THE SHORT GAME (South by Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Short Game—a classic golf documentary—has inspiration, heart, and ambition  all rolled into one as it tells the tale of young children professionally schooled in the art of golf.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young male and female golfers, 7 to 8 years of age, train for the 2012 U. S. Kids Golf World Championship.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Josh Greenbaum. Thank you to Executive Producers John Battsek, Jessica Biel, and David Frankel for making the film possible. Cast include: Amari Avery, Jed Dy , Allan Kournikova, Zamokuhle Nxasana, Alexa Pano , Sky Sudberry, Augustin Valery, Yang Kuang, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, Chi Chi Rodriguez, and Don Law.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. Surprisingly ambitious young golfers show extreme positivism as they shoot for the winning cup. They won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (Released to the Toronto International Film Festival Toronto, Ontario Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom—superbly done, based upon Nelson Mandela’s autobiography—becomes a study in: when law does not establish justice, then one man resorting to love, no war, and no rebellion works quite well to establish freedom from repressive governmental systems. Idris Elba’s acting for character Nelson Mandela is a little stiff, but it still works and creates a classic film. Impressive work by Director Justin Chadwick.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Nelson Mandela's story...how Mandela grew up in a native African family, his aspirations to make his parents proud of him, his desire as a lawyer to solve the growing unrest between Africans and government, his failures and his successes as this becomes a lifelong quest, and the impact this has on his personal life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Chadwick for directing efforts, Thank you to Executive Producers Basil Ford, Harvey Weinstein, François Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Philisiwe Mthethwa, Geoffrey Ohena, Sudhir Pragjee, and Sanjeev Singh for making the film possible. Cast include: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, and Riaad Moosa.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A well written film...Idris Elba makes a really good performance after 'getting' over initial stiffness.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOOK THIEF (Released to the Mill Valley Film Festival, San Rafael California, USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Book Thief, a poignant tale of tragic endings and new beginnings, becomes that exceptional story that one will not soon forget due to the thoughtful, mindful way in which the script presents itself to its audience. There is a twist in the story as the identity of the Narrator (Roger Allam) is revealed which provides the perfect ending to a smoothly written and well-told tale.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

World War II story about the young foster girl, Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse), who loves to  read. Everything in her young life helps her read—her kindly foster father; a well-stocked library from which she, without permission, ‘borrows’ books; a Jewish refugee hiding in the family’s basement; and her schooling. 

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Brian Percival. Thank you to Executive Producer Redmond Morris for making the film possible. Cast include: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer, Sandra Nedeleff, and Nico Liersch.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Reminds one of the important things in life and how those events can lead to a beautiful life, well-lived.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALL IS LOST (Released to the Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

All is Lost has one actor (Robert Redford) and literally no dialogue; yet, it manages to hold spellbound attention for 105 minutes. Natural and realistic, the film takes us to the Indian Ocean, a damaged yacht, a bad storm, a capsized yacht, a lifeboat, another bad storm, failed attempts to achieve rescue, resourceful attempts to preserve life, and a deep dip into a hopeless situation with no possible resolution.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director and Writer J.C. Chandor. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Ogden Barnum, Glen Basner, Joshua Blum, Howard Cohen, Eric d’Arbeloff, Cassian Elwes, Corey Moosa, Zachary Quinto, Laura Rister, and Kevin Turen for making this film possible. Cast Include: Robert Redford,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A really wonderful film that exhibits above par finesse.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (Released to Theaters USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty—a fabulous remake of the 1947 Danny Kaye movie of the same name—becomes worth your time and money. The film examines Life magazine’s decision to close its doors and the dedication of one underpaid and unrecognized employee, beleaguered Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller), to ensure that the final issue is one of its greatest issues. People are what make Life magazine outstanding and Walter Mitty not only finds his person, but finds courage to face danger and adventure across Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas while tracking one of Life’s best photographers for Life’s final cover photo. It’s a terrific story across a backdrop of great scenery and gives the viewer a nice ‘pop’ of satisfied happiness at the end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ben Stiller for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers G. Mac Brown, Meyer Gottlieb, and Gore Verbinski for making the film possible. Cast include: Jon Daly, Kristen Wiig, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film makes a great watch for whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (Released to Theaters USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì Star Trek into Darkness—tries too hard—fails to catch the Star Trek magic. The special effects are probably the best part. The film could almost be skipped.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) is relieved of starship duties due to failure to keep the prime directive; but, is quickly restored to his position after Starfleet headquarters undergoes attack.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director J.J. Abrams for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Paul Schwake for making the film possible. Cast include: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anton Yelchin, and Bruce Greenwood.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is a suitable to okay watch. Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

PARKLAND (Released to the Venice Film Festival, Venice Italy 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Parkland, a refreshing 93-minute exploration of the JFK assassination, approaches its subject matter from a completely different perspective while skillfully interweaving actual broadcast radio recordings and archival footage throughout the film’s approach to its storyline. The film is based on the book “Four Days In November” written by Vincent Bugliosi. It’s a worthy addition to films dedicated to this subject. Watch for a superb performance by Zac Efron as Dr. Charles “Jim” Carrico.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The John F. Kennedy assassination is re-examined through the eyes of ordinary persons impacted by the event—medical personnel, FBI agents, and the Oswald family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Landesman for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Tobin Armbrust, Guy East, Brian Falk, Joe Ricketts, and Ginger Sledge for making the film possible. Cast include: Paul Giamatti, Marcia Gay-Harden, Ron Livingston, Billy Bob Thornton, Jeremy Strong, Jacki Weaver, Kat Steffens, and James Badge Dale.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is a 50^th Anniversary memoriam to the JFK assassination event. It’s a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHEN JEWS WERE FUNNY (Released to The Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

When Jews were Funny—a significant and well-done documentary film—contains terrific interviews with 37 of the best of our standup comedians including Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, Eugene Mirman, Bob Einstein, Andy Kindler, Shelley Berman, and David Steinberg. This is a good, informative watch, a winner of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alan Zweig believes Jews are not as funny now as in the past and attempts to prove his point with archival footage and live interviews with Jewish comedians.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alan Zweig for directing efforts. Kudos to Musical Composer Michael Zweig for outstanding musical accompaniment Thank you to Executive Producer Perry Rosemond for making the film possible. Cast include: Marc Maron, Shelley Berman, Rodney Dangerfield, Howie Mandel, Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Einstein, Eugene Mirman, Jack Carter, Judy Gold, Norm Crosby, Andy Kindler, Alan King, Shecky Greene, Jackie Mason, David Steinberg, Elon Gold, Henny Youngman, Aaron Berg), and David Brenner.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary is highly entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INTO THE WHITE * (Released to the Oslo Film Fest Oslo Norway 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Into the White—a Norwegian film based on true events—contains some of the best foreign filming for 2012. While this film did not make money in the box office, it’s a good watch that proposes the interesting situation of placing German and British World War II bomber plane crash survivors in an isolated cabin where they must cooperate in order to survive a bitter winter. The acting is of such high quality that one feels one is watching actual real life situations. The terrific British casting choices include: Lachlan Nieboer and Rupert Grint, both superb for their parts. The terrific German casting includes: Florian Lukas, Stig Henrik Hoff, and David Kross, all superb for their parts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During a World War II air fight, a German plane is shot down leaving three survivors. The British fighter plane also crash lands leaving two survivors. The five men, despite the uneasy relationship, survive a bitter Norwegian winter by learning to rely on and trust one another.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Petter Næss for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Garde for making the film possible. Cast include: Florian Lukas, David Kross, Stig Henrik Hoff, Lachlan Nieboer, Rupert Grint, Kim Haugen, Knut Joner, Morten Faldaas, and Sondre Krogtoft Larsen.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a quite good film and well worth watching, one of the best Rupert Grint films since the Harry Potter series.

* Also known as Comrade, Lost in the Snow, or Cross of Honour

Video Critique Available Here :

Ben Meyers

LONE SURVIVOR (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Lone Survivor—one of the best war movies of the year—details a Navy Seal teams’ infiltration of Afghanistan to capture Ahmad Shah. Script Writer Peter Berg based the story on the book written by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson. The film is a classic, a truly great story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Navy Seals infiltrate Afghanistan to capture Ahmad Shah, a Taliban leader. The team gets caught in unknown mountainous Afghanistan woods with no rescue in sight and a small retreat area.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Braden Aftergood, Brandt Andersen, Tamara Birkemoe, Remington Chase, Grant Cramer, Mark Damon, Simon Fawcett, Kerry Roster, Kerry Foster, Louis G. Friedman, George Furla, Ron Lynch, Stepan Martirosyan, Jeff Rice, Steven Saxton, Laren Selig, Adi Shankar, Jason Shuman, and Spencer Silna for making the film possible. Music Composer Steve Jablonsky’s “Explosion in the Sky” is outstanding. Cast include: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch , Ben Foster, Eric Bana, and Alexander Ludwig.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. No time or money lost on this flick. It’s outstanding from its start to its finish.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WORLD WAR Z (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

World War Z, when all is said and done, is the classic zombie movie. Based on the novel by Max Brooks, its realism and aggressive action make it the ultimate zombie movie. Brad Pitt plays the character Gerry Lane excellently. Casting Agent Kate Dowd made fantastic choices with Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, and Pierfrancesco Favino. Director Marc Forster had a terrific script to work with thanks to the efforts of Screen Writers Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard, and Damon Lindelof.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

It begins with a ‘normal’ American family morning. Two girls run into the parent’s room and wake them. Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) watches the news while making breakfast. Girls eat their breakfast. Dad gets stuck in rush hour traffic and plays a guessing game with his wife and girls while waiting for traffic to move. Moments later the normal morning turns abnormal as a motorcycle whizzes by and knocks the driver’s side mirror off Gerry’s car. This zombie story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marc Forster for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Graham King, Brad Simpson, David Elliston, Tim Headington, Marc Forster, Paul Schwake, and Dana Goldberg for making the film possible. Cast include: Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, Fana Mokoena, David Morse, Elyes Gabel, and Peter Capaldi.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an action packed thriller for all zombie movie fans and non-zombie movie fans. It’s the one to watch if you are getting ready to explore zombie movies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LAST STAND (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Last Stand—a classic police movie à la Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nothing more needs to be said. It will be well appreciated by Arnold Schwarzenegger fans. Wow! It’s a terrific show. Terrific cinematography. Outstanding camera work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie begins with the camera focusing on night stars, then slowly moves to the road and a policeman sitting in his car eating a doughnut. Then the camera quickly focuses on a mountain and a road sign that shows that the action to come is located 9 miles outside of Las Vegas. The camera focuses again on the policeman and we get a backseat view of the front seat with its rearview mirror showing headlights approaching. The camera then zooms into the mirror on the driver's side of the car. A ‘car’ whizzes by the policeman’s car so fast that you can’t tell what it is. The policeman’s window begins to vibrate because of the force of the passing ‘car.’ The policeman notices his window is vibrating, looks at the speed detector, and sees that the passing ‘car’ is clocking at 197 miles per hour. The policeman bumps his speed detector, rolls his window down to get a better look at the passing vehicle, grabs his shoulder radio, and informs home office that he thinks a jet plane with no lights is flying down the highway.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kim Jee-woon for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edward Fee, Miky Lee, and Michael Paseornek for making the film possible. Cast include: Arron Shiver, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Titos Mechaca, Richard Dillard, Doug Jackson, Mathew Greer, Peter Stormare, Chris Browning, Christiana Leucas, and Luis Guzman.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Be prepared for a little more ‘language’ than is really required to tell the story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SCOOBY-DOO! STAGE FRIGHT (Released to DVD USA 2013)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Scooby Doo! Stage Fright works in the suitable to okay watch range. It is better written than Scooby Doo and the Alien Invaders. The film begins with a commemoration of the Mystery Machine team during the  initial credits to show which things each character is known for, which is a welcome part of the film. This team has captivated audiences for over 50 years since the beginning of the television series in 1969. The animation is good. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline Fred Jones and Daphne Blake are going to a talent competition to compete as a singing duo with the help of Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo. When they arrive, they find a ghoul terrorizing the staff and contestants.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director  Victor Cook for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Victor Cook and Alan Burnett for making the film possible. Cast includes Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Grey DeLisle, Matthew Lillard, Wayne Brady, Peter MacNichol, and Ariel Winter. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a suitable watch for Scooby-Doo fans.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

FAST & FURIOUS 6 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fast & Furious 6 sequels movies 4 and 5 and prequels 3 in its mid-credit scene. The mid-credit scene introduces a new character to the series. While the presentation is good and the acting great, this movie does not have the likableness of the previous movies in this series.  It still receives a higher rating based on the acting and presentation of storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about street racers who get into trouble with the law, flee to countries outside the United States, and are given an assignment as a team to bring a criminal to justice in exchange for amnesty. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Clayton Townsend for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Sung Kang, Luke Evans, Gina Carano, and John Ortiz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie with its great acting and good storyline serves as a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

PACIFIC RIM (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Pacific Rim—better than most monster films—has some difficulty making sense at certain junctures of its story, but displays well on screen. Everything moves quickly in the movie. It’s good to see Charlie Hunnam, Edris Elba and Ron Perlman, and Rinko Kikuchi cast together in this movie. The movie works for the monster-movie fan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

America is attacked by huge monsters from under the ocean. America responds by building machines called Jaegers to defend the coastline. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Guillermo del Toro for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Guillermo del Toro, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, and Mary Parent for making the film possible. Cast includes: Charlie Hunnam, Diego Klattenhoff, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins Jr. and Ron Perlman. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is one of the better monster movies on the market. Even though the special effects may not always be well defined, the basic story contains all the expected elements in a monster movie and becomes a good watch for that audience. The movie has a sequel:  Pacific Rim: Uprising. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FROZEN (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Frozen—wonderful, rewatchable, buy it to own—has heart and that Disney magic that draws audiences from all over the world. WOW! The story and its message completely captivate. The artwork is outstanding. The movie reminds its audience of what humans do and can do when motivated by love. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young princess has control over ice and snow but does not know how to control that power. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Peter Del Vecho for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Classic Disney entertainment. Novel, tremendously creative in animation. This film deserves a place in the family home video library and serves as a good child/adult share film.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers