NO ESCAPE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

No Escape turns edge of the seat excitement into some of Owen Wilson’s best work. While Owen Wilson seems to lend himself well to the comedic experience, sometimes with a little romance thrown in, he turns into an outstanding casting choice for this thriller/action movie. His talent lies, partially, in the wisdom of finding his own action style. It absolutely works. This film is among some of 2015s best thriller/action movies. Kudos to every actor in this film; the acting is some of the best on today’s market. The script is well done. No fault found in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

American Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson), his wife, Annie (Lake Bell), and their two daughters, Lucy Dwyer (Sterling Jerins) and Beeze Dwyer (Claire Geare), get caught in a Laotian rebel war.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Erick Dowdle for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Alexander, Andrew Pfeffer, Jeffrey Stott, and Gary Michael Walters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan, Thanawut Ketsaro, Chatchawai Kamonsaknitak, Sahajak Boonthanakit, and Tanapol Chuksrida.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is so well done that it is a re-watch just to see Owen Wilson in the fatherly, rescue role within the thriller genre.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DANTE'S PEAK (Released to Theaters USA 1997)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Dante’s Peak—low-key, easy-on-the-mind film—has its own tone that makes it a good watch for persons who enjoy disaster movies. Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton play realistic roles and work quite well as a team. A better volcano movie is the 1997 Volcano,  maybe because it has more lava than smoke and ashes.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  Harry Dalton, who specializes in volcano activity, is sent to Dante's Peak to investigate new activity from the local 'dormant' volcano.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Roger Donaldson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gale Anne Hurd and Joseph Singer for making the film possible. Cast includes Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton, and Charles Hallahan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film is surprisingly involving partially due to some good casting choices, good staging, and low-key presentation. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BLACK ADAM (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Black Adam—Dwayne Johnson with no muscles—has a few scenes that place his head on a computer generated body without his muscles. To change his look so drastically, is a shocking move. While it’s surprising to see him in this superhero movie, he obviously works his role. Pierce Brosnan has the same difficulty. He also obviously works his role and the result is that his acting, at certain places, seems a bit weak. It’s not the usual strong performance expected from either actor. The fault seems to lie within the story itself and its presentation. Some dialogue lines fall flat. The stoic persona demanded of the cast comes cold on the big screen. This movie could almost be a cult classic. Overall, the movie does not have the power to establish itself as a quality watch mostly due to the straight jacket that the cast is placed into that keeps them from finding themselves within their characters.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy wants to revolt against an evil king. The boy is recruited by wizards who desire to help him. 

Additional Thanks                                                 

Thank you to Director Jaume Collet-Serra for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Dany Garcia for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari, Quintessa Swindell, and Pierce Brosnan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie runs flat and misses the high quality standards usually found within this casting group. The story itself needs improvement. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

DETONATOR II: NIGHT WATCH (Television Release USA 1995)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Detonator II: Night Watch—much improved writing over the first film—delivers a more solid presentation and higher level of acting than the first movie because of the stronger story. Pierce Brosnan shows well in both action movies. Interesting and enjoyable, the movie deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Rembrandt painting returns to its home. An investigation shows it to be forged. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Peter Snell for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Pierce Brosnan, Alexandra Paul, William Devane, Michael J. Shannon, Lim Kay Siu, Irene Ng, Hidde Maas, Tom Jansen, Tomislav Ralis, Harold Bone, Rolf Saxon, Natalie Roles, Kate Harper, Mark King, Terry Diab, Ron Berglas, Suncana Zelenika, and Ron Li-Paz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This action film deserves its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DETONATOR (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Detonator—poor script—needs improvement due to the script writing. However, the movie is a perfect example of the director and actors making the best of a script that is not high quality. They show true craftsmanship as they work with what has been given and make it shine the best they can. Pierce Brosnan, Patrick Stewart. Alexandra Paul, Ted Levine, and Christopher Lee produce a solid 3.8|5.0 Star film that stands a little above most 3.8 rated films. Know that the film still makes a fair watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about international witness protection. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Peter Snell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Pierce Brosnan, Patrick Stewart, Christopher Lee, Ted Levine, and Alexandra Paul. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good show and worth watching as a quick afternoon watch. 

* Also known as Death Train

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers