JACKBOOTS ON WHITEHALL (Relelased to Theaters UK 2010)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Jackboots on Whitehall—British animated puppet spoof on World War II events—shows creativity, allows audience chuckles, and entertains. It has an all-star voice cast, good presentation and portrayal. This is an adult-only film. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  An alternative outcome of WWII events.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to the McHenry Brothers for directing the film. Thank you to Producers Patrick Scoffin, Karl Richards, and Frank Mannion for making the film possible. Cast includes Ewan McGregor, Rosamund Pike, Alan Cumming,  Timothy Spall, Tom Wilkinson, Sanjeeve Bhaskar, Richard E. Grant, Pam Ferris, Richard O'Brien, Richard Griffiths, Hugh Fraser, and Dominic West.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. Interesting watch that runs British slow but entertains on the intellectual level. Know this movie has been designed for a sophisticated, mature adult audience. The movie lost $6 million dollars in theatres and did not earn high recommendation by the majority of movie critics. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO (Video on Demand Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio achieves a level of interpretation that varies strongly from the 1940 Disney animation of this story.  Guillermo del Toro produces a stop motion animation movie that has deep heart and over time could well attain a certain type of classic status. The animation is superb and presents beautifully on screen.  It’s a great story to add to Netflix’s collection. This film is worthy of its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A movie based on the story of Pinocchio. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Guillermo del Toro, Lisa Henson, Gary, Ungar, Alex Bulkley, and Corey Campodonico for making the movie possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Burn Gorman, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a wonderful watch for any audience 10-years old and up. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

THE ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Island—interesting concept—serves up healthy portions of seasoned actors to tell its story. Scarlett Johansson shows diversity of acting skill when one compares this performance to her later role as Black Widow in Marvel films. Watch for Brian Stepanek from Suite Life of Zack and Cody in this movie. The storyline has enough depth to provide an interesting piece of entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A human cloning operation is uncovered. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Bay, Ian Bryce, and Walter Parkes for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou, Sean Bean, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Steve Buscemi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is suitable and worth an afternoon watch to see how the story will play out. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

STORMBREAKER (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Stormbreaker—great idea—uses Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) as the lead actor. He has good screen presence and exhibits high potential for additional films. The movie works as B-grade, intrigue entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This spy action film is about a young man who is recruited by MI6 to infiltrate a supercomputer organization to discover any ulterior motive in donating high tech systems free of charge to British school systems. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Geoffrey Sax for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, and Steve Christian for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sarah Bolger, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen Fry, Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Alex Pettyfer, Missi Pyle, Andy Serkis, Alicia Silverstone, Ashley Walters, and Mickey Rourke.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its initial failure in theaters, the movie follows the strict protocols of superior spy films and earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers