THE EQUALIZER (Released to Theaters Canada 2014)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Equalizer—this is part 1 of 3 films released through the 2010s decade with part 3 released  in 2023. This film is actually really well made. The story itself has interest even though the main driver of its story is cringe-worthy violence.  Denzel Washington is very believable for this type of  film. Watch for his interesting technique of approach to engage action. This is a Director Antoine Fuqua movie. Fuqua and Washington also worked together in the film Training Day which is even better than this movie. The Equalizer tells it the way it is and has no apologies. It is good to see David Harbour and Bill Pullman in the movie. Overall, it is a quality entertainment piece that is more than worth the adult's time and money. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

 A home retail store worker and former military man goes to a diner at night to have tea and read a good book and finds that a young woman, who he befriends, is in hospital badly beaten by a prostitute ring owner. He goes on a vigilante spree to clean shop. 

Additional Thanks 

 Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer, David J. Bloomfield, Ezra Swerdlow, and Ben Waisbren, for making the film possible. Cast includes Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, David Meunier, and Johnny Skourtis.   

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has not been crafted for the faint of heart. It is well made for the adult audience. This film tells it the way it is. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Tom and Jerry: The Movie—Nostalgia!—shows very well in its animation. Terrific to see the Tom and Jerry cat and mouse activity and to also be reminded of Spike the Bulldog as built into this movie’s story. The live action is problematic and detracts from the film. But it is good to see Michael Peña and the other live action characters, Patsy Ferran is an interesting actress choice for this movie. She will be looked for in other works to assess her handling of characters. The film also makes a reference to Droopy the Basset Hound which is quite welcome as another small trip down memory lane. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Tom wants to be a pianist and Jerry wants a new home and the adventure is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Chris DeFaria for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Tom, Jerry, Jordan Bolger, Rob Delany, Patsy Ferran, Pallavi Sharda, Colin Jost, Somi De Souza, Ajay Chhabra, Patrick Poletti, Janis Ahern, and Ken Jeong. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It brings back memories in a very big way and entertains with its animation techniques and storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers