AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom—messy—has all the usual superhero/god story challenges. The special effects are probably the best part of the film. But there are scenes where it looks like actors have been cut out and pasted into the scenes. The movie works at the okay, but not great level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Black Manta is back to fight against Atlantis.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director/Producer James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pete Chiappetta, Walter Hamada, Andrew Lary, Anthony Tittanegro, Galen Vaisman, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Randall Park, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren, Martin Short, Jani Zhao, Pilou Asbæk, Indya Moore, John Rhys-Davies, and Vincent Regan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. If the audience desires to finish the series, then this is the film. But the movie has so much to overcome with script, portrayal, and acting challenges that it seems futile in both monetary and time investment to start it.

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

SAW (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Saw—intense, edge of your seat psychological thriller—sets itself up for a sequel from the get-go. The film’s conclusion twists in such a radical manner that the viewer is left stunned while thinking, “What just happened?” The film serves the mature adult audience.

Film Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The jigsaw serial killer likes to play blood-chilling games that mostly leave players maimed and quite dead.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block, Jason Constantine, and Stacey Testro for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adam Faulkner-Stanheight (Leigh Whannell), Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), Detective David Tapp (Danny Glover), Detective Steven Sing (Ken Leung),  Kerry (Dina Meyer), Paul (Mike Butters), Mark (Paul Gutrecht), Zep Hindle (Michael Emerson), Brett (Benito Martinez), Amanda (Shawnee Smith), and Diana Gordon (Makenzie Vega).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves the genre and plays its story well. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers