HELLBOY (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hellboy is a better watch than the last two Hellboy films. The writing is stronger and David Harbour is the perfect casting choice for this movie. This film presents a grittier-looking Hellboy, but it also moves deeply into occult themes that can be slightly disturbing. The movie acts more like a sequel than a reboot and seems to ask for its sequel. The next film in production, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, looks like it changed the casting of the main character to Jack Kersey. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An evil blood queen is destined to be active again and Hellboy becomes involved with a host of supernatural beings that surround this event. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Neil Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin, Mike Richardson, Philip Westgren, Carl Hampe, Matt O’Toole, Les Weldon, and Yariv Lerner. Cast includes: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, and Thomas Haden Church. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The occult theme is noticeably on a different level and seems almost realistic. David Harbour plays a great Hellboy. The story itself is well written. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Raya and the Last Dragon—good concept, no soul—complicates itself in the writing department and as a result makes itself child unfriendly. Animation is the best part of the film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

This animated film is about a time when evil spirits turn everything into stone, a dragon who is given the power to stop them, and a young girl. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wang, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong, Sandra Oh, Thalia Tran, Lucille Soong, and Alan Tudyk. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The best of this movie is the animation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers