F9: THE FAST SAGA (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

F9: The Fast Saga—not as good as the previous three films—still consistently holds the expected story and serves action fans well. Casting did a great job of choosing John Cena as Dominic’s younger brother. Neither actor overshadows the other and the power balance is preserved. Good choice to move forward in future releases. A dip into Dominic Toretto's past in the introduction into the story is well done, but after that it seems almost run-of-the-mill until it gains pace as John Cena comes into the picture. The movie has a great conclusion and has already prepared the audience for Fast X  in the  mid-credit scene at the end of the movie. Good watch that revolves around family events in a racing world. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action drama film is about: Dominic and crew are on a mission to save Mr. Nobody. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeffrey Kirshchenbaum, Joe Roth, Clayton Townsend, and Samantha Vincent for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For Fast and Furious fans, this movie provides some background to Dominic’s family story to include his father and his brother. The movie earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

BLACK AND BLUE (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Black and Blue—WOW! Surprise!—presents a story that leaves an impression. Tyrese Gibson and Naomie Harris work story magic. Watch for Frank Grillo’s performance. Don’t start this one expecting a ho-hum storyline. It is a film many people will miss and wonder how they missed it when they finally view it. The movie paces well and almost defines the word riveting. Terrific conclusion is short and sweet without drag. The film hits all the bells and whistles and certainly earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                                             

Storyline 

A young female police officer becomes involved with a crooked partner and black mafia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Deon Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roxanne Avent, Glenn S. Gainor, and Joshua Throne for making the film possible. Cast includes: Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter, Reid Scott, Beau Knapp, Nafessa Williams, James Moses Black, Carsyn Taylor, Lucky Johnson, Deneen Tyler, Michael Papajohn, Nelson Bonilla, and Frankie Smith. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the right film for a night out with friends. Realistic and engages attention. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

 

Ben Meyers

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Fate of the Furious—almost as good as Furious 7—is making this series a better series going forward with its great storyline and presentation. WOW! What a concept! This movie makes a terrific choice casting Charlize Theron as a ruthless terrorist. She plays that character very well. The movie creates tremendous anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga which is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime as of the writing of this critique. Hopefully, the next film will live up to the last two films, both 7 and 8. Know there is a spinoff movie just for characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, titled Hobbs and Shaw. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Dominic becomes involved with loan sharks, cyberterrorists, and other criminals who make his life as difficult as they can. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director F. Gary Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Chris Morgan for making the film possible. Cast includes Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludicris, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Luke Evans, Elsa Pataky, Kristopher Hivju, Scott Eastwood, and Patrick St. Esprit. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. There is a new standard to the series that is noticeable…a move more to the lawful side of life and more stability in lifestyle. This movie builds anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga and Fast X. WOW! Fate of the Furious easily earns its watch with great acting and presentation. The movie makes a good addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

FURIOUS 7 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Furious 7—WOW!—encapsulates everything we know and love about this series  The Fast and Furious spirit is back in a furious way. Everything in this movie—the action, acting, special effects, presentation, and story—works. The movie surpasses all expectations of what this franchise can provide. Watch for good performance by Jason Statham and look for the cameo of Lucas Black in this movie. This is one film that is a Winner from the word go. This film has some suggestive themes and/or partial nudity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two criminals receive pardons and have re-settled in the United States but their criminal past catches up with them and they find themselves battling for their lives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fottrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Lucas Black, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Gal Gadot, John Brotherton, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch for Fast and Furious fans. No disappointment here. The film is great from the word go.   

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: Dark of the Moon—improved special effects—effectually reprises roles with the same actors/actresses present in  previous films in the series. Shia LeBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley work well together in this film. There are some suggestive elements, but besides that, it is a good general audience watch with likability that grows as the story progresses. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Another intervention is attempted to end the war between the Decepticons and the Autobots. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, Julia White, John Malkovich, and Frances McDormand.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This third movie in the Transformers series turns into a very good watch.  The next film in the series is: Transformers: Age of Extinction. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen—Part 2 of the Transformers movie series—lacks impactful action. The WOW! factor disappears even with the concluding wrap-up in Egypt. Know that the film has sexual references and some sex scenes. but overall is a still a great watch for storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about: Earth’s inhabitants form a treaty to unitedly eliminate all Decepticons from earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Joshn Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Shia LeBeouf shows well in this film and the movie does not let Transformer movie fans down.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers starts well and becomes one of those rare movies that improves as it goes along. The action sequences are the best part of the film. The animation of the transformers is still phenomenal by today’s standards. Look for a well written story and good presentation more than worth watching.  This movie is the first film of a 5-set movie series and has a spinoff film, Bumblebee. In addition, expect a June 2023 and a July 2024 movie addition to the Transformer movie series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two different Transformer civilizations with entirely different agendas battle it out on Earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor, John Turturo, and Jon Voight. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a terrific film with great special effects that works as a very good movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FAST FIVE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fast Five—neck-breaking, original, and fresh stunt work—defies biology and physics laws to deliver an action-packed eyeful of incredible movie entertainment. This film, part five of the Fast and Furious franchise, does not miss a drumbeat in entertainment value for the audience who loves outstanding stunt work and original action scenes.  The story is fresh and highly entertaining. The movie delivers fully for audiences who love action films. It is more than worth watching with a great presentation. WOW! 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about a group of thieves who target a drug dealer’s wealth in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Noritz, Vin Diesel, and Michael Fortrell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Dwayne Johnson, and Joaquim de Almeida. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie runs fast, requires attention to watch, and presents some terrific action scenes between Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel. This is part 5 of the Fast and Furious movie series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers