UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

 e

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Universal Soldier: The Return—Jean-Claude Van Damme—is Part 4 of the Universal Soldier series. It is a suitable watch overall, that does not improve over the first film in the series. Know this film has some nudity which precludes it from being a family share movie.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Super Soldiers take matters into their own hands and take over a research facility with the help of an AI computer.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mic Rodgers for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Allen Shapiro, Craig Baumgarten, and Jean-Claude Van Damme for making the film possible. Cast includes Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michael Jai White, Kian Tom, Daniel Von Bargen, and Bill Goldberg, Orbach.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It is not the best of films. This movie serves the adult audience. Video Critique Available here: Ben Meyers

THE IRON GIANT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Iron Giant—If you saw it in childhood and loved it, you will love it still. The adult re-watch most probably will generate a “Nothing’s changed. I love it!” For the kid in you, this is it—a terrific animated feature for all ages.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The Iron Giant (voice of Vin Diesel) falls to earth and an adventuresome boy named Hogarth Hughes (voice of Eli Marienthal) stumbles upon him, educates him, and then tries to save him from the world.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Pete Townshend for making the film possible. Cast include: ELi Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel. James Gammon, Cloris Leachman, Christopher McDonald, M. Emmet Walsh, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a childhood classic worth another viewing as an adult. It’s the perfect addition to home movie collections.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  The Cider House Rules—well written—presents a tough look at life and life choices. It is a mature adult subject material handled fairly discreetly with some nudity scenes. The portrayal and presentation are great. Look for a story well put together. This film earns its watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  An orphan boy, returned twice to the orphanage as an infant, becomes the protege of the orphanage doctor who trains him to be a medical doctor.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Lasse Hallström for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Richard N. Gladstein for making the film possible. Cast includes Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Kieran Culkin, Heavy D, Kate Nelligan, and Erykah Badu.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a Michael Caine and Tobey Maguire movie that is more than worth seeing. Be aware that some material content is tailored to the very mature adult audience. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE SIMPLE LIFE OF NOAH DEARBORN (Released to Television USA 1999)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn—common theme, unique story—has a peaceful, settling aura throughout. The portrayal has a sense of goodness. It's a suitable to okay movie that relies on the formidable acting skill of Sidney Portier. The movie peaks interest and earns its watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A carpenter is offered a large monetary sum for his farm. When he says no, various means are used to force the sale. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Gregg Champion for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Trimark Pictures and CBS for making the film possible. Cast includes Sidney Poitier, Mary-Louise Parker, Dianne Wiest, and George Newbern. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film has goodness written into it. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The General’s Daughter—not for the faint of heart—presents an odd story about government and military coverup that refuses to establish justice for an individual. Most of this film creates a suitable/good watch but not a great watch.   Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A female Captain is found dead, and the investigation is on.     Additional Thanks Thank you to Simon West for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mace Neufeld for making the film possible. Cast includes John Travolta,  Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton,  Clarence Williams III, and James Woods. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. If the graphic content was not there, it would have been better, inclusive of the family watch to provide good, after-viewing discussion. The story itself needs to be told. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIGHT CLUB (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Fight Club—Edward Norton and Brad Pitt—has a very different story to tell. Creative, completely unique, with a surprise at every turn of a scene, it turns life inside out and asks tough questions about our humanity. Be aware this is an adult film with sex scenes that intersperse a tough story. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A businessman, who works in a dead end job and can’t sleep at night, goes to every group therapy he can find (where they talk about problematic lives and how to break through emotional trauma and get well). He tries to find meaning in life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Fincher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Arnon Milchan, Producers Ross Grayson Bell, Ceán Chaffin, Art Linson, and Associate Producer John S. Dorsey, for making the film possible. Cast include Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Richmond Arquette, David Andrews, George Maguire, Eugenie Bondurant, Christina Cabot, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It's a tough story to watch, but moves along well and has a convoluted, inside out approach to understanding life. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHILOH 2: SHILOH SEASON (Released to WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, Houston Texas USA 1999)

  Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season improves its on-going story and has a certain charm to it as it works to improve the life experience of the previous owner of Shiloh.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Judd Travers still wants his dog back but after an auto accident, Marty works to understand Judd and begins a process to establish peace between neighbors.  

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Sandy Tung for directing effort. Thank you to  Executive Producer Seth Willenson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Zachary Browne, Scott Wilson, Michael Moriarty, Ann Dowd, Caitlin Wachs, Rachel David, Rod Steiger, Marissa Leigh, Joe Pichler, Colin MacDonald, Dawn McMillan, John Short, Bonnie Bartlett, and Kathleen Rose,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

 Maybe. It may work for a children's watch but adults may find it a bit too predictable.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES: THE PHOX, THE BOX, AND THE LOX (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Fractured Fairytales: The Phox the Box, and the Lox—interesting animated short film—doesn’t have a lot of storyline but ‘kind of’ teaches a small lesson about being careful about what one acts upon. Sometimes it is wiser to rely on something in print rather than words spoken into the air. The voicing is quite good. This short film was added to the beginning of the 1999 Brendan Fraser DVD Dudley Do-Right movie as an extra entertainment piece. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A wily fox tries to get a cursed box opened by using someone not so bright as he. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steve Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tiffany Ward for making the film possible. Voicing cast includes: Scott Weil, Keith Scott, Jeff Bennett, and June Foray. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s cute and watchable, not terrible.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

DUDLEY DO-RIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Dudley Do-Right—okay film—starts well and then begins to fizzle. Brendan Fraser has the looks for the character, does not have the personality for it. This same challenge is doubly enhanced with the casting of Sarah Jessica Parker as Nell. The singing is below average. The movie is ‘kinda’ cute and fun, but doesn’t get there as a movie despite its happy conclusion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  

Storyline 

Dudley Do-Right discovers Snidely has ‘planted’ gold around a town to start a gold rush with the plan to enrich himself. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hugh Wilson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Davis, Joseph Singer, and J. Todd Harris for making the film possible. Cast includes: Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alfred Molina, Eric Idle, Robert Prosky, and Alex Rocco. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This is what it is. An audience will either like it or not. The acting is not believable and the character personalities have not been deeply plumbed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

JAKOB THE LIAR (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Jakob the Liar—classic A-grade entertainment—revolves around the importance of hope against the background of World War II Polish ghetto conditions. The movie becomes outstanding due to the casting choices of Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, and Liev Schreiber. It’s a beautiful story with a message that does not pound itself into the pavement but allows progression to a bittersweet conclusion. The movie has heart, connects to a universal audience, states the human condition in such a manner that it provides a bridge between cultures. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A man figures a way to give hope to people who have lost hope due to prolonged stress over an unstable and uncertain future. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Kassovitz for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Haft and Marsha Garces Williams for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, Bob Balaban, and Liev Schreiber. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a very good watch and worth watching. There are sexual innuendos, but they are done in a manner similar to films of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. This is a 'do not miss ' movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLUE STREAK (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Blue Streak—classic production-style format—relies on the comedic talents of Martin Lawrence and Luke Wilson to present a story that delivers comedy and action. At times, the film pushes the imaginative element a little too far as when Martin Lawrence impersonates a robbery homicide detective in Los Angeles Police Department; but, overall, it is a film that is fun and worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A jewel heist goes wrong when a team member decides he wants all the loot for himself. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Les Mayfield for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe for making the film possible. Cast includes: Martin Lawrence, Luke Wilson, David Chappelle, Peter Greene, and William Forsythe. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Martin Lawrence and Luke Wilson make a good casting choice for this story. Look for comedian Dave Chappelle in the movie. Overall, a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CHILL FACTOR (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Chill Factor—interesting, simple—works on the quality level of movies like Tremors. This film’s weakest scenes take place before the prison sentence. The acting needs more warmth there. The story picks up pace when the order is issued to take the doctor’s bio-weapon and keep it safe. The movie is average; the acting is okay to good. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A parolee wants revenge for the time he spent in prison over a military experiment that went wrong. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Hugh Johnson for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer James G. Robinson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, Peter Firth, and David Paymer. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Overall, it’s a good watch but needs tightening of script to produce a stronger delivery. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ENTRAPMENT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Entrapment—Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones team to make a movie as interesting and entertaining as any James Bond 007. Sean Connery unleashes his royal charm to its full effect. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two professional thieves team to steal a fortune. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Amiel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Connery, Michael Hertzberg, and Rhonda Tollefson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sean Connery, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Will Patton, Maury Chaykin, Ving Rhames, and Maya Karin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is good writing supported by good acting. Great Sean Connery story. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANNA AND THE KING (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Anna and the King—wonderful remake of the 1956 Yul Brenner and Deborah Kerr classic, Anna and the King—does not perform as a musical, has a completely different tone, loses much of the romantic element of the previous movie and serves up better entertainment value. Chow Yun-Fat and Jodie Foster team well to give a background story of the westernization of Siam (Thailand).

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

An English teacher goes to teach the children from the royal court of Siam. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andy Tennant for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Bender and Ed Elbert for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jodie Foster, Chow Yun-fat, and Bai Ling. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes This is a wonderful remake of the original 1956 film. It completely earns its watch.

 Video Critique Available Here.

Ben Meyers