RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rise of the Planet of the Apes—stands the test of time—works due to some terrific rewriting of the script. WOW! This movie plays with the third and fourth films of the original series and combines them into a more plausible story than the original series did. The upgrade completely works because it plays with current time for a launch into future events. Watch for terrific computer generated, realistic apes. The movie deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: An intelligent ape who leads a group of apes into a rebellion against humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rupert Wyatt for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, and Andy Serkis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. What a concept! The movie completely satisfies Planet of the Ape movie fans. Watch for John Lithgow, James Franco, David Oyelowo as well as listening for the voicing of Andy Serkis for the character Caesar. One of the best remakes on par with the original series. Wow! Good job on turning the story inside/out. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

ANNA AND THE KING (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Anna and the King—wonderful remake of the 1956 Yul Brenner and Deborah Kerr classic, Anna and the King—does not perform as a musical, has a completely different tone, loses much of the romantic element of the previous movie and serves up better entertainment value. Chow Yun-Fat and Jodie Foster team well to give a background story of the westernization of Siam (Thailand).

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

An English teacher goes to teach the children from the royal court of Siam. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andy Tennant for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Bender and Ed Elbert for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jodie Foster, Chow Yun-fat, and Bai Ling. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes This is a wonderful remake of the original 1956 film. It completely earns its watch.

 Video Critique Available Here.

Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire—the fourth in the series—is the best Harry Potter movie to date. It's a terrific film for teen/family entertainment. It’s worth your time and your money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This film has Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) entered into the Triwizards’ Tournament where he consistently proves his high ethical values, courage, and care for others against very real dragons, frightening maze competitions, and underwater trials.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Mike Newell. Thank you to Executive Producers David Barron and Tanya Seghatchian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Bryce (Eric Sykes), Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski), Peter Pettigrew AKA Wormtail (Timothy Spall), Bartimius ‘Barty’ Crouch Junior (David Tennant), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams), Fred Weasley (James Phelps), George Weasley (Oliver Phelps), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Amos Diggory (Jeff Rawle), Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton).Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon),Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Mike Newell pushes the script over the top for entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers