINTSTONES IN VIVA ROCK VEGAS (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas—a Fred Flintstone live-action movie—presents nothing new and runs on a simple storyline. While Rick Moranis and John Goodman have better charisma for casting these characters in the 1994 live action The Flintstones movie, Stephen Baldwin and Mark Addy perform adequately as younger versions of those characters in this prequel movie. Overall, it’s worth a watch for Flintstone story fans.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bachelors Fred Flintstone (Mark Addy) and Barney Rubble (Stephen Baldwin) meet their future mates, Wilma Slaghoople (Kristen Johnston) and Betty O’Shale (Jane Krakowski), and work through the obstacles that hinder their romantic involvement.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brian Levant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Barbera, William Hanna, and Dennis E. Jones for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pearl Slaghoople (Joan Collins), Chip Rockefeller (Thomas Gibson), Gazoo/Mick Jagged (Alan Cumming), Colonel Slaghoople (Harvey Korman), Roxie (Alex Meneses), Keith Rockhard (John Taylor), Big Rocko (Tony Longo), Little Rocko (Danny Woodburn), Gazaam/Gazing (Taylor Negron), Bronto Crane Examiner (Jack McGee), Bronto Crane Examiner (David Jean Thomas), Bronto Crane Worker (Brian Coughlin), Bronto Crane(Richard Karron), Dean Agate (Gary Epp), and Bride-to-be (Jennifer Simard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Flintstones (1994) live action movie is better entertainment than this prequel mostly due to casting; but for audiences who desire to see where the two marriages between Fred and Wilma, Barney and Betty originated, the film works.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREY OWL (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Grey Owl—biographical film—swings without rhythm or apparent reason through good inspirational scenes and cinematography to lower quality acting, portrayal, and direction. This lack of consistent value and sense of real purpose negatively affect the overall effect of the film and undermine impact for the script. The two most effective scenes become the piece where Pierce Brosnan stands on stage and gives his speech for forest conservation that includes protection of beavers and when he returns to England to visit family. Thank you to Director Richard Attenborough and crew for bringing the story to film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

British-born Archie Belaney (Pierce Brosnan) re-establishes his identity as Native American Archie Grey Owl.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Richard Attenborough for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Barr B. Potter, Lenny Young for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Archie Grey Owl (Pierce Brosnan), Cyrus Finney (Stewart Bick), Harry Champlin (Vlasta Vrana), Pony (Annie Galipeau), First Hunter (Neil Kroetsch), Second Hunter (Serge Houde), Hotel Guest (Peter Colvey), Ned White Bear (Nathaniel Arcand), Hotel Manager (Jacques Lussier), Hotel Porter (Lee Roy Jacobs), Chief Pete Misebi (Jimmy Herman), Sim Hancock (John Dunn-Hill), Jim Bernard (Graham Greene), Gus Mitchell (Gordon Masten), First Trapper (Chip Chuipka), Second Trapper (John Walsh), Jim Wood (David Fox), and Hiker (Annabelle Torsein).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a digestible piece of little-known early 1900 history that examines a life re-invented, changed values, and how that impacts an international audience toward an awareness of the human place in nature.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Clear and Present Danger—straightforward story based on Tom Clancy’s novel—shows Harrison Ford again as character Jack Ryan. Good acting by Willem Dafoe helps establish additional strength in the story. This movie performs as an above average action flick that is completely worth watching. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Skimming serious drug money, murder, compromises gone wrong, and United States infiltration into Columbian drug cartels provide the backdrop for a story that eventually lands in the offices of the Congressional Oversight Committee.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Phillip Noyce for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mace Neufeld and Robert Rehme for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford), John Clark (Willem Dafoe), Cathy Muller Ryan (Anne Archer), Colonel Felix Cortez (Joaquim de Almeida), Robert Ritter (Henry Czerny), James Cutter (Harris Yulin), President Bennett (Donald Moffat), Ernesto Escobedo (Miguel Sandoval), Captain Ramirez (Benjamin Bratt), Domingo Chavez (Raymond Cruz), Judge Moore (Dean Jones), Sally Ryan (Thora Birch), Moira Wolfson (Ann Magnuson), Senator Mayo (Hope Lange), FBI Director Emile Jacobs (Tom Tammi), FBI Agent Dan Murray (Tim Grimm), Jean Fowler (Belita Moreno), Administrator James Greer (James Earl Jones), and Sipo (Jorge Luke).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Donald Moffat, Benjamin Bratt, James Earl Jones, and Belita Moreno (George Lopez Show) present a ‘worth your money’ spy/action entertainment film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SECRET OF NIMH (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Secret of Nimh—cute animated movie—seems reminiscent of some of the Disney classic animations like The Great Mouse Detective or The Sword in the Stone. The movie displays a well-blended mix of mystery, incorporates heart engagement, and employs terrific voice casting that includes Dom Deluise and John Carradine. The film serves the younger audience well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Mice, rats, crows, and an owl work together to survive.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Don Bluth for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rich Irvine and James L. Stewart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nicodemus (voice of Derek Jacobi), Mrs. Brisby (voice of Elizabeth Hartman), Mr. Ages (voice of Arthur Malet), Jeremy (voice of Dom DeLuise), Auntie Shrew (voice of Hermione Baddeley), Teresa (voice of Shannen Doherty), Marti (voice of Wil Wheaton), Cynthia (voice of Jodi Hicks), Timothy (voice of Ian Fried), Great Owl (voice of John Carradine), Justin (voice of Peter Strauss), Jenner (voice of Paul Shenar), Farmer Fitzgibbons (voice of Lucille Bliss), Sullivan (voice of Aldo Ray), Councilman 1 (voice of Norbert Auerbach), Councilman 2 (voice of Dick Kleiner), and Councilman 3 (voice of Charles Champlin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A good young children’s film that works as an ‘easy on the mind’ adult/child share movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

xXx: Return of Xander Cage—best in the series—presents a Bravo!, WOW! piece of entertainment. The movie lives up to its trailers and its advertising. One expects it to be good, but not this good. Director D.J. Caruso shoots the film over the top with well-timed action scenes, special effects, and just the correct nuance that makes the film fun to watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) returns to active duty to retrieve the Pandora Box.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director D.J. Caruso for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gloria S. Borders, Scott Hemming, Ric Kidney, Zack Roth, and Vince Totino for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Xiang (Donnie Yen), Serena Unger (Deepika Padukone), Nicks (Kris Wu), Adele Wolff (Ruby Rose), Talon (Tony Jaa), Becky Clearidge (Nina Dobrey), Tennyson Torch (Rory McCann), Jane Marke (Toni Collette), Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), Darius Stone (Ice Cube), Ainsley (Hermione Corfield), Paul Donovan (Tony Gonzalez), Hawk (Michael Bisping), CIA Director (Al Sapienza), MI6 Control (Nigel Bennett), Chinese Politico (Terry Chen), Russian Spymaster (Daniel Kash), and Red Erik (Andrey Ivchenko).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fabulous. Thank you to all involved in production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

In This Corner of the World—reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki animated films due to its sweet, simple, and gentle storyline—uses Japanese dialogue but provides both English dialogue as well as English subtitle options. The first part of the story can be a little difficult to follow due to lack of smooth transitioning between the time frame where each scene occurs and the chronological change that moves the story along, but the last thirty to forty minutes of the film flows smoothly and transitions well. The voicing is good, character development creates good audience involvement, and the universality of the message is easily digestible without feeling a message is delivered. The story is told matter-of-factly without preaching or placing blame for a horrific event that is part of world history, but happened specifically to the Japanese population. This animation film comes highly recommended as a family watch for the PG-13 crowd. It provides good opportunity for family conversation after watching and stays at the intellectual rather than emotional level for viewing entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Suzu (voice of Laura Post) marries and lives her life through the events pre-World War II, the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima, and post-war Japan.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sunao Katabuchi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tarô Maki and Masao Maruyama for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Keiko (voice of Kira Buckland), Sumi (voice of Christine Marie Cabanos), San (voice of Barbara Goodson), Shusaku (voice of Todd Haberkorn), Sumi (voice of Megumi Han), Shusaku (voice of Yoshimasa Hosoya), Harumi (voice of Natsuki Inaba), Rin (voice of Nanase Iwai), Michiko (voice of Minori Omi), Akira (voice of Daisuke Ono), Tetsu (voice of Jason Palmer), Suzu (voice of Laura Post), San (voice of Mayumi Shintani), Entarou (voice of Kirk Thornton), and Entaro (voice of Shigeru Ushiyama).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie serves its purpose well. Its fine delivery places it into upper class PG-13 family entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FLINTSTONES (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Flintstones—live action interpretation of the animated television series that ran from 1960 to 1966—turns into a great, worth-watching show. While John Goodman didn’t quite master the ‘Yabba Dabba Do’ or the ‘easy jump into the air to click the heels’ Fred Flintstone trademarks, he still managed a worthy and enjoyable interpretation of the original animated character. Rick Moranis, Rosie O’Donnell, and Elizabeth Perkins played off John Goodman’s character with finesse. Watch for Elizabeth Taylor as Wilma’s mother, Pearl Slaghoople. Great casting creates a live action version of the Flintstone story that almost puts it into the re-watchable class.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Friends helping friends turns into a disastrous affair that affects the livelihood of the Flintstones and the Rubbles and puts a strain on their friendship.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brian Levant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Barbera, William Hanna, David Kirschner, Gerald R. Molen, Kathleen Kennedy, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fred Flintstone (John Goodman), Wilma Flintstone (Elizabeth Perkins), Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis), Betty Rubble (Rosie O’Donnell), Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan), Miss Stone (Halle Berry), Pearl Slaghoople (Elizabeth Taylor), Mr. Slate (Dann Florek), Hoagie (Richard Moll), Joe Rockhead (Irwin Keyes), Grizzled Man (Jonathan Winters), Dictabird (voice of Harvey Korman), Pebbles(Elaine Silver), Pebbles (Melanie Silver), Bamm-Bamm (Hlynur Sigurdsson), Bamm-Bamm (Marinó Sigurdsson), Mrs. Pyrite (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Mrs. Feldspar (Jean Vander Pyl), and Stewardess (Janice Kent).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film, a joint venture of Amblin Films and Hanna-Barbera, produces 91 minutes of pure, clean family entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest—second installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series—uses the talents of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Kiera Knightley, Bill Nighy, Stellan Skarsgård, Johnathan Pryce, and Martin Klebba to make a re-watchable piece of entertainment. The special effects and presentation are well done. It’s a ‘best work for all involved’ film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A search for the Dead Man’s Chest begins with stopping a wedding and an assignment to find Jack Sparrow’s (Johnny Depp) magic compass.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gore Verbinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Hendricks, Eric McLeod, Chad Oman, and Mike Stenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), Norrington (Jack Davenport), Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), Governor Weatherby Swann (Jonathan Pryce), Pintel (Lee Arenberg), Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook), Gibbs (Kevin McNally), Cotton (David Bailie), Bootstrap Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris), Mercer (David Schofield), Captain Bellamy (Alex Norton), Scarlett (Lauren Maher), Short Sailor (Nej Adamson), and Large Sailor (Jimmy Roussounis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No Maybe?                                                                                   

Yes. The CGI, bluescreen, and motion capture effects deserve special kudos for the realistic and startling presentation of characters working this story to its final conclusion. The novel special effects drive the story into a worth watching film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—based on a 1922 F. Scott Fitzgerald story—presents its unusual story tastefully and well via the talents of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The storyline is difficult to ignore due to its uniqueness. While not a movie that attains classic status, it’s worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) comes into the world as an old man and leaves the world as a young infant.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director David Fincher for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ceán Chaffin, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Tommy Turtle for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Daisy (Cate Blanchett), Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), Caroline (Julia Ormond), Dorothy Baker (Faune Chambers Watkins), Monsieur Gateau (Elias Koteas), Blanche Devereux (Donna Duplantier), Martin Gateau (Jacob Tolano), Man at Train Station (Earl Maddox), Teddy Roosevelt (Ed Metzger), Thomas Button (Jason Flemyng), Priest Giving Last Rites (Danny Vinson), Doctor at Benjamin’s Birth (David Jensen), Caroline Button (Johanna Roxanne), Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), Tizzy (Mahershala Ali), Mrs. Hollister (Fiona Hale), Dr. Rose (Patrick Thomas O’Brien), Mrs. Horton (Marion Zinser), and Benjamin 1928-31 (Peter Donald Badalamenti II).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Its concept makes the movie worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE REPLACEMENTS (Theatrical Release Canada 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Replacements sports an all-star cast and presents a good football sports movie. Watch for John Madden, well-known former Oakland Raiders coach and football commentator, playing himself in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A football team goes on strike during playing season and the team’s owner, Edward O’Neil (Jack Warden), makes the decision to replace them.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Howard Deutch for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeffrey Chernov, Steven Reuther, and Erwin Stoff for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman), Annabelle Farrell (Brooke Langton)on Favreau), Wilkinson (Michael Jace), , Clifford Franklin (Orlando Jones), Jamal (Faizon Love), Andre (Michael Taliferro), Fumiko (Ace Yonamine), Walter Cochran (Troy Winbush), Brian Murphy (David Denman), Bateman (Jon Favreau), Wilkinson (Michael Jace), Nigel Gruff (Rhys Ifans), Pilachowski (Gailard Sartain), Banes (Art LaFleur), Eddie Martel (Brett Cullen), Wilson Carr (Archie L. Harris Jr.), Malcolm La Mont (Evan Parke), Himself (John Madden), and Himself (Pat Summerall).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It serves the teen/adult sports movie fan well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DIE ANOTHER DAY (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Die Another Day refreshes the 007 James Bond series with a new Q (John Cleese) and highly techy gadgetry while keeping Pierce Brosnan for his last and best James Bond role. Daniel Craig will follow in Brosnan’s place with the 2006 release of Casino Royale. There is nothing lacking in this 007 James Bond film. Pierce Brosnan’s suavity shines in every scene and carries the film well. Special kudos to great film direction by Lee Tamahori.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

North Korean soldiers capture James Bond (Pierce Brosnan), torture him, and finally release him in a trade deal with England. Bond looks for the mole who betrayed him.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Lee Tamahori for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Anthony Waye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Pierce Brosnan), Jinx Johnson (Halle Berry), Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike), Zao (Rick Yune), M (Judi Dench), Q (John Cleese), Damian Falco (Michael Madsen), Colonel Moon (Will Yun Lee), General Moon (Kenneth Tsang), Raoul (Emilio Echevarría), Vlad (Michael Gor), Mr. Kil (Lawrence Makoare), Charles Robinson (Colin Salmon), Miss Moneypenny (Samantha Bond), Snooty Desk Clerk (Ben Wee), Hotel Manager (Ho Yi), Peaceful (Rachel Grant), and Creep (Ian Pirie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is the best of the Pierce Brosnan’s Bond series to date. It has charisma, visually stimulating action and visibly shows the outstanding team effort to produce this very good spy film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

War—great special effects and really good story concept—casts Jason Statham and Jet Li together to create a police action flick that is completely worth watching. The movie works for a mature audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

FBI Agent Crawford (Jason Statham) avenges his partner’s death.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Philip G. Atwell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block, Mike Elliott, Michael Paseornek, and John Sacchi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rogue (Jet Li), Chang (John Lone), Kira (Devon Aoki), Benny (Luis Guzmán), Dr. Sherman (Saul Rubinek), Shiro (Ryo Ishibashi), Goi (Sung Kang), Wick (Mathew St. Patrick), Maria (Nadine Velazquez), Jenny Crawford (Andrea Roth), Wu Ti (Mark Cheng), Templ(Nicholas Elia)e Garden Warrior (Kane Kosugi), Ana (Kennedy Montano), Tom Lone (Terry Chen), Diane Lone (Steph Song), Amy Lone (Annika Foo), and Daniel Crawford (Nicholas Elia).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The acting team of Jason Statham and Jet Li pushes this movie over the top for a police action movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull adds Shia LaBeouf as the son of Indiana Jones and reprises Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood (Raiders of the Lost Ark)—one of the best ideas made in the entertainment business for reprised roles. This film typifies the adventure of the series and continues with the large onscreen charisma of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. The story is great. It is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) battles Soviets to limit access to enormous psychic power.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), ‘Mac’ George Michale (Ray Winstone), Professor Oxley (John Hurt), Dean Charles Stanforth (Jim Broadbent), Dovchenko (Igor Jijikine), Russian Suit (Dimitri Diatchenko), Russian Suit (Ilia Volok), Russian Soldier (Emmanuel Todorov), Russian Soldier (Pasha D. Lynchnikoff), Russian Soldier (Andrew Divoff), Russian Soldier (Venya Manzyuk), General Ross (Alan Dale), Taylor (Joel Stoffer), Smith (Neil Flynn), Minister (V.J. Foster), and Student in Library (Chet Hanks).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film finishes the last of the Indiana Jones series produced through the year 2018. While not as good as the rest of the series, it is worth watching and comparable to the other films in the series. And, Harrison Ford casts well with Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, and Cate Blanchett.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOONSTRUCK (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Moonstruck—works for its money—has character, charisma, and creativity packaged into a tightly spun story that spins itself precisely into a little nugget that could easily lose itself in the plethora of Hollywood-released films. Don’t miss this one. It’s a Bravo! production for Director Norman Jewison and will be as good a hundred years from now as it is today. The film serves a mature audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Widowed, middle-aged Loretta Castorini (Cher) falls in love with her fiancee’s brother, Ronny Cammareri (Nicolas Cage).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Norman Jewison for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Norman Jewison and Patrick J. Palmer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cosmo Castorini (Vincent Gardenia), Rose Castorini (Olympia Dukakis), Mr. Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello), Rita Cappomaggi (Julie Bovasso), Perry (John Mahoney), Raymond Cappomaggi (Louis Guss), Old Man (Feodor Chaliapin Jr.), Mona (Anita Gillette), Felix (Leonardo Cimino), Lucy (Paula Trueman), Chrissy (Nada Despotovich), Shy Waiter (Joe Grifasi), Old Crone (Gina DeAngeles), Barbara (Robin Bartlett), Lotte (Helen Hanft), Irv (David S. Howard), and Bobo (Robert Weil).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie just works partially due to its original storyline and partially due to the outstanding direction of Norman Jewison. For the romance-loving audience, it’s a Bravo! film and deserves its kudos.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

I AM NUMBER FOUR (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

I Am Number Four—great teen flick—combines all the perks of a sci-fi movie with romance and action. Timothy Olyphant plays well as the caretaker for Alex Pettyfer’s character Daniel. Good work for Director D.J. Caruso.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young John Smith escapes his home planet, Lorien, with eight others to find a short-lived sanctuary on planet Earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director D.J. Caruso for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Bender, J.C. Spink, and David Valdes making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John (Alex Pettyfer), Henri (Timothy Olyphant), Number 6 (Teresa Palmer), Sarah (Dianna Agron), Sam (Callan McAuliffe), Mogadorian Commander (Kevin Durand), Mark (Jake Abel), Sheriff James (Jeff Hochendoner), Kevin (Patrick Sebes), Number 3 (Greg Townley), Number 3’s Guardian (Reuben Langdon), Nicole (Emily Wickersham), Receptionist (Molly McGinnis), Frank (Brian Howe), Bret (Andy Owen), Girl on Street (Sophia Anne Caruso), Sam’s Stepdad (Charles Carroll), and Mr. Berhman (L. Derek Leonidoff).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has potential for a sequel or a prequel. Director D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye and xXx: Return of Xander Cage) shows skill in direction of this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers