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

LITTLE WOMEN (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Little Women—worth watching—may not be as well portrayed as the 1994 movie version of Little Women, but still tells its story well and relies on a very good cast that includes Meryl Streep. 

Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb

Storyline

The March sisters live their lives through their teen years and flourish into women who get married, start a new life, and stay in sisterly contact.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Greta Gerwig for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Amy Pascal, Denise Di Nova, and Robin Swicord for making the film possible. Cast includes Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothee Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, and Chris Cooper.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, the movie does justice to the Little Women story and presents a suitable/good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SYRIANA (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Syriana—complicated storyline—skillfully interweaves several stories into one story. It successfully moves suspense into the front row seat, gives little reprieve, and allows no shallow excuses for that move. The drama makes this movie a one-of-a-kind story that becomes the epitome of entertainment that purposely engages the intellect and interest of sophisticated audiences. The movie particularly serves audiences who appreciate political thrillers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Connex Oil merges with Killen Oil and causes concern within the U.S. justice system. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Gaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jennifer Fox, Georgia Kacandes, and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Casting includes: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig, and Mazhar Munir. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘must see’ espionage film that incorporates a diverse cast comprised of Matt Damon, George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, and Christopher Plummer. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood—Tom Hanks allows a beautiful insight into the personality of one of television’s most influential personalities with his interpretation of Mister Rogers from Mister Rogers Neighborhood, a PBS broadcast. Supporting cast includes Chris Cooper, Matthew Rhys, and Susan Watson. The story has heart and wonderful presentation on screen. The movie starts well and concludes well. It easily serves the adult audience and becomes a worthy film to add to the family home video library. WOW! What a terrific watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A beautiful biopic that shows graphically how Mister Rogers worked with people to heal and achieve positive results. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marielle Heller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Youree Henley, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, and Leah Holzer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Watson, and Chris Cooper. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Tom Hanks contributes so much to the entertainment industry that it is difficult to label any one movie as the best of his best, but this movie sits among his best for impact and watchability. Make this one part of your home entertainment library. Thank you to everyone involved in this production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE COMPANY MEN (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Company Men—is a well written, suitable story. The first ¾ of the film is not high quality in portrayal or acting. But the last 30 to 40 minutes pick up pace and quality. The presentation is suitable/okay.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck) loses his corporate position, can’t find another comparable position, and downsizes to a manual labor job working for brother-in-law, Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner), who builds houses for a living. After losing home, cars, and credit standing, Bobby’s wife returns to work to supplement family income. The reduced lifestyle requires the Walker family to return to the parental home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Wells for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara A. Hall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck), Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones), Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper), Gail (Suzanne Rico), Rittenour (Kent Shocknek), Carol (Adrianne Krstansky), Ken (Lewis D. Wheeler), ane (Celeste Oliva), and Conal (Tom Kemp).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Even though it is a bit slow, it is worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers