101 DALMATIANS (Released to Theatrical USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

101 Dalmatians is a little short in time length, but makes up for that in its Wow! factor. This movie is a great, live-action remake of the animated movie of the same name. The terrific acting of Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil makes this movie work beyond expectations. She creates an unforgettable character. Her henchmen, acted by Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie, are perfectly rendered. Watch for some of the best costuming of any film from 2009. Kudos to the Rosemary Burrows and Anthony Powell costuming department.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) desires the spotted fur from Dalmatian puppies to make clothing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edward S. Feldman and Bill Ryan for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, and Alonzo Tim McInnerny.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script by John Hughes is well-written and makes a good, solid foundation for Director Stephen Herek to perform the magic that makes this film one that can be watched over and over by the child and adult. It’s a good home library addition.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

Because of Winn-Dixie—a heartfelt story with good, reality-type casting—works as a clean family story. If you want a tale about new beginnings, starting over, how friendships begin, and the importance of forgiveness, then this is the movie for you. The script revolves around a stray dog and a young girl named Opal. The largest fault in the film is that its message—life is both sweet and sour—is not hidden well enough to let the audience realize the message on its own. The writers tell instead of letting discovery happen naturally for this all-too-well-known fact.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Despite her father’s, Preacher (Jeff Daniels), objections, Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) adopts a gregarious dog which she names Winn-Dixie. She soon makes friends with a large, diverse group of people and finds a solid place in her new home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wayne Wang for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ralph Singleton for making the film possible. Cast include: AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, Dave Matthews, Eva Marie Saint, Courtney Jines, Nick Price, and Luke Benward.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a sweet family movie that works to support positive messages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY FAVORITE MARTIAN (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  My Favorite Martian—likable—takes the current 'aliens are among us' frenzy down many notches to the suitable entertainment watch for the whole family. Jeff Daniels and Christopher Lloyd make a great team to interpret the story. Surprises lace the movie and are still fresh today. The movie sets itself up for sequels at the end of the film. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  A reporter comes in contact with an alien. The alien hides in the trunk of the reporter's car and the reporter unknowingly takes him home.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Don Petrie for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Jerry Leider, Robert Shapiro, and Toberoff for making the film possible. Cast includes Jeff Daniels, Christopher Lloyd, Elizabeth Hurley, Daryl Hannah, Wallace Shawn, Christine Ebersole, and Ray Walston. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It's a cute watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

GETTYSBURG (Released to Theaters USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Gettysburg provides some detail about a turning point in the American 1860s Civil War. The background scenery is outstanding. The movie shows calmness and professionalism of battle leaders as they plan next war decisions. While it is not the WOW! presentation, overall it is a suitable watch. Plan time to engage this movie as its length runs over four hours of watch time. The battles are the best part of the film. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline Gettysburg provides a treatment of the American Civil War battle between Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the Northern army and General Robert E. Lee of the Southern armies.  Additional Thanks  Thank You to Director Ron Maxwell for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Moctesuma Esparza, Robert Katz, Co-Producer Nick Lombardo, Associate Producer Sandy Martin for making the film possible. Cast include Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang, Richard Jordan, Andrew Prine, Cooper Huckabee, Patrick Gorman, George Lazenby, Jeff Daniels, Sam Elliott, and C. Thomas Howell.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. Know that the movie requires time to watch. The Battle of Gettysburg receives a sparse and superficial representation in this movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

THE MARTIAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Martian—WOW!—easily becomes an excellent addition to the home video library. The star-studded, hot-ticket cast (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Donald Glover, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Benedict Wong (from Marvel Comics)) are well-mixed. Jeff Daniels shows his versatility when one thinks of him in this movie versus Dumb and Dumber or State of Play.  The movie earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A team works to rescue a man left behind on Mars. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Drew Goddard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peňa, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Mackenzie Davis, and Donald Glover. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful sci-fi movie and worth its watch; a well-done film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers