THE AVIATOR (Released to Theaters New York, New York, USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Aviator uses Leonardo DiCaprio to tell its version of the life and times of Howard Hughes—engineer, inventor, and film maker. It accomplishes its task well while completely entertaining its audience with wide views into the lifestyle of a bigger-than-life American.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Schwartz, Colin Cotter, Leonardo DiCaprio, Volker Schauz, Rick Yorn, Chris Brigham, Aslan Nadery, and Bob and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Thank you to Music Composer Howard Shore and Script Writer John Logan. Cast includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani, and Jude Law.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Leonardo DiCaprio does a wonderful job in his portrayal of Howard Hughes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KONG: SKULL ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Kong: Skull Island—everything is okay, but not great—serves as a good cult watch for the fan devoted to Kong movies. It is interesting to see John C. Reilly in the movie. The movie does not fare well when compared to the 2005 Peter Jackson version of King Kong. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: researchers look for life on Skull Island and find more than they expected to find. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and Alex Garcia for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary, and John C. Reilly. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. A Kong film lover may enjoy this movie. The animation is great. But, know that the better watch is Peter Jackson’s 2005 version: King Kong.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

9 (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

9—fabulous camera work and great cinematography—becomes complicated with a difficult to follow storyline and poorly developed characters. The animation has terrific originality and with proper character development, this movie could have been in an A+ category. An audience may find itself asking, why is this film important throughout the film. On the upside, the voice casting includes some of our best—Christopher Plummer, the late Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Connelly, and Elijah Woods.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Scientist (voice of Alan Oppenheimer) creates a robot that destroys all living things on earth. The scientist creates nine rag dolls and splits his life force into nine pieces that enliven the rag dolls. The rag dolls become involved in a plan to destroy the robot and re-establish life on planet earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Shane Acker for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Timur Bekmambetov, Tim Burton, Dana Ginsburg, and Jim Lemley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: #1 (voice of Christopher Plummer), #2 (voice of Martin Landau), #5 (voice of John C. Reilly), #6 (voice of Crispin Glover), #7 (voice of Jennifer Connelly), #8/Announcer (voice of Fred Tatsciore), #9 (voice of Elijah Woods), Dictator (voice of Tom Kane), and News Caster (voice of Helen Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film fails to catch interest in its opening scenes. Despite its great camerawork, the lack of character expansion kills the film’s possibilities from the get-go.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers