A BEAR NAMED WINNIE (Released to Television Canada 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  A Bear Named Winnie—features Michael Fassbender before Steve Jobs—is not a high quality watch. It's okay, but slow. Read Ben Meyers' critique on the movie, Steve Jobs, the Fassbender version.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Canadian veterinarian, who is fighting  during WW1, finds a Black bear tied to a post at a tanning shop and reluctantly pays the exorbitant price the tanner offers. The veterinarian becomes friends with the bear over the period of WWI.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Kent Harrison for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Simon Vaughan and Kim Todd for making the film possible. Cast includes Michael Fassbender, David Suchet, Gil Bellows, Stephen Fry, and Jonathon Young. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It presents itself like a television movie, which it is. Do not expect a great watch from this film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TROY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Troy, interesting, does a much better job of telling the classic, god-related story than many other films within this genre. The acting is suitable to good and the presentation/portrayal work at the same level. The writing department writes from an angle that greatly enhances previous attempts to portray this story with some very good dialogue lines about who should fight wars between kings. There are unnecessary nudity and sexual scenes in the movie. But, overall, the movie makes some valid points about war and makes way for good, after viewing discussion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie tracks the events that led to the Grecian attack on Troy over Helen. 

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Producer Wolfgang Petersen. Thank you to Producers Diana Rathbun and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast include: Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis, Jacob Smith, Brad Pitt, John Shrapnel, Brendon Gleeson, Diane Kruger, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and Siri Svegler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is a suitable watch and tells a fairly good story. Watch for Actor Peter O’Toole in his later life professional work and the support of Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Brian Cox, Brenden Gleeson, Brad Pitt, Sean Bean, and Diane Kruger.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS * (Released to the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

House of Flying Daggers, unexpectedly, stands, if not the best, among the best Asian movies produced over the last several years. It’s a triangle love story that, for once, can tell its story without scene after scene of sex and nudity. While there are some graphic scenes, they are not overdone. A refreshing film to watch. The two male love interests Leo (Andy Lau) and Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) become entangled with lovely female Xiao Mei (Zhang Ziyi). Xiao Mei belongs to the deadly Flying Dagger gang. Wait for the 180-degree turns at the end of the movie. Well scripted to the end, the timing is perfect, scenes outstanding, and action superb.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Yimou Zhang. Thank you to Executive Producer Weiping Zhang and Producer Zook Yhun (English version) for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Dandan Song.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A great Asian film to see due to its well done presentation.

*Also known as Shi mian mai fu

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie—good child/adult share—has a strong multi-layered story that is perfectly complicated enough for a wide age-range of viewers. It is 'goofy' and silly, but believable as SpongeBob and Patrick work through their challenges that are quite relatable to human challenges. The message is upbeat and leaves a good feeling about moving forward despite limitations. This is a first movie for the SpongeBob animated televised series and moves this story into multiple theatrical productions and short films. Good watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline Plankton steals King Neptune's crown and pins it on Eugene Krabs of The Krusty Krabs restaurant so that he can get the Kraby Paddy recipe. With the help of King Neptune's sensible and compassionate daughter, SpongeBob and Patrick convince King Neptune that it is necessary to find the crown and clear Eugene Krabs' name.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Stephen Hillenburg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stephen Hillenburg and Julia Pistor for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Carolyn Lawrence, Mary Jo Catlett, Alec Baldwin, David Hasselhoff, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeffrey Tambor. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This movie will more than satisfy SpongeBob SquarePants' fans. It is a fun, quality entertainment piece that can easily be added to the family home entertainment library. The movie has a good, original, multi-layered story that works for children as well as adults.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Surviving Christmas—off beat comedy—that, despite its very good cast, does not 'pull its weight' to produce real comedy.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb  Storyline A man, at odds with his girlfriend, has a recommendation given him to remove past regrets. Getting rid of past regrets 'gets out of hand' when he hires the family living in his childhood home to be his temporary family over the holidays.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jenno Topping and Betty Thomas for making the film possible. Cast includes Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate, and Catherine O'Hara.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a Ben Affleck film, but not one of his best films. Be aware there are scenes or references that are not family friendly. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

USHPIZIN (Released to the Jerusalem Film Festival Jerusalem, Israel 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Ushpizin—good, comedy/drama film—tells a terrific story about how the worst circumstances can turn out perfectly. The film presents in Hebrew with great English subtitles; plan a little more watch time for reading the dialogue. Ushpizin is the Aramaic word for 'guests'. This movie is really well done.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  An orthodox Jewish man is broke and needs money for the Sukkot holiday.     Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Gidi Dar for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gidi Dar and Rafi Bukai for making the film possible. Cast includes Shuli Rand, Michal Bat-Sheva Rand, Shaul Mizrachi, and Ilan Galani.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good movie. Read the Wikipedia plotline and perhaps research the Sukkot holiday before watching to enhance understanding and appreciation as the film is deeply entrenched in Hebrew tradition and does not pass international entertainment borders well. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HAUNTED MANSION (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  The Haunted Mansion—Disney film with a pleasing mix of mystery, comedy, and 'scary'—becomes a good family share movie for a 'just right' scare movie. Eddie Murphy plays very well in this movie and is backed with a very believable cast. Watch for Wallace Shawn in a later career performance and Terrence Stamp. The story is creative, the stage settings phenomenal, and the story told well. Audiences will not want to go make popcorn unless the movie is paused so as not to miss the quick flow of this tale. It's a fun watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Realtors Mr. and Mrs. Evers and their children decide to go on a much needed weekend vacation, but receive a last minute call to investigate a dilapidated mansion for sale and the story is on.     Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director and Executive Producer Rob Minkoff for directing and executive producing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Barry Bernardi for making this film possible. Cast includes Eddie Murphy, Terrence Stamp, Nathaniel Parker, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly, Wallace Shawn, Dina Spybey-Waters, Marc John Jeffries, and Aree Davis.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes.  The movie moves along well and mixes all elements well for a fresh movie worth watching for the whole family.  The acting is well done.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ALONG CAME POLLY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Along Came Polly—a different romantic comedy—evaluates the risk of marriage and the difficulty of finding that person who will match well. It's a movie that does not soon leave the memory and causes reflection for several days after viewing. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston work  well together...terrific choice by the casting department. The movie is tailored for the adult audience. There are some sex scenes and sexual references that could have been a little more discreet....but these scenes actually move the story forward rather than having been added as an after-thought. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin are great additions to the cast. Watch for some cameo appearances of Kevin Hart in his earlier work. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 After a man leaves his wedded wife on their honeymoon because she cheated on him, he accidentally runs into a former female classmate from high school.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Hamberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jane Bartelme, Dan Levine for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. After viewing, certain scenes from the movie recur in the mind and the realization that this lightly drawn comedy has a sophisticated approach to the subject of romance and the adjustments people  may make to further harmony in those relationships is well-drawn. It's a suitable watch for the aphorism of  'opposites attract'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION KING 1 1/2 (Released to Video USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Lion King 1 ½—improvement to the second film in the series—starts the prequel to the first Lion King presentation. It is the Lion King as seen through the eyes of Timon and Pumbaa. This is a good movie with a solid story, portrayal, and nicely done animation. The voice actors are well chosen. Several voice actors reprise their roles. This is a good watch for children and adults will find it charming. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Timon tries to find his calling and a perfect place to call home. He meets a Warthog named Pumbaa. They begin a friendship through shared adventures and experiences.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Bradley Raymond for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sandra Beerenbrock, Laurel Betts, George A. Mendoza, Ilaine Navea, Jason VanBorssum, Julie Vieillemaringe and Associate Producer Michael Paxton for making the film possible. Cast include Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Julie Kavner, Jerry Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Robert Guillaume, Moira Kelly, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cheech Marin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie can be re-watched easily and makes a good addition to the family home library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Bourne Supremacy—part 2 of the Bourne series—takes its audience on a thrill ride that is more than worth watching. Matt Damon remains the actor of choice for this series. This movie is a Matt Damon classic and should be added to the home video library along with the first film. Thank you to Paul Greengrass for taking the director chair for this second film and making it as good or better than the first Bourne film. It’s a fun watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This spy thriller film is about the CIA's continued efforts to tie up all loose threads that connect to the Treadstone project. One of those loose ends is Bourne. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, and Paul Sandberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Franka Polente, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Karl Urban, Gabriel Mann, and Joan Allen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is more than worth watching. It is a Matt Damon classic. Thank you to all involved in producing the movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK* (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Chronicles of Riddick—almost works as a cult classic—has Vin Diesel and his supporting cast working at the same level of quality as in the first film in the series.  The movie is what it is…somewhat entertaining…and allows a continuation of Riddick’s story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Riddick is a fugitive and tries to stay alive while establishing some kind of life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Twohy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Vin Diesel and Scott Kroopf for making film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Keith David, Thandiwe Newton, Alexa Davalos, Judi Dench, Linus Roache, Nick Chinlund, and Yorick van Wageningen, and Karl Urban. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is what it is…not great but the kind of a film that one goes to see because it is ‘kind of entertaining’ despite its lame presentation, storyline, and general ‘bad-ness’ or maybe just to see Vin Diesel.

*Also Known as Riddick 2: Günlükler 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers