CARS 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Cars 3—another terrific Pixar animated movie—delivers a great storyline, animation, and voicing. Voicing cast reprising their character roles are: Owen Wilson, Larry The Cable Guy, and Bonnie Hunt. New voicing cast are: Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Lea DeLaria, Nathan Fillion, Armie Hammer, and Kerry Washington. This well-written and timed animated feature, works at nearly the same level of quality as the first animated movie Cars.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Aging Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) finds himself challenged by a new, youthful, upcoming group of drivers and desires to continue racing while keeping driving skills at the winning level.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brian Fee for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), Smokey (voice of Chris Cooper), Sterling (voice of Nathan Fillion), Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy), Jackson Storm (voice of Armie Hammer), Dusty (voice of Ray Magliozzi), Luigi (voice of Tony Shalhoub), Sally (voice of Bonnie Hunt), Miss Fritter (voice of Lea DeLaria), Natalie Certain (voice of Kerry Washington), Bob Cutlass (voice of Bob Costas), and Louise Nash (Margo Martindale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie, kind and sweet, serves as a completely understandable, enjoyable, and rewatchable film for the whole family to include younger family members ages 7 and up.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

J. EDGAR (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

J. Edgar—a Clint Eastwood-directed film—focuses on the rise to power of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover. While the film gives a loose, fictional account of J. Edgar Hoover’s life, the movie provides an interesting interpretation of J. Edgar Hoover’s relationship with both his mother, Annie Hoover, and his friend, Clyde Tolson. Kudos to the Makeup Department for outstanding artistry in the transition from youth to old age for J. Edgar Hoover and Clyde Tolson. This film moves well and provides good adult entertainment value.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

J. Edgar Hoover’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) life and times as he works through events such as the Lindbergh baby’s kidnapping and several presidential administrations are punctuated with views into his private life and his life before the FBI.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Erica Huggins and Tim Moore for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, Josh Hamilton, Geoff Pierson, Cheryl Lawson, Kaitlyn Dever, Gunner Wright, David A. Cooper, Ed Westwick, Naomi Watts, and Jeffrey Donovan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is completely entertaining.

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

DEATH ON THE NILE (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Death on the Nile—remake of the 1978 film—works at nearly the same level of entertainment as its predecessor and has little variation from the original movie. The cast has been well-chosen. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Pirot investigates a murder on the Nile. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Kenneth Branagh for directing efforts. Thank you to Ridley Scott, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, Kevin Walsh for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Kenneth Branagh, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadol, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie will suit murder mystery fans quite well and is almost as good as the original film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers