UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

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Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Universal Soldier: The Return—Jean-Claude Van Damme—is Part 4 of the Universal Soldier series. It is a suitable watch overall, that does not improve over the first film in the series. Know this film has some nudity which precludes it from being a family share movie.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Super Soldiers take matters into their own hands and take over a research facility with the help of an AI computer.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mic Rodgers for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Allen Shapiro, Craig Baumgarten, and Jean-Claude Van Damme for making the film possible. Cast includes Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michael Jai White, Kian Tom, Daniel Von Bargen, and Bill Goldberg, Orbach.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It is not the best of films. This movie serves the adult audience. Video Critique Available here: Ben Meyers

KILL THE IRISHMAN (Released to limited Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsììì  Kill the Irishman—adult watch—ranks well with existing mafia movies. The use of Val Kilmer, Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Christopher Walken creates the perfect casting mix. Good watch overall. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  The true story of the American gangster, Danny Greene.  Additional Thanks   Thank you to Director Jonathan Hensleigh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Al Corley, Bart Rosenblatt, Eugene Musso, and Tommy Reid for making the film possible. Cast includes Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, and Christopher Walken. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. It's a good watch overall when wanting a good gangster movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

PANDA PLAN (Released to Theaters USA/Canada 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì  Panda Plan—mistitled—weaves so many interests' desire to 'get the panda' that it becomes unclear there is a 'plan'. Only at the conclusion does one see the purpose and true importance of the baby panda. While the sentimental conclusion is nicely done to some extent, it does not repair the rest of the movie.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Jackie Chan plays himself as an actor who is getting many invites to ceremonies and famous persons' homes for attendance. Among the lineup of things he is offered, one thing peaks Jackie's interest—adopting a famous panda bear.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Luan Zhang for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Han Wei and Wei Wang for making the film possible. Cast includes Jackie Chan, Xiang Wei, Ce Shi, and Yanbo Han. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  No. This film could be skipped for other Chan films like Mr. Nice Guy, Rumble in the Bronx, Dragon Blade, or the remake of The Karate Kid to name a few. However, young children may like this movie due to the inclusion of a baby panda in its story. Panda Plan 2 is on its way. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers  .

JUST GO WITH IT (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  Just Go With It—not the typical romance—has suggestive themes that dominate and prevail throughout the movie. There are no redeeming moral or ethical standards present.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A plastic surgeon wants to make a good impression on his girlfriend  and enlists the aid of his medical assistant.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Dennis Dugan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Adam Sandler, Jack Giarrputo, and Heather Parry for making the film possible. Cast includes Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn Decker, Dave Matthews, Bailee Madison, Griffin Gluck, and Nicole Kidman.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. For the sophisticated, mature adult audience, it might work; but for younger audiences it is not suitable.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOOD NEIGHBOR SAM (Theatrical Release USA 1964)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Good Neighbor Sam—clean, comical romp—has potential to be suggestive but plays out clean. Watch for the late legend, Edward G. Robinson as Simon Nurdlinger. This is an easy-on-the-mind watch. No unwanted surprises.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Sam Bissell gets a promotion to serve the Nurdlinger Dairy account as their advertising executive and the story is on.  Additional Thanks  Thank you Director David Swift for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer David Swift for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Lemmon, Romy Schneider, Dorothy Provine, Michael Connors, Edward Andrews, Louis Nye, Robert Q. Lewis, and Edward G. Robinson.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It has that typical Jack Lemmon comedy style all wrapped up in a clean, honest romp.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE FORTUNE COOKIE (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  The Fortune Cookie—good writing—accesses the talents of  Jack Lemmon, Walter Mathau, Ron Rich, and Judi West to tell the tale of how guilt lays a heavy hand on a good-hearted person.  Film  Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A lawyer tries to squeeze money out of another law firm by faking the seriousness of his brother-in-law's recent fall.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Billy Wilder for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Billy Wilder for making the film possible. Cast includes Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ron Rich, Cliff Osmond, and Judi West.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Quality writing with a kind conclusion.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HOPSCOTCH (Released to Theaters USA 1980)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Hopscotch—Walter Matthau—has a surprise around every corner. Fresh and full storyline delivers its carefully executed plan with clarity and no complications. Runs a straight course from beginning to end.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A CIA agent begins writing a book to expose CIA dirty work as pay back for demoting him to a desk job.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ronald Neame for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Edie Landau and Ely Landau for making the film possible. Cast includes Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Sam Waterston, Herbert Lom, and Ned Beatty. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a cute movie that causes thinking throughout. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

JOHNNY MNEMONIC (Released to Theaters USA 1995)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Johnny Mnemonic—cult classic—relies on an exceptionally complicated storyline and need improvement in acting and portrayal. The creativity and freshness of story is undeniable. It is good to see Keanu Reeves in one of his earlier works.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Johnny Mnemonic is a data courier for large corporations who use his brain to upload and download their data. He has an opportunity to return to a normal life when he earns enough money to access the people and an AI who can help him. His journey to freedom is beset with betrayal and exceptional danger.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Robert Longo for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Don Carmody for making the film possible. Cast includes Keanu Reeves, Dolph Lundgren, Takeshi Kitano, Ice-T, and Dina Meyer.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The movie's title alone carries high expectations for a good theatre experience. Add the presence of Keanu Reeves and expectations raise even higher. Read a plotline before going. The movie is exceptionally complicated.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE GUILT TRIP (Released to Theaters USA 2012)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Guilt Trip—typical interpretation of Jewish Mother/Son relationship—accesses the acting talent of Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand to interpret its story. It gets off to a rocky start and improves along the way with a nice conclusion. There are sexual references and includes a visit to a strip bar.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A son encourages his mother to take a road trip with him.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Anne Fletcher for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorne Michaels, John Goldwyn, and Evan Goldberg for making the film possible. Cast includes Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a light, fill-in-time film. It has sexual references and includes a trip to a strip bar. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers Video Critique

BARBERSHOP 2: BACK IN BUSINESS (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Barbershop 2: Back in Business—likable with strong casting— presents a comedy that works for the adult audience.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Mobsters threaten the survival of the barbershop.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Kevin Rodney Sullivan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alex Gartner, Robert Teitel, and George Tilman Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Troy Garity, Michael Ealy, Queen Latifah, Earl Howze, and Harry Lennix. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. For the adult audience, it works. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BLACK RAIN (Released to Theaters USA 1989)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Black Rain—really good Ridley Scott film—may not be a Black Hawk Down or American Gangster but successfully merges two cultures so well that it deserves its watch on that basis alone. The offset personalities of a very 'rough around the edges' American cop with the more self-contained Japanese police staff is very well done. Stage setting the mass of the story in Japan has been handled with finesse and smoothness. Engagingly good watch.    Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Two cops from New York, who catch a Japanese gang leader, are charged with transport of the gang member to Japan.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stanley Jaffe and Sherry Lansing for making the film possible. Cast includes Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Ken Takakura, Kate Capshaw, and Yusaku Matsuda.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film works as  good film choice for a night out with friends. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers