THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Fate of the Furious—almost as good as Furious 7—is making this series a better series going forward with its great storyline and presentation. WOW! What a concept! This movie makes a terrific choice casting Charlize Theron as a ruthless terrorist. She plays that character very well. The movie creates tremendous anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga which is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime as of the writing of this critique. Hopefully, the next film will live up to the last two films, both 7 and 8. Know there is a spinoff movie just for characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, titled Hobbs and Shaw. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Dominic becomes involved with loan sharks, cyberterrorists, and other criminals who make his life as difficult as they can. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director F. Gary Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Chris Morgan for making the film possible. Cast includes Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludicris, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Luke Evans, Elsa Pataky, Kristopher Hivju, Scott Eastwood, and Patrick St. Esprit. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. There is a new standard to the series that is noticeable…a move more to the lawful side of life and more stability in lifestyle. This movie builds anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga and Fast X. WOW! Fate of the Furious easily earns its watch with great acting and presentation. The movie makes a good addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Central Intelligence surprises with its solid story built around comedy and action scenes. It relies on very good interaction between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. Be aware that as a family watch there is some nudity and sexual references built into the story. They contribute nothing to the storyline except to limit the viewer audience. 

Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An old high school acquaintance reconnects with an accountant and asks him to come meet him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rawson Marshall Thurber for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Scott Stuber, Peter Principato, Paul Young, and Michael Fottrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet, Jason Bateman, Aaron Paul, Ryan Hansen, Tim Griffin, Timothy John Smith, Sione Kelepi, Dylan Boyack, Thomas Kretschmann, Megan Park, George Carroll, and Aaron Paul. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This well-presented movie couples action with comedy and comes up with a good entertainment piece. The film can easily be missed due to its lack-luster poster. Don't let its poster fool you. It’s a surprisingly good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FURIOUS 7 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Furious 7—WOW!—encapsulates everything we know and love about this series  The Fast and Furious spirit is back in a furious way. Everything in this movie—the action, acting, special effects, presentation, and story—works. The movie surpasses all expectations of what this franchise can provide. Watch for good performance by Jason Statham and look for the cameo of Lucas Black in this movie. This is one film that is a Winner from the word go. This film has some suggestive themes and/or partial nudity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two criminals receive pardons and have re-settled in the United States but their criminal past catches up with them and they find themselves battling for their lives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fottrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Lucas Black, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Gal Gadot, John Brotherton, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch for Fast and Furious fans. No disappointment here. The film is great from the word go.   

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Scorpion King—Dwayne Johnson—has action backed with a well-written story, good acting, and good presentation. The movie moves along well. Watch for the late Michael Clark Duncan. He’s a class act for films within this genre. Good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This is the story of how an Akkadian became the Scorpion king. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chuck Russell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Daniel, James Jacks, Vince McMahon, Kevin Misher, and Stephen Sommers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Steven Brand, Michael Clark Duncan, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill, Grant Heslov, Peter Facinelli, Ralf Moeller, Brandcombe Richmond, Roger Rees, Sherri Howard, Conrad Roberts, Joseph Ruskin, Esteban Cueto, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good movie and worth watching…good acting by Dwayne Johnson and the rest of the cast. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FAST & FURIOUS 6 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fast & Furious 6 sequels movies 4 and 5 and prequels 3 in its mid-credit scene. The mid-credit scene introduces a new character to the series. While the presentation is good and the acting great, this movie does not have the likableness of the previous movies in this series.  It still receives a higher rating based on the acting and presentation of storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about street racers who get into trouble with the law, flee to countries outside the United States, and are given an assignment as a team to bring a criminal to justice in exchange for amnesty. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Clayton Townsend for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Sung Kang, Luke Evans, Gina Carano, and John Ortiz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie with its great acting and good storyline serves as a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE GAME PLAN (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Game Plan—cute—uses the skills of actor Dwayne Johnson who does a very good job of filling his role but seems too nice to play the rough guy, as shown at the very beginning of the movie, when interacting with the young girl. As his role softens, he is more believable and the movie levels out to audience expectation. The movie has its charm and does earn its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This comedy film is about a football player who unknowingly has a daughter who shows up and claims him as her father. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andy Fickman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Madison Pettis, Kyra Sedgwick, Morris Chestnut, and Roselyn Sanchez. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has charm and serves as a nice fill-in-the-time, afternoon watch. It’s a good family share movie. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JUNGLE CRUISE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Jungle Cruise reminds one of taking the Jungle Cruise ride in Disneyland California. It has interestingly incorporated Spanish explorers toward the middle of the movie and while it runs on formula storytelling, the running dialogue patter between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt is easy to digest and has its own worth. It is what it is and could be a fair choice for the child/adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

In 1916 a team begins search for a jungle tree that can cure and heal. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jaume Collet-Serra for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Davis, John Davis, John Fox, Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie runs like movies from the 1940s and 1950s. The jungle theme is an  interesting stage setting choice for Dwayne Johnson as he interacts with Emily Blunt. The movie runs on a lighter touch to entertain.

Video Critique Available Here: 

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Ben Meyers

FAST FIVE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fast Five—neck-breaking, original, and fresh stunt work—defies biology and physics laws to deliver an action-packed eyeful of incredible movie entertainment. This film, part five of the Fast and Furious franchise, does not miss a drumbeat in entertainment value for the audience who loves outstanding stunt work and original action scenes.  The story is fresh and highly entertaining. The movie delivers fully for audiences who love action films. It is more than worth watching with a great presentation. WOW! 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about a group of thieves who target a drug dealer’s wealth in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Noritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fortrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Dwayne Johnson, and Joaquim de Almeida. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie runs fast, requires attention to watch, and presents some terrific action scenes between Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel. This is part 5 of the Fast and Furious movie series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle—fresh, fun, and comical—more than works for its watch and money investment. The dialogue is great and provides a non-stop patter to elicit laughter from its audience. It’s a welcome diversion from the over-the-top action movies that have been designed to keep their audience at the edge of their seats. The cast works so fluidly that one can only say thank you to Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, Bobby Cannavale, and Nick Jonas for good entertainment.  This is great work for all involved in production. The movie just works—all the way around.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Teens discover an old gaming console while cleaning out a school basement room as a detention exercise. When they decide to play it, they find themselves sucked into the game with a set of lives assigned to them and an adventure they will never forget. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt Tolmach and William Teotler for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is just fun to watch. It varies from the first presentation of Jumanji as it goes into comedy fairly quickly after establishing the basic personality of the cast members. There are a few suggestive scenes, but those scenes are made for laughs, and are clean and palatable. The movie makes a good teen/adult share and leaves a good feeling that one has been served a quite good comedy.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

BLACK ADAM (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Black Adam—Dwayne Johnson with no muscles—has a few scenes that place his head on a computer generated body without his muscles. To change his look so drastically, is a shocking move. While it’s surprising to see him in this superhero movie, he obviously works his role. Pierce Brosnan has the same difficulty. He also obviously works his role and the result is that his acting, at certain places, seems a bit weak. It’s not the usual strong performance expected from either actor. The fault seems to lie within the story itself and its presentation. Some dialogue lines fall flat. The stoic persona demanded of the cast comes cold on the big screen. This movie could almost be a cult classic. Overall, the movie does not have the power to establish itself as a quality watch mostly due to the straight jacket that the cast is placed into that keeps them from finding themselves within their characters.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy wants to revolt against an evil king. The boy is recruited by wizards who desire to help him. 

Additional Thanks                                                 

Thank you to Director Jaume Collet-Serra for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Dany Garcia for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari, Quintessa Swindell, and Pierce Brosnan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie runs flat and misses the high quality standards usually found within this casting group. The story itself needs improvement. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

DC League of Super-Pets—good concept—chooses good voices for the animated characters. The story moves along well.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Superheroes’ pets take on the role of superheroes. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jared Stern for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Patricia Hicks, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Jerad Stern for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, and Keanu Reeves. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Interesting concept.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED NOTICE (World-Wide Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Red Notice—Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds film—has fair chemistry between Johnson and Reynolds and an unexpected conclusion. A sequel would be welcome. It’s a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Thieves become focused on ownership of a wedding gift made to Cleopatra. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rawson Marshall Thurber for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Rawson Thurber, and Hiram Garcia for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson), Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds), Sarah Black (Gal Gadot), Sotto Voce (Chris Diamantopoulos), Urvashi Das (Ritu Arya), Tambwe (Ivan Mbakop), Director Gallo (Vincenzo Amato), Chief Ricci (Rafael Petardi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves catchy and engaging entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:  

Ben Meyers

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

G.I. Joe: Retaliation—a great action flick. Dwayne Johnson creates the “WOW” factor that absolutely enables this movie to far exceed the efforts of the last GI Joe movie, The Rise of Cobra.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The GI Joe unit is left with three members: Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Flint (D. J. Cotrona), and Jaye (Adrianne Palicki). The President of the United States (Jonathan Price), replaces the GI Joe unit with Cobra. The remaining GI Joes realize something is not right in the White House.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jon M. Chu’s for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, David Ellison, Herb Gains, Erik Howsam, Paul Schwake, and Stephen Sommers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Storm Shadow (Byung-hun Lee), Firefly (Ray Stevenson), Duke (Channing Tatum), General Joe Colton (Bruce Willis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It more than works for the action fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers