BY SIDNEY LUMET (Released to the Cannes Film Festival Cannes, France 2015)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  By Sidney Lumet—informative documentary—tells about the late Director Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda, Serpico with Al Pacino, and Murder on the Orient Express (1974)). This documentary is a suitable watch that seems built more for entertainment industry professionals rather than a general audience.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline The life and times of movie director, Sidney Lumet. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Nancy Buirski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jack Turner, Brett Ratner, James Packer, Bobby Kondrat, and Michael Kantor. Cast includes Sidney Lumet.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This is a suitable documentary overall and works from a well written story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

NO ESCAPE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

No Escape turns edge of the seat excitement into some of Owen Wilson’s best work. While Owen Wilson seems to lend himself well to the comedic experience, sometimes with a little romance thrown in, he turns into an outstanding casting choice for this thriller/action movie. His talent lies, partially, in the wisdom of finding his own action style. It absolutely works. This film is among some of 2015s best thriller/action movies. Kudos to every actor in this film; the acting is some of the best on today’s market. The script is well done. No fault found in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

American Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson), his wife, Annie (Lake Bell), and their two daughters, Lucy Dwyer (Sterling Jerins) and Beeze Dwyer (Claire Geare), get caught in a Laotian rebel war.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Erick Dowdle for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Alexander, Andrew Pfeffer, Jeffrey Stott, and Gary Michael Walters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan, Thanawut Ketsaro, Chatchawai Kamonsaknitak, Sahajak Boonthanakit, and Tanapol Chuksrida.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is so well done that it is a re-watch just to see Owen Wilson in the fatherly, rescue role within the thriller genre.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 succeeds because someone had the foresight to cast Kevin James as Paul Blart in the first and second films. Despite a few noticeably ‘forced’ scenes deliberately repeated for comedic effect (i.e., Blart skidding across the floor on his side past a planter), the sequel works and becomes an easy afternoon of light entertainment. We get the surprise of our lives when we find Blart in a troubled marriage and follow the movie to see how his life will turn for the better. Along with the drama involved with an only daughter getting ready to leave for college and start her own life, the film blends action with pathos and comedy in, of all places, Las Vegas.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Andy Fickman for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty P. Ewing, Jeff Sussman, and Ben Waisbren for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez, Neal McDonough, David Henrie, Shirley Knight, Daniella Alonso, Eduardo Veràstegui, and Nicholas Turturro.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes.  A good watch, but not as good as the first film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water—starts well but loses steam after that—runs slow. Children will like it; adults will find it less interesting than the first movie.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline SpongeBob is trying to pry the Krabby Patty secret formula from Plankton hands and it vanishes.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Paul Tibbett for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Tibbett and Mary Parent for making the film possible. Cast members include Antonio Banderas, Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, and Matt Berry. Buy a ticket?  Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is not as good as the first film and is not a sequel to the first film. It is a new story that stands alone. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì Kingsman: The Secret Service  relies on high-level actors for  its team. The movie is spicy, creative and deserves its sequel. The camerawork is very good. There are some brief nudity and sexual references that could have been completely edited out due to irrelevancy to the story. Watch for some brief appearances of Mark Hamill. The film, overall, is a good watch. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A top-level British spy organization solves crime around the world. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Producer Matthew Vaughn for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dave Gibbons, Pierre Lagrange, Stephen Marks, Mark Millar, Claudia Schiffer, for making the film possible. Cast includes Adrian Quinton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Jonno Davies, Jack Davenport, Mark Hamill, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, and Michael Caine, Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. It's a good, action thriller that works for its time and money. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TAKEN 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Taken 3—good movie—continues to access the acting skill of Liam Neeson to tell the Bryan Mills' "Taken" stories. This movie follows the basic format of high action within the gangster world. Watch for a welcome, good performance by Forrest Whitaker. The movie will not disappoint fans of this series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action thriller film is about: Bryan Mills' ex-wife is dead and he tries to solve the mystery. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Olivier Megaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Luc Besson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Dougray Scott, Sam Spruell, Don Harvey, Dylan Bruno, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, Jonny Weston, Andrew Borba, and Judi Beecher. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is very well done and worth watching. It is great to see Liam Neeson in these types of films. They work particularly well for him as he presents just the right amount of caring and emotional involvement to create realism and believability. He carries the emotional appeal well.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

FURIOUS 7 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Furious 7—WOW!—encapsulates everything we know and love about this series  The Fast and Furious spirit is back in a furious way. Everything in this movie—the action, acting, special effects, presentation, and story—works. The movie surpasses all expectations of what this franchise can provide. Watch for good performance by Jason Statham and look for the cameo of Lucas Black in this movie. This is one film that is a Winner from the word go. This film has some suggestive themes and/or partial nudity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two criminals receive pardons and have re-settled in the United States but their criminal past catches up with them and they find themselves battling for their lives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fottrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Lucas Black, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Gal Gadot, John Brotherton, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch for Fast and Furious fans. No disappointment here. The film is great from the word go.   

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials—part 2 of the Maze Runner movie series—does not perform at the same level as the first film in the series. It complicates itself in storyline and presentation as it does not provide a strong enough link to the first movie. Read a plotline before you go even if you watched the first Maze Runner movie. The movie does have its thrills and some of the background scenery is quite good. There is a third film in this series: The Maze Runner: The Death Cure. These movies are unusual in that these young actors present a maturity that will appeal to both the teen and adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The days of experimentation on children are not over as a group of survivors from Maze Runner experiments discover. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wes Ball for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Lee Stollman, and Joe Hartwick Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scordelario, Thomas Brodle-Sangster, Giancario Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Lill Taylor, and Patricia Clarkston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the story is complicated and if an audience does not follow the series, it would be best to read a plotline before going to this movie as a standalone watch. This is one of the rare teen-actor movies that performs as a good watch for adults. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-ROGUE NATION (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation—completely entertaining—shows its audience why Tom Cruise is a great actor. He has a terrific supporting cast: Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin, and Sean Harris. This is the fifth installment of the Mission: Impossible series and is the best in the series. Part 6 rolls out in 2018 as Mission Impossible: Fallout. This film, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, easily earns its right to be added to the home video collection. It earns its watch and its investment of money. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action spy thriller film is about an Impossible Missions’ Force (IMF) agent working between the Syndicate and the IMF to prevent threatening events from becoming active. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher McQuarrie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger for making the film possible. Cast members include: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a much better watch than the other films in this series with a higher entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANT-MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ant-Man—surprisingly action-packed—works on an old idea, but presents it in a fresh manner. It’s great to see Michael Douglas in the movie. The script writing shows good timing and creativity. The ant animation is interesting and becomes one of the things that enhances enjoyment of the movie. Great movie that more than earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A scientist discovers how to shrink matter and develops a suit for that purpose. 

Additional Thanks                                                                                                                  

Thank you to Director Peyton Reed for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip "T.I." Harris, Anthony Mackie, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, Abby Ryder Fortson, David Dastmalchian, and Michael Douglas. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film starts the ‘all new’ Ant-Man Marvel movie series.

 

Ben Meyers

THE MARTIAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Martian—WOW!—easily becomes an excellent addition to the home video library. The star-studded, hot-ticket cast (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Donald Glover, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Benedict Wong (from Marvel Comics)) are well-mixed. Jeff Daniels shows his versatility when one thinks of him in this movie versus Dumb and Dumber or State of Play.  The movie earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A team works to rescue a man left behind on Mars. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Drew Goddard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peňa, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Mackenzie Davis, and Donald Glover. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful sci-fi movie and worth its watch; a well-done film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Avengers: Age of Ultron—this second film is better than the first Avengers movie—has a type of synergy that the first movie could not accomplish. Watch for some new superheroes like Vision and Wanda (from Disney+ television) who are incorporated into this movie’s storyline and, of course, the traditional sneaking in of Stan Lee in a cameo appearance. This film’s Marvel characters overflow like a huge bouquet on a small table and provide a basically good entertainment piece. Good work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The strongest and best fighters for earth join forces to rid it of the latest threat to its peace and happiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Joss Whedon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victoria Alonso, Louis D’Esposito, Jon Favreau, Alan Fine, Jeremy Latcham, Stan Lee, and Patricia Whitcher for making the film possible. Cast members include: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a bit better than its prequel, can be enjoyed as a family, and earns its watch.  

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JURASSIC WORLD (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Jurassic World begins a series of standalone movies that reference the Jurassic Park films’ theme...think Disney Land versus Disney World. This film is not as good as the first two Jurassic Park films, but better than the third Jurassic Park film. This movie stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard along with young actors Nick Robinson and Ty Simkins. Watch for guest star Vincent D’Ornofrio. The acting, story, and portrayal are sound. The sequel is: Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom. Great work for all involved in the production of Jurassic World.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A largescale theme park dedicated to replication of worlds long-thought lost animal populations, opens for public entertainment. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Colin Trevorrow for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Omar Sy, BD Wong, and Infan Khan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film easily earns its watch and its sequel.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPECTRE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spectre—Daniel Craig as 007—solidly delivers a good piece of entertainment. There is a little sterileness in some of the action scenes such as the car chase scene between Daniel Craig and Dave Bautista. It almost seems as if that scene was artificially lengthened to make the film meet time requirements. There seems to be some plot holes in the movie where the dots are not fully connected. But the entertainment value maintains. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

James Bond fights the evilness of Spectre. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sam Mendes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for making the film possible. Cast includes: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci, and Ralph Fiennes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie does not run on the usual 007 high-octane mix of sex, glamour, and violence. While the grittiness has been lowered slightly, the movie still delivers. James Bond fans will not be disappointed. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

IP MAN 3 (Theatrical Release China 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ip Man 3 more than compliments the first IP Man films and scores a higher Ben Meyers’ rating than the prequel movies because of its increased intensity and terrific acting. The first 20 minutes are a little slow and some of the martial arts’ scenes not quite as ‘real;’ but as a rebel newcomer enters the story and 'messes' with an umbrella maker, the film picks up pace and holds its own through the ending credits. The fight between Ip Man (Donnie Yen) and Frank (Mike Tyson) are a terrific, not-to-be-missed, tribute to the fighting skills of Tyson, legendary American boxing champion from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ip Man 3 tells the story of the adult Bruce Lee’s request to become Ip Man’s student to learn Wing Chun fighting. It also interweaves Ip’s family life story involving the loss of his wife, Wing Sing, and how the family settles into living in Hong Kong.

Additional Thanks

Great Work For Director Wilson Yip. Thank you to Executive Producer Edmond Wong for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cheung Wing-sing (Lynn Hung), Cheung Tin-chi (Jin Zang), Ma King-sang (Patrick Tam), Miss Wong (Karena Ng), Chui Lek (Kai-Chung Cheung), Fatso (Kent Cheng), Master Tin (Ka-Yan Leung), and Bruce Lee (Kwok-Kwan Chan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Donnie Yen lends the entire IP man series a certain 'on screen' charisma that is not to be missed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers