EIGHT BELOW (Released to Theaters USA 2006)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Eight Below—American rewrite of the 1983 Japanese movie, Antarctica—becomes a suitable watch as it educates about research stations located in Antarctica, the importance of dog teams, ice breaking ships, research grant money sourcing, transporting long distances in dangerous environments, wildlife native to that continent, and the resourcefulness of life that needs to survive. Paul Walker's character seems generic. He has not been assigned the more involved, distinctive role as in the Fast and Furious or Hours films. The movie is a suitable watch that does not require a great emotional or mental involvement.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline  Antarctic researcher looks for a rare rock thought to be present in that continent. An imminent storm requires immediate evacuation with no opportunity to rescue the dog team. The research guide attempts repeatedly to raise funding for the dog rescue.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director and Executive Producer Frank Marshall, for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Christine Iso, Masaru Kakutani, Roy Lee, Todd Lieberman, and Producers Patrick Crowley, and David Hoberman, for making the film possible. Cast includes Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Moon Bloodgood, Wendy Crewson, Gerard Plunkett, August Schellenberg, Jason Biggs, D.J., Timba, Koda, Jasmin, Apache, Buck, and Noble.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. The movie is not fancy. It's a 'no frills' telling of an event and the outcome of immediate decisions executed without forethought. This film may have had more impact if it had not flown under the Disney Studio network label and instead installed itself under the, now defunct, Touchstone Pictures studio banner.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BICENTENNIAL MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bicentennial Man—thought-provoking, exceptionally creative, fresh—entertains deeply. The movie asks an important question about what makes a human, human. Who and what deserves ‘rights’? The movie concludes with an answer which provides good after-viewing discussion. Terrific Robin Williams film who acts with Sam Neil, Wendy Crewson, Embeth Davidtz, Oliver Platt, and Kirsten Warren. There are some unnecessary sexual scenes, but, for the most part, the film earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A home robot purchaser finds his robot is an anomaly and works with it to promote better human interaction. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz, Laurence Mark, Neal Miller, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Michael Barnathan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Wendy Crewson, and Oliver Platt. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie provokes thought about the differences between humans, machines, freedom to act, and rights of life. The film is completely entertaining and more than earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Claus 2 extends the story from 1994's The Santa Claus movie. The best part of this movie are the elves and an animated reindeer. It's an okay, rather charming, holiday watch for families. Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Photos

Storyline  Santa begins losing weight and his Santa abilities. He starts turning into a regular person. He is informed that he needs to find a Mrs. Clause. if he wants to continue to be Santa Clause Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Lembeck for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baker, Rick Messina, James Miller, and William W. Wilson III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, David Krumholtz, Eric Lloyd, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Spencer Breslin, Liliana Mumy, Danielle Woodman, Art LaFleur, Aisha Tyler, Kevin Pollak, and Jay Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story is cute and makes a good natured holiday watch for families.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers