THE MASTER OF DISGUISE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Master of Disguise—smart, witty, fresh—performs as one of the better comedies released for a while. There are some risqué scenes, but overall Dana Carvey (as Pistachio Disguisey) gives us a royal treat in comedic and creative diversity that is unbeatable. While the film did not receive positive reviews, the creativity makes this film shine. Even though this has been given a low numerical rating by Ben Meyers International, it still deserves praise for the work performed by directors, producers, actors, and actresses. It provides a very good showcase for Dana Carvey’s talents. It’s re-watchable purely to ensure no piece of the very smartly written dialogue is missed.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Secret Agent Fabbrizio Disguisey (James Brolin) does not want to pass on the family occupation to his children, moves to America, opens a restaurant, and raises his family. But, it’s not as easy as he thinks to break family tradition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Perry Andelin Blake for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jack Giarraputo and Adam Sandler for making the film possible. Cast include: Dana Carvey, James Brolin, Jennifer Esposito, Harold Gould, Brent Spiner, Edie McClurg, and Austin Wolff.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Even though it is 3.6 Stars and maybe not as good as higher quality comedies, it’s a very smartly written comedy generously packed with terrific one-liners.

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Ben Meyers

COLLATERAL DAMAGE (Released to Theaters USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Collateral Damage—Arnold Schwarzenegger—gets off to a bit of a rough start as he seems miscast for this film at first but that assumption is quickly dispelled as he enters Columbia and begins executing a dangerous mission to avenge the death of his wife and child.  Watch for John Turturro and John Leguizamo. Poster Courtesy Google Images Storyline An American fireman goes to Colombia to fight terrorists. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Andrew Davis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Reuther and David Foster for making the film possible. Cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Turturro, John Leguizamo, Elias Koleas, Francesca Neri, and Cliff Curtis. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Although the theme is commonly told, the movie has its own flavor that makes it worth its watch. The presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger enhances its watchability. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SNIPER 2 (Released to Television USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Sniper 2—feels like a movie designed for television and is a television movie. This explains the general averageness of engaging this film as entertainment. Everything about it, including the special effects, runs at the okay to suitable range. The first film supersedes this film by a long shot in quality of presentation and storyline. Watch the first movie if looking for a great war film. Hopefully, the third film improves on this one.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  The sniper, Sgt. Beckett, is called for a mission to assassinate the leader of a terrorist organization.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Baxley for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Berenger, Bokeem Woodbine, Dan Butler, Linden Ashby,  Erika Marozsan, and Tamás Puskás .  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This is not a quality watch. It runs in the okay to suitable range.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BARBERSHOP (Released to Theaters USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Barbershop—culturally rich—examines choices that impact the kind of life one will live. This movie has exceptionally well-written dialogue. It is highly creative and exceptionally fresh. Be aware that the movie has been crafted for the mature, adult audience. The movie itself is more than worth its watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Calvin inherits his father's barbershop. He is married, has a baby on the way, and must make some tough financial decisions.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers George Tillman, Jr, Robert Teitel, and Mark Brown for making the film possible. Cast includes Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Troy Garity, Michael Ealy, Leonard Earl Howze, Keith David, and Cedric the Entertainer.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is the first movie in a three part movie series. This film is culturally rich and worth viewing on that factor alone.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Scorpion King—Dwayne Johnson—has action backed with a well-written story, good acting, and good presentation. The movie moves along well. Watch for the late Michael Clark Duncan. He’s a class act for films within this genre. Good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This is the story of how an Akkadian became the Scorpion king. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chuck Russell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Daniel, James Jacks, Vince McMahon, Kevin Misher, and Stephen Sommers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Steven Brand, Michael Clark Duncan, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill, Grant Heslov, Peter Facinelli, Ralf Moeller, Brandcombe Richmond, Roger Rees, Sherri Howard, Conrad Roberts, Joseph Ruskin, Esteban Cueto, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good movie and worth watching…good acting by Dwayne Johnson and the rest of the cast. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE ADVENTURES OF PLUTO NASH (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Adventures of Pluto Nash—campy, comical, futuristic science fiction—has a fresh approach to the usual science fiction fare. Human relationships with robots also take a creative bend. Mafia operating on the moon gives a comedic edge to the dialogue and scenes. Eddie Murphy and Randy Quaid team as the main actors in the film. The comedic element styles on Eddie Murphy’s traditional presentations. It’s a fun, adult watch with suggestive scenes. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic comedy film is about a time when people are living on the moon. Pluto Nash owns his own nightclub and becomes involved with mafia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ron Underwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martin Bregman, Michael Scott Bregman, and Louis A. Stroller for making the film possible. Cast includes: Eddie Murphy, Randy Quaid, Rosario Dawson, Joe Pantoliano, Jay Mohr, Luis Guzman, James Rebhorn, Peter Boyle, Pam Grier, and John Cleese. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie sports some great costuming and good action scenes, but mostly serves as an adult afternoon comedy watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ROOKIE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Rookie—not a high quality story—becomes more than a worthy watch because of its ability to give that ‘feel-good’ emotion all during the movie and allows an audience to keep that feeling long after watching. Dennis Quaid engages the audience so that one cares about his story and wishes for the success of the character he plays. Good writing makes the film. Baseball fans will enjoy this watch but know that even wider audiences will also enjoy it. Good work for all involved in making the movie. It’s a straight-forward story. It earns its place in the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A pitcher/coach gets a second chance to play in major league baseball. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Lee Hancock for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, and Mark Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Brian Cox, and Angus T. Jones. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Terrific feel-good sports story with a good script. The movie suits a wide range audience.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLOCKSTOPPERS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Clockstoppers—good story—works a theme that shows as fresh. This movie is visually appealing. Watch for French Stewart. The movie is watchable. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic film is about hypertime where a person’s molecules speed up so that everything else appears to stand still.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jonathan Frakes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gale Anne Hurd and Julia Pistor for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jesse Bradford, Paula Garces, French Stewart, Michael Biehn, and Robin Thomas. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a fun watch, a good child/adult share, and well-written.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Claus 2 extends the story from 1994's The Santa Claus movie. The best part of this movie are the elves and an animated reindeer. It's an okay, rather charming, holiday watch for families. Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Photos

Storyline  Santa begins losing weight and his Santa abilities. He starts turning into a regular person. He is informed that he needs to find a Mrs. Clause. if he wants to continue to be Santa Clause Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Lembeck for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baker, Rick Messina, James Miller, and William W. Wilson III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, David Krumholtz, Eric Lloyd, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Spencer Breslin, Liliana Mumy, Danielle Woodman, Art LaFleur, Aisha Tyler, Kevin Pollak, and Jay Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story is cute and makes a good natured holiday watch for families.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets—another J. K. Rowling classic novel-based film—pits Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)  against new Hogwarts' supernatural entities. This sequel beautifully unfolds to reveal the next stage of the heroes' and heroine's adventures.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harry Potter and his friends discover new supernatural terrors,

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Chris Columbus. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Barnathan, David Barron, Chris Columbus, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Terrific work by music composer John Williams. Additional character/cast include: Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Dobby (Voice of Toby Jones), Fred Weasley (James Phelps), George Weasley (Oliver Phelps), Mrs. Weasley (Julie Walters), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright),  Mr. Weasley (Mark Williams), Percy Weasley (Chris Rankin), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Hagrid the Giant (Robbie Coltrane), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Mr. Mason (Jim Norton), Mrs. Mason (Veronica Clifford),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It sustains the entertainment value of the first film by introducing intriguing, new characters (such as House Elf Dobby (Toby Jones) and Tom Riddle (Christian Coulson)) and by deepening the camaraderie  between Potter, Weasley, and Granger. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers