BEASTLY (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Beastly has some terrific actors and actresses such as Vanessa Hudgens, Mary Kate Olsen, and Alex Pettyfer. It is well done. The script is great even though the story is neither new or fresh. Director Daniel Barnz shows great talent within this genre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An arrogant young man becomes horridly ugly due to a witches’ curse and will remain that way for the rest of his life unless he can find someone who loves him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daniel Barnz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Flynn and Roz Weisberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kyle (Alex Pettyfer), Student (Justin Bradley), Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen), Sloan (Dakota Johnson), Trey (Erik Knudsen), Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), Male Teacher (Karl Graboshas), Rob (Peter Krause), Zola (LisaGay Hamilton), Student at Green Party (Jonathan Dubsky), Dr. Davis (David Francis), Will (Neil Patrick Harris), Halloween Partygoer (Rhiannon Moller-Trotter), Junkie (Steve Godin), and Victor (Gio Perez).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a good story and worth the ticket. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PRINCESS DIARIES (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Princess Diaries carries its story well. It’s a great film for Anne Hathaway fans and, with the wise choice of Julie Andrews to round out the cast, becomes an almost classic family movie. The storyline’s concept and the resulting script are great. Special thanks goes to Director Garry Marshall for using his broad directing skills to great advantage. The 2004 sequel is Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) reveals to her grand-daughter, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathway), that she is the princess of a small country named Genovia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garry Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Debra Martin Chase, Whitney Houston, and Mario Iscovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) Joe (Hector Elizondo), Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo), Lana Thomas (Mandy Moore), Mia’s Mom (Caroline Goodall), Michael Moscovitz (Robert Schwartzman), Student Josh Bryant (Erik von Detten), Student Jeremiah Hart (Patrick John Flueger), Teacher Mr. O’Connell (Sean O’Bryan), Vice Principal Gupta (Sandra Oh), Charlotte Kutaway (Kathleen Marshall), Gym Teacher Harbula (Mindy Burbano), Music Teacher Wells (Kimleigh Smith), Cheerleader Anna (Elizabeth Gudenrath), Cheerleader Fontana (Bianca Lopez), and Cheerleader Lupe (Tamara Levinson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is clean, worth a sequel, and serves the whole family well. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GAGA: FIVE FOOT TWO (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Gaga: Five Foot Two sports great interviews, interesting juxtaposition of glamour versus routine, and terrific camerawork by camera man Chris Moukarbel. Good watch that provides thoughtful after movie discussion about lives of the famous.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A year in the life of Gaga is meticulously documented to include her home life, her professional performances, her friends and enemies, and her fight with health issues.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Moukarbel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ben Cotner, Arthur Fogel, Lisa Nishimura, Michael Rapino, and Kim Ray for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herself/Stylist (Sandra Amador), Music Director (Michael Bearden), Himself (Tony Bennett), Himself/Music Producer (BloodPop), Herself (Barbara Bush), Himself (George Bush), Himself (Bobby Campbell), Herself (Lady Gaga), Herself (Andrea Gelardin), and Herself (Marlene Gerais).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Swings between scenes of Lady Gaga’s hard-working glamourous life and her day-to-day living.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEAP! (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Leap!—with class and style—goes far beyond the ‘pump and trump’ of its trailer to deliver an animated feature that competes with some of Disney’s best animation classics. The characters are memorable and well developed. Elle Fanning and Dane DeHaan’s voices lend just the right mix to their characters. The music completely supports the scenes and makes them POP. The script, refreshingly and humanly sweet, tells an old story so that we don’t mind hearing it again: Wishes come true for those who dare to dream and back that dream with hard work and good attitude. Great work for all involved. The only small criticism is the music that supports the scene toward the end of the movie where Felicie dances on the orphanage rooftop. The music for this scene needs mellowing so that it is not quite so ‘bright’. Other than that, it’s GREAT work by all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Orphan Felicie dreams she has the potential to be an outstanding ballerina.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eric Summer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jean Aubert for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Felicie (voice of Elle Fanning), Victor (voice of Dane DeHaan), Odette (voice of Carly Rae Jepsen), Camille (voice of Maddie Ziegler), Mérante/Postman (voice of Terrence Scammell), Rudolph/Mathurin (voice of Tamir Kapelian), Regine (voice of Julie Khaner), Director of Opera (voice of Joe Sheridan), Dora/Rosita (voice of Elana Dunkelman), Nora (voice of Shoshana Sperling), Greasy Guard/Janitor (voice of Jamie Watson), and Mother Superior (voice of Bronwen Mantel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This one’s a gotta-love-it winner that performs excellently for age 8 and up. BRAVO!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SEA BEAST (Television Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Sea Beast becomes a movie that does not know where its target is located. This results in a weird presentation so that one ends up with a Moby Dick-type of story in the early part of the film. Then the film seems to be a message movie, then seems to switch even more to something totally different by the end of the film. The animation is good, but clarity cannot be established between the turns in the story due to lack of connectivity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This computer animated film is about a naval crew who hunt and kill sea beasts. When hunting a particularly desirable sea beast, the sea beast swallows a shipmate and a stowaway and flees.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Williams for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jed Schlanger and Chris Williams for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jacob Holland (Karl Urban), Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator), Captain Crow (Jared Harris), Sarah Sharpe (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), King (Jim Carter), Queen (Doon Mackichan), Admiral Hornagold (Dan Stevens), Gwen Batterbie (Kathy Burke), Ms. Merino (Helen Sadler), Fen (Shannon Chan-Kent), and Young Sailor (Max Mittelman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Children may like the movie, but a higher quality watch that can be enjoyed by a family is Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HUNTED (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Hunted runs on the simple, redundant storyline of gory fight scenes. Improbable survival continually and conveniently presents itself  for the antagonist so that he does not die even though the audience may long for him to die early on in the movie. Tommy Lee Jones has a certain welcome screen presence that is expected but seems either diminished here or lacking…almost as if he is not feeling well during this filming. The venues for each scene are unique and well-chosen. A storyline is lacking. The conclusion leaves one feeling as if the story is not done. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Two state-of-the-art killers fight each other. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director William Friedkin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ricardo Mestres and James Jacks  for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: L. T. Bonham (Tommy Lee Jones), Sergeant Aaron Hallam (Benicio del Toro), FBI Special Agent Abby Durrell (Connie Nielsen), Irene Kravitz (Leslie Stefanson), FBI Special Agent Ted Chenoweth (John Finn), FBI Special Agent Bobby Moret (Jose Zuniga), FBI Special Agent Harry Van Zandt (Ron Canada), Dale Hewitt (Mark Pellegrino), Loretta Kravitz (Jenna Boyd), Stokes (Aaron DeCone), Kohler (Carrick O’Quinn), Zander (Lonny Chapman), Powell (Rex Linn), Richards (Eddie Velez), Sheriff (Alexander MacKenzie), and The Narrator (Johnny Cash). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The hardcore Tommy Lee Jones fan may choose to watch it but know that it falls short of what Tommy Lee Jones usually puts out in entertainment. This film should have been a blockbuster. Know there is no lack of blood and gore.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ADVENTURES OF THE WILDERNESS FAMILY 3* (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Adventures of the Wilderness Family 3—good family film—runs on the same quality levels as its two prequel films. It retains its casting and seems to give a bit more screen time to George ‘Buck’ Flower than the previous films. The movie serves as a simple, easy-on-the-mind piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The family’s right to live in the wilderness becomes threatened by government authority. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jack Couffer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arthur Dubs and Fred R. Krug for making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: Skip Robinson (Robert Logan), Pat Robinson (Susan Damante-Shaw), Jenny Robinson (Heather Rattray), Toby Robinson (Ham Larsen), and Boomer (George Buck Flower). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the third film in the series…a family friendly watch. 

*Also known as: Mountain Family Robinson 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

 

Ben Meyers

MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World—notable camera work—plagues itself with obscurity. The storyline, while well-acted by outstanding actors, needs a Wikipedia plot read before watching to optimize enjoyment of the movie. Otherwise, one may find the story difficult to follow.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 War between two maritime vessels…one French, one British.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Weir for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Alan B. Curtiss for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe), Dr. Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), First Lieutenant Tom Pullings (James D’Arcy) Second Lieutenant William Mowett (Edward Woodall), Captain Howard (Chris Larkin), Blakeney (Max Pirkis), Boyle (Jack Randall), Calamy (Max Benitz), Hollom (Lee Ingleby), and Williamson (Richard Pugh).

Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is acted well by Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

INEQUALITY FOR ALL (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Inequality for All—obscure, lack of clarity—establishes Robert Reich’s viewpoint on changing class structure in the United States. Robert Reich—sincere, well-educated, and obviously deeply interested in helping his audience—seems to need to strengthen his position by also addressing the technological changes that are contributing to that widening gap and give the population at large strategies on how best to reduce or close the gap. Higher education in the fields of AI and the newer technologies are good ways to stay afloat now. With more attention given on how to survive seems to be more productive and helpful than strong statements that inequality is going to be the ‘new’ America. Families need information on how best to restructure and mitigate the challenge of losing place and status due to reduction or stalemate of income that has not matched increase in prices. Education is often the answer to quickly move into new ages rather than choosing a stagnant/no growth approach to a rapidly changing societal challenge. AI and a new technological era are upon us. The opportunities are huge for those who are trained to take advantage of the change through training. Stating that the dam has broken does not seem as good a solution as rapidly moving to safer places for survival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An expression of Robert Reich’s concern over differences in class structure within the United States.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jacob Kornbluth for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stephen Silberstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), Mary Beth Lacey (Tyne Daly), Christine Cagney (Sharon Gless), Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This serves as an interesting intellectual watch. While a good debate usually considers both sides of an issue, this movie does not seem to do that and because it does not do that becomes a piece that can easily develop strife and contention, when that is most likely not its purpose, and serves to waste time on argument rather than on solution.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

YES PEOPLE (Virtual Cinema Palm Springs International Short Film Festival Palm Springs USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

 

Yes People—short film—needs a different title. It is difficult to understand the relationship between each lifestyle and makes the audience wonder why its story is important. The final product leaves one with a feeling of ‘So What?’

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube images.

Storyline

 A collage of multiple persons’ lives.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gisu Halldorsson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arnar Gunnlarsson and Gisu Halldorsson fo making the film possible.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 No. This short film lacks heart. Despite showing a wide range of peoples’ lifestyles, it fails to establish connectivity to the wider audience.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANTWONE FISHER (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Antwone Fisher—may be classified as a B-grade film, but WOW—tells a great story while speaking highly of the directorial skills of Denzel Washington. The film earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After psychiatric care a Navy man is able begin a new life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Denzel Washington for directing effort. Thank you to  Executive Producer Nancy Paloian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: AntwoFisher (Derek Luke), Antwone Fisher Age 7 (Malcolm David Kelley), Antwone Fisher Age 14 (Cory Hodges), Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), Cheryl Smolley (Joy Bryant), Berta Davenport (Salli Richardson Whitfield), and Pork Chop (Leonard Earl Howze).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a distinguished watch that works on all levels that it can be critiqued. Thank you for producing a meaningful film worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE NEXT KARATE KID (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Next Karate Kid—teen flick—works on a similar theme as the previous Karate Kid movies except it changes the karate kid to a female lead. Hilary Swank seems a poor choice in casting. The switch in gender roles lends an entirely different  flavor to this film, which may not work well here. The script, overall, is good and the story flows well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

A young girl becomes the next karate kid under the tutelage of Mr. Miyagi.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Cain for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer R. J. Louis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Miyagi (Pat Morita), Julie Pierce (Hilary Swank), Dugan (Michael Ironside), Louisa (Constance Towers), Eric (Chris Conrad), Abbot Monk (Arsenio Trinidad), Ned (Michael Cavalieri), Charlie (Walton Goggins), Tall Monk (Jim Ishida), Monk (Rodney Kageyama), Buddhist Monk (Seth Sakai), Mr. Wilkes (Eugene Boles), School Clerk (Keena Keel), Gabe (Tom O’Brien), and Morgan (Thomas Downey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is watchable but needs a better cast combination.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALWAYS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Always—classic, lovable story—utilizes the talents of Richard Dreyfus and John Goodman to tell its story. John Goodman seems to take portions of the script and completely embody it as his own…wonderful acting. The script concept is fresh, well-written, loaded with heart. WOW! What a hidden gem! It may not be a 5-star movie, but it is a ‘do NOT miss it’ film that is more than worth watching. It is a good addition to the home film library and has re-watchable status. Just wonderful entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A pilot dies and his spirit mentors a new pilot. The new pilot becomes enamored with the spirit’s still living girlfriend.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pete Sandich (Richard Dreyfuss), Dorinda Durston (Holly Hunter), Ted Baker (Brad Johnson), Al Yackey (John Goodman), Hap (Audrey Hepburn), Dave (Roberts Blossom), Powerhouse (Keith David), Nails (Ed Van Nuys), Rachel (Marg Helgenberger), Don (Dale Dye), Alex (Brian Haley), Charlie (James Lashly), Grey (Michael Steve Jones), Air Traffic Controller (Kim Robillard), and Dispatcher (Jim Sparkman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a rare jewel in the entertainment field. Thank you for all involved in making this such a treat to watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLUE (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Clue brings the Clue board game to the big screen. It works at the cult classic level with comical characterization and a very unusual conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Six people are invited to dinner and people begin to get murdered.

Additional Thanks                                              

Thank you to Director Jonathan Lynn for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers  Peter Guber, George Folsey Jr., John Landis, and Jon Peters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Wadsworth (Tim Curry), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), Yvette (Colleen Camp), Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), The Cop (Bill Henderson), and The Singing Telegram Girl (Jane Wiedlin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The cast seems to enjoy making this movie, but also remembers to act. That increases it’s entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WALL STREET (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Wallstreet presents some of the best of Michael Douglas as well as Charlie and Martin Sheen. This is a solid story, well acted, and an excellent watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A young man, who wants wealth quick and fast, takes a teacher who will help him reach his goals even if getting ‘there’ is illegal.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Oliver Stone for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward R. Pressman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), Carolyn (Tamara Tunie), Dan (Franklin Cover), Chuckie (Chuck Pfeiffer), Marvin (John C. McGinly), Lou Mannheim (Hl Holbrook), Lynch (James Karen), Natalie (Leslie Lyles), Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), Natalie’s Assistant (Faith Geer),Charlie (Frank Adonis, Dominick (John Capodice), Carl Fox (Martin Sheen), Girl in Bed (Suzen Murakoshi), and Receptionist (Dani Klein).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Everything about this movie works…it leaves a good feeling that one has been fully entertained. It works very well for the adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MADELINE (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Madeline—live action treatment of the Madeline books—presents an excellent entertainment choice for children. The well-written script does justice to the original intent of the stories.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Madeline, the orphanage’s youngest orphan, works through a series of daily life events.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daisy von Scherler Mayer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stanley R. Jaffe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand), Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne), Madeline (Hatty Jones), Leopold the Tutor (Ben Daniels), Mr. Spanish Ambassador (Arturo Venegas), Lady Covington (Stéphane Audran), Mrs. Spanish Ambassador (Katia Caballero), Helene the Cook (Chantal Neuwirth), and Pepito (Kristian de la Osa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great entertainment for the whole family. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers