COCO (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Coco—culturally significant with universal appeal—has the unmistakable quality of Pixar animation stamped all over it. Full of heart and lovability, this excellent and creative film serves the whole family’s entertainment needs, a good child/adult share. It stands at the level of Toy Story, Monster Inc., and Finding Nemo, but wisely brings itself to the entertainment party without copycatting previously made animated movies. It’s a movie worth collecting in the home library. Research and have a little family discussion about the Hispanic folklore surrounding the Day of the Dead celebration before going. Watch for the unexpected twist in the story. WOW! Encore! Bravo for Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) desires a musical career, but experiences a long detour toward his goal first.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt), Mamá Imelda (voice of Alanna Ubach), Abuelita (voice of Renee Viictor), Papá (voice of Jaime Camil), Papá Julio (voice of Alfonso Arau), Tío Oscar/Tío Felipe (voice of Herbert Siguenza), Clerk (voice of Gabriel Iglesias), Plaza Mariachi/Gustavo (voice of Lombardo Boyar), Mamá Coco (voice of Ana Ofelia Murguía), Frida Kahlo (voice of Natalia Cordova-Buckley), and Tía Rosita (voice of Selene Luna).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film requires buying three tickets. One for you today, one for you tomorrow, and one to share with a friend. This movie is a winner from the opening to the final scene.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVOLT (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Revolt—solid thriller set against a sci fi script—features an extremely charismatic actor, Lee Pace. The film, as entertainment, works for a home or lunch watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Aliens attack Kenya and seriously injure Special Forces Operative Bo (Lee Pace).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Miale for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Deckter and Joshua Horsfield for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nadia (Bérénice Marlohe), Stander (Jason Flemyng), Kara (Sibulele Gcilitshana), Roderick (Wandile Molebatsi), Juma (Sekoati Sk Tsubane), Jeandre (Leroy Gopal), Cedric (Welile Nzunza), Kenyan Captain (Patrick Bakoba), Lieutenant Smalls (Tom Fairfoot), Lookout (Ben Tjibe), Female Medic (Chantal Herman), Young Soldier (Barileng Malebye), and Poacher 1 (Jabulani Mthembu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works as a background party flick as you meet friends and settle in around the grill. For higher entertainment value, watch the 2005 remake of War of the Worlds.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JIM GAFFIGAN: OBSESSED (Television Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Jim Gaffigan: Obsessed—not as good as Jim Gaffigan: Cinco—still serves up a healthy portion of Gaffigan comedy. This routine will be well-received as good entertainment in the standup comedy lineup. It received a 2015 nomination for best comedy album.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Jim Gaffigan observes and examines life through Gaffigan eyes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jay Chapman for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Jim Gaffigan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This standup routine is fashionable and comical.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Escape from Alcatraz shows the Clint Eastwood grit and is a complete winner for entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood) develops a plan to escape from Alcatraz, a maximum security prison.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Siegel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Daley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Warden (Patrick McGoohan), Chester Dalton (Roberts Blossom), Clarence Anglin (Jack Thibeau), John Anglin (Fred Ward), English (Paul Benjamin), Charley Butts (Larry Hankin), Wolf (Bruce M. Fischer), Litmus (Frank Ronzio), Johnson (Fred Stuthman), Wagner (David Cryer), Zimmerman (Madison Arnold), and Fight Guard (Blair Burrows).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Its value has not diminished over time. The movie is a winning watch. Great work for Director Don Siegel. Look for Actor Fred Ward, good supporting actor.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AFRICA SCREAMS (Theatrical Release USA1949)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Africa Screams may not be the best of Abbott and Costello, but it’s classic comedy that deserves a ‘sit back and let the show roll.’ Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Abbott and Costello look for diamonds in Africa, encounter dishonest people, run from cannibalistic people, and find that sometimes man’s best friend is a gorilla.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Barton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Donald Crisp for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buzz Johnson (Bud Abbott), Stanley Livington (Lou Costello), Clyde Beatty (Clyde Beatty), Frank Buck (Frank Buck), Grappler McCoy (Max Baer), Boots Wilson (Buddy Baer), Diana Emerson (Hillary Brooke), Gunner (Shemp Howard), Harry (Joe Besser), Bobo (Burt Wenland), The Ape (Charles Gemora), Mr. Mercer (Arthur Hecht), and Interpreter (Bill Walker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves as an excellent academic study and begs the question: Why isn’t there a re-write, a sequel, or a prequel for this story? The script needs some brushing, but the foundation is solid.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers