THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (Released to Theaters USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty—a fabulous remake of the 1947 Danny Kaye movie of the same name—becomes worth your time and money. The film examines Life magazine’s decision to close its doors and the dedication of one underpaid and unrecognized employee, beleaguered Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller), to ensure that the final issue is one of its greatest issues. People are what make Life magazine outstanding and Walter Mitty not only finds his person, but finds courage to face danger and adventure across Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas while tracking one of Life’s best photographers for Life’s final cover photo. It’s a terrific story across a backdrop of great scenery and gives the viewer a nice ‘pop’ of satisfied happiness at the end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ben Stiller for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers G. Mac Brown, Meyer Gottlieb, and Gore Verbinski for making the film possible. Cast include: Jon Daly, Kristen Wiig, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film makes a great watch for whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DESPICABLE ME 4 (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Despicable Me 4—another great film that marks Illumination Studios as king of the animation world—WOW! This movie may not stand out quite as much as part 1, 2, and part 3 of the series, but its colorfulness and flair for catching family life can be well received. This is a 'no shab' watch that emphasizes original and creative character development and the impact good writers can make to a movie. Fun watch.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Gru is a special agent who takes down criminals. But an old villain wants revenge for Gru ruining his award reception and putting him in prison.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Chris Renaud for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Chris Meledandri and Brett Hoffman for making the film possible. Cast includes Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofia Vergara, and Will Ferrell.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is great watch and has the Illumination Studios stamp for a quality, wonderful story.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE MARTIAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Martian—WOW!—easily becomes an excellent addition to the home video library. The star-studded, hot-ticket cast (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Donald Glover, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Benedict Wong (from Marvel Comics)) are well-mixed. Jeff Daniels shows his versatility when one thinks of him in this movie versus Dumb and Dumber or State of Play.  The movie earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A team works to rescue a man left behind on Mars. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Drew Goddard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peňa, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Mackenzie Davis, and Donald Glover. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful sci-fi movie and worth its watch; a well-done film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

MASTERMINDS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Masterminds styles itself with light, easy comedy that follows the antics of Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, and Zach Galifianakis in a script based on a true story. With every possible ability to go awry, a plan to rob an armored truck company succeeds. It’s a simple story, but worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) use David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis), an armoured truck driver, to rob a fortune.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jared Hess and to Executive Producers Brent Almond, Dana Brunetti, Brett Dahl, Erin David, Adam Fields, Kenneth Halsband, Jody Hill, Ryan Kavanaugh, Jerry Lasky, Danny McBride, Jill Sobel Messick, Kevin J. Messick, Joseph Nicholas, Andrew Panay, Andrew C. Robinson, Tucker Tooley, and Jared Underwood for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eric Payne (Ross Kimball), Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), Runny (Devin Ratray), Michelle Chambers (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), Jandice (Kate McKinnon), Scanlon (Leslie Jones), Plewe (Jon Daly), Doug Jeffcoat (Ken Marino), Raydel Quintero (Daniel Zacapa), and Anchorman (Tom Werme).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s afternoon watch when nothing else is available for the teen/adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers