ESCAPE THROUGH AFRICA (Released World-Wide 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì  Escape Through Africa—title, and Eric Roberts lure one into watching— is a dud due to writing of script with its feeling that this is the middle of another story without the other story's beginning and conclusion. The weak acting is not believable. The film is poorly structured from the word 'go'. This movie does not give anything to the audience who invests time and money to watch it.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  The movie shows the conflict between British military and German military in Africa.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ted Betz for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ted Betz for making the film possible. Cast includes Eric Roberts, Linn Bjornland, Justin Gordon, Robert Okumu, Jeff Berg, Leonard Kelly-Young, Michael Adegoke, and Ron Bottitta.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  No. Audiences should wonder why the technology available in 2022 is not used well in production. It is what it is and does not earn its watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BLACKLIGHT (Released to Theaters USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Blacklight—relies on an old story—loses creativity due to its cliched script. Nothing new here. The camera work is not superlative. The movie could almost be skipped. Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb  Storyline  An FBI man uncovers political intrigue in the FBI.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mark Williams for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Williams, Paul Currie, Myles Nestel, Aleve Loh, and Coco Xiaolu Ma for making the film possible. Cast includes Liam Neeson, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Taylor John Smith, and Aidan Quinn,  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This is a Liam Neeson political intrigue film that has to build its story before reaching the actual story which occurs in the last 30 to 40 minutes of the film. The suitable quality is uniform throughout the film and includes that climax at the end.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE (Released to Theaters USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore—has an interesting storyline that has good to suitable presentation, portrayal, and acting. Beware of trying to fit this film into the Harry Potter stories despite Dumbledore's presence in the storyline. It could almost be a stand-alone movie with the previous movies  from the Fantastic Beast series as points of reference rather than actual prequels. Jude Law reprises his role as Dumbledore, Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander. Johnny Depp did not reprise his role as Gellert Grindelwald. That role went to Mads Mikkelsen who fits the character better. This movie is a bit odd, quite dark, and unclear. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  Albus Dumbledore and Newt Scamander try to stop Gellert Grindelwald from ruling the world of wizards.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Josh Berger, Niel Blair, Danny Cohen, Michael Sharp, Courtenay Valenti, for making the film possible. Cast includes  Jude Law, Cara Mahoney, Mads Mikkelsen, Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Poppy Corby-Tuech Maja Bloom, Ezra Miller, Paul Low-Hang, Alison Sudol,.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. As always, these stories are interesting in storyline, present good to suitable watching for acting and portrayal, and show highly imaginative stage settings. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Avatar: The Way of Water becomes an ode to visually stimulating special effects while forgetting storyline and emotional appeal are as integral a part of producing the satisfying entertainment experience as visual stimulation. Avatar: The Way of Water becomes Avatar rerun, except it changes its stage setting to underwater and adds green to the coloration of a tribe with different life ways. Once one has seen Avatar, the second showing seems superficial. The animation? Off the charts. The presentation, acting, and portrayal are good. If the audience is as interested in technological improvement as much as a Hollywood insider, then this movie may work.  Know that editing cuts were not well done and the film becomes an overwhelmingly long watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: Earth dying and sending Recombinants to conquer Pandora. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Cameron for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baneham, and David Valdes, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, and Edie Falco. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie works well as an immersive artistic presentation, but the story works superficially and takes a 3.2 hour time investment to complete. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—creative and original—easily earns its watch. WOW!  Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. is a WONDERFUL film that captivates with its nostalgic presentation, great acting, terrific voicing, and fresh storyline. This movie and the first film in the series are great additions to the home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Puss loses 8 of his 9 lives and has to make a decision about that loss. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joel Crawford for directing effort. Thank you to Co-Director Januel Mercado, Thank you to Producer Mark Swift for making the film possible. Cast includes: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, John Mulaney, Wagner Moura, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Anthony Mendez. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is the one to own in the Puss in Boots saga. It’s great to hear Antonio Banderas reprise his role as the voice for the legendary Puss in Boots. WOW! This is a great watch for children and adults alike. Thank you to all involved in making this film work so well.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

THE OLD WAY (Released to Video On Demand USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Old Way—surprising story with an unexpected conclusion—becomes one of those ‘don’t judge the movie from its poster’ films. It serves the needs of the western genre audience quite well, has a fresh storyline despite adherence to the traditional revenge story of the western. Nicolas Cage does his part well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A gunman changes his life, when he gets married and begins managing a general goods store, but his past finds him for one last shootout 20 years later. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brett Donowho for directing effort. Thank you to Producers R. Bryan Wright, Micah Haley, Sasha Yelaun, Robert Paschall Jr., Brett Donowho, Colin Floom, and Fred Roos for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Nicolas Cage, Ryan Kiera Armstrong,  Clint Howard, Katelyn Le Bauer, Noah Le Gros, Abraham Benrubi, Nick Searcy, Dean Armstrong, Phillip Aguirre, Everett Blunck, Brett Donowho, Shilo Fernandez, Corby Griesenbeck, and Boyd Kestner. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie has good presentation and serves western movie expectations at the fair to good level. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE PEZ OUTLAW (South by Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Pez Outlaw—unusual documentary—tells a good, well-put-together story of Steve Glew, the USA Pez collector and seller. The movie is slightly reminiscent of  two other unusual documentaries, Burt’s Buzz and  the Bio-Pic American Splendor. Read a plotline before going to increase background story understanding before watching. The interviews are great and the movie earns its watch as a nice change of pace. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This biographical documentary film is about: Steve Glew’s involvement with the Pez company merchandise and product lines. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Ignatius Green, Nate Larson, Theo Love, and Chris Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Steve Glew, Kathy Glew, Josh Glew, Mike Mitros, David Welch, Bud Damberg, P.J. Lechleitner, Julia Hilario, John Devlin, Jim Blaine, Tina Gunsauls, Johann Patek, Richie Belyski, Moriah Newman, Gunther Leitner, Peter Jennings, and  Scott McWhinnie. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film especially appeals to the entrepreneurial audience. It’s interesting to see how Steve Glew becomes a collector and a seller for Pez collectible products in the USA. Good story and great work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE FABELMANS (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

T     The Fabelmans—WOW!—watch is like the feeling of going to Disneyland for the first time. Everything is a wonder due to the way the story has been compiled. The movie bases itself on the events of Steven Spielberg’s early years but uses the moniker of Sam Fabelman and family to tell its story. This movie is a winner for movie enthusiasts, aspiring directors, critics, and more. Don’t miss it. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This drama film is about: a young man, who from a very early age, wants to be involved in the film-making industry. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg, and Tony Kushner for making the film possible. Cast includes Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Mateo Zoryan, Keeley Karsten, Alina Brace, Julia Butters, Birdie Borria, Judd Hirsch, Sophia Kopera, Jennie Berlin, Robin Bartlett, Sam Rechner, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes, and YES! This movie could be easy to miss if a person relies on plotline alone to determine attendance. Don’t miss it and after watching think more deeply about the story than a superficial judgement. This again proves the outstanding value of doing what you are meant to do. It’s another work of art directed by Steven Spielberg. The story stands the test of time and will stand as a classic watch for many years to come. Fabulous work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JERRY AND MARGE GO LARGE (Internet Release USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jerry and Marge Go Large—based on a true story—can sometimes dip in quality when some story elements are repetitively shown. This creates a bit of a standstill but the movie still holds interest throughout the film. It’s a sweet movie that plays high on the human factor. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A couple discovers a way to win  the lottery repeatedly. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Frankel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Amy Baer and Gil Netter for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This down-to-earth movie is an interesting film starring Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening. It’s a good family share movie that focuses on real life challenges in a small-town setting with strong family relationships and good, build-the-community values. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

MOONFALL (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Moonfall—intriguing with a highend concept—has good special effects, okay to good acting, and a suitable presentation. It is not well-written but suitable and has a few perks at certain junctures of its story. Some parts of the story were not thought through well. Look for Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, and a nice cameo of Donald Sutherland. 

Film  Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

After an alien micro particle attacks a space ship and causes the death of  an astronaut, the moon later shifts its orbit and heads toward earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser for making the film possible. Cast includes: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Donald Sutherland, and Carolina Bartczak. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is worth watching for its special effects but needs some boosting for that realistic feel in its storyline and presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—the best of the Marvel films—is the second movie of the Black Panther movie series. This film plays more like a non-Marvel superhero movie, meaning there is a certain aura that most superhero films cannot seem to break through, but this movie does it. Superhero movies have a minor goofiness, cheesiness, comic book presentation that causes a loss of quality. This movie critic usually overlooks this quality and critiques around that, but Black Panther: Wakanda Forever does not have this aura or element at all. This film also does a terrific commemoration for the late Chadwick Boseman built right into the script that shows feeling and real sadness for his passing. The movie, itself, has more realistic fight scenes  than past Marvel films. WOW! What an improvement! It stands head and shoulders above other Marvel films. Thank you to everyone who had the courage to break the mold and enter a new era for the superhero movie presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Conflict, with Wakanda from a country stationed under water, results in war over a natural resource. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ryan Coogler for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Nate Moore for making the film possible. Cast includes: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, Tenoch Huerte Mejia, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is more than worth watching due to its great visuals, acting, and presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

TOP GUN: MAVERICK (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Top Gun: Maverick—WOW!—has terrific action, storyline, and dialogue lines. The story has come to its maturity and presents onscreen at a much higher level than the original Top Gun movie. Tom Cruise takes this film to the next level in entertainment value with his terrific supporting cast. It easily becomes one of the better military films marketed and easily establishes itself as a prime candidate for addition to the home video library. It has entertainment value written all over it. 

Film Poster of Google Images 

Storyline 

This war film is about precision air fighters who must remove a set of targets perceived as dangerous to world safety. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joseph Kosinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, and David Ellison for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie defines great storytelling and improves vastly on the first Top Gun movie. It shows maturity, values courage and loyalty, and the importance of rehearsal and training. Wonderful work for all involved in production. Incredibly well-written piece of entertainment.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEAST (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beast—short storyline stretched into a full-length movie—may have presented itself better as a documentary movie about an actual event rather than as a movie. The film has nowhere to go. No story with enough depth to encourage a televised series or a sequel movie unless it goes the route of movies like Sharknado. Everything about the movie is suitable and the acting works, as does the action scenes.  But the script does not have enough storyline to run a whole movie nor does it provide depth of story. It works better if severely edited and given a short film presentation for television rather than a film release. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This outdoor action film is about a rogue lion who hunts humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Baltasar Kormákur for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Baltasar Kormákur, James Lopez, and Will Packer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, and Leah Sava Jeffries. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie does not work with a fresh storyline nor is it a high-quality watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SECRET HEADQUARTERS (Video on Demand (VOD) USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Secret Headquarters—superhero movie—accesses the talents of Owen Wilson to play the superhero. Wilson gives the role just the right touch to make it a good superhero movie for the younger set. The film presents some new and upcoming younger actors/actresses that provide good entertainment value. The presentation and portrayal are good. The movie has lots of flash and dash that children may enjoy. Watch for Michael Peña in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A superhero’s son discovers what his father does for a living and the adventure is on as the son and some of his peers examine superhero equipment and then get surrounded by criminals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and Orlee-Rose Strauss for making the film possible. Cast includes: Owen Wilson, Walker Scobell, Jesse Williams, Keith L. Williams, Momona Tamada, Charles Melton, and Michael Peña. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a suitable children’s watch with lots of lights and action. It’s a light, easy-on-the-mind watch for an adult.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers