GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla: King of the Monsters—violent conclusion—could be scary for children and a little on edge for some adults. This movie does not add anything to the Godzilla movies except the addition of more monsters to fight and more violence (which is mostly palatable). The animation of the monsters is great. The special effects are great. While the concept is good, something went amiss from the concept to the screen so that a check is needed in realism portrayal. The simple story still has ability to keep adult fans of the Godzilla series slightly interested despite the fact that presentation quality is less than could be expected. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Godzilla battles several different monsters who are troubling earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Dougherty for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, and Brian Rogers for making the film possible. Casting includes: Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, and Ken Watanabe. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s a typical Godzilla movie that doesn’t re-invent the wheel…it just throws more monsters into the story. The audience needs to be terrific fans of Godzilla stories to engage this movie. For that audience, to be fair, it has more of the ‘scary’ factor than other Godzilla movies. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FIRST MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

First Man—whole different angle on the Moon landing—takes an old storyline and makes it fresh and original as it begins with Neil Armstrong’s personal family challenges and moves toward the successful conclusion of landing on the Moon. The movie offers an accurate picture of families involved in these activities and does not over-dramatize the events. Great cinematography enhances the enjoyment of the movie especially toward the end of the film. The story is good and the presentation is really good. The acting is good. Ryan Gosling plays his role with believability as does Claire Foy. Strong human element in this film makes it an entirely good watch from opening scenes to concluding scenes. Good family share movie. It’s good to see the portrayal of strong marriages, good friends, and good character with excellent interaction with children. It’s good to see an honest portrayal of how couples work through challenges together without breaking relationships. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Pilot Neil Armstrong, distracted by trying keep a young daughter alive, which seems to be affecting his work performance, applies for acceptance into the NASA program.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Damien Chazelle for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, and Damien Chazelle for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Christopher Abbott, and Ciaran Hinds. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a one-time watch that’s worth time and money investment.  Great work for all involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here

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Ben Meyers 

GAME NIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Game Night—unique—keeps its audience guessing about its purpose. It’s difficult to see the connections between a couple who should be having children, their obsession with games, and why an actual role-playing game is ordered (at the first of the movie, it seems the older brother ordered it and at the end of the movie it appears that the neighbor ordered it). There is confusion between  role playing and real life action. The blur between real events and the reality game during most of the movie works at the obscurity level. The movie leaves many loose ends when it concludes. If you are going to buy a ticket, read a plotline before buying that ticket to enhance enjoyment of the movie. Know that there is considerable sexual, adult dialogue in this movie that makes it an entertainment piece for adults. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A husband, wife, and friends enter a very realistic real life role-playing game. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Davis, John Fox, Jason Bateman, and James Garamente for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury, Jesse Plemons, Michael C. Hall, and Kyle Chandler. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                                                                       

 No. The film’s script seems to have been ‘hurried’ during the writing process and fails to tie up loose ends. Read a plotline before going.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

SLUMBERLAND (Video on Demand (VOD) Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Slumberland—good concept, weak storyline—has spectacular special effects. It’s a light, afternoon watch, not a primary choice for evening entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl has many imaginative experiences after her dad passes away. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Francis Lawrence for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, David Ready, and Francis Lawrence for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Momoa, Marlow Barkley, Chris O’Dowd, Kyle Chandler, and Weruche Opia.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. While the special effects are spectacular, the film lacks entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers