STAR TREK BEYOND (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Star Trek Beyond—special effects hide many of the faults in this movie— has a weak story line that questions its relevancy and clarity. An audience may question what direction Director Justin Lin is taking this film. It is what it is. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline Krall (Idris Elba) attacks the Enterprise and its crew scrambles for survival and means of escape.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Tommy Harper for  for making the film possible. Cast include: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, and Sofia Boutella.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe.  Hard core Trekkies will love the special effects.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (Released to Theaters USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì Star Trek into Darkness—tries too hard—fails to catch the Star Trek magic. The special effects are probably the best part. The film could almost be skipped.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) is relieved of starship duties due to failure to keep the prime directive; but, is quickly restored to his position after Starfleet headquarters undergoes attack.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director J.J. Abrams for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Paul Schwake for making the film possible. Cast include: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anton Yelchin, and Bruce Greenwood.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is a suitable to okay watch. Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì   Star Trek—okay to suitable watch—hides story flaws behind special effects. The special effects, animation, makeup, and choice of cast are outstanding. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are great picks for youthful look-alikes of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. The movie notably lacks the 'magic' of the first series. But, this movie will suit for 'trekkies' and 'trekkers'.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline James Kirk (Chris Pine) attends Starfleet Academy and meets Doctor McCoy and Captain Pike. During training the cadets are mobilized to answer a distress signal coming from Vulcan. They board the Enterprise and the story is on.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director J.J. Abrams for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bryan Burk, Jeffrey Chernov, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci for making the film possible. Cast include: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, and John Cho.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a suitable watch and story with very good special effects, animation, make-up, and casting.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THOR: RAGNARÖK (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Thor: Ragnarök—a better Marvel film—incorporates much more comedy into its dialogue and storyline. This welcome diversion increases the entertainment value and makes it unique among the more serious, action-oriented superhero movies. Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Thor. The movie works on a creative and highly original structuring than previous Thor-related stories. Good watch, worth both time and money expenditure. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Thor insists his brother Loki help him find their father, Odin. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Taika Waititi for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Hopkins. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is very well done and exceptionally fun to watch. It is the third film in the Thor series. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK* (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Chronicles of Riddick—almost works as a cult classic—has Vin Diesel and his supporting cast working at the same level of quality as in the first film in the series.  The movie is what it is…somewhat entertaining…and allows a continuation of Riddick’s story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Riddick is a fugitive and tries to stay alive while establishing some kind of life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Twohy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Vin Diesel and Scott Kroopf for making film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Keith David, Thandiwe Newton, Alexa Davalos, Judi Dench, Linus Roache, Nick Chinlund, and Yorick van Wageningen, and Karl Urban. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is what it is…not great but the kind of a film that one goes to see because it is ‘kind of entertaining’ despite its lame presentation, storyline, and general ‘bad-ness’ or maybe just to see Vin Diesel.

*Also Known as Riddick 2: Günlükler 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers