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

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: Dark of the Moon—improved special effects—effectually reprises roles with the same actors/actresses present in  previous films in the series. Shia LeBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley work well together in this film. There are some suggestive elements, but besides that, it is a good general audience watch with likability that grows as the story progresses. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Another intervention is attempted to end the war between the Decepticons and the Autobots. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, Julia White, John Malkovich, and Frances McDormand.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This third movie in the Transformers series turns into a very good watch.  The next film in the series is: Transformers: Age of Extinction. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen—Part 2 of the Transformers movie series—lacks impactful action. The WOW! factor disappears even with the concluding wrap-up in Egypt. Know that the film has sexual references and some sex scenes. but overall is a still a great watch for storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about: Earth’s inhabitants form a treaty to unitedly eliminate all Decepticons from earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Joshn Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Shia LeBeouf shows well in this film and the movie does not let Transformer movie fans down.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers starts well and becomes one of those rare movies that improves as it goes along. The action sequences are the best part of the film. The animation of the transformers is still phenomenal by today’s standards. Look for a well written story and good presentation more than worth watching.  This movie is the first film of a 5-set movie series and has a spinoff film, Bumblebee. In addition, expect a June 2023 and a July 2024 movie addition to the Transformer movie series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two different Transformer civilizations with entirely different agendas battle it out on Earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor, John Turturo, and Jon Voight. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a terrific film with great special effects that works as a very good movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO (Video on Demand Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio achieves a level of interpretation that varies strongly from the 1940 Disney animation of this story.  Guillermo del Toro produces a stop motion animation movie that has deep heart and over time could well attain a certain type of classic status. The animation is superb and presents beautifully on screen.  It’s a great story to add to Netflix’s collection. This film is worthy of its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A movie based on the story of Pinocchio. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Guillermo del Toro, Lisa Henson, Gary, Ungar, Alex Bulkley, and Corey Campodonico for making the movie possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Burn Gorman, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a wonderful watch for any audience 10-years old and up. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

THE BATMAN (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Batman accesses the talents of Robert Pattinson for interpreting Batman. The cast is well-chosen. Very good acting. It is interesting to see Colin Farrell playing Penguin. The makeup department has made him unrecognizable as Colin Farrell. The presentation is enticing and well done. The story is well-written. Paul Dano plays an interesting  Riddler with a slightly more sinister crazy than Heath Ledger  played in the Dark Knight. There will most likely be a sequel and hopefully Robert Pattison will return as the Batman. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Batman resists the Penguin and the Riddler. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Reeves for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dylan Clark and Matt Reeves for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a well-written story and Robert Pattison plays a good Batman. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers