THE WHALE (Released to Theaters USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì The Whale—odd, but thought-provoking—has great acting by Brendan Fraser. There is no lack in presentation or portrayal of story. And, the single stage setting does not detract from the story. Some questions arise in 'connecting the dots' between some of the scenes (which are inconsistently resolved). This movie has suggestive themes; but, overall, the movie is an off-beat story that is worth exploring.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A morbidly obese, college, online writing professor saves the majority of his earnings for his alienated daughter.      Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Darren Aronofsky for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Jeremy Dawson, Ari Handel, and Darren Aronofsky for making the film possible. Cast includes Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is what it is. The film oddly plays to a bittersweet conclusion that leaves the audience wondering about the many ways lives are lived and how difficult it can be to resolve poorer life choices and make better choices. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUDLEY DO-RIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Dudley Do-Right—okay film—starts well and then begins to fizzle. Brendan Fraser has the looks for the character, does not have the personality for it. This same challenge is doubly enhanced with the casting of Sarah Jessica Parker as Nell. The singing is below average. The movie is ‘kinda’ cute and fun, but doesn’t get there as a movie despite its happy conclusion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  

Storyline 

Dudley Do-Right discovers Snidely has ‘planted’ gold around a town to start a gold rush with the plan to enrich himself. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hugh Wilson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Davis, Joseph Singer, and J. Todd Harris for making the film possible. Cast includes: Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alfred Molina, Eric Idle, Robert Prosky, and Alex Rocco. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This is what it is. An audience will either like it or not. The acting is not believable and the character personalities have not been deeply plumbed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

FURRY VENGEANCE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

Furry Vengeance—fails at the script level—endeavors to say something good about animal safety and forest protection but does it in a way that disables the cause. The strongest actors/actresses in this film become Brooke Shield and Alice Drummond who both carry their parts well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Animals fight back for their piece of the forest and target Dan Sanders (Brendan Fraser).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Roger Kumble for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouel, Brendan Fraser, Jonathan King, Ira Shuman, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank (Ricky Garcia), Cheese (Eugene Cordero), Gus (Patrice O’Neal), Hank (Jim Norton), Tammy Sanders (Brooke Shields), Tyler Sanders (Matt Prokop), Drill Sergeant (Billy Bush), Neal Lyman (Ken Jeong), Felder (Angela Kinsey), and Principal Baker (Samantha Bee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Mouse Hunt is a better movie if one is looking for a story with human/animal interaction.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers