VAN HELSING (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Van Helsing provides the perfect setting for Hugh Jackman to show his acting skills and shows the versatility of Kate Beckinsale as she pulls off a vampire movie that is totally different from her 2003 Underworld movie. Terrific work by Director Stephen Sommers.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale) fight vampires, wolfmen, and other creatures fantastic.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Sommers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sam Mercer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Count Vladislaus Dracula (Richard Roxburgh), Carl (David Wenham), Frankenstein’s Monster (Shuler Hensley), Aleera (Elena Anaya), Velkan (Will Kemp), Igor (Kevin J. O’Connor), Cardinal Jinette (Alun Armstrong), Verona (Silvia Colloca), Marishka (Josie Maran), Top Hat (Tom Fisher), Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Samuel West), Mr. Hyde (Robbie Coltrane), Dr. Jekyll (Stephen Fisher), and Barmaid (Dana Morávková).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth at least one ticket and has potential for re-watch over the years.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNITED 93 (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

United 93 catches the eye, keeps interest, and requires attention to content in order not to miss vital story information. While the cast are unknown actors and actresses, they perform well. Particularly, the control room scenes create a sense of ‘being there’. Great work for Director Paul Greengrass.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story behind the crash of United 93.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward, and Bruce Toll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Jason Dahl (J.J. Johnson), First Officer LeRoy Homer (Gary Commock), Deborah Welsh (Polly Adams), CeeCee Lyles (Opal Alladin), Wanda Anita Green (Starla Benford), Sandra Bradshaw (Trish Gates), Lorraine G. Bay (Nancy McDoniel), and Todd Beamer (David Alan Basche).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of the better plane hijacking movies on the market.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MR. HUBLOT (Theatrical Release France 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Hublot—among the best computer animated short films on the market—has love written all over it. Each scene has been well thought through and is fun from its beginning to its ending. It’s a tribute to Directors Alexandre Espigares and Laurent Witz’s media storytelling abilities.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Hublot’s life becomes enriched after deciding to keep a robot puppy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Alexandre Espigares and Laurent Witz for directing effort. Thank you to Zeilt Productions and Watt Frame for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Hublot and Robot Dog.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The artwork is rich with character.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KARNIVAL KID (Theatrical Release USA 1929)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Karnival Kid—terrific period piece that shows how well cartoons could tell their story in just a few minutes—shows the promise of the Disney team and gives a hint at where they were going to go. This short film takes little time for viewing and is well worth the effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mickey Mouse woos Minnie Mouse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Walt Disney and Carl W. Stalling.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great work for all involved. This is one of Mickey Mouse’s best initial films and details the culture of the late 1920s. Very good work by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT (Video Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Christmas Project—simple story with strong resemblance to the movie, A Christmas Story—turns itself into a good family Christmas watch but not with the impact that the initial release of Home Alone had. This movie allows Jacob Buster, Cooper Daniel Johnson, Josh Reid, and the rest of the cast to acquit themselves well. The audience will most likely be energized by the concept of Elfing as a good family tradition that can be easily enabled. The story is sweet, decent, and teaches several, good family concepts.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images

Storyline

Brothers live Christmas 1986 while fully engaged with their families, school, and neighbors.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Buster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ron Brough, Melissa Cannon, and Sally Meyer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Matthew Buckley (Jacob Buster), Simon Buckley (Anson Bagley), Peter Buckley (Josh Reid), John Buckley (Cooper Daniel Johnson), Ralph Buckley (Brian Neal Clark), Juniper Goodman (Grace Hallows), Allen Goodman (Evan Clark), Monica Goodman (Caitlin E.J. Meyer), and Finn Hagbart (Gabe White).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a loveable, seasonable treat for the teen/adult family and a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon or evening with loved ones.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

I.Q. (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

                                                                                                    

I.Q.—another one of those easy-to-be-missed Walter Matthau movies that hide in unexpected places and when found become little treasures that one does not easily forget (see his 1971 film, A New Leaf, as another example of such a movie). IQ has an original idea, delivers itself in a creative and completely unexpected manner, makes you wait for its ending until the ending, and becomes an overall great watch. The casting of Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, and Stephen Fry work incredibly well. Don’t miss this one. It’s a good watch. With very little tweaking, this movie would have become a classic Christmas re-watch through the years on par with It’s a Wonderful Life.Film 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline.

Romance has a little help from Albert Einstein and his friends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fred Schepisi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sandy Gallin, and Scott Rudin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ed Walters (Tim Robbins), Catherine Boyd (Meg Ryan), Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau), Kurt Gödel (Lou Jacobi), Boris Podolsky (Gene Saks), Nathan Liebknecht (Joseph Maher), James Moreland (Stephen Fry), Bob Rosetti (Tony Shalhoub), Frank (Frank Whaley),and Louis Bamberger (Charles Durning).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a simple, sweet romance that could be easily missed and shouldn’t be missed. Clean, decent fare for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER (Released to Theaters USA 1991)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Flight of the Intruder—really good film—is easy-to-miss partly because of its blasé title, partly due to scheduling its release at the same time as Operation Desert Storm, and releasing it in January, one of the worst months to release a film. The acting team of Danny Glover and Brad Johnson are good. Willem DaFoe is a very good addition to the film. Watch for the cameo of David Schwimmer.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Navy ship makes multiple rounds with airplanes to destroy key spots ordered by high command during the Vietnam War. One airplane goes rogue.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Milius for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mace Neufeld for making the film possible. Cast includes Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, Brad Johnson, Rosanna Marquett, and Tom Sizemore.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It's a cohesive film that works from a solid foundation.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE PIXAR STORY (Newport Beach International Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pixar Story—one of those loveable documentaries that an audience wishes would never end—deals heart, soul, and power through the screen by the bucketful. This documentary is so well done that it becomes one of those Bravo! Please use this model for all future documentaries. It is sweet to watch how Director Leslie Iwerks put this enthralling documentary together. Best in show for 2008.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Pixar’s beginning to its maturity.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leslie Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leslie Iwerks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (voice of Stacy Keach), Himself (John Lasseter), Himself (Brad Bird), Himself (John Musker), Himself (Ron Clements), Himself (Ollie Johnston), Himself (Frank Thomas), Himself (Randy Cartwright), Himself (Ron Miller), and Himself (Glen Keane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie gives kudos to Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, and the many other incredible minds who put together a unique and ground-breaking animation studio that still produces the best of the best animated movies in the United States. This documentary is well worth the investment of time and money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MICKEY, DONALD, GOOFY: THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Video Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers—classic Disney—couldn’t be more entertaining. The movie becomes a great child/adult share. Great work for Director Donovan Cook. It’s a fun watch all the way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lowly janitors make a bid for their position as royal musketeers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Donovan Cook for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Margot Pipkin and Laurel Betts for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mickey Mouse (voice of Wayne Allwine), Donald Duck (voice of Tony Anselmo), Goofy/Pluto/Additional Voices (Bill Farmer), Minnie (voice of Russi Taylor), Daisy (voice of Tress MacNeille), Pete (voice of Jim Cummings), Clarabelle/Additional voices (April Winchell), The Beagle Boys/Additional Voices (voice of Jeff Bennett), The Beagle Boys/Additional Voices (voice of Maurice LaMarche), and The Troubadour (voice of Rob Paulsen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great ‘follow your dream’ story and what could happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. The film works as an 'all fun and games' movie.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BARRY LYNDON (Theatrical Release USA 1975)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Barry Lyndon—a Stanley Kubrick-directed film—becomes a classic viewing from its first scenes to its ending scenes. Actor Ryan O’Neal plays the part of Barry Lyndon almost to the point of being surreal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A soldier with a roguish personality marries into nobility.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stanley Kubrick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jan Harlan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barry Lyndon (Ryan O’Neal), Lady Honoria Lyndon (Marisa Berenson), The Chevalier du Balibari (Patrick Magee), Captain Potzdorf (Hardy Krüger), Lord Ludd (Steven Berkoff), Nora Brady (Gay Hamilton), Barry’s Mother (Marie Kean), Lischen (Diana Körner), Reverend Samuel Runt (Murray Melvin), and Sir Charles Lyndon (Frank Middlemass).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie uses classic British-style storytelling techniques and may seem a bit slow, but stick with the movie. It’s worth both time and dollar as it explores marriage, difference in class values, position, morality, and maintenance of family fortune and reputation. It’s high level entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRAIL OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Trail of the Pink Panther has been created from archived, deleted scenes from previous Pink Panther movies that Peter Sellers starred in because he died before this movie began filming. The smoothness in presentation maintains the Sellers’ charisma and delivers a well-done and worth watching movie. Great work for Director Blake Edwards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Inspector Clouseau pursues a criminal who dares to steal the Pink Panther diamond.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jonathan D. Krane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers), Sir Charles Litton (David Niven), Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), Clouseau’s Father (Richard Mulligan), Bruno Langois (Robert Loggia), Professor Auguste Balls (Harvey Korman), Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), and Hercule Lajoy (Graham Stark).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film delivers full value as it delivers Inspector Clouseau’s unique efforts to solve crime via a series of unplanned mishaps that solve crime a la atypical sleuthing methods.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MECHANIC (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Mechanic—one of Charles Bronson’s best performances—gritty, intense adult film explores the world of professional assassins with stark, realistic, and shocking thoroughness. Bronson, as usual, delivers an outstanding performance that is well-supported by a terrific script and a perfect casting choice of Jan-Michael Vincent as the ultimate protagonist. Completely entertains and surprises at every level. Great work for Director Michael Winner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A professional hitman breaks organizational rules with severe consequences.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Winner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson), Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent), Harry McKenna (Keenan Wynn), The Girl (Jill Ireland), Louise (Linda Ridgeway), The Man (Frank DeKova), Intern (James Davidson), Policeman (Lindsay Crosby), Messenger (Steve Cory), and Yamoto (Tak Kubota).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Do not miss this film. As entertaining in 2019 as it was in 1972. It belongs in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MICKEY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS: SNOWED IN AT THE HOUSE OF MOUSE (Video Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed In at the House of Mouse—classic animated Christmas watch—easily becomes one of those annual seasonal watches that celebrates the season with that unbeatable Disney style. A very good story, well-voiced, and a pleasant moral that can be easily assimilated becomes the perfect animated choice for the season.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The House of Mouse becomes snowed in at Christmas time and not everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Craig, Roberts Gannaway, and Rick Calabash for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tony Craig and Roberts Gannaway for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Panchito (voice of Carlos Alazraqui), Mickey Mouse (voice of Wayne Allwine), Donald Duck/Huey/Dewey/Louie (voice of Tony Anselmo), Mr. Jollyland (voice of Jeff Bennett), Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson), Beast (voice of Robby Benson), Ludwig Von Drake/Mad Hatter/Grumpy/Gus/Captain Hook (voice of Corey Burton), Jiminy Cricket (voice of Eddie Carroll), Ursula (voice of Pat Caroll), Narrator (voice of John Cleese).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sweet, heartfelt, and well-done, this animated feature becomes a classic feature that works as a perfect child/adult share. Excellent tribute to the skills of Directors Tony Craig, Robert Gannaway, and Rick Calabash. Very nice trip down memory lane that belongs in the family’s home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOSTILES (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Hostiles—a Christian Bale/Rosamund Pike film—works. The cinematography shows terrific scope. The storyline doesn’t miss a beat in authentically realizing the genre of the western movie theme. Rosamund Pike plays a wide range of emotion well. A best work for Director Scott Cooper who successfully orchestrates a western film worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A single survivor from a Comanche attack joins a small military detail traveling to Fort Winslow and then on to Montana.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Cooper for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Byron Allen, Mark Borde, Chris Charalambous, Mark DeVitre, Carolyn Folks, Terence Hill, Jennifer Lucas, Donald E. Stewart, and Will Weiske  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wesley Quaid (Scott Shepherd), Rosalee Quaid (Rosamund Pike), Lucy Quaid (Ava Cooper), Sylvie Quaid (Stella Cooper), Buffalo Man (David Midthunder), Apache Man (Gray Wolf Herrera), Captain Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale), Master Sergeant Thomas Metz (Rory Cochrane), Corporal Henry Woodson (Jonathan Majors), and Captain Royce Tolan (John Benjamin Hickey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Western movie fans, this film restores the western movie genre to its former status, following the style of the 1950s and 1960s. It’s true to the genre and easily accomplishes a Bravo! performance for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEASTLY (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Beastly has some terrific actors and actresses such as Vanessa Hudgens, Mary Kate Olsen, and Alex Pettyfer. It is well done. The script is great even though the story is neither new or fresh. Director Daniel Barnz shows great talent within this genre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An arrogant young man becomes horridly ugly due to a witches’ curse and will remain that way for the rest of his life unless he can find someone who loves him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daniel Barnz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Flynn and Roz Weisberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kyle (Alex Pettyfer), Student (Justin Bradley), Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen), Sloan (Dakota Johnson), Trey (Erik Knudsen), Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), Male Teacher (Karl Graboshas), Rob (Peter Krause), Zola (LisaGay Hamilton), Student at Green Party (Jonathan Dubsky), Dr. Davis (David Francis), Will (Neil Patrick Harris), Halloween Partygoer (Rhiannon Moller-Trotter), Junkie (Steve Godin), and Victor (Gio Perez).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a good story and worth the ticket. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers