DADDY’S HOME (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Daddy’s Home does something rare in a comedy script—it keeps its comedic pace evenly distributed throughout the movie without a drop, dip, or single flag in style. The dialogue and scenes deliver a beautiful understanding of the nuances that play out between men of opposite character trying to work through and establish common meeting ground in a situation that seems to predict complete failure. The storyline is a little ‘edgy’ but makes that edginess work for the overall benefit of the film without offending. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg act their assigned characters through perfectly rendered body language, well-timed dialogue, and delightful coordination of choreography. Supporting cast members do not overshadow the lead characters’ roles. The film, from beginning to end, establishes itself as a terrific and thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

New step dad, Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), and ‘real’ dad, Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg), interlock horns over territorial rights.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sean Anders for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Anders, Riza Aziz, Jessica Elbaum, David Koplan, Joey McFarland, Diane Pokorny, and Kevin J. Messick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg), Sara (Linda Cardellini), Leo Holt (Thomas Haden Church), Megan (Scarlett Estevez), Dylan (Owen Vaccaro) Dr. Francisco (Bobby Cannavale), Griff (Hannibal Buress), Jerry (Bill Burr), Doris (Jamie Denbo), Dental Hygenist (Mark L. Young), Pete (Matthew Paul Martinez), Panda Singer #1 (Dave Davis), and Panda Singer #2 (James Harlon Palmer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves a sequel and sets itself up for Daddy’s Home 2 that adds John Lithgow, Mel Gibson, and John Cena to the story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OVER THE HEDGE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Over the Hedge—light, fun, animated watch—features recognizable voicing: Bruce Willis, Steve Carrell, Nick Nolte, Wanda Sykes, Eugene Levy, Allison Janney, Thomas Haden Church, William Shatner, and Avril Lavigne. The dialogue is witty and slightly reminiscent of The Nut Job animation series. It’s a good watch overall and serves as a good child/adult share as it serves that wide audience range. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Animals team to raid food from a neighborhood that is on the other side of a hedge. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bonnie Arnold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Gary Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte, and Thomas Haden Church. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This animated film has its fair share of comedy written into the dialogue, well-drawn characters, and easily becomes a good child/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HELLBOY (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hellboy is a better watch than the last two Hellboy films. The writing is stronger and David Harbour is the perfect casting choice for this movie. This film presents a grittier-looking Hellboy, but it also moves deeply into occult themes that can be slightly disturbing. The movie acts more like a sequel than a reboot and seems to ask for its sequel. The next film in production, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, looks like it changed the casting of the main character to Jack Kersey. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An evil blood queen is destined to be active again and Hellboy becomes involved with a host of supernatural beings that surround this event. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Neil Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin, Mike Richardson, Philip Westgren, Carl Hampe, Matt O’Toole, Les Weldon, and Yariv Lerner. Cast includes: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, and Thomas Haden Church. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The occult theme is noticeably on a different level and seems almost realistic. David Harbour plays a great Hellboy. The story itself is well written. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers