THE INFILTRATOR (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  The Infiltrator— above par performance by Bryan Cranston—has been crafted for the adult audience with such precision, such tight development that it stands far above average in masterful story telling. Watch for John Leguizamo's very good performance.  There is one car crash scene that is incredibly realistic. Be aware that this movie has been crafted for the adult audience. There is some nudity as well as violence. It earns its time and money investment. Not 'sloppy'.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  The Columbian drug cartels are infiltrated by a Customs Agent.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Brad Furman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Brennan, Miriam Segal, Brad Furman, Don Sikorski for making the film possible. Cast includes Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Yul Vazquez, and Andy Ryan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Be aware that this is a taut movie, a stressful watch, due to the danger that has been very well drawn until the conclusion. It's not a relaxing watch and takes energy to watch with strong character development that makes the audience care about who wins. It's an adult only watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along 2—same level of quality as the first Ride Along movie—is a bit ‘campy’ but the comical element overrides most presentation flaws. The movie ends with a good comical scene that is more than worth watching. Kevin Hart, as in the first film, seems a little over-the-top as a casting choice to pair with Ice Cube. But, it’s refreshing to have the comedic element available and to have the easy-on-the-mind presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A policeman desires to become a police detective and hopes for a recommendation from his future brother-in-law. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, and Bruce McGill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has comedy and action that works on the Ice Cube and Kevin Hart-style of interaction. It has enough chuckles to make it worth a watch and serves as an easy-on-the mind watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2— is much improved over the last film and tells an interesting story. It is creative and the animation is great. This is watchable for the whole family. It has its own unique originality.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Flint Lockwood (voice of Bridget Hoffman) watches a show about Chester V (voice of Will Forte), a scientist and inventor of food bars for people to eat. An older Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) tells how he wants to be like Chester V. Then, the screen switches to Flint Lockwood as a young man working on his next invention with Sam Sparks (voice of Ana Faris) and the movie is off and running with its exploration of good versus evil.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tim Lockwood (voice of James Caan), Brent McHale (voice of Andy Samberg), Manny (voice of Benjamin Bratt), Steve (voice of Neil Patrick Harris), Earl Devereaux (voice of Terry Crews), and Barb (voice of Kristen Schaal).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a cute and sweet film and tells a good story. It is creative and original.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is an okay/suitable film. The animation is great. The concept of food raining from the sky is novel but the movie borders on boring. It's interesting to see Mr. T in the casting credits.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young inventor Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) wants to help economically depressed Swallow Falls, his hometown. He invents a machine that takes two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen and turns it into food that accidentally rains from heaven.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Yair Landau for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris), Tim Lockwood (voice of James Caan), Baby Brent (voice of Andy Samberg), Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell), Earl Devereaux (voice of Mr. T), Cal Devereaux (voice of Bobb’e J. Thompson), Manny (voice of Benjamin Bratt), and Steve (voice of Neil Patrick Harris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film is creative but at times that creativeness is swamped by a weak storyline that has significant flat spots.  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers