CHAOS (Released to Theaters Australia 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Chaos—intriguing plot—has a suitable story and a good presentation. This movie is free on Amazon Prime. Know that the free version misses 5 minutes of story time. This critique is based on the free version.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline African American man, Lorenz (Wesley Snipes), and his crew rob a bank and have a stand off with law enforcement. Lorenz will not negotiate with anyone but Quentin Conners (Jason Statham). Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Tony Giglio for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Bergstein and Steven Chasman for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Ryan Phillippe, Wesley Snipes, Henry Czerny, Justine Waddell, Nicholas Lea, and Jessica Steen. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a suitable afternoon action film and tells a good story overall. It will particularly suit Jason Statham fans. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Game of Their Lives—beginning of the professional American soccer team —has both suitable presentation and portrayal. Watch for Gerard Butler in one of his earlier works and John Rhys-Davies in one of his mid career works. Watch and listen for some very good dialogue and suitable/good acting.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline The newly formed American Soccer team plays against the long established British team.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director David Anspaugh for directing effort.  Thank you to Producers Howard  Baldwin, Karen Baldwin, Ginger Perkins, Peter Newman for making the film possible. Cast includes Peter Newman, Gerard Butler, Wes Bentley, Jay Rodan, Galvin Rossdale, Patrick Stewart, TerryKinney, and John Rhys-Davies. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable watch. Video Critique Available Ben Meyers

UNDERCLASSMAN (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Underclassman—run of the mill—plays within the suitable to okay range without anything to make it stand out. Watch for Cheech Marin in the role of police chief. Nick Cannon plays a suitable  to okay part. Nothing outstanding here.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A youth detective goes to school to investigate car theft.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Marcos Siega for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Peter Abrams, Robert L. Levy, and Andrew Panay for making the film possible. Cast includes Nick Cannon, Shawn Ashmore, Roselyn Sanchez, Kelly Hu, Hugh Bonneville, and Cheech Marin.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. The movie has no distinguishing features. It's a theme story that Hollywood has made many times. It runs as a  'fill in some time' movie. It is what it is. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HOODWINKED (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Hoodwinked—Red Riding Hood as it should have been told in the first place—turns into a terrific entertainment choice for both child and adult. It’s a high quality entertainment ride all the way. Terrific voicing, terrific dialogue, terrific animation, an absolute winner. Don’t miss it.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Granny’s (voice of Glenn Close) terrific recipes are at risk and it’s up to Red Puckett (voice of Anne Hathaway) to save the family’s fabulous secret recipes from commercialization.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Cory Edwards for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Maurice Kanbar, David K. Lovegren, Sue Bea Montgomery, and Preston Stutzman for making the film possible. Cast include: James Belushi, Patrick Warburton, David Ogden Stiers, Xzibit, Cory Edwards, and Andy Dick.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great child/adult share that provides equal entertainment value for both audiences.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

Because of Winn-Dixie—a heartfelt story with good, reality-type casting—works as a clean family story. If you want a tale about new beginnings, starting over, how friendships begin, and the importance of forgiveness, then this is the movie for you. The script revolves around a stray dog and a young girl named Opal. The largest fault in the film is that its message—life is both sweet and sour—is not hidden well enough to let the audience realize the message on its own. The writers tell instead of letting discovery happen naturally for this all-too-well-known fact.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Despite her father’s, Preacher (Jeff Daniels), objections, Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) adopts a gregarious dog which she names Winn-Dixie. She soon makes friends with a large, diverse group of people and finds a solid place in her new home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wayne Wang for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ralph Singleton for making the film possible. Cast include: AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, Dave Matthews, Eva Marie Saint, Courtney Jines, Nick Price, and Luke Benward.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a sweet family movie that works to support positive messages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PROUD FAMILY MOVIE (Released to Disney Channel USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  The Proud Family Movie has good animation and the voices are well chosen. However, the script, as written, is flat and lacks originality. It is what it is.  Film Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  The Proud family is offered a vacation and the adventure is on.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Bruce W. Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Smith, Willard Carroll, Thomas L. White, and Ralph Farquhar for making the film possible. Casting includes Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, Jo Marie Payton, Tara Strong, Orlando Brown, Soleil Moon Frye, Jeff Bennett, Alisa Reyes, Omarion, LisaRaye McCoy, and Arsenio Hall.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  No. Sadly, this animated movie works as a low-grade film with not much to show for itself.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HERBIE FULLY LOADED (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Herbie Fully Loaded—when it did not seem the Herbie series could be revived, along came Lindsey Lohan. This is a good/ suitable film for the whole family that serves up a star-studded cast. The script has good writing that gives that nice push into the next era of the Herbie story.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A teenaged girl graduates and her dad takes her to a junk yard for her first car. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Angela Robinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Fottrell, Charles Hirchhorn, and Tracey Trench for making the film possible. Cast includes: Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, Matt Dillon, Breckin Meyer, Justin Long, Cheryl Hines, Jimmi Simpson, Jill Ritchie, Thomas Lennon, Jeremy Roberts, E.E. Bell, Peter Pasco, Mario Larraza, and Patrick Cranshaw,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This movie is good enough to revive the Herbie series quite nicely. The movie's script has been well-written and flows well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FANTASTIC FOUR (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Fantastic Four, thin story with no depth to the characters contributes to this movie’s cult classic feel. While some ‘cult’ movies like the 1990s Ninja Turtles movies touch on the fun to watch factor and could be added to the home video library, this movie could not generate those frequencies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Four persons find they develop extraordinary powers and learn how to deal with those powers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Avi Arad, Bernd Eichinger, and Ralph Winter for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Hamish Linklater, Kerry Washington, Laurie Holden, David Parker, Kevin McNulty, Maria Menounos Michael Kopsa Andrew Airlie, and Pascale Hutton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The superficial treatment of story, challenges its value as a remake to the 1994 film.   

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

ROBOTS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Robots—original and fun—is a super terrific film to watch to catch its many, many references to famous movies, television ads, and dialogue lines one of which is James Bond’s line, “Shaken, Not Stirred.” The animation is terrific and the movie uses recognizable voicing that also increases its likability factor. The movie does get a little sleepy as it winds down to its conclusion but it maintains its watch-ability status. Listen for Robin Williams’ voice as the character, Fender. Wow! What a treat. This movie is great for the Child/Adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The son of a robot family matures into a robot who wants to be an inventor.   

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Wedge for directing effort. Carlos Saldanha for his co-direcing efforts, Thank you to Jerry Davis, John C. Donkin, and William Joyce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Paula Abdul, Lucille Bliss, Terry Bradshaw, Jim Broadbent, Mel Brooks, Amanda Byrnes, Drew Carey, Jennifer Coolidge, Dylan and Will Denton, Marshall Efron, Damien Fahey, Lowell Ganz,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The wind down (conclusion) is not unwatchable but is not up to par and needs improvement. Overall, the  movie is a wonderful film and serves as a great child/adult share movie. It’s fresh, creative, and got great presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

MUNICH (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Munich—intellectual watch—takes full audience engagement to follow its story line. The script has been written with depth and excellent tone. Everything in this film works at an above average level. It is not a formula story nor does it follow a trite, genre format of spy, action, thriller movies. It bases in real life events and has been well portrayed. Know that the movie contains full nudity scenes and mature, adult dialogue. It is wise to read a plotline before engaging this film to follow the story with complete comprehension. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Israeli sports team is attacked at the Munich Olympic games. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel, and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciarán Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, and Geoffrey Rush. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie works outside established legal order and becomes a ‘James Bond’- type story in an effort to accomplish justice. It earns its watch time and monetary investment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SYRIANA (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Syriana—complicated storyline—skillfully interweaves several stories into one story. It successfully moves suspense into the front row seat, gives little reprieve, and allows no shallow excuses for that move. The drama makes this movie a one-of-a-kind story that becomes the epitome of entertainment that purposely engages the intellect and interest of sophisticated audiences. The movie particularly serves audiences who appreciate political thrillers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Connex Oil merges with Killen Oil and causes concern within the U.S. justice system. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Gaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jennifer Fox, Georgia Kacandes, and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Casting includes: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig, and Mazhar Munir. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘must see’ espionage film that incorporates a diverse cast comprised of Matt Damon, George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, and Christopher Plummer. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK. (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Good Night, and Good Luck.—the unusual and unique format for telling this story, works fabulously. David Strathairn perfectly shows the audience the character of Edward R. Murrow and what he wanted.  Look for Robert Downey Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels, and George Clooney as supporting cast. The movie can be easily missed because of its unassuming poster and lack of advertising, but know it is a WOW! watch because of subject matter and the way it concludes. A small criticism is that the same jazz singer is accessed repeatedly through the film. It would have been welcome to have a variety of singers for the background music. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A movie about newscaster Edward R. Murrow. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Clooney for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Grant Heslove for making the film possible. Cast includes: David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney, Jeff Daniels, Robert Downey Jr., Frank Langella, Ray Wise, and Tate Donovan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is wonderful if only for the format used in telling the story. WOW! What a concept and presentation! The movie earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Island—interesting concept—serves up healthy portions of seasoned actors to tell its story. Scarlett Johansson shows diversity of acting skill when one compares this performance to her later role as Black Widow in Marvel films. Watch for Brian Stepanek from Suite Life of Zack and Cody in this movie. The storyline has enough depth to provide an interesting piece of entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A human cloning operation is uncovered. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Bay, Ian Bryce, and Walter Parkes for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou, Sean Bean, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Steve Buscemi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is suitable and worth an afternoon watch to see how the story will play out. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers