COLLATERAL DAMAGE (Released to Theaters USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Collateral Damage—Arnold Schwarzenegger—gets off to a bit of a rough start as he seems miscast for this film at first but that assumption is quickly dispelled as he enters Columbia and begins executing a dangerous mission to avenge the death of his wife and child.  Watch for John Turturro and John Leguizamo. Poster Courtesy Google Images Storyline An American fireman goes to Colombia to fight terrorists. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Andrew Davis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Reuther and David Foster for making the film possible. Cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Turturro, John Leguizamo, Elias Koleas, Francesca Neri, and Cliff Curtis. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Although the theme is commonly told, the movie has its own flavor that makes it worth its watch. The presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger enhances its watchability. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE INFILTRATOR (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  The Infiltrator— above par performance by Bryan Cranston—has been crafted for the adult audience with such precision, such tight development that it stands far above average in masterful story telling. Watch for John Leguizamo's very good performance.  There is one car crash scene that is incredibly realistic. Be aware that this movie has been crafted for the adult audience. There is some nudity as well as violence. It earns its time and money investment. Not 'sloppy'.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  The Columbian drug cartels are infiltrated by a Customs Agent.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Brad Furman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Brennan, Miriam Segal, Brad Furman, Don Sikorski for making the film possible. Cast includes Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Yul Vazquez, and Andy Ryan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Be aware that this is a taut movie, a stressful watch, due to the danger that has been very well drawn until the conclusion. It's not a relaxing watch and takes energy to watch with strong character development that makes the audience care about who wins. It's an adult only watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SCRAT'S CONTINENTAL CRACK-UP: PART 2 (Released to the USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Scrat's Continental Crack-Up: Part 2—cute, rest of the story—is shorter than its prequel but keeps to format and expectations. Again, great animation and deeply drawn characterization that typically follows this animated character are strictly adhered to.

Film Poster  Courtesy of IMDb

Storyline

Scrat comes to an island and finds a skeleton pointing to something at sea. So, Scrat goes to investigate. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Martino, Michael Thmeier for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Carlos Saldanha, Chris Wedge for making the film possible. Cast includes Ray Ramano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Peter Dinklage, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Wedge, Aziz Anzari, Alain Chabat, Jason Friccione, Nick Frost.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This continuation story of part one, follows the same quality of presentation and provides a shorter, but still enjoyable watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ENCANTO (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Encanto—read a plotline—can be a complicated watch if the audience attempts an analysis of the storyline based on what is seen alone.  This animated musical has new and exceptionally creative effects in place that will captivate and enchant children and adults. It dramatically illustrates the concept of living a magical life and can be considered an intellectual watch when looking at the deeper context rather than the shallow context. This film can be considered exclusive and seclusive in its message. Overall? The movie deserves its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

During wartime a woman and her three children find refuge in a magical place protected by peace. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jared Bush and Byron Howard for their directing efforts. Charise Castro Smith for her co-directing effort. Thank you to Producers Yvett Merino and Clark Spencer for making the film possible. Cast includes: Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama, and Carolina Gaitan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film needs a good plotline read before buying a ticket or it may become a complicated, unrelatable movie. It’s a good, animated child/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ice age: Continental Drift—animated comedy—introduces new, well-drawn personalities and voice actors into its ongoing story: Keke Palmer as Peaches, Peter Dinklage as Captain Gutt, Josh Gad as Louis, Jennifer Lopez as Shira. This film provides interest as it works on a multi-threaded storyline to follow the stories of several characters who each are having their own adventures. The story is light, moves along well, and has a nice conclusion. It provides welcome continuity by recasting known characters played/voiced by Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and other voice actors and actresses into its basic storyline. This is a ‘no shab’ piece of entertainment for a wide-ranged audience and serves family entertainment needs well. Realize that this is movie 4 in a series and will be appreciated more by audiences who are following the series. It can stand alone, but has not been designed for that type of viewng. Audiences new to the series will appreciate this film far more if they begin as the beginning of the series with film 1: Ice Age, a 2002 movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A land shift provokes movement and new adventure among the friends fleeing from ongoing environmental changes. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lori Forte and John C. Donkin for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, and Queen Latifah. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie provides interest with a great storyline that follows several characters' involvement with life and unites the stories with the common thread of change as they encounter earth’s changes. The movie deserves its watch, is a very good child/adult share, and makes a high-quality addition to the family home entertainment video library. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers