ARRIVAL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Arrival—a ‘do not miss this story’ film—explores what humans may learn from aliens when we choose not to shoot ‘em with guns first and talk later. The movie sports a little suspense while shooting to the top of the sci fi entertainment class. The acting is very good with Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forrest Whitaker strutting their skills in every scene. This is one of best science fiction films of 2016 and is actually rewatchable due to its well-written, in-depth script. Watch for the light twist at the end that is more than worth the 116-minute viewing time.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) becomes capable of using an alien language that gives power to see the future and the past.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Denis Villeneuve for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dan Cohen, Eric Heisserer, Karen Lunder, Tory Metzger, Milan Popelka, Stan Wlodkowski, Glen Basner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker), Agent Halpern (Michael Stuhlbarg), Captain Marks (Mark O’Brien), General Shang (Tzi Ma), 8-year-old Hannah (Abigail Pniowsky), and 12-year-old Hannah (Julia Scarlett Dan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Like The Day the Earth Stood Still when first introduced to the big screen, Arrival serves as a ‘best’ sci fi film that introduces fresh concepts well-worth exploring. Don’t miss this completely satisfying movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ENCHANTED (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Enchanted—rich costuming that does not bespeak stinginess in design or use of fabric—serves sweetness of heart on a very huge platter. Great concept that serves a child/adult share movie's needs very well. James Marsden plays the part of a prince well. Patrick Dempsey is great.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

 A Fairy Tale Princess gets thrown into the real world by an evil Queen before the princess can marry her prince. 

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Kevin Lima for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Christopher Chase, Sunil Perkash, and Ezra Swerdlow for making the film possible. Cast includes Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, Susan Sarandon, Julie Andrews, Jeff Bennett, Kevin Lima, and Emma Rose Lima. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a good one-time watch. Good work for all involved in production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUSTICE LEAGUE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Justice League is a better entertainment piece than Man of Steel and Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. It’s a treat to see the team form between Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Aquaman, and Flash and to see them performing as live action heroes rather than the animated format. This piece serves as a good action movie watch and works especially well for DC Comic fans. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Batman and Wonder Woman team with Cyborg, Aquaman, and Flash to stop evil in its tracks. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Zack Snyder for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg, and Geoff Johns for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie surpasses the quality of the previous two films and earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice rates in the same quality range as the first movie, Man of Steel. It easily sets the stage for the sequel Justice League. Jesse Eisenberg seems an odd pick for the role of Lex Luthor. The menacing aspect for Luthor seems to be difficult for him to pull out of his basic personality; but special effects, animation, and presentation override this small consideration. The story itself does not have the quality of other DC movies like Dark Knight but superhero fans will not be disappointed in this watch. Watch for Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Batman engages battle with Superman while the real enemy Luthor pursues his own evil agenda. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Zack Snyder for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, and Gal Gadot. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is a suitable choice for entertainment and meets superhero movie fans’ needs well. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

MAN OF STEEL (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Man of Steel—huge improvement over the original 1978 film Superman with Christopher Reeve—accesses the acting talents of Henry Cavill for the role of Superman and Russell Crowe for the role of Jor-El. Both choices are outstanding. The presentation, writing, special effects are on par. The acting works from the good to very good. Superman fans should be well-pleased with this production’s enhancements. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline.

Superman once again fills his role as fighter for the good of Earth’s inhabitants. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Zack Snyder for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, and Deborah Snyder for making the film possible. Cast includes: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Russell Crowe. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Be aware the film especially appeals to Superman fans. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

UNDERDOG (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.5|5.0 Starsìì

Underdog becomes a fair to middling family movie with the predictable happy ending. James Belushi seems miscast and does not perform with his usual style in this film; the script needs significant improvement to raise the quality of the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Underdog (Jason Lee), a beagle serving the police department, makes a mistake that results in him being ‘on the streets’. He is picked up and transported to an experimentation laboratory. When he tries to escape, he overturns chemicals which give him super powers of strength, hearing, speed, and smell. A retired policeman finds him and the story begins.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frederik Du Chau for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Todd Arnow, Eric Ellenbogen, and Bob Higgins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shoeshine (voice of Jason Lee), Dr. Simon Barsinister (Peter Dinklage), Dan Unger (James Belushi), Cad (Patrick Warburton), Jack (Alex Neuberger), Molly (Taylor Momsen), Mayor (John Slattery), Polly (voice of Amy Adams), and Riff Raff (voice of Brad Garrett).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a good, clean children’s flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers