THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Theatrical release USA 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Three Musketeers—good concept—pits the brashness of youth against the experience of seasoned warriors to make a good watch but, unfortunately, is not ‘up to par’ with most Disney productions. Some scenes seem a little overdone while others are not realistic enough for this movie. The movie can be a bit ‘campy’, but also has its comical scenes and has a happy ending. Be aware that the film has some suggestive scenes. 

Film poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man desires to be a part of the three musketeers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joe Roth and Roger Bimbaum for making rhe film possible. Cast includes: Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O’Donnell, Oliver Platt, Tim Curry, and Rebecca De Mornay. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It‘s an okay watch, but seems weak and not one tailored for most Disney audiences. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men: First Class—suitable, but not as outstanding as expected—has an oddly chosen cast. The script varies widely in quality….good in some places, poor in other places. Overall, the movie does not have consistency in delivery. The movie still retains that comic book campy, comical, cheesiness which haunts these type of movies.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

In Auschwitz concentration camp, a young boy finds he has the power to bend metal gates. Others find talents they have to teleport, produce cyclones, and shapeshift.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matthew Vaughn for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, and Gregory Goodman for making the film possible. Cast includes: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Oliver Platt, and Kevin Bacon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie tells a back story of Charles Xavier/Professor X and Eric Lensherr/Magneto, Raven/Mystique, and Hank/Beast among others of the X-Men characters featured in sequels made before this film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FROST/NIXON (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Frost/Nixon—fabulous, tense watch—balances itself with excellent dialogue and a cast that works seamlessly together to tell the story. Watch for Kevin Bacon’s outstanding performance. Pitting Michael Sheen against Frank Langella completely works. This movie is more than worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

David Frost gets an interview with President Nixon after his resignation from the presidency.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer. Ron Howard, Tim Bevan, and Eric Feliner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Platt, and Sam Rockwell.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful, taut watch and worth watching. 

Ben Meyers

BICENTENNIAL MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bicentennial Man—thought-provoking, exceptionally creative, fresh—entertains deeply. The movie asks an important question about what makes a human, human. Who and what deserves ‘rights’? The movie concludes with an answer which provides good after-viewing discussion. Terrific Robin Williams film who acts with Sam Neil, Wendy Crewson, Embeth Davidtz, Oliver Platt, and Kirsten Warren. There are some unnecessary sexual scenes, but, for the most part, the film earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A home robot purchaser finds his robot is an anomaly and works with it to promote better human interaction. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz, Laurence Mark, Neal Miller, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Michael Barnathan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Wendy Crewson, and Oliver Platt. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie provokes thought about the differences between humans, machines, freedom to act, and rights of life. The film is completely entertaining and more than earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers