KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì  Knights of the Zodiac is an okay film that is not well written and a little convoluted. The characters are given to the audiences with little preparation and not much background or character development.  The acting, presentation, and portrayal are okay/suitable but the story itself seems pointless. It is difficult to decipher its meaning and how to relate that to the human world. It seems like a movie that started in the middle of another film and tried to make a new movie from it.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A couple adopt a girl who is a reincarnation.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Tomek Baginski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Yoshi Ikezawa, Joseph Chou, and Tim Kwok for making the film possible. Cast includes Mackenyu, Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Dacascos, Nick Stahl, and Sean Bean.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  No. It is an okay watch for the special effects, but not a scene turner for story. There's no WOW! factor here. The movie lacks originality and that necessary link to the human. An audience will not walk away from this movie and feel like it is memorable or like they've been given something very worthwhile. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Island—interesting concept—serves up healthy portions of seasoned actors to tell its story. Scarlett Johansson shows diversity of acting skill when one compares this performance to her later role as Black Widow in Marvel films. Watch for Brian Stepanek from Suite Life of Zack and Cody in this movie. The storyline has enough depth to provide an interesting piece of entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A human cloning operation is uncovered. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Bay, Ian Bryce, and Walter Parkes for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou, Sean Bean, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Steve Buscemi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is suitable and worth an afternoon watch to see how the story will play out. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

EQUILIBRIUM (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Equilibrium—a little like Matrix with its acrobatics—has a straight forward, futuristic plot, but it’s a little slow getting started because the main character, John Preston (Christian Bale) takes a bit too much time to work up the courage to revolt against a corrupt government. Overall? The film has a good concept and an intriguing story line.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

John Preston’s (Christian Bell) position requires him to assassinate persons who do not take government regulated drugs that suppress emotion. The new order requires destruction of any kind of artifact, music, artwork, or entertainment that provokes an emotional response. But, Preston, after losing his wife to governmental decree begins re-thinking his artificial world and leads a revolt to overthrow the government and re-create a ‘feeling’ world.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director writer Kurt Wimmer. Thank you to Executive Producers Andrew Rona and Bob and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Seamus (Dominic Purcell), Partridge (Sean Bean), and Officer in Charge (Christian Kahrmann).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. While it’s a fairly solid action/Sci-Fi flick, it takes too much time on the introduction of concept and not enough time on the body of the story. There are better choices out there: Minority Report, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Resident Evil, or Bourne Identity.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers