TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Tom and Jerry: The Movie—Nostalgia!—shows very well in its animation. Terrific to see the Tom and Jerry cat and mouse activity and to also be reminded of Spike the Bulldog as built into this movie’s story. The live action is problematic and detracts from the film. But it is good to see Michael Peña and the other live action characters, Patsy Ferran is an interesting actress choice for this movie. She will be looked for in other works to assess her handling of characters. The film also makes a reference to Droopy the Basset Hound which is quite welcome as another small trip down memory lane. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Tom wants to be a pianist and Jerry wants a new home and the adventure is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Chris DeFaria for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Tom, Jerry, Jordan Bolger, Rob Delany, Patsy Ferran, Pallavi Sharda, Colin Jost, Somi De Souza, Ajay Chhabra, Patrick Poletti, Janis Ahern, and Ken Jeong. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It brings back memories in a very big way and entertains with its animation techniques and storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SECRET HEADQUARTERS (Video on Demand (VOD) USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Secret Headquarters—superhero movie—accesses the talents of Owen Wilson to play the superhero. Wilson gives the role just the right touch to make it a good superhero movie for the younger set. The film presents some new and upcoming younger actors/actresses that provide good entertainment value. The presentation and portrayal are good. The movie has lots of flash and dash that children may enjoy. Watch for Michael Peña in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A superhero’s son discovers what his father does for a living and the adventure is on as the son and some of his peers examine superhero equipment and then get surrounded by criminals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and Orlee-Rose Strauss for making the film possible. Cast includes: Owen Wilson, Walker Scobell, Jesse Williams, Keith L. Williams, Momona Tamada, Charles Melton, and Michael Peña. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a suitable children’s watch with lots of lights and action. It’s a light, easy-on-the-mind watch for an adult.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ant-Man and the Wasp—not much new here compared to the last film—still manages to earn a watch. This is the second film in the Ant-Man movie series. The acting, presentation, and animation are great. This movie plays with a mid-credit scene that intriguingly leads to the desire to see the third movie in the series: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Watch for Laurence Fishburne who has now acted in both DC and Marvel superhero movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about a father and a daughter who attempt to rescue the wife/mother from another realm with help from Ant-Man. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peyton Reed for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder Fortson, Randall Park, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, and Michael Douglas. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This superhero movie is more than worth watching. It’s a great PG-13 crowd watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MULE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Mule—very creative and interesting storyline—serves as an exceptionally good watch for the adult audience. Clint Eastwood has deeply layered this film with an elderly man’s life story and thoroughly explores choices as well as outcomes of choices. Watch for the very good pairing of Bradley Cooper and Michael Peña. Know that this film runs on highly amoral lines, has sexual content and violence. It does not serve a wide audience range. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A 90-year-old man becomes a ‘mule’ for a major drug cartel. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Dan Friedkin, Jessica Meier, Tim Moore, Kristina Rivera, and Bradley Thomas for making the film possible. Cast includes: Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, and Andy Garcia. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie earns its watch and the investment of time and money. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers