THE GARFIELD MOVIE (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  The Garfield Movie—comical and worth watching—has great animation, portrayal and presentation. It is a different kind of origin story, than what one would expect, but the story plays well and tells a really good story.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A cat is left in an open, wooden crate. The cat runs to an Italian restaurant and the man waiting there for service is Jon.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mark Dindal for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Steven P. Wagner, Craig Sost, and Namit Malhotra for making the film possible. Cast includes Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, and Ving Rhames.    Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a really good film and more than worth watching. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SNAKES ON A PLANE (Released to Theaters USA 2006)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Snakes on a Plane—suitable—relies highly on the screen presence of Samuel L. Jackson. Some adult content, nudity, and the variety of snakes striking people precludes its ability to be a family share movie.   Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline  An FBI agent transfers a witness to a crime from Hawaii to Los Angeles to testify. Henchmen load the world's most venomous snakes on the plane to end that flight.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director David R. Ellis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stokely Chaffin, Toby Emmerich, Penney Finkelman Cox, Justis Greene, Sandra Rabins, and George Waud for making the film possible. Cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Julianna Margulies, Nathan Phillips, Rachel Blanchard, Flex Alexander, Kenan Thompson, Keith Dallas, Lin Shaye, Bruce James, and Sunny Mabrey.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. The movie does provide its moments of horror as snakes are invading compartments loaded with people. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Released to Theaters USA 2000)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Rules of Engagement—inspired by true events— is about a military engagement and moves into a military courtroom for court examination of that engagement. This movie provides suitable entertainment and a look into military law. It's worth a watch; serves a mellow, interesting, and suitable story.  Watch for some of our best actors as they play the roles of protagonist and antagonist while resolving this court case: Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood, Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  An American commander orders his soldiers to open fire on protesters who are firing at his troops. Afterward, military court opens to investigate and possibly prosecute him for misconduct.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director William F. Friedkin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Adam Schroeder and Jim Webb for making the film possible. Casting includes Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Greenwood, Anne Archer, Blair Underwood, Philip Baker Hall, and Dale Dye.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This military trial case provides a nicely done view into the proceedings of a military court case and its final resolution. It's a good pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì Kingsman: The Secret Service  relies on high-level actors for  its team. The movie is spicy, creative and deserves its sequel. The camerawork is very good. There are some brief nudity and sexual references that could have been completely edited out due to irrelevancy to the story. Watch for some brief appearances of Mark Hamill. The film, overall, is a good watch. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A top-level British spy organization solves crime around the world. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Producer Matthew Vaughn for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dave Gibbons, Pierre Lagrange, Stephen Marks, Mark Millar, Claudia Schiffer, for making the film possible. Cast includes Adrian Quinton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Jonno Davies, Jack Davenport, Mark Hamill, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, and Michael Caine, Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. It's a good, action thriller that works for its time and money. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE MARVELS (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Marvels—Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson—works at the suitable to good level of entertainment. Brie Larson plays Captain Marvel. Samuel L. Jackson plays Nick Fury. A mid-credit scene at the end of the film hints that there will be a part three of the story.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Captain Marvel teams with two women to form the trio whose mission is to save the universe from an evil female alien.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nia DaCosta for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Victoria Alonso, Jamie Christopher, Louis D'Esposito, Matthew Jenkins, Mary Livanos, Jonathan Schwartz, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park Seo-joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Leila Farzad. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There is a taste of that Marvel charm written into the movie and the actors are well-chosen. The movie works overall at the good to suitable range.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KONG: SKULL ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Kong: Skull Island—everything is okay, but not great—serves as a good cult watch for the fan devoted to Kong movies. It is interesting to see John C. Reilly in the movie. The movie does not fare well when compared to the 2005 Peter Jackson version of King Kong. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: researchers look for life on Skull Island and find more than they expected to find. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and Alex Garcia for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary, and John C. Reilly. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. A Kong film lover may enjoy this movie. The animation is great. But, know that the better watch is Peter Jackson’s 2005 version: King Kong.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AMOS & ANDREW (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Amos & Andrew—good, campy, action comedy—has a unique flavor that adds to its watchability. It’s a tongue-in-cheek, sweet, light look at a series of social issues that still exist today albeit in a slightly different framework. The film is both entertaining and a welcome relief to the real scenario. WOW! It’s a nice return to times when stereotypes could still be examined within a comedic setting. The movie provides a series of unexpected turns that delightfully surprise and eventually lead to a completely unexpected conclusion. Watch the solid performances by Nicolas Cage and Samuel L. Jackson and the very good support casting of Dabney Coleman and Michael Lerner. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A police chief makes a mistake and tries to right the mistake by letting a prisoner out of jail with the promise he won’t have to go back to jail if he helps the chief. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director E. Max Frye for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gary Goetzman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Lerner, Margaret Colin, Brad Dourif, and Dabney Coleman. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has great scripting and presentation. It is more than worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

 

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man: Far From Home—improves on previous attempts to tell Spiderman’s story—relies on actor Tom Holland to work the kinks out of interpreting Spiderman’s character in Spider-Man: Homecoming and succeeds. Jake Gyllenhaal performs a terrific rendition of Mysterio and Samuel L. Jackson, as Nick Fury, is always welcome in the Marvel universe. Jacob Batalon is a perfect offset as Peter Parker’s best friend. Superhero movie fans will not be disappointed in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Spiderman continues his long tradition of fighting evil. 

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, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, J. B. Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr, Tony Revolori, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Marisa Tomei. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is one of the better Spidermen movies and will be much appreciated by superhero fans. Great work by all involved in production.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Legend of Tarzan—fun and almost exciting at times—did well in its casting of Alexander Skarsgȁrd for the part of Tarzan. It is good to see Samuel L. Jackson as part of this cast. Surprisingly, in a much overly done story, this remake turns into a fairly good watch that adds more depth to the original films about Tarzan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An embellishment on the original Tarzan stories. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Jerry Weintraub, David Barron, Alan Riche, and Tony Ludwig for making the film possible. Cast includes: Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, and Christoph Waltz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Fun and watchable. Good work for all involved. 

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

PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank—cute and entertaining, animated movie—runs on the martial arts theme and serves an original story that will appeal to the children’s audience. The animation is great. Listen for the voices of Samuel L. Jackson and Ricky Gervais.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young pup wants to enter the Samurai world which is dominated by cats. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Rob Minkoff, Mark Koetsler, and Chris Bailey for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Rob Minkoff , Adam Nagle, Peter Nagle, Guy Collins, Susan Purcell, and Yair Landau for making the film possible. Cast includes: Michael Cera, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, and Samuel L. Jackson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is worth watching and delivers some old-fashioned comedy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier—WOW! what a treat so see—contains lots of action. Everything about the movie is solid. Anthony Mackie as the Falcon adds value as does Scarlet Johanson as a wonderful Black Widow. Samuel L. Jackson returns as Nick Fury along with the unexpected and welcome addition of Robert Redford playing  Alexander Pierce. Great work for the Directors Anthony and Joe Russo. This entertainment piece makes viewers smile and leave a viewing room feeling sated and entertained. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Steve Rogers, while working for S.H. I.E.L.D., is assigned a partner with another agenda and then must fight an antagonist named the winter soldier. 

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: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, and Emily VanCamp. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie ranks as one of the better action films that Hollywood has produced. The film’s story is solidly built and easily earns its watch.  Thanks to all involved in making this quality action film.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FLUKE (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Fluke—a ‘feel good’ story, worth watching—has an original, creative concept with great voicing by Samuel L. Jackson and Matthew Modine. Although some of the actors/actresses seem to be prompted a great deal to get through their assigned dialogue and scenes, the movie presents a thoughtful presentation of reincarnation and life cycles. Watch for Ron Perlman and Bill Cobbs.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Fluke (voice of Matthew Modine), a dog who remembers who he was before being reincarnated, makes the long journey home to find his family.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Carlo Carlei for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom Coleman and Jon Turtle for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:Rumbo (voice of Samuel L. Jackson), Thomas P. Johnson (voice of Matthew Modine), Carol Johnson (voice of Nancy Travis), Jeff Newman (voice of Eric Stoltz), Brian Johnson (Max Pomeranc), Sylvester (Ron Perlman), Boss (Jon Polito), and Bert (Bill Cobbs).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Except for one suggested ‘sleepover’ scene, the movie is decent, clean, and serves as a good family watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

xXx (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

xXx—one of the best 2002 action flicks—stars Vin Diesel in one of his top performances. The movie did well at box office and created two sequels, xXx State of the Union and xXx The Return of Xander Cage, with a 2017 announcement of a fourth sequel. There are some very good, original stunts that mark this film as outstanding; some nudity places it more in the late teen to adult range. It’s a quality action film, well worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) is recruited to retrieve a biochemical weapon from a Russian terrorist group.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Rob Cohen for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Vin Diesel, Todd Garner, Arne Schmidt, and George Zakk for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Yelena (Asia Argento), Yorgi (Marton Csokas), Agent Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), Toby Lee Shavers (Michael Roof), Mila Sova (Richy Müller), Kirill (Werner Daehn), Kolya (Petr Jákl), Viktor (Jan Filipenský),  Senator Dick Hotchkiss (Tom Everett), El Jefe (Danny Trejo), Agent Jim McGrath (Thomas Ian Griffith), and J.J. (Eve).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of Vin Diesel’s best action flicks. Don’t miss it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers