FOCUS (Released to Theaters USA 2001)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Focus—highly intriguing—gives away no clues to the events that take place. William H. Macy and Laura Dern act well together. David Paymer is a great addition to the story. The acting, presentation and portrayal are good. This is a rough story, but watchable.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Lawrence Newman is a simple, single, well-employed  man taking care of his mother. His neighborhood becomes antisemitic during WWII. Lawrence does not claim to be Jewish and is not antisemitic.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Neal Slavin for directing efforts. Thank you Robert A. Miller and Michael R. Bloomberg for making the film possible. Cast includes William H. Macy,  Laura Dern, David Paymer, and Meat Loaf. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This is a very good film to understand what people have to deal with when becoming the 'out' group. Great writing and tells a good story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

PEARL HARBOR (Released to Theaters USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Pearl Harbor—a tribute to the 60^th anniversary of the World War II Pearl Harbor Attack—received nine Golden Raspberry nominations; however, it was nominated for the Academy Award’s Best Visual Effects and won the MTV Award for its action sequences. While the movie received deplorably negative reviews, it made money at box office. The strength of this film lies in its superb visual effects and action sequences and succeeds as a Ben Meyers recommended watch based on those two factors.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film opens in Tennessee 1923 with a crop duster working the fields. The camera focuses on a barn where two boys, Rafe McCawley (Jesse James) and Danny Walker (Reily McClendon), are playing inside a plane. They accidently power the plane and it takes off with a series of risings and landings until it finally stalls in the middle of a field. When Danny Walker’s father finds what the boys have done, he is not happy and tries to take it out on Danny Walker, but Rafe defends his best friend. These childhood scenes move to World War II where both boys (as men) are enlisted United States Army Air Force pilots and the story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Baja, Bruce Hendricks, Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Barry Waldman, and Randall Wallace for making the film possible. Cast include: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Ewen Bremner, and Alec Baldwin.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s true to the action that viewers have come to expect from Michael Bay films (Transformers, Armageddon). It doesn’t disappoint.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Lara Croft: Tomb Raider—not a high quality watch—still works because of the fabulous stage settings and the unexpected fighting spirit of the female lead. Some of the dialogue lines can reflect a bit of 'cheesiness' but all together the movie, oddly, works as a fresh, entertaining adventure thriller. The action is over-the-top so that action is the foundation that supplants everything else that usually 'make' a movie Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline The Illuminati search for the key to rejoin two ancient triangles. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Simon West for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Stuart Baird and Jeremy Heath-Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes Angelina Jolie, Jon Voight, Iain Glen, Bryce Noah Taylor, Daniel Craig, Richard Johnson, Chris Barrie, Julian Rhind-Tutt, and Leslie Phillips.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This could almost be a cult classic. It's worth a one-time watch just for the stage settings.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HARDBALL (Reased to Theaters USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Hardball—language and a rough, harsh theme—educates about life in the projects, gang fighting, and the hardships of achieving and keeping dreams alive.  It's above the level of most movies that attempt to tell this story. Keanu Reeves more than carries his weight in this film. This is a mid-career movie performance for Keanu Reeves. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  A young man takes a coaching job working with a group of children who live in the projects.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Brian Robbins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Herbert W. Gains, Kevin McCormick, Erwin Stoff. Cast includes: Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes, Bryan Hearne, Julian Griffith, Michael B. Jordan, Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a very good watch that addresses an important subject. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

PRINCESS OF THIEVES (Released to ABC USA 2001)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì Princess of Thieves—enhances the original Robin Hood story—provides a suitable piece of entertainment. The movie is not high quality but does show one of  Keira Knightley's (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl) earlier work efforts. The camera work is good/suitable and the movie works at a simple level. Not a WOW! presentation, but okay.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline   Robin Hood's daughter, despite her fathers wishes, involves herself in the battle for King Richard the Lion Heart's son to become king.   Additional Thanks   Thank you to Director Peter Hewitt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jon Cowan, Susan Landau, Antony Root, Robert L. Rovner, and Michael Taylor for making the film possible. Cast includes Hannah Cresswell, David Barrass, Malcolm McDowell, Keira Knightley, Stuart Wilson, Crispin Letts, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Jonathan Hyde, Stephen Moyer, and Gaye Brown. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a simple afternoon watch with a suitable to okay story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN’S 4TH (Released to DVD USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven’s 4th—cute, simple family film—is not as good as the predecessor films in the Beethoven series.  This movie serves at the level of an afternoon, fill-in-some-time watch while doing other activities. The presentation is okay and its overall campiness makes the film better than it would have been.  Art Lafleur is an interesting casting choice as the obedience trainer for dogs. Judge Reinhold reprises his role from the last film. It’s interest factor runs around the contrasting personalities of the two Saint Bernard dogs and the two different families they come from. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This story is about a large St. Bernard who goes to obedience school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Joe Pichler, Michaela Gallo, Matt McCoy, Veanne Cox, Mark Lindsay Chapman, Nick Meaney, Natalie Marston, and Art Lafleur.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a simple afternoon watch with an easy-on-the-mind storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

K-PAX (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

K-Pax requires mental involvement and full attention to detail. It’s a sit down and watch film that does not give allowance for missing a scene as the story is a tightly woven piece of art…a ‘think’ movie…no getting up to make popcorn while the movie runs. Both Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey ‘strut’ their acting skills in each scene and terrifically compliment each other without upscaling in a single scene. This well-written story is a product that is an actor and director’s dream come true. A good film to add to the home video library because it can be watched again and again…good entertainment piece for guests.  Don’t forgo this one due to its lack-luster title…it far outshines the title. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man, who says he is an alien, is arrested and admitted to a mental institution and his assigned physician delves deeply into his past. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Iain Softley for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Susan G. Pollack, Thank you to producer Robert F. Colesberry, Lawrence Gordon, and Lloyd Levin for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack, Alfie Woodard, David Patrick Kelly, Saul Williams, Peter Gerety, Celia Weston, Ajay Naidu, Tracy Vilar, Melanee Murray, John Toles-Bey, Kimberly Scott, and Conchata Ferrell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Good film to add to the home video library. The movie is an absorbing watch from beginning to end and works like a very good mystery. The ending perfectly creates and invites discussion about its meaning/interpretation. It’s a wonderful watch from beginning to end. Thank you to everyone involved in making this movie happen. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

RAIN (Animal Planet Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

Rain challenges itself by reliance on unknown actors and finds its impact diminished greatly due to their lack of ability to impact the audience. This is sad because of the tremendous value of dogs who have been trained to serve in the military and the many lives they have saved due to that training and courage of heart in the face of warfare. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Rain is the story of a military service dog who served honorably and completely. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert J Wilson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Sheri Bryant, Anita Gershman, Larry Gershman,  for making the film possible. Cast includes: Scott Cooper, Pamela Moore Somers, Ashley Edner, Susan Dey, Mark Kiely, Derk Cheetwood, Jimmy Pham, Wiley Pickett, Vincent Angell, Randall Arney, Sean Graham, Craig Kirkwood, Eric Balfour, and Kidany Lugo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The intentions for making the movie are honorable, but there are other dog movies, such as the 2017 Megan Leavey film, that seem to be built within a higher structuring model that rate watch time and money investment more than this film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BEHIND ENEMY LINES (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Behind Enemy Lines—thrilling action flick—shows Owen Wilson working outside his usual comedy routines and working the serious role to its maximum. It works! He’s a great serious actor. Who would have thought of offsetting his role with the support of Gene Hackman? That choice made it all the better for producing a “knock them out of their seats” war film. The story is concisely written. Excellent portrayal, fresh scenes in every byte, and ‘light-bulb-quality’ ideas. This film must not be missed and becomes the quintessential war flick for war movie fans.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A pilot crashes a plane and works his way back to a point where military can perform a successful rescue. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Davis for making the film possible. Cast includes: Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, Joaquim de Almeida, David Keith, Olek Krupa, and Vladimir Mashkov. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. A thrilling and enjoyable movie.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JURASSIC PARK III (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Jurassic Park III—suitable to okay film—tries to work from the power of the first and second Jurassic Park movies and misses the energy of those films. Sam Neill and Laura Dern reprise their roles as Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler. This film is what it is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dr. Alan Grant takes an offer to fly over dinosaur-infested islands and then finds that the couple on the plane with him want to land.

Additional Thanks

Thank you Director Joe Johnston for directing efforts Thank you to Executive Producer Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Cast include Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, John Diehl, Bruce A. Young, Laura Dern, and Taylor Nichols.

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a suitable watch and can almost be a cult classic. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPY GAME (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Spy Game starts with high intrigue, suspense, and action and keeps its intensity throughout the film. It’s an excellent entertainment pick with Brad Pitt and Robert Redford as the main actors. The movie plays well from beginning to end. The writers, Michael Frost Beckner and David Arata, display outstanding skill in weaving a complex story line based on CIA and intelligence life styles.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

American CIA Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt) has been captured near a Shanghai prison camp and will be executed if the United States does not ask for him. The United States plans on letting him go, but Bishop’s recruiter Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) has other plans.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Scott for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Armyan Bernstein, Thomas A. Bliss, James W. Skotchdopole, and Iain Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elizabeth Hadley (Catherine McCormack), Charles Harker (Stephen Dillane), Troy Folger (Larry Bryggman), Gladys Jennip (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), Dr. William Byars (Matthew Marsh), and Robert Aiken (Todd Boyce).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a high class spy thriller.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MUSKETEER (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 0.7|5.0 Stars

The Musketeer—a walkout movie—serves entertainment that makes one think: camera men are inexperienced and have not fully developed their craft, choreographer needs to work as an understudy to understand basic placement to enhance actors and the story they need to portray, and actors who may need to act in supporting roles for a while to move from unprofessional to professional. From beginning to end, the movie, unfortunately, dooms itself to failure. Director Peter Hyams' attempt to direct the final fight scene becomes laughably sad.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

D’Artagnan (Justin Chambers) witnesses the murder of his father and waits until he is an adult to take revenge.

Additional Thanks

Thanks to Director Peter Hyams for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rudy Cohen, Mark Damon, Frank Hübner, Romain Schroeder, and Steven Paul for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Queen (Catherine Deneuve), Francesca Bonacieux (Mena Suvari), Cardinal Richelieu (Stephen Rea), Febre the Man in Black (Tim Roth), Bonacieux (Bill Treacher), King Louis XIII (Daniel Mesguich), Rochefort, and Richelieu Henchman (David Schofield).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The movie comes off as a first effort in every department—almost as if it is a school project rather than a theater release film.

Video Critique Available Here

Ben Meyers