VAN HELSING (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Van Helsing provides the perfect setting for Hugh Jackman to show his acting skills and shows the versatility of Kate Beckinsale as she pulls off a vampire movie that is totally different from her 2003 Underworld movie. Terrific work by Director Stephen Sommers.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale) fight vampires, wolfmen, and other creatures fantastic.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Sommers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sam Mercer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Count Vladislaus Dracula (Richard Roxburgh), Carl (David Wenham), Frankenstein’s Monster (Shuler Hensley), Aleera (Elena Anaya), Velkan (Will Kemp), Igor (Kevin J. O’Connor), Cardinal Jinette (Alun Armstrong), Verona (Silvia Colloca), Marishka (Josie Maran), Top Hat (Tom Fisher), Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Samuel West), Mr. Hyde (Robbie Coltrane), Dr. Jekyll (Stephen Fisher), and Barmaid (Dana Morávková).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth at least one ticket and has potential for re-watch over the years.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNITED 93 (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

United 93 catches the eye, keeps interest, and requires attention to content in order not to miss vital story information. While the cast are unknown actors and actresses, they perform well. Particularly, the control room scenes create a sense of ‘being there’. Great work for Director Paul Greengrass.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story behind the crash of United 93.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward, and Bruce Toll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Jason Dahl (J.J. Johnson), First Officer LeRoy Homer (Gary Commock), Deborah Welsh (Polly Adams), CeeCee Lyles (Opal Alladin), Wanda Anita Green (Starla Benford), Sandra Bradshaw (Trish Gates), Lorraine G. Bay (Nancy McDoniel), and Todd Beamer (David Alan Basche).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of the better plane hijacking movies on the market.

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Ben Meyers

THE KARNIVAL KID (Theatrical Release USA 1929)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Karnival Kid—terrific period piece that shows how well cartoons could tell their story in just a few minutes—shows the promise of the Disney team and gives a hint at where they were going to go. This short film takes little time for viewing and is well worth the effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mickey Mouse woos Minnie Mouse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Walt Disney and Carl W. Stalling.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great work for all involved. This is one of Mickey Mouse’s best initial films and details the culture of the late 1920s. Very good work by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks.

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Ben Meyers

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT (Video Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Christmas Project—simple story with strong resemblance to the movie, A Christmas Story—turns itself into a good family Christmas watch but not with the impact that the initial release of Home Alone had. This movie allows Jacob Buster, Cooper Daniel Johnson, Josh Reid, and the rest of the cast to acquit themselves well. The audience will most likely be energized by the concept of Elfing as a good family tradition that can be easily enabled. The story is sweet, decent, and teaches several, good family concepts.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images

Storyline

Brothers live Christmas 1986 while fully engaged with their families, school, and neighbors.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Buster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ron Brough, Melissa Cannon, and Sally Meyer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Matthew Buckley (Jacob Buster), Simon Buckley (Anson Bagley), Peter Buckley (Josh Reid), John Buckley (Cooper Daniel Johnson), Ralph Buckley (Brian Neal Clark), Juniper Goodman (Grace Hallows), Allen Goodman (Evan Clark), Monica Goodman (Caitlin E.J. Meyer), and Finn Hagbart (Gabe White).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a loveable, seasonable treat for the teen/adult family and a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon or evening with loved ones.

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Ben Meyers

I.Q. (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

                                                                                                    

I.Q.—another one of those easy-to-be-missed Walter Matthau movies that hide in unexpected places and when found become little treasures that one does not easily forget (see his 1971 film, A New Leaf, as another example of such a movie). IQ has an original idea, delivers itself in a creative and completely unexpected manner, makes you wait for its ending until the ending, and becomes an overall great watch. The casting of Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, and Stephen Fry work incredibly well. Don’t miss this one. It’s a good watch. With very little tweaking, this movie would have become a classic Christmas re-watch through the years on par with It’s a Wonderful Life.Film 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline.

Romance has a little help from Albert Einstein and his friends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fred Schepisi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sandy Gallin, and Scott Rudin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ed Walters (Tim Robbins), Catherine Boyd (Meg Ryan), Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau), Kurt Gödel (Lou Jacobi), Boris Podolsky (Gene Saks), Nathan Liebknecht (Joseph Maher), James Moreland (Stephen Fry), Bob Rosetti (Tony Shalhoub), Frank (Frank Whaley),and Louis Bamberger (Charles Durning).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a simple, sweet romance that could be easily missed and shouldn’t be missed. Clean, decent fare for the whole family.

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Ben Meyers

MICKEY, DONALD, GOOFY: THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Video Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers—classic Disney—couldn’t be more entertaining. The movie becomes a great child/adult share. Great work for Director Donovan Cook. It’s a fun watch all the way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lowly janitors make a bid for their position as royal musketeers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Donovan Cook for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Margot Pipkin and Laurel Betts for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mickey Mouse (voice of Wayne Allwine), Donald Duck (voice of Tony Anselmo), Goofy/Pluto/Additional Voices (Bill Farmer), Minnie (voice of Russi Taylor), Daisy (voice of Tress MacNeille), Pete (voice of Jim Cummings), Clarabelle/Additional voices (April Winchell), The Beagle Boys/Additional Voices (voice of Jeff Bennett), The Beagle Boys/Additional Voices (voice of Maurice LaMarche), and The Troubadour (voice of Rob Paulsen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great ‘follow your dream’ story and what could happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. The film works as an 'all fun and games' movie.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BARRY LYNDON (Theatrical Release USA 1975)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Barry Lyndon—a Stanley Kubrick-directed film—becomes a classic viewing from its first scenes to its ending scenes. Actor Ryan O’Neal plays the part of Barry Lyndon almost to the point of being surreal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A soldier with a roguish personality marries into nobility.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stanley Kubrick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jan Harlan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barry Lyndon (Ryan O’Neal), Lady Honoria Lyndon (Marisa Berenson), The Chevalier du Balibari (Patrick Magee), Captain Potzdorf (Hardy Krüger), Lord Ludd (Steven Berkoff), Nora Brady (Gay Hamilton), Barry’s Mother (Marie Kean), Lischen (Diana Körner), Reverend Samuel Runt (Murray Melvin), and Sir Charles Lyndon (Frank Middlemass).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie uses classic British-style storytelling techniques and may seem a bit slow, but stick with the movie. It’s worth both time and dollar as it explores marriage, difference in class values, position, morality, and maintenance of family fortune and reputation. It’s high level entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRAIL OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Trail of the Pink Panther has been created from archived, deleted scenes from previous Pink Panther movies that Peter Sellers starred in because he died before this movie began filming. The smoothness in presentation maintains the Sellers’ charisma and delivers a well-done and worth watching movie. Great work for Director Blake Edwards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Inspector Clouseau pursues a criminal who dares to steal the Pink Panther diamond.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jonathan D. Krane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers), Sir Charles Litton (David Niven), Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), Clouseau’s Father (Richard Mulligan), Bruno Langois (Robert Loggia), Professor Auguste Balls (Harvey Korman), Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), and Hercule Lajoy (Graham Stark).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film delivers full value as it delivers Inspector Clouseau’s unique efforts to solve crime via a series of unplanned mishaps that solve crime a la atypical sleuthing methods.

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Ben Meyers

MICKEY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS: SNOWED IN AT THE HOUSE OF MOUSE (Video Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed In at the House of Mouse—classic animated Christmas watch—easily becomes one of those annual seasonal watches that celebrates the season with that unbeatable Disney style. A very good story, well-voiced, and a pleasant moral that can be easily assimilated becomes the perfect animated choice for the season.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The House of Mouse becomes snowed in at Christmas time and not everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Craig, Roberts Gannaway, and Rick Calabash for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tony Craig and Roberts Gannaway for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Panchito (voice of Carlos Alazraqui), Mickey Mouse (voice of Wayne Allwine), Donald Duck/Huey/Dewey/Louie (voice of Tony Anselmo), Mr. Jollyland (voice of Jeff Bennett), Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson), Beast (voice of Robby Benson), Ludwig Von Drake/Mad Hatter/Grumpy/Gus/Captain Hook (voice of Corey Burton), Jiminy Cricket (voice of Eddie Carroll), Ursula (voice of Pat Caroll), Narrator (voice of John Cleese).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sweet, heartfelt, and well-done, this animated feature becomes a classic feature that works as a perfect child/adult share. Excellent tribute to the skills of Directors Tony Craig, Robert Gannaway, and Rick Calabash. Very nice trip down memory lane that belongs in the family’s home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOSTILES (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Hostiles—a Christian Bale/Rosamund Pike film—works. The cinematography shows terrific scope. The storyline doesn’t miss a beat in authentically realizing the genre of the western movie theme. Rosamund Pike plays a wide range of emotion well. A best work for Director Scott Cooper who successfully orchestrates a western film worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A single survivor from a Comanche attack joins a small military detail traveling to Fort Winslow and then on to Montana.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Cooper for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Byron Allen, Mark Borde, Chris Charalambous, Mark DeVitre, Carolyn Folks, Terence Hill, Jennifer Lucas, Donald E. Stewart, and Will Weiske  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wesley Quaid (Scott Shepherd), Rosalee Quaid (Rosamund Pike), Lucy Quaid (Ava Cooper), Sylvie Quaid (Stella Cooper), Buffalo Man (David Midthunder), Apache Man (Gray Wolf Herrera), Captain Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale), Master Sergeant Thomas Metz (Rory Cochrane), Corporal Henry Woodson (Jonathan Majors), and Captain Royce Tolan (John Benjamin Hickey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Western movie fans, this film restores the western movie genre to its former status, following the style of the 1950s and 1960s. It’s true to the genre and easily accomplishes a Bravo! performance for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KICKING & SCREAMING (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Kicking & Screaming quickly earns its place as a good child/adult share. A surprise casting choice of Will Farrell offset with Robert Duvall absolutely works in this quite good comedy. The film is one of Will Farrell’s better works. Seeing Mike Ditka adds spice to the story. Look for a young Josh Hutcherson in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Phil Weston (Will Farrell) believes he is his own man, not at all like his father, until he gets his own soccer team to coach.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jesse Dylan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Judd Apatow, Daniel Lupi, and Charles Roven for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Phil Weston (Will Ferrell), Buck Weston (Robert Duvall), Mike Ditka (Mike Ditka), Barbara Weston (Kate Walsh), Janice Weston (Musetta Vander), Sam Weston (Dylan McLaughlin), Bucky Weston (Josh Hutcherson), Mark Avery (Steven Anthony Lawrence), Hunter (Jeremy Bergman), Byong Sun (Elliott Cho), Ambrose (Erik Walker), Connor (Dallas McKinney), Gian Piero (Francesco Liotti), Massimo (Alessandro Ruggiero), and Jack (Sammy Fine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This flick has lots of laughter tucked into every scene. Will Farrell and Robert Duvall have good charisma and make a great casting choice for comedy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse sets the stage for its sequel. Watch for some terrific fighting scenes to include an epic battle between a vampire and werewolf. Great work for Director David Slade. The final scenes of the movie are exceptionally intriguing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vampire Victoria Sutherland (Bryce Dallas Howard) builds a newborn vampire army to avenge her husband.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Slade for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Riley (Xavier Samuel), Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Eric (Justin Chon), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Mike (Michael Welch), Angela (Christian Serratos), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Mr. Biers (Paul Jarrett), Mrs. Biers (Iris Quinn), Renee (Sarah Clarke), Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli), and Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse stands as a great sequel to The Twilight Saga: New Moon. This series of drama/action romances are some of the best out there.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A MAN CALLED HORSE (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

A Man Called Horse reminds us of why Richard Harris is considered one of the best actors of our times. The native American actors and actresses perform very well. The costuming and staging departments outdid themselves in quality. Outstanding direction by Director Elliot Silverstein shows heart and brings to life an exceptionally well-written and well-timed script that illustrates Native American ritual and life in a worthy manner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

English noble-born John Morgan (Richard Harris), after capture by a Native American tribe, integrates and becomes both a warrior and a leader.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elliot Silverstein for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Sandy Howard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buffalo Cow Head (Judith Anderson), Batise (Jean Gascon), Yellow Hand (Manu Tupou), Running Deer (Corinna Tsopei), Joe (Dub Taylor), Ed (James Gammon), Bent (William Jordan), Black Eagle (Eddie Little Sky), Longfoot (Michael Baseleon), Thorn Rose (Lina Marin), Elk Woman (Tamara Garina), Striking Bear (Terry Leonard), Medicine Man (Iron Eyes Cody), Medicine Man (Tom Tyon), and Medicine Man (Jackson Tail).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Excellent acting makes this movie POP! Thank you to all involved in making it a reality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NUMBERED (Television Release Israel 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Numbered—Holocaust documentary film—interviews survivors and, via the media of film, makes a living memorial of this traumatic event in their lives.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Jewish Holocaust survivors show their tattooed arm numbers and tell their stories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Dana Doron and Uriel Sinai for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s important to document and record the Holocaust survivors’ memories, reactions, and life lived after the event.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FACE/OFF (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Face/Off casts Nicolas Cage with John Travolta to produce an unusual flick based upon revenge. The film stands overall as a good movie with its fair share of action. The movie does not require a great deal of energy to work out the story line and quickly becomes a ‘sit back and enjoy the show’ piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Sean Archer (John Travolta), an FBI agent, engages terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) in a series of confrontations.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Woo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Douglas, Jonathan D. Krane, and Steven Reuther for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eve Archer (Joan Allen), Pollux Troy (Alessandro Nivola), Sasha Hassler (Gina Gershon), Jamie Archer (Dominique Swain), Dietrich Hassler (Nick Cassavetes), Victor Lazarro (Harve Presnell), Dr. Malcolm Walsh (Colm Feore), Prison Guard Walton (John Carroll Lynch), Hollis Miller (CCH Pounder), Tito Biondi (Robert Wisdom), Wanda (Margaret Cho), Buzz (James Denton), Loomis (Matt Ross), and Dubov (Chris Bauer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It performs a little above the status of a ‘B’ grade action film and is worth the watch. Great work for Director John Woo.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers