COLLATERAL DAMAGE (Released to Theaters USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Collateral Damage—Arnold Schwarzenegger—gets off to a bit of a rough start as he seems miscast for this film at first but that assumption is quickly dispelled as he enters Columbia and begins executing a dangerous mission to avenge the death of his wife and child.  Watch for John Turturro and John Leguizamo. Poster Courtesy Google Images Storyline An American fireman goes to Colombia to fight terrorists. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Andrew Davis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Reuther and David Foster for making the film possible. Cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Turturro, John Leguizamo, Elias Koleas, Francesca Neri, and Cliff Curtis. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Although the theme is commonly told, the movie has its own flavor that makes it worth its watch. The presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger enhances its watchability. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

COLUMBIANA (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Columbiana—really good film—has a greatly written story with a surprising beginning and conclusion. Zoe Saldana, gritty, adds new flavor to the tough girl actress lineup. This film, not too violent, adds caliber to the thriller, action movie. It's a fun watch. Look for good acting by Cliff Curtis.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A young girl living in Columbia loses her father to drug henchmen. She travels to America to find an old friend of her father who raises her and gives her strong covert action skills.      Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Olivier Megaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Luc Besson and Ariel Zeitoun for making the film possible. Cast includes Zoe Saldana, Jordi Molla, Lennie James, Michael Vartan, and Cliff Curtis.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film is more than worth watching and a fun watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Avatar: The Way of Water becomes an ode to visually stimulating special effects while forgetting storyline and emotional appeal are as integral a part of producing the satisfying entertainment experience as visual stimulation. Avatar: The Way of Water becomes Avatar rerun, except it changes its stage setting to underwater and adds green to the coloration of a tribe with different life ways. Once one has seen Avatar, the second showing seems superficial. The animation? Off the charts. The presentation, acting, and portrayal are good. If the audience is as interested in technological improvement as much as a Hollywood insider, then this movie may work.  Know that editing cuts were not well done and the film becomes an overwhelmingly long watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: Earth dying and sending Recombinants to conquer Pandora. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Cameron for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baneham, and David Valdes, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, and Edie Falco. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie works well as an immersive artistic presentation, but the story works superficially and takes a 3.2 hour time investment to complete. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE MEG (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Meg—much better than Sharknado, but not quite as good as Jaws—has its moments of producing the emotions of fear, horror, and thrill. While those moments are often predictable, such as the scene where the little boy pesters his mother to go swimming, they work well. The movie introduces several Asian entertainers that do an outstanding job of supporting and actually enhancing the acting efforts of Jason Statham. Jason Statham seems at ease in this movie and it shows in a higher release of his natural acting skills. The movie earns its watch as a credible, good film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The biggest shark known to man comes to surface and attacks humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Colin Wilson, and Belle Avery for making the film possible. Casting includes:  Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, and Cliff Curtis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For anyone who loves Jaws, this will be a more than suitable watch. It is a Jaws story all over again except with a bigger shark. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers