IRON MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Iron Man distinguishes itself with good concept and excellent casting. Robert Downing, Jr. once again stamps his excellence on a film and receives good backup from Jeff Bridges. Marvel Comic fans will love this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Billionaire Tony Starks (Robert Downey, Jr.) becomes injured in Afghanistan, captured by terrorists, and forced to work on developing a special missile for the terrorists. He builds himself an Ironman suit instead and becomes a superhero.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon Favreau for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Ari Arad, Peter Billingsley, Louis D’Esposito, Ross Fanger, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, and David Maisel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Rhodey (Terrence Howard), Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Christine Everhart (Leslie Bibb), Yinsen (Shaun Toub), Raza (Faran Tahir), Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), General Gabriel (Bill Smitrovich), Abu Bakaar (Sayed Badreya), and JARVIS (voice of Paul Bettany).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If you’ve got to see an Iron Man movie, it doesn’t get any better than this one.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Avengers: Endgame—odd conclusion that seems disjointed from its story—runs as ‘not well thought out and complicates itself.’ It’s 2-hour build up leaves the audience flat at the end. The camera work, the animation, and the acting are good to great. It’s a good watch for superhero fans, but not for general audiences. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Avengers unite to recover the infinity stones so that life in the universe can be restored. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Jon Favreau, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin, and Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. If one wants to finish the series, this is it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man: Homecoming—a type of reboot of the 2002 classic film—does not take the audience through the spider bite and getting superpowers. The movie begins with Spider-Man as the lone vigilante and goes into his recognition by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) as a possible recruit into the Avengers. It’s easy to accept Tom Holland in the role of Spider-Man. The film does not play like the usual super hero movie but it serves as a good watch for the superhero fan and sets itself up for sequels due to the invitation for Spider-Man to become part of the Avengers. Watch for Abraham Attah, from the movie Beast of No Nation, in this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about Spiderman becoming part of the Avengers’ team and the fighting against the use of super-advanced weapons in the hands of criminals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Watts for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., and Laura Harrier. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch and has a nice twist in its concluding scenes seconds before the ending credits roll. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SR. (Video Release World-Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sr.—great camera work—uses black and white effects which allow a unique audience focus on dialogue rather than being distracted by color. The movie is like a whole that has been fragmented into many pieces which the audience needs to make into a whole…much in the same way as one would study a Picasso piece of art and may try to piece it back together for understanding. Director Chris Smith fabulously catches the dichotomy between two lives and the way they affect each other and the preparatory work that leads to Jr. Downey’s terrific success as an actor. Be aware this movie is intensely personal and sentimental. The final scenes are particularly moving and Downey Jr.s’ final concluding lines warrant the entire watch. 

Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Robert Downey, Jr. creates a movie that documents some of the last years that he and his father share together. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey, Emily Barclay Ford, and Kevin Ford for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Downey Sr. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has been formatted in a type of collage and becomes particularly interesting in that it raises more questions than it answers. It particularly is of interest to persons who wish to know more about the Downey family. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Captain America: Civil War seems out of place from other Marvel stories. The story itself is well presented, well written, and well-acted but it seems odd to take these characters out of the hero role and place them in a role that seems more criminal than hero. While this movie is meant to be the 3^rd part of the Captain America series, it is so different that it can be watched as a stand-alone movie. It does not seem to relate to films like Avengers: infinity War because of different introductions to certain characters such as the Spiderman.  There is much more backstory on Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) which is quite welcome. Other than that, this is a movie that will satisfy the Marvel superhero fan. Just be prepared for an entirely different portrayal of superheroes. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The United Nations plans to ‘manage’ the Avengers. The Avengers divide opinion over whether this is a good action or a bad action. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Anthony Russo and Joe Russo for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Marisa Tomei, Tom Holland, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Daniel Bruhl, and Martin Freeman. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves the Marvel superhero fan well. It is a stand-alone film that does not have to be sequentially watched and has a worthy storyline supported by good action scenes. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Avengers: Infinity War is complicated because of all the A-list actors and actresses playing several of the Marvel characters in the Marvel Universe within the storyline. The exceptions to inclusion in this film are X-Men and Nick Fury and many more. Stan Lee gets his usual cameo. Watch for it as it is exceptionally easy to miss in this movie. Tom Holland is the British actor who takes on the Spiderman suit as was already established in several movies unrelated to Avengers. This movie is epic, takes viewers on a strongly themed good versus evil storyline, and leaves viewers hanging for the sequel, Avengers: End Game. It's a WOW! movie that earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about acquiring the six stones that allow control of infinity. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Anthony and Joe Russo for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt, and Zoe Saldaňa. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While the movie complicates itself with a barrage of characters, it is precisely because nearly all the Marvel characters appear in the film and because the storyline is terrific and well executed that make it a WOW! movie. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Avengers: Age of Ultron—this second film is better than the first Avengers movie—has a type of synergy that the first movie could not accomplish. Watch for some new superheroes like Vision and Wanda (from Disney+ television) who are incorporated into this movie’s storyline and, of course, the traditional sneaking in of Stan Lee in a cameo appearance. This film’s Marvel characters overflow like a huge bouquet on a small table and provide a basically good entertainment piece. Good work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The strongest and best fighters for earth join forces to rid it of the latest threat to its peace and happiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Joss Whedon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victoria Alonso, Louis D’Esposito, Jon Favreau, Alan Fine, Jeremy Latcham, Stan Lee, and Patricia Whitcher for making the film possible. Cast members include: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a bit better than its prequel, can be enjoyed as a family, and earns its watch.  

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

IRON MAN 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Iron Man 3—concludes the Iron Man series—wisely reprises Robert Downey Jr. in his role as Iron Man. Downey Jr. does not miss one opportunity to continue to develop the personality of Iron Man to its maximum. The villains are well-chosen with Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce. Watch for William Sadler and Don Cheadle. This Iron Man works at an eclectic level that requires mental attention and a quick ear to follow the plotline. The movie lacks nothing and provides good entertainment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Iron Man fights against a force intent on destroying him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shane Black for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, William Sadler, Miguel Ferrer, Jon Favreau, and Ben Kingsley 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Robert Downey Jr., as usual, is superb. This is another great Iron Man watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SHAGGY DOG (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Shaggy Dog can work both for a child and adult watch.  The film has some dog humor that does not serve comedy needs well. The original Shaggy Dog  film is a better watch than this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The film starts with Shaggy Dog, a 300-year-old bearded collie, living and worshipping in an Indian monastery, then quickly moves to an exciting kidnapping, and transporting of the Shaggy Dog to an American medical research laboratory that hopes to find the secret of its long life in its blood. The shaggy dog escapes with a syringe of its blood, makes its way to an elevator, and leaves the lab. It bites Tim Allen; Tim Allen turns into a shaggy dog and the movie is off and running

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bryan Robbins for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Matthew Carroll, William Fay, Todd Lieberman, and Robert Simonds for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dave Douglas (Tim Allen), Rebecca Douglas (Kristin Davis), Carly Douglas (Zena Grey), Josh Douglas (Spencer Breslin), Ken Hollister (Danny Glover), Dr. Kozak (Robert Downey Jr.), Justin Forrester (Joshua Leonard), Trey (Shawn Pyfrom), and Dr. Gwen Lichtman (Bess Wohl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s an okay, fill-in-time film that runs on an odd storyline that is a complete rewrite from the original movie.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers