HARDBALL (Reased to Theaters USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Hardball—language and a rough, harsh theme—educates about life in the projects, gang fighting, and the hardships of achieving and keeping dreams alive.  It's above the level of most movies that attempt to tell this story. Keanu Reeves more than carries his weight in this film. This is a mid-career movie performance for Keanu Reeves. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  A young man takes a coaching job working with a group of children who live in the projects.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Brian Robbins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Herbert W. Gains, Kevin McCormick, Erwin Stoff. Cast includes: Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes, Bryan Hearne, Julian Griffith, Michael B. Jordan, Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a very good watch that addresses an important subject. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 (Released in Theaters USA 2024)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Sonic the Hedgehog 3—Jim Carrey returns as Doctor Robotnik and the grandfather of Doctor Robotnik—follows the Sonic story with the addition of an alter-ego of the lovable Sonic as the protagonist. The movie has a well written story.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Sonic becomes involved with his alter-ego and must fight for justice.  Additional Thanks   Thank you to Director Jeff Fowler for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, and Hitoshi Okuno for making the film possible. Cast includes Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, James Marsden, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This movie is not as good as the last two Sonic films but definitely follows the flavor and fun of the first two movies.   Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN (Released to Theaters Canada 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run—odd story, not as good as the first film—works more for children than adults. The actors are well chosen: Keanu Reeves, Danny Trejo, and Snoop Dogg. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline Plankton kidnaps Gary the Snail and gives him to King Poseidon. Plankton wishes to remove SpongeBob from the Krusty Crab so that Plankton can get the Krabby Patty Secret Formula.   Additional Thanks   Thank you to Director Tim Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ryan Harris for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Kenney, Akwafina, Matt Berry, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Snoop Dogg, Bill Fagerbakke, Tiffany Haddish, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, Keanu Reeves, Danny Trejo, and Reggie Watts.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It's an okay watch that children will like better than adults. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

MATRIX: RESURRECTIONS (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Matrix Resurrections may not be quite as good as the first trilogy and it does take an audience a little time to settle Neo into the world he is living in, to pick up the story where the last Matrix ended, and to tie up the ends so that this movie makes sense. It is a need to be watched movie for Matrix fans. Know that this is not a standalone sequel. It is deeply intertwined with the previous three movies which must be watched and understood before delving into this story. This film is an intellectual watch and needs careful attention to understand as well as to predict the next sequel in the series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Neo made a choice to take the blue pill and now must make a decision to change his mind and to save Trinity from the choice he made as well as to discover how his choice affects the future of Zion. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Lana Wachowski for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers James McTeigue, Lana Wachowski, and Grant Hill for making the film possible. Cast includes: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Christina Ricci, and Jada Pinkett Smith. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great movie that deeply delves into the discussion of free will, the choices we make, how they affect others, and is there really such a thing as free will. Very good watch that is not an easy, afternoon watch. This movie requires effort and involvement. It works on a high level of intellect. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

DC League of Super-Pets—good concept—chooses good voices for the animated characters. The story moves along well.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Superheroes’ pets take on the role of superheroes. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jared Stern for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Patricia Hicks, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Jerad Stern for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, and Keanu Reeves. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Interesting concept.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers