MR. HUBLOT (Theatrical Release France 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Hublot—among the best computer animated short films on the market—has love written all over it. Each scene has been well thought through and is fun from its beginning to its ending. It’s a tribute to Directors Alexandre Espigares and Laurent Witz’s media storytelling abilities.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Hublot’s life becomes enriched after deciding to keep a robot puppy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Alexandre Espigares and Laurent Witz for directing effort. Thank you to Zeilt Productions and Watt Frame for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Hublot and Robot Dog.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The artwork is rich with character.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A BOY CALLED PO (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

A Boy Called Po—sensational as well as educational—increases awareness of parental difficulties when balancing income and work responsibilities with care of autistic children.  Excellent teamwork by Actors Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder. Feder performs outstandingly in his role as Po.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Widower David Wilson (Christopher Gorham) struggles to make a decent living while working with his autistic son, Po, (Julian Feder).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John Asher for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Darby Parker and Steve C. Roberts for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Amy (Kaitlin Doubleday), Jack (Andrew Bowen), Ben (Sean Gunn), Amelia Carr (Caitlin Carmichael), Randall Bane (Bryan Batt), Valerie (Fay Masterson), Bill (Brian George), and Taylor Martz (Tristian Chase).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film increases compassion for autistic children and their caregivers. The movie serves as a good study for the necessity of consistent parenting to maximize child success. This film performs as a great show with a great deal of spirit.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A GRAY STATE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

A Gray State—chilling documentary—tells the story of the death of Moviemaker David Crowley, his wife, and his daughter. While the deaths are labeled murder/suicide, the real reason for their deaths is left hanging due to the controversial content of his movie. While the film may have shot Crowley to the top of his game due to its exceptionally well-structured storyline, the movie was left in an unfinished state. The family and friend interviews are well done. The archival footage is superb. It’s a defining work for Director Erik Nelson that definitely puts him on Ben Meyers’ ‘desire to see more of his work’ list.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An examination of the death of David Crowley, a film maker who works on a movie that predicts a future government that rules without acknowledging liberties for civilian populations, increases tension as it races to its unexpected conclusion.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Erik Nelson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Werner Herzog for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mason Hendriks, Danny August Mason, Chris Peck, Adam Shambour, and Sean Wright.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the late teen and adult audience, this documentary is worth viewing. No satisfactory resolution is given to Crowley’s death.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MAZE RUNNER (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Maze Runner—one of the better 2014 action films—is good enough to create desire for a sequel. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The initial scene opens with Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) waking in a state of amnesia on the floor of an elevator. The elevator’s doors open to a glade surrounded by a maze. There are other boys there who inform him that there is a way out of the maze. Thomas finds that the maze gates close every night and the maze changes every night which complicates ability to find a final exit. In addition, the maze is inhabited by cyborg Grievers who randomly attack maze runners.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Wes Ball. Thank you to Executive Producers Eddie Gamarra, Joe Hartwick, Jr., and Lindsay Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chuck (Blake Cooper), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), Frypan (Dexter Darden), Teresa (Kaya Scoldelario), Ben (Chris Sheffield), Zart (Joe Adler), Winston (Alexander Flores), Gally (Will Poulter), Alby (Aml Ameen), and Minho (Ki Hong Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It's an action-packed film that relies on a creative story idea.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers