OCEAN’S ELEVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ocean’s Eleven is a little slow getting started, but doesn’t flag after that. George Clooney and cast pull this story off magnificently. This movie is a remake of the 1960s Ocean’s Eleven with more flash and dash. There is no lack in quality, dialogue, timing, action, or scripting. Every piece of the film works for entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) develops a plan to rob The Bellagio, The Mirage, and the MGM Grand casinos all at the same time.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Susan Ekins, and John Hardy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Saul Bloom (Carl Reiner), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), "The Amazing" Yen (Shaobo Qin), Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), and Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth your time and your dollar.

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Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S TWELVE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ocean’s Twelve—sassy, smart, and fun—uses an all-star cast to tell its story. It follows the Ocean’s series format and doesn’t fail to deliver its usual action-packed formula.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) demands the return of the $150,000,000 stolen from him. Ocean’s gang travels to Europe to steal a Faberge Egg for payback. But this story does not follow a predictably straight path as doublecross follows doublecross between professional thieves and liars.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Susan Ekins, and John Hardy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), and Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is a great continuation story to Ocean’s Eleven.

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Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S THIRTEEN (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ocean’s Thirteen serves up another classic Ocean’s movie with no decrease in entertainment value. The film requires closer attention to plotline as this movie’s series of cons increase in their complication from previous Ocean films. The great all-star cast continue to deliver unbeatable, on-the-spot professionalism in every scene and dialogue line. Unfortunately, this appears to be the last Ocean’s movie after the passing of Bernie Mac, but there appears to be an upcoming 2018 all-girl spinoff—Ocean’s Eight—starring Sandra Bullock.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) cons his partner, Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), out of his part of the casino ownership. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) sets out to right the wrong with a complicated series of events meant to bankrupt Willy Bank’s reputation and casino.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Frederic W. Brost, and Susan Ekins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell/Lenny Pepperidge (Matt Damon), Dr. Stan (Michael Mantell), Reuben’s Butler (Ray Xifo), Bank’s Junior Executive (Adam Lazarre-White), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Yen (Shaobo Qin), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), and Turk Malloy (Scott Caan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as good brain exercise while delivering the usual excellence expected from the Ocean’s series.

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Ben Meyers

HEREAFTER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Hereafter—definitely worth watching, not boring for even 1 of its 129 minutes—confirms the talents of Clint Eastwood as a terrific film director as well as completes what everyone knows, that Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon, The Last King of Scotland) is a superb writer. The film, well executed under Eastwood, brilliantly showcases the talents of its actors and actresses, makes one seriously think about life after death subject matter while successfully intertwining three stories into one narrative. Excellent casting choices include Matt Damon, Frankie McLaren, George McLaren, and Cécile De France (as Marie Lelay).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Journalist Marie Lelay (Cécile De France) sits on a bed in a Thailand hotel room working. She gets up and tells her lover, Television Producer Didier (Thierry Neuvic) to get up; but, he wants to sleep for another half hour. So, Marie Lelay orders room service breakfast after which she goes to the local market stands to shop. The camera shows an ocean tidal wave approaching the beach and surrounding commercial district. As the tidal wave crashes through the town, Marie Lelay tries to save herself and a local girl. A boat hits Marie Lelay in the head, knocking her unconscious. While she is unconscious, she experiences visions of the afterlife. After house residents rescue her, she survives and goes on to research others’ afterlife experiences. Her life intertwines and overlaps the lives of psychic George Lonegan (Matt Damon) and foster child, Marcus (Frankie and George McLaren).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Frank Marshall, Tim Moore, Peter Morgan, and Steven Spielberg for making the movie possible. Cast include: Cécile De France, Matt Damon, Cyndi Mayo Davis, Lisa Griffiths, Jessica Griffiths, Ferguson Reid, Jay Mohr, Richard Kind, and Steven R. Schirripa, Derek Sakakura.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is intriguing and presents an interesting after life scenario for contemplation.

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Ben Meyers

THE INFORMANT! (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Informant!—a well-directed, true story liberally sprinkles itself  with twists and turns—increases respect for Director Steven Soderbergh’s (Ocean’s 11, Ocean’s 12, Ocean’s 13) skills and takes actor Matt Damon to the top of his game. A well-chosen supporting cast throws the audience into a nonstop, suspenseful tale about whistle blowers, their companies, and the United States government.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Marc Whitacre (Matt Damon) tells government officials that his company engages in price fixing for the product lysine. He becomes part of an insider investigation.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers George Clooney, Michael London, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Cast include: Lucas McHugh Carroll, Eddie Jemison, Rusty Schwimmer, Craig Ricci Shaynak, Tom Papa, Rick Overton, Melanie Lynskey, and Thomas F. Wilson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The conclusion completely surprises.

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Ben Meyers

GERONIMO: AN AMERICAN LEGEND (Released to Theaters USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Stars ìììì

Geronimo: An American Legend succeeds beautifully in its attempt to tell Geronimo’s side of the American/Native American story. It drives the point that Geronimo has a mission in life to preserve his people and that he successfully accomplishes that mission.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie covers the middle and latter part of Geronimo’s life.

Additional Thanks

The film is great work for Director Walter Hill. Thank you to Executive Producer Michael S. Glick and Producers Neil Canton and Walter Hill for making the film possible. Music Composer is Ry Cooder. Screenplay written by John Milius and Larry Gross. Casting includes: Jason Patric, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Matt Damon, Rodney A. Grant, Kevin Tighe, Steve Reevis.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A western worth watching for the western fan.

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Ben Meyers

CONTAGION (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Contagion—disorganized—relies on the usual formatting style of this movie's genre. The 1995 film, Outbreak  is a better story than this one. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline A United States business woman gets sick after a trip to Hong Kong. Her sickness becomes a pandemic in the United States and medical personnel need to solve it.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, and Gregory Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle, and Sanaa Lathan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? . Yes. This is a good watch overall and has a believable portrayal; however, the 1995 movie Outbreak comes from the same genre and has higher entertainment value than this film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

JASON BOURNE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jason Bourne—fifth in the Bourne series—does not let Bourne movie fans down. It serves at the same high level of quality of previous Borne films and continues to reprise Matt Damon as its lead actor.  Everything is in place…acting, presentation, action, timing, portrayal, storyline, dialogue, and great conclusion. The same concept runs in this film as in the previous Bourne films, but it still manages to feel freshly done. Great work for all involved. Watch for Tommy Lee Jones’ performance. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

This action film is about: Jason Bourne recovers from his amnesia but a friend tells him he is still tied to the Treadstone project. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Jeffrey M. Weiner, Ben Smith, Matt Damon, Paul Greengrass, and Gregory Goodman. Cast includes Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Julia Stiles, and Riz Ahmend. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great to see Matt Damon in the Bourne role again. This movie holds to the same high standards of earlier Bourne movies and does not fail to both please and entertain. Good action watch.

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Ben Meyers

AIR (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Air—stand up and cheer movie—deserves its place in the home video library. A quality watch that makes an audience feel glad becomes an instructive story about entrepreneurship and what goes on behind the scenes before a terrific outcome can be realized. This is a learning/educational movie. WOW! It’s the perfect movie about creating win/win solutions to sticky challenges. Particularly note the concern Nike executives display for the future of their employees who are depending on them to make good decisions that make jobs secure and long-lasting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary is about the Nike shoe company’s decision to pursue Michael Jordan to represent their sports shoe. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Affleck for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinove, Peter Guber, and Jason Michael Berman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film has lots of spunk. It’s a must watch for entrepreneurs. It has great writing, presentation, and acting. Don’t miss it. 

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Ben Meyers

THE GREAT WALL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Great Wall—shows Matt Damon to good advantage—is very interesting and very watchable. It’s storyline is fresh, novel, creative, and original. The movie reminds the audience of the tremendous dedication China’s leaders took to building the wall through centuries of effort. The movie presents a likable, new interpretation of why it was built. Watch for Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, and Tian Jing who pull very good performances in this well-put-together movie.  The movie is worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images   

Storyline 

This monster action film is about: two soldiers, who looking for gun powder in China, are detained by the Chinese government due to their tale of encountering a monster. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Yimou Zhang for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alex Gartner, Peikang La, Jillian Share, E. Bennett Walsh, Zhao Zhang, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau, Pedro Pascal, Hanyu Zhang, Han Lu and Kenny Lin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Terrific choreography of the computer-generated monsters creates a very watchable and realistic film. the presentation or storyline is worth watching.   

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Ben Meyers

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Bourne Ultimatum is the third film in a series of five films with the fifth film, Jason Bourne, producing in 2016. This series of movies is surprisingly consistent in both quality and presentation. The writing is outstanding, the dialogue is intriguing, and the acting above average. Bourne Ultimatum earns its recommendation as a movie ‘more than worth watching.’ Matt Damon, as character Jason Bourne, does not overplay his role and delivers a sensible, believable, well-thought-out presentation of the main character’s challenges to survive in a world where so many facts are missing. Complicated, multi-faceted, and interesting, this movie requires audience involvement and active mental engagement. The movie is both gripping and intellectually driven. It provides good entertainment value for both time and money investment. Kudos to Director Paul Greengrass for keeping the story on target.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Jason Bourne continues to unravel clues to his past. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, and Paul Sandberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Albert Finney, and Joan Allen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s unusual to find a series piece that holds interest and produces consistent entertainment fare. This movie, as were the first two Bourne films, is more than worth watching and easily becomes a ‘must see’ movie.

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Ben Meyers

SYRIANA (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Syriana—complicated storyline—skillfully interweaves several stories into one story. It successfully moves suspense into the front row seat, gives little reprieve, and allows no shallow excuses for that move. The drama makes this movie a one-of-a-kind story that becomes the epitome of entertainment that purposely engages the intellect and interest of sophisticated audiences. The movie particularly serves audiences who appreciate political thrillers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Connex Oil merges with Killen Oil and causes concern within the U.S. justice system. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Gaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jennifer Fox, Georgia Kacandes, and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Casting includes: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig, and Mazhar Munir. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘must see’ espionage film that incorporates a diverse cast comprised of Matt Damon, George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, and Christopher Plummer. 

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Ben Meyers

INTERSTELLAR (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Interstellar—fabulously written—has an exceptionally creative and interesting storyline. The movie accesses the talents of Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, John Lithgow, Michael Cain, Timothée Chalamet, Matt Damon, Makenzie Foy, Casey Affleck, and Jessica Chastain. Watch for short cameos of David Oyelowo, William Devane, and Ellen Berstyne. Director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, and The Prestige) works magic with a story that, under different direction, would have been lost in the realm of unintelligible. Instead, he worked the very good writing and good cast into a highly watchable movie that provides a welcomed stretch to the imagination. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A little girl encounters a ghost in the family library and finally discovers who it is.

 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, and Lynda Obst for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Caine, and Matt Damon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderfully written story and supports itself on great acting. 

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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

FORD V FERRARI (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ford v Ferrari earns its place on Ben Meyers Movie Critics’ Best Films list. It deserves its WOW! and BRAVO! and could easily be watched more than once. Great acting by Matt Damon and Christian Bale who team beautifully in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The story of competition between automakers as well as a good look at the development of the Ford GT40. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Jenno Topping, and James Mangold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, and Josh Lucas. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a film that makes its audience feel like they get a true insider view into the auto racing world. Excellent entertainment ride. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ELYSIUM (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Elysium, a movie directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9), is one of this director’s best films. Matt Damon is perfectly cast here. Elysium is fresh, entertaining, and engaging. It earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

In a dystopian future, rich people live in their own world above earth while poor people live on earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Neill Blomkamp for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Block, Neill Blomkamp, and Simon Kinberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, and William Fichtner. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is exceptionally creative and completely earns the title of futuristic entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers