DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes—good action film—has a good story and plays well. The presentation is okay, but the film is not as good as Rise of the Planet of the Apes or as likeable as the last film of the old series Battle of the Planet of the Apes. This film, as a whole, is a suitable watch and does serve the Planet of the Apes fan club well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about a group of apes who rebel against human dominance.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Reeves for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Ken Russell, Toby Kebbell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The animation of the apes is phenomenal with total blending of the interaction from ape to ape as well as from ape to human. The movie particularly serves the audience who loves the Planet of the Apes stories.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì 

X-Men: Dark Phoenix—odd storyline and concept—defies reason and raises strong questions about its storyline and outcome. There is a complete absence of order, law, and adherence to goodness in this story. How did this story make it to the big screen? Who is Dark Phoenix? Maybe the better question is: who and what exactly are the X-Men? Superheroes or supervillains? It seems they are more about death than life.  This film lacks a cohesive storyline to the other films that an audience can relate to. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The young Dark Phoenix cannot control her X-Men powers and becomes a challenge to her family, her school, and to her fellow X-Men. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Simon Kinberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Tom Hallowell for making the film possible. Cast includes: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, and Jessica Chastain. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. It is what it is. The movie runs on an exceptionally dark theme that defies reason. It’s a movie that does not leave an audience with a good feeling or feeling good about what they just saw. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ALPHA (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Alpha—spectacular scenery, WOW!—works for its watch at every turn of every scene. Even though the scenery sometimes seems animated, it is still breath taking. This sweet storyline touches the human chord and serves as a terrific movie overall. Know that this movie is not in English but the subtitles are easy to read. It is best watched in streaming or on video in the event the viewer wishes to stop and review dialogue.  Director Albert Hughes instantly creates a desire to see more of his work. Check out another one of his films The Book of Eli  which he directed with his brother Allen Hughes. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A female wolf becomes attached to a human and that single instance leads to dogs becoming domesticated and becoming humans’ companions. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Albert Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Albert Hughes and Andrew Rona for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Is more than worth watching and the story is written well. It’s a great film.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers