INSTANT FAMILY (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Instant Family—strong, sound storyline—makes a good and honest presentation of foster care, adoption, and the diligence necessary to make a family work within that scenario. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne give an exceptionally realistic and worthy acting performance with their establishment of boundaries, acceptable behavior, and loving interest that consistently hold place through tumultuous family adjustment periods. The child actors/actresses have been well-chosen. Watch for some wonderful random appearances by Joan Cusack. This movie makes a good family share that offers quality after-viewing discussion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This family comedy drama film is about a husband and wife who decide to adopt three siblings. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sean Anders for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Allegra Clegg, Helen Pollak, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Merced, Gustavo Escobar, Juliana Gamiz, Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro, Tom Segura, Allyn Rachel, and Britt Rentschler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Instant Family is a terrific extension of Mark Wahlberg’s talent in film with its great story, presentation and portrayal. Good teen/adult share movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ONWARD (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Onward—good concept—has just the right amount of action with great animation and colorization.  The movie nicely presents the concept of older sibling endeavoring to take care of younger siblings in spite of not doing the ‘perfect’ job. It has its sentimental moments, suitably portrayed. The movie needs enhancement of soul. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two brothers wish to spend a day with their deceased father. So, they try to bring him back with magic. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dan Scanlon for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kori Rae for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Octavia Spencer. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as a child/adult share that involves the child a little more than the adult. 

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HIDDEN FIGURES (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hidden Figures—inspiring storyline—is fresh, original, and creative. This ‘do not miss’ movie provides good, educational history for all audiences and terrific after viewing discussion material for every audience. It’s clean, honest, and based on a true story. Watch for terrific performances by Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, and Janelle Monae. The movie qualifies as an outstanding video to add to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This biographical drama film is about black women who were essential to the space age program. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Theodore Melfi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Donna Gigliotti, Peter Chemin, Jenno Topping, Pharrel Williams, and Theodore Melfi for making the film possible. Cast includes: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, and Glen Powell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘stand up and cheer’ movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers