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

CONTAGION (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Contagion—disorganized—relies on the usual formatting style of this movie's genre. The 1995 film, Outbreak  is a better story than this one. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline A United States business woman gets sick after a trip to Hong Kong. Her sickness becomes a pandemic in the United States and medical personnel need to solve it.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, and Gregory Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle, and Sanaa Lathan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? . Yes. This is a good watch overall and has a believable portrayal; however, the 1995 movie Outbreak comes from the same genre and has higher entertainment value than this film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

KUNG FU PANDA 4 (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Kung Fu Panda 4—fourth film in this DreamWorks' series—tries to keep the quality of the third film in place, but this movie lacks the spirit of the third series' film. While it is much more fun than DreamWorks 2023 release of Ruby Gillman, the Teenage Kracken, it still borders on the edge of its final acid test. Voice actors reprise their roles and the animation maintains its quality. Overall, the movie earns its money and time for viewing.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   Po fights a shape shifting, villainous chameleon who wants all power. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Executive Producer Mike Mitchell and Co-Director Stephanie Stine for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Rebecca Huntley for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, and Seth Rogen. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, this is a good child/adult share movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

JERRY AND MARGE GO LARGE (Internet Release USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jerry and Marge Go Large—based on a true story—can sometimes dip in quality when some story elements are repetitively shown. This creates a bit of a standstill but the movie still holds interest throughout the film. It’s a sweet movie that plays high on the human factor. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A couple discovers a way to win  the lottery repeatedly. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Frankel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Amy Baer and Gil Netter for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This down-to-earth movie is an interesting film starring Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening. It’s a good family share movie that focuses on real life challenges in a small-town setting with strong family relationships and good, build-the-community values. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

GODZILLA (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Godzilla seems like a reboot of the 1998, Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno, version of the Godzilla story. It is the second Godzilla film produced in the United States. This film replaces the original cast with Brian Cranston, Ken Watanabe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elisabeth Olsen, Sally Hawkins, and David Strathairn. The movie works at the okay to suitable level and has suitable special effects that show Godzilla fighting a new antagonist, the MUTO (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism). This movie is better in some ways and not so good in other ways from the 1998 Godzilla film, but look for terrific animation of the monsters. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Godzilla fights MUTO—a massive, unidentified, terrestrial organism. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gareth Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Mary Parent, and Brian Rogers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, and Bryan Cranston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie is the first film in the new Godzilla film series. The film does not inspire a watch for the sequel; however, one may be curious to see if there is an improvement in the storyline for the next movie. The fourth film in this new series may be in the works for a 2024 release.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers