UGLYDOLLS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

UglyDolls—noticeable, loud message movie—works with extremely good voicing for the melodies within the movie. Unfortunately, the lyrics run with cliched content that most audiences are quite familiar with. Messages often kill a film’s entertainment value, but this message is presented palatably and can be swallowed while still enjoying the movie. This okay film has its perks but also contains noticeable flat spots. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

UglyDolls are sent to Uglyville and one of those dolls develops a desire to have a child of her own who loves her just the way she is. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kelly Asbury for directing effort. Cast includes: Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jones, Janelle Monae, Blake Shelton, Wang Leehom, Pitbull, Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Emma Roberts, Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX, and Lizzo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie has a nice message that needs to be told and it does have its perks. But the songs and the storyline are a bit cliched.  

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: The Next Level—sequel to the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle movie—is the third film in a series dedicated to the game of Jumanji. This movie allows the characters from the second Jumanji movie to reprise their roles. The movie gathers its entertainment value from a terrific cast, great acting, and its sweet ability to intermix comedy with action. The movie is a great choice to add to the Jumanji series in the home entertainment library. The film begs for its sequel. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Four friends re-enter the Jumanji game for the second time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Matt Tolmach, and Jake Kasdan for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Danny Glover, and Danny DeVito. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film provides an unusually good mixture of both comedy and adventure. The script is creative, fresh, and allows Dwayne Johnson another opportunity to show his diverse ability to play a variety of characters well. The movie makes a terrific addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle—fresh, fun, and comical—more than works for its watch and money investment. The dialogue is great and provides a non-stop patter to elicit laughter from its audience. It’s a welcome diversion from the over-the-top action movies that have been designed to keep their audience at the edge of their seats. The cast works so fluidly that one can only say thank you to Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, Bobby Cannavale, and Nick Jonas for good entertainment.  This is great work for all involved in production. The movie just works—all the way around.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Teens discover an old gaming console while cleaning out a school basement room as a detention exercise. When they decide to play it, they find themselves sucked into the game with a set of lives assigned to them and an adventure they will never forget. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jake Kasdan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt Tolmach and William Teotler for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is just fun to watch. It varies from the first presentation of Jumanji as it goes into comedy fairly quickly after establishing the basic personality of the cast members. There are a few suggestive scenes, but those scenes are made for laughs, and are clean and palatable. The movie makes a good teen/adult share and leaves a good feeling that one has been served a quite good comedy.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers