KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes—one of the best films made in the lineup of remakes of the Planet of the Apes stories—almost to the point of rewatchable. It not only asks a very important question of its audience but has superb animation that acts seamlessly with its live action actors. WOW! What a conceptually well done movie. Watch for Actor William H. Macy, a tremendously well-placed cast member. Listen for the voice of Raka the Orangutan sounding much like the voice of the late James Earl Jones but is actually the voice of Peter Macon. Wonderful imitation. This Planet of the Apes movie will more than satisfy audiences who followed the series from its beginning until now. Fun watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline  The Chimpanzee Noa, belonging to a clan who trains Falcons. When his village ravaged by a Gorilla and his henchmen. Noa sets out on a mission to find the remaining parts of his village who were taken captive.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Wes Ball for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick Jr., Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Jason T. Reed, and Matt Reeves. Cast includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Buy that ticket. This is a great movie to conclude the series even though there are hints there will be a sequel. The movie is bountiful and full. No lack found here. Its story is well-balanced and moves along well. Great work for Director Wes Ball.   Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Maze Runner: The Death Cure—wraps up the Maze Runner movie series as part 3—shows well despite its occasional over dramatization and off-and-on weak presentation.  The best part of the film is the train heist at the beginning of the film. It earns a watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An organization experiments on children who are thought to be immune to a virus. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wes Ball for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Joe Hartwick Jr., Wes Ball, and Lee Stollman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Snagster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancario Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Will Poulter, and Patricia Clarkson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film will be enjoyed more if one has been following the Maze Runner series of movies. It deserves a watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials—part 2 of the Maze Runner movie series—does not perform at the same level as the first film in the series. It complicates itself in storyline and presentation as it does not provide a strong enough link to the first movie. Read a plotline before you go even if you watched the first Maze Runner movie. The movie does have its thrills and some of the background scenery is quite good. There is a third film in this series: The Maze Runner: The Death Cure. These movies are unusual in that these young actors present a maturity that will appeal to both the teen and adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The days of experimentation on children are not over as a group of survivors from Maze Runner experiments discover. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wes Ball for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Lee Stollman, and Joe Hartwick Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scordelario, Thomas Brodle-Sangster, Giancario Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Lill Taylor, and Patricia Clarkston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the story is complicated and if an audience does not follow the series, it would be best to read a plotline before going to this movie as a standalone watch. This is one of the rare teen-actor movies that performs as a good watch for adults. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers