3 DAYS TO KILL (Released to Theaters USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

3 Days to Kill—a quality action flick—melds work and family issues superbly while adding comedic references that take the edge off some of the film’s more intense scenes. Don’t miss this one. It’s received unfair reviews and has been underestimated in nearly every quarter including box office monetary income. The script is solid. The actors very well cast. It allows a refreshingly rational resolution to age-old family challenges. It resolves the way we truly want things to resolve—original family intact and working together to build a future despite severe challenges. The film portrays the message that family comes first, before profession, and it completely works as Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner), on a CIA mission and sick with what sounds like a cold, finishes a mass killing in an apartment room with the assistance of CIA Vivi Delay (Amber Heard) delegated to lead Ethan’s new CIA assignment. Throughout the action a strong second story runs as Ethan endeavors to maintain a relationship with his daughter and estranged wife. CIA action intensifies through the entire movie until the climatic ending that provides a non-disappointing adrenaline rush.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

CIA agent works his profession while dealing with severe family issues.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director McG. Thank you to Executive Producers Christophe Lambert and Tucker Tooley for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen, Tómas Lemarquis, Richard Sammel, Marc Andréoni, Bruno Ricci, Jonas Bloquet, and Eriq Ebouaney.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great work for Director McG.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GLADIATOR II (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Gladiator II—important story—relies on a wide variety of potential fights that a gladiator could be involved in.  It is not perfect, but is well portrayed and acted. Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Neilson perform well in this film.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A soldier from Africa is taken as a prisoner of war and appointed as a gladiator for Rome, Italy.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, and David Franzoni for making the film possible. Cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hachinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is one of the better gladiator stories produced. There is  some gore and violence in this film. Be aware it is NOT a family watch. There is an interesting scene that shows the flooding of the arena so that a sea battle with real ships could be viewed.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

NOBODY (Released to Theaters USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Nobody—uses writers from John Wick—gives its audience a surprise from its beginning to its conclusion. This hard hitting, outstanding action film  completely defines the fun watch that moves explosively fast. Bob Odenkirk is the actor taking out gangsters in rapid fire succession. The writers made this movie. Great scripting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Hutch Mansell nearly kills some henchmen and saves a woman on a bus. But one of the henchmen is a Russian mafia kingpin’s brother and the story is on.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ilya Naishuller for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marc S. Fischer, Derek Kolstad, Tobey Maguire, and Annie Marter for making the film possible. Cast include Bob Odenkirk, Aleksey Serebryakov, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Michael Ironside, Colin Salmon, RZA, Billy MacLellan, Areya Mengesha, and Gage Munroe. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch with a wonderfully-written story. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUSTICE LEAGUE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Justice League is a better entertainment piece than Man of Steel and Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. It’s a treat to see the team form between Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Aquaman, and Flash and to see them performing as live action heroes rather than the animated format. This piece serves as a good action movie watch and works especially well for DC Comic fans. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Batman and Wonder Woman team with Cyborg, Aquaman, and Flash to stop evil in its tracks. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Zack Snyder for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg, and Geoff Johns for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie surpasses the quality of the previous two films and earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

WONDER WOMAN (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Wonder Woman—work of art owned, interpreted, and defined by Gal Gadot—goes to WOW! status from its opening scene. The set up for her story could not possibly have been better. Child actress Lilly Aspell completely charms and Emily Carey provides the final touch for the entrance of the adult Wonder Woman played by Gadot. Gadot  commands eye movement to follow her the moment she steps into her scene. Her dialogue, carriage, and poise define Wonder Woman as Wonder Woman has never been defined before. WOW! What a film! Chris Pine perfectly supports Gadot’s character and the use of a World War I background for the storyline commands the need for a superheroine. Watch for Ewen Bremner (as Charlie), Danny Huston (as Ludendorff), and Elena Anaya (as Maru). The official Bad Guy—Sir Patrick/Ares (David Thewlis)—is a little awkward because of his non-threatening looks, but he acts the part well and presents himself onscreen well. The movie earns its watch in every category. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Wonder Woman moves from her beginnings into a more modern age. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Patty Jenkins for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, and Richard Suckle for making the film possible. Cast includes: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen, and Elena Anaya. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch and a great second watch. The movie’s dialogue is fresh and interesting. Gal Gadot has re-drawn the traditional Wonder Woman figure into a tower of strength that does not just rely on physical strength and magical powers. Director Patty Jenkins draws the depth from a very good movie script.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers