REDEMPTION DAY (Released to Theaters USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Redemption Day—title makes an audience think this is going to be great—performs as a cliched rerun/collage of other films better written and portrayed. Audiences may feel 'put off,' when they see Gary Dourdan (famed actor of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: TV Series) acting in this film. At first one thinks, well, this might work and then finds it does not work as quality acting. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Soldier's wife is kidnapped and held for ransom. The soldier and a friend risk their lives to save her.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Hicham Hajji for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hicham Hajji and David Zilberberg for making the film possible. Cast includes Gary Dourdan, Serinda Swan, Andy Garcia, Brice Bexter, Ernie Hudson, Martin Donovan, Robert Knepper, and Samy Naceri.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It seems like it might work and then does not. Weak, okay watch.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOD'S NOT DEAD 2 (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  God's Not Dead 2 has a predictable beginning and does not increase interest until the court scene, which is 'kind of' a worthy watch. Overall, the movie does not provide a high level of entertainment.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A high school student asks about the similarity of Gandhi, MLK Jr. and Jesus' teachings on peace. The teacher answers and then quotes a Bible verse about peace to relate to the teachings of these three men. After class, the teacher is accused of crossing the line between church and state. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Harold Cronk for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis, Brittany Lefebvre, Michael Scott, David A. R. White, Russell Wolfe, Matt Shapira, and Nathan Wenban for making the film possible. Cast includes Melissa Joan Hart, Jesse Metcalfe, David A. R. White, Ernie Hudson, Hayley Orrantia, Robin Givens, Fred Dalton Thompson, Maria Canals-Barrera, Sadie Robertson, Pat Boone, and Ray Wise.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. The best part of the film is the court hearing. The acting and writing are not up to par.   Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

CONGO (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.5|5.0 Starsìì

Congo is a bona fide C-grade movie that works on flaws. The storyline is simple, completely uncomplicated and very predictable. Ernie Hudson is too confident for his part as Captain Munro Kelly. Tim Curry is awkward as character Herkermer Homolka (i.e., when he starts to insist that he wants to find diamonds). Joe Don Baker as character R. B. Travis, while interacting with Laura Linney as character Dr. Karen Ross, completely botches the proper reaction to the massacre of part of their team by unknown gorillas. The introduction of a talking gorilla is awkward.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

When a testing team does not return from the jungle, Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney) activates their remote camera, finds the camp ravaged, and loses camera contact after something knocks over the camera.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frank Marshall for directing efforts Thank you to Executive Producers  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Peter Elliot (Dylan Walsh), Captain Munro Kelly (Ernie Hudson), Herkermer Homolka (Tim Curry), Richard (Grant Heslov), R.B. Travis (Joe Don Baker), Amy (Lola Noh), Moira (Mary Ellen Trainor), and Amy the Gorilla (Misty Rosas).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Interesting concept, not fully developed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers