REDEMPTION DAY (Released to Theaters USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Redemption Day—title makes an audience think this is going to be great—performs as a cliched rerun/collage of other films better written and portrayed. Audiences may feel 'put off,' when they see Gary Dourdan (famed actor of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: TV Series) acting in this film. At first one thinks, well, this might work and then finds it does not work as quality acting. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Soldier's wife is kidnapped and held for ransom. The soldier and a friend risk their lives to save her.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Hicham Hajji for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hicham Hajji and David Zilberberg for making the film possible. Cast includes Gary Dourdan, Serinda Swan, Andy Garcia, Brice Bexter, Ernie Hudson, Martin Donovan, Robert Knepper, and Samy Naceri.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It seems like it might work and then does not. Weak, okay watch.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Teen Titans Go! To the Movies—weak and disorganized—is a pointless work of nothingness. Watch for a comical cameo of the Marvel creator, Stan Lee, in this DC presentation.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline The Teen Titans try to get their own movie and, in the process, save the world from Slade/Deathstroke.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Peter Rida Michail and Aaron Horvath for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Aaron Horvath, Jelenic, Peggy Regan, Peter Rida Michail, and Will Arnett for making the film possible. Cast includes Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong, Hynden Walch, Will Arnett, and Kristen Bell. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a okay film to some extent but is not the best of films overall.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ON THE BASIS OF SEX (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  On the Basis of Sex—very good watch—focuses on the early law career battles of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The film works and succeeds in drawing its audience. It is more than worth watching. Great work for all involved. Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb  Storyline The story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg from college to some of her early cases.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Mimi Leder for directing the film. Thank you to Producer Robert W. Cort for making the film possible. Cast includes Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston, and Kathy Bates. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a very good, informative, and original film. Good watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

OCEAN'S EIGHT (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Ocean's Eight—wanna-be Ocean's film—showcases Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchette. The movie has no organization. It is not funny nor is it witty. The objective is unclear. Messy in every way.   Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  Debbie Ocean (sister of Danny Ocean) gets out of prison with a statement that she wants to live simple, but in reality she plans to steal a high priced necklace.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Gary Ross for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Soderbergh and Susan Ekins for making the film possible. Cast includes Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe.  This movie is messy and disorganized. Money and time will not be well-spent here. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

GREEN BOOK (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Green Book—more than worth watching—becomes one of the better films from 2018. Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali make a great casting team for this show. The story shows incredible writing skill and catches small nuances that greatly enhance the value of the movie. The content is highly original. The movie makes an outstanding addition to the home video library.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline This drama film is about an African American piano player who needs a driver and a man who can help him get out of trouble so that he can survive travel in the south while playing piano for high class audiences in the 1960s.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Peter Farrelly for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Jim Burke, Brian Hayes Currie, Peter Farrelly, Nick Vallelonga, and Charles B. Wessler. Cast includes Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, and Linda Cardellini. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a wonderful watch for the teen/adult audience and has grand acting. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HUNTER KILLER (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Hunter Killer—quite good— backs itself with good research and a well put together cast that includes Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman.  The story takes a completely different twist than expected and that makes it unique  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  USA  submarine crew investigates a missing American submarine in Russian waters.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Donovan Marsh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, Tucker Tooley, Mark Gill, John Thompson, Matt O'Toole, and Les Weldon for making the film possible. Cast includes Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Common, Linda Cardellini, and Toby Stephens. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This Gerard Butler film is easily missed partially due to its title's lack of flair. Do not miss it. It is very watchable and well done. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OVERLORD (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Overlord—cringeworthy violence toward conclusion of film—has mostly unknown actors with the exception of Pilou Asbӕk from Ghost in the Shell, who plays in this movie, Overlord, as Captain Wafner. The story is 'run-of the mill' with weak portrayal and  unrealistic acting. The movie, overall, is a suitable watch, but works more as a time-killer than as a good entertainment piece.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A group of WWII soldiers, in the late 1940s, parachute from a crashing plane and find themselves landing in German-controlled territory. The ones who survive the parachuting and the German troops patrolling the area head to a church where the objective is: make friends with a French woman who is willing to take them to her house to hide from the Germans.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Julius Avery for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jo Burn, Jon Cohen, and Cory Bennett Lewis for making the film possible. Cast includes Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Mathilde Ollivier, Pilou Asbӕk, John Magaro, Iain De Caestecker, Jacob Anderson, Dominic Applewhite, Gianny Taufer, and Joseph Quinn. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This film is what it is—not great, but there. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

DEATH WISH (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Death Wish—Bruce Willis remake of the 1974 Charles Bronson's first Death Wish movie—bases its story in vigilante action when law agencies fail their duty. Bruce Willis plays cold in some sentimental scenes. He doesn't pull the power that Bronson did. Additionally, he plays softer in vigilante scenes. It does not open with the raunchy beginning scenes as did the Bronson film. The main character role for Paul Kersey is a medical doctor in this film, in the original Bronson film, he is an architect.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Paul Kersey’s wife and daughter end in the hospital after a break-in of his house by robbers. When Paul cannot find justice with the police, he does it himself.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director/Producer Eli Roth for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ilona Herzberg, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone, Dean Norris, Beau Knapp, Kimberly Elise, Len Cariou, Jack Kesy, and Ronnie Gene Blevins,. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It is a suitable to okay watch, but does not have the same power as the Bronson film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

DOG DAYS (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Dog Days—weird film, all over the place—has no goal or defined journey to follow. Everything from acting to portrayal to presentation run in the suitable to good range, but the movie has no purpose, no reason for being. The message is to love dogs which everyone can relate to but it needs more than that to exist. This movie runs slow at times and lacks the power to draw an audience.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline   Several persons love their dogs.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Ken Marino for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Glassman, Scott Holroyd, Alison Semenza King, Nicole Stojkovich, for making the film possible. Cast includes Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria, Rob Corddry, Tone Bell, Jon Bass, Michael Cassidy, Finn Wolfhard, Ron Cephas Jones, Thomas Lennon, Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  No. This movie is 'hard ground to plow'.  It makes the audience work for the watch when the movie should be working for the audience to watch. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE EQUALIZER 2 (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Equalizer 2—a bit slower pacing than the original movie—bases its story on strong writing and an important story to tell. Be aware that the violence can be cringeworthy at times. The movie is worth watching for the information. Denzel Washington defines the role of a believable vigilante.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

 Robert McCall is back to clean up the streets of Boston. Instead of working at a home retail store, he works for Lyft Taxi.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer  Molly Allen, David J. Bloomfield for making the film possible. Cast includes: Denzel Washington ,Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Orson Bean, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Jonathan Scarfe, Sakina Jaffrey, Kazy Tauginas, and Garret Golden.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch overall and tells a great story. Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo reprise their roles. Vigilante Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has new villains to fight.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INSTANT FAMILY (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Instant Family—strong, sound storyline—makes a good and honest presentation of foster care, adoption, and the diligence necessary to make a family work within that scenario. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne give an exceptionally realistic and worthy acting performance with their establishment of boundaries, acceptable behavior, and loving interest that consistently hold place through tumultuous family adjustment periods. The child actors/actresses have been well-chosen. Watch for some wonderful random appearances by Joan Cusack. This movie makes a good family share that offers quality after-viewing discussion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This family comedy drama film is about a husband and wife who decide to adopt three siblings. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sean Anders for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Allegra Clegg, Helen Pollak, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Merced, Gustavo Escobar, Juliana Gamiz, Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro, Tom Segura, Allyn Rachel, and Britt Rentschler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Instant Family is a terrific extension of Mark Wahlberg’s talent in film with its great story, presentation and portrayal. Good teen/adult share movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BUMBLEBEE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bumblebee—good showcase for actress Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit (2010) actress)—serves at the level of a fun watch that plays well. It is a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl finds that the car she has been given is really a transformer. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Travis Knight for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, and Mark Vahradian for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hailee Steinfeld, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Cena, Jason Drucker, Pamala Adlon, Stephen Schneider, Ricardo Hoyos, John Ortiz, Glynn Terman, Len Cariou, Kollen Holtz, Gracie Dzienny, Fed Dryer, and Isabelle Ellingson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is just fun all the way through. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Pacific Rim: Uprising works like a movie that has no story and someone tries to piece something together to give reason for the lights on the screen. It’s okay and provides some interest until the last 20 minutes or so of the movie. Then it goes left field, falls irretrievably to the bottom of its barrel, and dies. At that point the film is almost hard to get through. This film ends the movie series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The United States has shut down the production of Jaegers, but Jaeger enthusiasts look for parts on the black market to build the Jaegers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven S. DeKnight for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Guillermo del Toro, John Boyega, Femi Oguns, Thomas Tull, and Jon Jashni. Cast includes:  John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeney, Burn Gorman, Charlie Day, Jing Tian, Jin Zhang, Adria Arjona, Rinko Kikuchi, Karan Brar, Wesley Wong, Ivana Sakhno, Mackenyu, and Lily Ji. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie does not present a story on screen.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers