GLADIATOR II (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Gladiator II—important story—relies on a wide variety of potential fights that a gladiator could be involved in.  It is not perfect, but is well portrayed and acted. Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Neilson perform well in this film.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A soldier from Africa is taken as a prisoner of war and appointed as a gladiator for Rome, Italy.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, and David Franzoni for making the film possible. Cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hachinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is one of the better gladiator stories produced. There is  some gore and violence in this film. Be aware it is NOT a family watch. There is an interesting scene that shows the flooding of the arena so that a sea battle with real ships could be viewed.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE WILD ROBOT (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì The Wild Robot—unique and colorful—flows with heart and sentiment. This movie is great for family share entertainment night. It has good portrayal and presentation. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A shipping crate with a new robot inside washes up on a seashore. Forest animals  accidentally activate the robot after the crate breaks open.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Chris Sanders for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jeff Hermann for making the film possible. Cast includes Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Catherine O'Hara, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The film could be interpreted as an environmental film but if that was the intent, know that it is not preachy and has a sweet story to tell. The multiple animal interactions increase the interest factor. It is a good child/adult share. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE EQUALIZER 2 (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Equalizer 2—a bit slower pacing than the original movie—bases its story on strong writing and an important story to tell. Be aware that the violence can be cringeworthy at times. The movie is worth watching for the information. Denzel Washington defines the role of a believable vigilante.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

 Robert McCall is back to clean up the streets of Boston. Instead of working at a home retail store, he works for Lyft Taxi.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer  Molly Allen, David J. Bloomfield for making the film possible. Cast includes: Denzel Washington ,Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Orson Bean, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Jonathan Scarfe, Sakina Jaffrey, Kazy Tauginas, and Garret Golden.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch overall and tells a great story. Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo reprise their roles. Vigilante Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has new villains to fight.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GREAT WALL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Great Wall—shows Matt Damon to good advantage—is very interesting and very watchable. It’s storyline is fresh, novel, creative, and original. The movie reminds the audience of the tremendous dedication China’s leaders took to building the wall through centuries of effort. The movie presents a likable, new interpretation of why it was built. Watch for Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, and Tian Jing who pull very good performances in this well-put-together movie.  The movie is worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images   

Storyline 

This monster action film is about: two soldiers, who looking for gun powder in China, are detained by the Chinese government due to their tale of encountering a monster. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Yimou Zhang for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alex Gartner, Peikang La, Jillian Share, E. Bennett Walsh, Zhao Zhang, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau, Pedro Pascal, Hanyu Zhang, Han Lu and Kenny Lin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Terrific choreography of the computer-generated monsters creates a very watchable and realistic film. the presentation or storyline is worth watching.   

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers