CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie—fun for viewers 10-years and up—begs for its sequel. Exceptionally stylish animation supports creative characterizations to weave a solid, good storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

George (voice of Kevin Hart) and Harold (voice of Thomas Middleditch) hypnotize school principal Mr. Krupp (voice of Ed Helms) into believing he is Captain Underpants.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director David Soren for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rob Letterman and Dav Pilkey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Underpants `(voice of Ed Helms), Professor Poopypants (voice of Nick Kroll), Melvin (voice of Jordan Peele), Edith (voice of  Kristen Schaal), Ms. Ribble (voice of DeeDee Rescher), Mr. Rected (voice of Brian Posehn), Tommy (voice of David Soren), Mr. Fyde (voice of Mel Rodriguez), and Ms. Dayken (voice of Susan Fitzer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s good for at least one viewing, if just for the animation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along 2—same level of quality as the first Ride Along movie—is a bit ‘campy’ but the comical element overrides most presentation flaws. The movie ends with a good comical scene that is more than worth watching. Kevin Hart, as in the first film, seems a little over-the-top as a casting choice to pair with Ice Cube. But, it’s refreshing to have the comedic element available and to have the easy-on-the-mind presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A policeman desires to become a police detective and hopes for a recommendation from his future brother-in-law. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, and Bruce McGill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has comedy and action that works on the Ice Cube and Kevin Hart-style of interaction. It has enough chuckles to make it worth a watch and serves as an easy-on-the mind watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along—better than expected—does not have high comedic appeal but it does have its chuckles along the way. Kevin Hart and Ice Cube do not make an outstanding comedic team. One challenge is Kevin Hart’s overworking of his character against the more comfortable screen presence of Ice Cube. Watch for a guest appearance of Laurence Fishburne toward the end of the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man wants to marry the sister of a detective and wants a recommendation to join the police force. He is invited on a ride-along to prove his worthiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, and Laurence Fishburne. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has been designed as a comedy for the adult audience. The film did not ask for its sequel, but there is one available. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle—fresh, fun, and comical—more than works for its watch and money investment. The dialogue is great and provides a non-stop patter to elicit laughter from its audience. It’s a welcome diversion from the over-the-top action movies that have been designed to keep their audience at the edge of their seats. The cast works so fluidly that one can only say thank you to Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, Bobby Cannavale, and Nick Jonas for good entertainment.  This is great work for all involved in production. The movie just works—all the way around.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Teens discover an old gaming console while cleaning out a school basement room as a detention exercise. When they decide to play it, they find themselves sucked into the game with a set of lives assigned to them and an adventure they will never forget. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt Tolmach and William Teotler for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is just fun to watch. It varies from the first presentation of Jumanji as it goes into comedy fairly quickly after establishing the basic personality of the cast members. There are a few suggestive scenes, but those scenes are made for laughs, and are clean and palatable. The movie makes a good teen/adult share and leaves a good feeling that one has been served a quite good comedy.

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