PREDATORS (Released to Theaters USA 2010)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Predators—this movie 'kind of' works as a part 3 of the Predator series—references part one (with Arnold Schwarzenegger who acted in the Predators movie made in the late 1980s).This film is interesting, not spectacular, but suitable for watching. Be aware that the violence is cringeworthy and the dialogue uses much language. This is not a family share movie and limits its audience to adults due to the violence and language.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images/Wikipedia

Storyline

A Caucasian man is in freefall. He endeavors to deploy his parachute and succeeds shortly before he falls through trees and hits the ground hard. He finds an Hispanic man and soon a Russian all in the same place and state of mind. None of them know why they are there.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nimrod Antal for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Rodriguez, John Davis, and Elizabeth Avellan for making the film possible. Cast includes Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, and Lawrence Fishburne.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a suitable watch. The acting is a bit weak in certain scenes, but overall the film is watchable.

Video Critique Available Here:  

Ben Meyers

SOUL (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Soul—the trailer honestly matches the movie—feels good, has heart, and serves great family animated entertainment. Jamie Foxx voices the main character, adds to the development of that character’s personality, and beautifully allows that welcome POP! conclusion. The animation does not glare. It’s soft and easy on the eyes. This entertainment piece serves the widest audience from child to adult with no agenda or messages attached. It earns its addition to the family home video library for its creativity and original storyline. This film follows the usual Pixar delivery of high quality entertainment that deserves its investment of time and money.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline 

A musician gets his big break, then unexpectedly dies, and is sent to a place that leads to heaven. 

Additional Thanks                                                       

Thank you to Director Pete Doctor for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Dana Murray for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, and Angela Bassett. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is both terrific and wonderful, provides room for after-viewing discussion, and appeals to the adult as well as the child. Listen for Tina Fey voicing 22. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ELYSIUM (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Elysium, a movie directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9), is one of this director’s best films. Matt Damon is perfectly cast here. Elysium is fresh, entertaining, and engaging. It earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

In a dystopian future, rich people live in their own world above earth while poor people live on earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Neill Blomkamp for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Block, Neill Blomkamp, and Simon Kinberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, and William Fichtner. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is exceptionally creative and completely earns the title of futuristic entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RITE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Rite bases itself on the true story of Father Gary Thomas, an American exorcist. The film is well portrayed and is worth at least one ticket. This is another good film for veteran Dutch actor Rutger Hauer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), a new priest, travels to Rome to learn exorcism and successfully exorcises Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mikael Håfström for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Bernacchi, Richard Brener, and Merideth Finn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Angeline (Alice Braga), Father Xavier (Ciarán Hinds), Father Matthew (Toby Jones), Istvan Kovak (Rutger Hauer), Rosaria (Marta Gastini), Aunt Andria (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), Francesca (Arianna Veronesi), Vincenzo (Andrea Calligari), Eddie (Chris Marquette), Nina (Torrey DeVitto), and Young Michael (Ben Cheetham).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is worth at least one view.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers