THE AVIATOR (Released to Theaters New York, New York, USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Aviator uses Leonardo DiCaprio to tell its version of the life and times of Howard Hughes—engineer, inventor, and film maker. It accomplishes its task well while completely entertaining its audience with wide views into the lifestyle of a bigger-than-life American.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Schwartz, Colin Cotter, Leonardo DiCaprio, Volker Schauz, Rick Yorn, Chris Brigham, Aslan Nadery, and Bob and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Thank you to Music Composer Howard Shore and Script Writer John Logan. Cast includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani, and Jude Law.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Leonardo DiCaprio does a wonderful job in his portrayal of Howard Hughes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PEARL HARBOR (Released to Theaters USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Pearl Harbor—a tribute to the 60^th anniversary of the World War II Pearl Harbor Attack—received nine Golden Raspberry nominations; however, it was nominated for the Academy Award’s Best Visual Effects and won the MTV Award for its action sequences. While the movie received deplorably negative reviews, it made money at box office. The strength of this film lies in its superb visual effects and action sequences and succeeds as a Ben Meyers recommended watch based on those two factors.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film opens in Tennessee 1923 with a crop duster working the fields. The camera focuses on a barn where two boys, Rafe McCawley (Jesse James) and Danny Walker (Reily McClendon), are playing inside a plane. They accidently power the plane and it takes off with a series of risings and landings until it finally stalls in the middle of a field. When Danny Walker’s father finds what the boys have done, he is not happy and tries to take it out on Danny Walker, but Rafe defends his best friend. These childhood scenes move to World War II where both boys (as men) are enlisted United States Army Air Force pilots and the story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Baja, Bruce Hendricks, Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Barry Waldman, and Randall Wallace for making the film possible. Cast include: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Ewen Bremner, and Alec Baldwin.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s true to the action that viewers have come to expect from Michael Bay films (Transformers, Armageddon). It doesn’t disappoint.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie—good child/adult share—has a strong multi-layered story that is perfectly complicated enough for a wide age-range of viewers. It is 'goofy' and silly, but believable as SpongeBob and Patrick work through their challenges that are quite relatable to human challenges. The message is upbeat and leaves a good feeling about moving forward despite limitations. This is a first movie for the SpongeBob animated televised series and moves this story into multiple theatrical productions and short films. Good watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline Plankton steals King Neptune's crown and pins it on Eugene Krabs of The Krusty Krabs restaurant so that he can get the Kraby Paddy recipe. With the help of King Neptune's sensible and compassionate daughter, SpongeBob and Patrick convince King Neptune that it is necessary to find the crown and clear Eugene Krabs' name.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Stephen Hillenburg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stephen Hillenburg and Julia Pistor for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Carolyn Lawrence, Mary Jo Catlett, Alec Baldwin, David Hasselhoff, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeffrey Tambor. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This movie will more than satisfy SpongeBob SquarePants' fans. It is a fun, quality entertainment piece that can easily be added to the family home entertainment library. The movie has a good, original, multi-layered story that works for children as well as adults.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ALONG CAME POLLY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Along Came Polly—a different romantic comedy—evaluates the risk of marriage and the difficulty of finding that person who will match well. It's a movie that does not soon leave the memory and causes reflection for several days after viewing. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston work  well together...terrific choice by the casting department. The movie is tailored for the adult audience. There are some sex scenes and sexual references that could have been a little more discreet....but these scenes actually move the story forward rather than having been added as an after-thought. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin are great additions to the cast. Watch for some cameo appearances of Kevin Hart in his earlier work. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 After a man leaves his wedded wife on their honeymoon because she cheated on him, he accidentally runs into a former female classmate from high school.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Hamberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jane Bartelme, Dan Levine for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. After viewing, certain scenes from the movie recur in the mind and the realization that this lightly drawn comedy has a sophisticated approach to the subject of romance and the adjustments people  may make to further harmony in those relationships is well-drawn. It's a suitable watch for the aphorism of  'opposites attract'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CONCUSSION (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Concussion—WOW!—is one of those films made very good because of  the chosen casting. Will Smith makes the movie shine and makes it very real.  The storyline revolves around football head injuries and the aftermath of those injuries. This film has a great script with dialogue lines that are above average. Camera work, lighting, all stand at above average levels. This serves as a quality watch. Look for Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, David Morse, and Adewale Akinnouye-Abaje who round out the rest of the cast exceptionally well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline                                                                                     

 A doctor reveals the danger of concussions and their aftermath in football field injuries. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Landesman for directing effort. Thank you to Executuve Producers Greg Basser, Bruce Berman, David Crockett, Michael Schaefer, Ben Waisbren, and Producer  Elizabeth Cantillon, Giannina Facio, Ridley Scott, Larry Shuman, David Wolthoff, for making the film possible. Cast includes Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morse, Arliss Howard, Mike O'Malley, Eddie Marsan, Hill Harper, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film belongs in the home video library and serves as a good teen/adult share watch. Thank to all involved in making a film that is more than worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-FALLOUT (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mission: Impossible-Fallout—basic, good story—is about as good as the last Mission Impossible movie. Casting relies on Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin, Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, Rebecca Ferguson, and Sean Harris to present this espionage movie. There are some suggestive themes, but overall, it serves the espionage audience with its light approach to its subject and storyline.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Ethan Hunt and his crew lose 3 plutonium cores to a terrorist group. Now they have to get them back. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher McQuarrie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise, J. J. Abrams, Christopher McQuarrie, and Jake Myers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Michelle Monaghan, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Mission Impossible fans will not be disappointed. It is a good, simple espionage entertainment piece that features Tom Cruise. It’s worth a watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

  

THE BOSS BABY (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Boss Baby—original and worth viewing—sports itself as another terrific Dreamworks Production with its script, portrayal of story, voicework, and superb animation.  This feel good movie easily earns ‘worth a re-watch’ status.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Boss Baby investigates why puppies are receiving more love than babies.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tom McGrath for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Gretchen Heieck and Ramsey Ann Naito for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Boss Baby (voice of Alec Baldwin), Francis Francis (voice of Steve Buscemi), Dad (voice of Jimmy Kimmel), Mom (voice of Lisa Kudrow), Adult Time/Narrator (voice of Tobey Maguire), Tim (voiceof Miles Bakshi), Wizzie/Elvis Impersonator (voice of James McGrath), Eugene (voice of Conrad Vernon), Staci (voice of ViviAnn Yee), Triplets (voice of Eric Bell, Jr.), Jimbo (voice of David Soren), Big Boss Baby (voice of Edie Mirman), and Story Bear (voice of James Ryan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great entertainment for the whole family, Boss Baby tickles the funny bone and delivers a terrific movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers