NATIONAL TREASURE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

National Treasure is, as Ed Sullivan says, ‘a really big show’ to which can be added, ‘and honestly  earns its dollars for entertainment value.’ The innovative script allows Nicolas Cage one of the best performances of his movie career. The supporting cast, composed of Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, and Christopher Plummer, create the perfect charisma that make a film believable. Director Jon Turteltaub times the movement through each clue in this story well. The film has a satisfying conclusion that supports morality and good ethical standards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Benjamin Franklin Gates’ (Nicolas Cage) grandfather tells him a story about a fabulous treasure hidden in America and he sets off to follow a series of clues to find it.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Oren Aviv, Chad Oman, Charles Segars, Christina Steinberg, Mike Stenson, and Barry H. Waldman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast includes: Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), Ian Howe (Sean Bean), Patrick Gates (Jon Voight), Sadusky (Harvey Keitel), John Adams Gates (Christopher Plummer), Shaw (David Dayan Fisher), Powell (Stewart Finlay-McLennan), and Shippen (Oleg Taktarov).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film moves along nicely, seems fresh and new with its simple plot of following one series of clues after another while staying just ahead of the ‘bad guys’.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KID (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Kid—interesting story—accesses the acting skills of Spencer Breslin and Bruce Willis to make a watchable movie that plays well. It serves as a suitable watch for a light afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A kid teaches an adult something that allows the adult to move forward with his life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hunt Lowry,  Christina Steinberg, and Jon Turteltaub for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, and Chi McBride. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie earns its watch with good acting and a good presentation of its storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

NATIONAL TREASURE 2: BOOK OF SECRETS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets plays as well as the first film in the series partially due to outstanding casting and partially due to a good storyline. Watch for Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, and Helen Mirren interpreting their roles with strong skill. This movie does not disappoint and earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Civil War secret leads to a treasure trove. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Jon Turteltaub for making the film possible. Casting includes: Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood, and Helen Mirren. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves Nicolas Cage fans and Jon Voight fans well. It’s worth its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MEG (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Meg—much better than Sharknado, but not quite as good as Jaws—has its moments of producing the emotions of fear, horror, and thrill. While those moments are often predictable, such as the scene where the little boy pesters his mother to go swimming, they work well. The movie introduces several Asian entertainers that do an outstanding job of supporting and actually enhancing the acting efforts of Jason Statham. Jason Statham seems at ease in this movie and it shows in a higher release of his natural acting skills. The movie earns its watch as a credible, good film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The biggest shark known to man comes to surface and attacks humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Colin Wilson, and Belle Avery for making the film possible. Casting includes:  Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, and Cliff Curtis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For anyone who loves Jaws, this will be a more than suitable watch. It is a Jaws story all over again except with a bigger shark. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers