SUICIDE SQUAD (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Suicide Squad—cool concept—fails to use its concept to good advantage. It’s an average, ho-hum film that does not have relatable characters. The actors seem out of place in character and the result is a weak watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The United States’ government begins a project to implant small bombs in human necks which can be detonated if that person ‘rebels’.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Ayer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle for making the film possible. Cast includes: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, and Cara Delevigne. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Do not expect a ‘rip-roaring’ movie experience. The movie is okay, not horrible, but could have been so much better.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

LADDER 49 (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ladder 49—solid—employs action with suspense and drama to build a good watch movie. Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, and Robert Patrick make a surprisingly good casting team.  Character development is not deep, but the characters still manage to make a significant enough impression that one can keep them separate while following their lives and life activities, This is a good watch and gives a good look at teams who work closely together. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Firemen work courageously to rescue people and contain fire. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Jay Russell for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Casey Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick, Balthazar Getty, Jay Hernandez, and Jacinda Barrett. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie, a simple, straight-forward story, focuses on the teamwork, camaraderie, discipline, and courage that a fireman’s lifestyle employs. It’s a good family watch with good educational value and provides good, after-viewing discussion material.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ROOKIE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Rookie—not a high quality story—becomes more than a worthy watch because of its ability to give that ‘feel-good’ emotion all during the movie and allows an audience to keep that feeling long after watching. Dennis Quaid engages the audience so that one cares about his story and wishes for the success of the character he plays. Good writing makes the film. Baseball fans will enjoy this watch but know that even wider audiences will also enjoy it. Good work for all involved in making the movie. It’s a straight-forward story. It earns its place in the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A pitcher/coach gets a second chance to play in major league baseball. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Lee Hancock for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, and Mark Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Brian Cox, and Angus T. Jones. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Terrific feel-good sports story with a good script. The movie suits a wide range audience.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers