JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never has potential to turn a non-Justin Bieber fan into a fan club member. An excellent 2011 documentary piece presents a WOW story that will not soon be forgotten. Director Jon M. Chu creates desire to see more of his fine documentary work. Cameraman Reed Smoot presents great skill in detailing the Bieber story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Justin Bieber’s prep for a concert intermixes with stories from his childhood and visits home.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon M. Chu for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Douglas C. Merrifield, David Nicksay, and Randy Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Justin Bieber), Themselves (Boyz II Men),  Herself (Miley Cyrus), Himself (Sean Kingston), Himself (Ludacris), Himself (Jaden Smith), Himself (Usher Raymond), Herself (Diane Dale), Himself (Bruce Dale), Himself (Ryan Good), and Herself (Allison Kaye).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. When the viewer wants to see an inspiring success story, this is it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LAST SONG (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

The Last Song—weird story—is not well-written nor is it well-cast. Miley Cyrus does not cast well with Liam Hemsworth and does not play the wild child well. There is no adult theme here and the storyline completely lacks cohesive presentation almost as if written by a very young, immature child. The story is a downer with no redemptive factor to save it. It is supposed to offer a good, teen love flick but completely fails to deliver that type of story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young woman reacts poorly to her parents’ marital breakup. When her mother drops the girl and her brother off at her father’s house, she responds rebelliously. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Julie Anne Robinson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers

Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot for making the film possible. Cast includes: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Robby Coleman, Kelly Preston, and Greg Kinnear.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. It is what it is—a downer movie that lacks real heart and ends on a sad note. The script has no rhyme, reason, or sensibleness. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BOLT (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Bolt is one of the best Disney computer animation movies ever made. It would make Walt Disney proud to see that his successors can still make a movie that is inspiring and heart-catching. Everyone—young and old—will enjoy Disney’s Bolt. It’s one of those lovable movies you can take your whole family to see and come away with those Disney good feelings.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus) and Bolt (voice of John Travolta) star in a Hollywood superhero show. Penny’s dog, Bolt, believes he truly has the superhero powers that his show character possesses. Then he ends up on the street.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Byron Howard and Chris Williams for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mittens (voice of Susie Essman), Rhino (voice of Mark Walton), Dr. Calico (voice of Malcolm McDowell), The Director (voice of James Lipton), The Agent (voice of Greg Germann), Veteran Cat (voice of Diedrich Bader), and Blake (voice of Nick Swardson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Directors Byron Howard and Chris Williams make one of the best animated movies of 2008.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.5|5.0 Starsìì

Hannah Montana, the television series, is far more entertaining than Hannah Montana: The Movie. The movie’s opening scene promises so much and then dwindles into a multiple series of mixed, conflicting messages that are confusing to the audience. Director Peter Chelsom seems unable to realistically portray Hannah Montana’s true personality (i.e., as in the unrealistic scene when she first meets her former boyfriend). All flaws aside, Hannah Montana fans will most likely see this as a ‘have-to-see’ film and parents will not want to miss an opportunity to send their children to a clean, family film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hannah Montana tries to keep her life as Miley Stewart secret.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Peter Chelsom for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Blocker, Steven Peterman, and Michael Poryes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannah Montana/Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus), Robby Ray Stewart (Billy Ray Cyrus), Lilly (Emily Osment), Jackson Stewart (Jason Earles), Oliver (Mitchel Musso), Rico (Moises Arias), Travis Broady (Lucas Till), and Vita (Vanessa Williams).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Hannah Montana fans will definitely get their ‘Hannah Fix’ with this clean, family film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers