AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom—messy—has all the usual superhero/god story challenges. The special effects are probably the best part of the film. But there are scenes where it looks like actors have been cut out and pasted into the scenes. The movie works at the okay, but not great level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Black Manta is back to fight against Atlantis.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director/Producer James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pete Chiappetta, Walter Hamada, Andrew Lary, Anthony Tittanegro, Galen Vaisman, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Randall Park, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren, Martin Short, Jani Zhao, Pilou Asbæk, Indya Moore, John Rhys-Davies, and Vincent Regan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. If the audience desires to finish the series, then this is the film. But the movie has so much to overcome with script, portrayal, and acting challenges that it seems futile in both monetary and time investment to start it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause—suitable to okay film—does not use the talents of Martin Short well. The camera work and presentation are suitable, but not outstanding. It's good to see Tim Allen suiting up for the holiday season again. The conclusion of the story is novel and quite unexpected.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Jack Frost (Martin Short) makes his play for the position of Santa Claus (Tim Allen) and introduces his personal vision for the direction the North Pole should take for its sustainability as a commercial product.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Lembeck for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers James Miller and William W. Wilson III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), Mrs. Claus/Carol (Elizabeth Mitchell), Charlie (Eric Lloyd), Neil Miller (Judge Reinhold), Laura Miller (Wendy Crewson), Curtis (Spencer Breslin), Lucy Miller (Liliana Mumy), Sylvia Newman (Ann-Margaret), Bud Newman (Alan Arkin), Trish (Abigail Breslin), and Tooth Fairy (Art LaFleur).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is worth one viewing to finish the series. But, better choices for holiday movies are: A Christmas Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and for the Teen/Adult audience—El Camino Christmas. It is a suitable film overall and also is the last film in the series. Look for Ann Margaret's performance in the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers