JUST GO WITH IT (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Just Go With It—not the typical romance—has suggestive themes that dominate and prevail throughout the movie. There are no redeeming moral or ethical standards present.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A plastic surgeon wants to make a good impression on his girlfriend  and enlists the aid of his medical assistant.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Dennis Dugan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Adam Sandler, Jack Giarrputo, and Heather Parry for making the film possible. Cast includes Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Dave Matthews, Bailee Madison, Griffin Gluck, and Nicole Kidman.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. For the sophisticated, mature adult audience, it might work; but for younger audiences it is not suitable.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE IRON GIANT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Iron Giant—If you saw it in childhood and loved it, you will love it still. The adult re-watch most probably will generate a “Nothing’s changed. I love it!” For the kid in you, this is it—a terrific animated feature for all ages.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The Iron Giant (voice of Vin Diesel) falls to earth and an adventuresome boy named Hogarth Hughes (voice of Eli Marienthal) stumbles upon him, educates him, and then tries to save him from the world.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Pete Townshend for making the film possible. Cast include: ELi Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel. James Gammon, Cloris Leachman, Christopher McDonald, M. Emmet Walsh, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a childhood classic worth another viewing as an adult. It’s the perfect addition to home movie collections.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALONG CAME POLLY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Along Came Polly—a different romantic comedy—evaluates the risk of marriage and the difficulty of finding that person who will match well. It's a movie that does not soon leave the memory and causes reflection for several days after viewing. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston work  well together...terrific choice by the casting department. The movie is tailored for the adult audience. There are some sex scenes and sexual references that could have been a little more discreet....but these scenes actually move the story forward rather than having been added as an after-thought. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin are great additions to the cast. Watch for some cameo appearances of Kevin Hart in his earlier work. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 After a man leaves his wedded wife on their honeymoon because she cheated on him, he accidentally runs into a former female classmate from high school.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Hamberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jane Bartelme, Dan Levine for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. After viewing, certain scenes from the movie recur in the mind and the realization that this lightly drawn comedy has a sophisticated approach to the subject of romance and the adjustments people  may make to further harmony in those relationships is well-drawn. It's a suitable watch for the aphorism of  'opposites attract'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STORKS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Storks—animation—can be noted for its creativity and fresh storyline. It has a wonderful, unexpected conclusion that is highlighted by the exceptionally good animation scenes. The voice cast has been well-chosen. The stork/baby delivery idea can be more deeply explored than this movie allows. It’s a good choice for family share entertainment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Management decides storks delivering a wide variety of packages is a more profitable choice than delivering babies. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brad Lewis and Nicholas Stoller for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammar, Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Aton Starkman, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Stephen Kramer Glickman, and Danny Trejo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie can be enjoyed as a family and earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers