MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium—odd film—this  is not a Disney film but wants to play like one, but this film does not represent the traditional, magical Disney fare. The focus is more on Mr. Magorium's desire to die and has no real explication for that desire nor does it really leave the audience with a way to connect to the store coming to life for the entertainment of children. At times the story is a little despairing and that may be what hampers this film the most. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  Mr. Magorium has lived over 240 years. He wants to leave his toy store and go to heaven. He hires an accountant to tally his books and turns the store over "verbally" to his employee.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Zach Helm for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Richard N. Gladstein and James Garavente for making the film possible. Cast includes Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman,  and Jason Bateman.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, the movie works in the suitable/good range. It's an odd story that may not suit a wide audience range. 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

AIR (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Air—stand up and cheer movie—deserves its place in the home video library. A quality watch that makes an audience feel glad becomes an instructive story about entrepreneurship and what goes on behind the scenes before a terrific outcome can be realized. This is a learning/educational movie. WOW! It’s the perfect movie about creating win/win solutions to sticky challenges. Particularly note the concern Nike executives display for the future of their employees who are depending on them to make good decisions that make jobs secure and long-lasting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary is about the Nike shoe company’s decision to pursue Michael Jordan to represent their sports shoe. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Affleck for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinove, Peter Guber, and Jason Michael Berman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film has lots of spunk. It’s a must watch for entrepreneurs. It has great writing, presentation, and acting. Don’t miss it. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers