CHAOS (Released to Theaters Australia 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Chaos—intriguing plot—has a suitable story and a good presentation. This movie is free on Amazon Prime. Know that the free version misses 5 minutes of story time. This critique is based on the free version.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline African American man, Lorenz (Wesley Snipes), and his crew rob a bank and have a stand off with law enforcement. Lorenz will not negotiate with anyone but Quentin Conners (Jason Statham). Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Tony Giglio for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Bergstein and Steven Chasman for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Ryan Phillippe, Wesley Snipes, Henry Czerny, Justine Waddell, Nicholas Lea, and Jessica Steen. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a suitable afternoon action film and tells a good story overall. It will particularly suit Jason Statham fans. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE TALE (Released to Theaters Canada 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale—odd casting mix—redundantly shows one sword fighting scene after another rather than building a solid and interesting basic story that is novel and unique. This results in a slow movie. The acting is suitable to okay. The costuming department overly performs and produces soldiers who are supposed to look frightening and just can't quite get there. Movie Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A farmer and the friend who raised him fight an evil warlock and Krug. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Uwe Boll for directing cffort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stephen Hedyes, Wolfgang Herold, and Chet Holmes for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Leelee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Ron Perlman, Claire Forlani, Kristanna Loken, Matthew Lillard, Brian White, Ray Liotta, and Burt Reynolds. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. 'Diehard' Statham fans will see many high action scenes, but this film is redundant and slow.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

MECHANIC: RESURRECTION (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Mechanic: Resurrection—Jason Statham—has an easy-to-follow storyline with less adult content than the previous film. Statham is in the spotlight as a suitable/good action hero. The movie has its thrilling action moments and a good conclusion.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   Arthur Bishop is back to save a Cambodian teacher.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Dennis Gansel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven Chasman, Boaz Davidson, Frank DeMartini, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Brian Presley, and Trevor Short for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Sam Hazeldine, John Cenatiempo, Toby Eddington, Femi Elufowoju Jr. And Anteo Quintavalle, Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The movie works on the usual action format for Statham films. This movie contains less adult content and increases its audience range. The storyline is easy to follow and may be predictable at times. The movie earns its watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE MECHANIC (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The Mechanic—Jason Statham—has good interpretation of the original movie, 1972's The Mechanic with Charles Bronson. This film works for its watch, but know that the original Bronson film is better.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  A mechanic (assassin) takes an old friend's son as a student in training.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Simon West for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Chartoff, Boaz Davidson, Danny Dimbort, Marcy Drogin, Avi Lerner, Trevor Short, John Thompson, and Irwin Winkler for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn, Donald Sutherland, Jeff Chase, Mini Anden, James Logan, Eddie J. Fernandez, Joshua Bridgewater, and John McConnell.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It's adult content seems to hamper the quality of film. The violence can be shocking at times. Jason Statham and Ben Foster serve as a suitable team for the two mechanics working together. Know that the original Charles Bronson film, of the same name, is much better. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

WRATH OF MAN (Released to Theaters USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Wrath of Man—holds audience attention—implies violence and uses some sexual innuendos but has good to great acting with good presentation and portrayal. Jason Statham plays a solid, believable role that logically works. The movie depicts strong masculinity and resolution of a problem. It's an interesting watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A crime boss takes revenge on another crime 'family' composed of US military warriors, battle experienced from US encounters with Afghanistan, for killing his son during an armored truck heist.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Guy Ritchie, for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven Chasman, Andrew Golov, Louise Killin, Joshua Throne, for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Rocci Boy Williams, Josh Hartnett, Jeffrey Donovan, Scott Eastwood, Andy Garcia, Deobia Oparei, Laz Alonso, Raúl Castillo.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a complicated watch that needs a Wikipedia plotline read before movie engagement. Be prepared for very good acting.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Fate of the Furious—almost as good as Furious 7—is making this series a better series going forward with its great storyline and presentation. WOW! What a concept! This movie makes a terrific choice casting Charlize Theron as a ruthless terrorist. She plays that character very well. The movie creates tremendous anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga which is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime as of the writing of this critique. Hopefully, the next film will live up to the last two films, both 7 and 8. Know there is a spinoff movie just for characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, titled Hobbs and Shaw. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Dominic becomes involved with loan sharks, cyberterrorists, and other criminals who make his life as difficult as they can. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director F. Gary Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Chris Morgan for making the film possible. Cast includes Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludicris, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Luke Evans, Elsa Pataky, Kristopher Hivju, Scott Eastwood, and Patrick St. Esprit. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. There is a new standard to the series that is noticeable…a move more to the lawful side of life and more stability in lifestyle. This movie builds anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga and Fast X. WOW! Fate of the Furious easily earns its watch with great acting and presentation. The movie makes a good addition to the home video library. 

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

THE MEG (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Meg—much better than Sharknado, but not quite as good as Jaws—has its moments of producing the emotions of fear, horror, and thrill. While those moments are often predictable, such as the scene where the little boy pesters his mother to go swimming, they work well. The movie introduces several Asian entertainers that do an outstanding job of supporting and actually enhancing the acting efforts of Jason Statham. Jason Statham seems at ease in this movie and it shows in a higher release of his natural acting skills. The movie earns its watch as a credible, good film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The biggest shark known to man comes to surface and attacks humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Colin Wilson, and Belle Avery for making the film possible. Casting includes:  Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, and Cliff Curtis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For anyone who loves Jaws, this will be a more than suitable watch. It is a Jaws story all over again except with a bigger shark. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE EXPENDABLES 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Stars ììì

The Expendables 2—at some points stupidly funny with quite good action scenes—stars our favorite action heroes: Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris (a new addition from the last Expendables), Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme (a new addition from the last Expendables), Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Couture, Liam Hemsworth, and Terry Crews. While the Ben Meyers’ team prefers them individually, the all-star cast presents a ‘hard to pass it by’ appeal. The mixture of younger with seasoned actors in this genre seems a little unsettling and raises the question would it have been better to work with seasoned actors only in the story. But, this critic team likes the film and evidently box office likes it, too, as it grossed approximately $3 to every $1 invested. We’re looking forward to Expendables 3 which includes Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, and Kellan Lutz. Sylvester Stallone, as of this writing, is working on Expendables 4 for a 2017 release. This film starts with a good bang for your buck. Audiences definitely will not be bored.

Movie Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Our favorite body builders show muscle power across Nepal, New Orleans, Albania, and Bulgaria as they track villains and correct wrongs.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon West for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Guymon Casady, Guy Avshalom, Basil Iwanyk, Zygi Kamasa, Trevor Short, Samuel and Victor Hadida, Danny Dimbort, Jason Constantine, and Boaz Davidson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), Booker (Chuck Norris), Vilain (Jean-Claude Van Damme), Church (Bruce Willis), Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Hale Caesar (Terry Crews), Toll Road (Randy Couture), Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth), Hector (Scott Adkins), Stephan (Alexander Moskov), and Bojan (George Zlatarev).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film can’t be faulted for its terrific presentation of our favorite body building actors.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers