GRAND PIANO (Fantastic Fest Austin Texas USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Grand Piano starts slowly. Watch for an interesting impression in the beginning scenes where Elijah Wood profiles in a doorway as a younger version of Alfred Hitchcock before proceeding to the piano.  By the time he seats himself and commences the beginning notes of his assigned piece, one begins thinking this film is definitely worth a bag of popcorn. When Elijah Wood hears John Cusack, as the character Clem, tell him what to do, the movie turns into one of most intense thrillers on today’s market. The realism of the film is irreproachable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Tom Selznick (Elijah Wood), a professional piano player, left public performance 5 years ago after making a mistake on “La Cinquette,” a difficult score often called unplayable. When he is asked to perform in Chicago, he finds himself under threat to play “La Cinquette” flawlessly to protect himself and his wife from murder.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Eugenio Mira for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Mercedes Gamero, Mikel Lejarza, Myles Nestel, and Núria Valls for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Clem (John Cusack), Emma Selznick (Kerry Bishé), Ashley (Tamsin Egerton), Wayne (Allen Leech), Norman Reisinger (Don McManus), Assistant (Alex Winter), A & V Interviewer (Dee Wallace), Janitor (Jim Arnold), and Patrick Godureaux (Jack Taylor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a freshly done thriller.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Stars ìììì

How To Train Your Dragon—a truly well done animation feature—puts Dreamworks at the top of the 2010 animated film presentations’ list, outclassing Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled. It’s an excellent choice for the adult/child share. It’s NOT predictable. The dragons are wonderfully done. It isn’t a message movie by any means and yet it teaches in a wonderful way. The voices have been very well chosen: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson. There are several wonderful scenes where the main character discovers that the Night Fury, a particularly dangerous dragon, can be just as much a friend as a foe. This film has comedy worked into the script and turns into a ‘just plain fun to watch’ film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Fifteen-year-old Hiccup (voice of Jay Baruchel), too small in stature to be a dragon warrior, spends his time fashioning inventions at the village blacksmith shop. He does, however, take down a dragon with his bolas and over time finds that this dragon can be tamed. This fact leads to a new relationship between humans and dragons.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Kristine Belson and Tim Johnson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stoick (voice of Gerard Butler), Gobbler (voice of Craig Ferguson), Astrid (voice of America Ferrera), Snotlout (voice of Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (voice of Christopher Mintz-Plasse), Tuffnut (voice of T.J. Miller), Ruffnut (voice of Kristen Wiig), Ack (voice of Robin Atkin Downes), Starkard (voice of Philip McGrade), Hoark the Haggard (voice of Kieron Elliott), Phlegma the Fierce (voice of Ashley Jensen), and Spitelout (voice of David Tennant).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Dreamworks has consistently produced interesting animated features that can be re-watched again and again by a wide ranged age group—Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, The Prince of Egypt, and The Croods. This film is a definite re-watch film with entertainment for everyone built in.

Video Critique Available Here

Ben Meyers

HORRID HENRY: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release UK 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.0|5.0 Stars ìì

Horrid Henry—could have been a truly outstanding children’s film. But, unlike films like The Cat In The Hat, The Lorax, and Horton Hears a Who!, that completely capture the spirit of the Dr. Seuss’ stories for outstanding movie experiences, Horrid Henry fails to capture the essence of the original Horrid Henry book series. In that failure, it also fails as a movie. Script writer Lucinda Whitely and Director Nick Moore have created confusion in their character presentation. The focus should be 96 percent on Horrid Henry’s character. Instead, the film waivers between too many good, strong characters who seem to overpower the persona of Horrid Henry. If the producers had chosen to present this film as an animated film rather than a live action film they may have been more successful as children’s books often do quite well in the animated format. Of course, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is the perfect example of a children’s book that presents itself beautifully in the live action format while the Horrid Henry film short circuits from its beginning. This film needs the author’s critical input. That missing author input which was so significant to the success of movies like Mary Poppins and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series makes a sequel to Horrid Henry undesirable. Watch for Actress Angelica Huston’s (from Addams Family and Addams Family Values) performance as Horrid Henry’s home room teacher. She’s great, as usual.

Storyline 

Henry (Theo Stevenson) goes to school without his homework. Henry has his friend, Brainy Brian (Reuben Lee), forge a note for his teacher with the explanation that he doesn’t have his daily homework because it was destroyed. Miss Battleaxe (Angelica Huston) knows the note is forged and puts Henry in after school detention. Later, when the school fails its inspection, Henry initially rejoices; but as the full impact of the closure is realized, finds that he must save his school, the teachers, and its students.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nick Moore for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Brett, Allan Niblo, James Richardson, Tim Smith, James Swarbrick, Mike Watts, and Nigel Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vic Van Wrinkle (Richard E. Grant), Miss Lovely (Parminder Nagra), Dad (Mathew Horne), Ed Banger (Noel Fielding), Great Aunt Greta (Prunella Scales), Soggy Sid (David Schneider), Demon Dinner Lady (Jo Brand), Mum (Siobhan Hayes), Rich Aunt Ruby (Helen Lederer), Miss Oddbod (Rebecca Front), and Prissy Polly (Kimberley Walsh).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There is more entertainment value in Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Matilda.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Stars ììì

Escape From New York—a film whose advertising built great anticipation—did not even come close to movies like Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. The film needs pulse. However, it’s a treat to see Ernest Borgnine, Lee Van Cleef, and Donald Pleasance acting on screen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The United States government has walled off parts of Manhattan to serve as an enlarged maximum security prison. Terrorists attempt to crash Air Force One with the United States President (Donald Pleasence) aboard. The President escapes the crash in an escape pod which lands inside the borders of the maximum security prison. Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) is hired to rescue the president.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Carpenter. Thank you to Producers Larry J. Franco and Debra Hill for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hauk (Lee Van Cleef), Cabbie (Ernest Borgnine), The Duke (Isaac Hayes), Girl in Chock Full O’Nuts (Season Hubley), Brain (Harry Dean Stanton), Maggie (Adrienne Barbeau), Rehme (Tom Atkins), Secretary of State (Charles Cyphers), Taylor (Joe Unger), and Romero (Frank Doubleday).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It has its memorable scenes like a particularly strong wrestling match between Snake Plissken and the prisoner Slag (Ox Baker).

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Kubo and the Two Strings—Bravo! Encore, Encore! The stop motion animation from Laika really catches the eye. The special effects are a visual treat. It’s one of the best animated films since Big Hero 6. Director Travis Knight has got my ticket for future films; it looks like anything he’s got is probably going to be a visual classic. Only downside is a boat scene where the monkey and her sister fight; it’s a bit bland and needs to find its pace.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kubo (voice of Art Parkinson) lives in a cave and takes care of his mother Sariatu (voice of Charlize Theron). He makes his living  by telling a warrior story about his father to the village people. But, he does not know the end of the story and his mother due to a head injury cannot remember the ending to the story. When Kubo learns of a festival that enables people to talk to the dead, he unsuccessfully attempts to talk to his father. He becomes angry that his father does not appear and he inadvertently stays out past dark (which he was warned not to do). He is attacked by his mother's witch-like sisters, Karasu and Washi (voice of Rooney Mara); but his mother appears, fights them away, and sends him to a place where they cannot find him. The adventure begins as Kubo works to find his way back to the village and Sariatu.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors and Producers Travis Knight and Arianne Sutner for directing the film and making it possible. Additional characters/cast include: Monkey (voice of Charlize Theron), Moon King (voice of Ralph Fiennes), Kameyo (voice of Brenda Vaccaro), Hashi (voice of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Mari (voice of Meyrick Murphy), Hosato (voice of George Takei), Beetle (voice of Matthew McConaughey), Minae (voice of Minae Noji), Aiko (voice of Alpha Takahashi), Miho (voice of Laura Miro), and Ken (voice of Ken Takemoto).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is one of the best animations of 2016. Fabulous work for Director Travis Knight and Laika Studios.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BUCK AND THE PREACHER (New York City New York State Premier USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Buck and the Preacher—directed by Sidney Poitier—is enjoyable for a Western movie format. It’s a pleasure to see Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte working together to produce this story. The storyline, however, is difficult to follow and it’s not clear why the ‘good guys’ attempt to rob a post office and a bank. But, for a western it is what it is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Buck (Sydney Poitier) leads an all-black wagon train of freed Civil War slaves to the West for a better life. Deshay (Cameron Mitchell) raids the wagon train to take the freed slaves back to Louisiana. The Preacher (Harry Belafonte), who has his own personal fight with Buck, joins forces with Buck to fight against Deshay. Then, Buck and the Preacher decide to raise money for the wagon train by robbing a bank.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Sidney Poitier and Joseph Sargent for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Joel Glickman, Harry Belafonte, and Sidney Poitier for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Floyd (Denny Miller), Madam Esther (Nita Talbot), Sheriff (John Kelly),and Headman (Tony Brubaker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an interesting watch. Good to see the film in full.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLANK CHECK * (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Stars ììì

Blank Check—explores what would happen to a million dollars if placed into the hands of a twelve-year-old. While there’s nothing new here, the film performs as a simple, straight forward, fair-to-middling afternoon watch for the young teen/adult audience. While the improbability of a young child being able to steal a million dollars and to be enabled to buy the things he bought without detection puts the script in the ‘fantastic happenings’ category, it’s still good story telling and stays true to its purpose.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bank robber Carl Quigley (Miguel Ferrer) runs over twelve-year-old Preston Waters’ (Brian Bonsall) bicycle and gives him a signed blank check to take home to his parents to buy a new bicycle. Preston takes the check home and fills in the blank spaces for $1,000,000. He then goes on a $1,000,000 spending spree while Carl Quigley and his accomplices search desperately for Preston and their money.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rupert Wainwright for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Blake Snyder and Hilary Wayne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shay Stanley (Karen Duffy), Fred Waters (James Rebhorn), Sandra Waters (Jayne Atkinson), Ralph Waters (Michael Faustino), Damian Waters (Chris Demetral), Biderman (Michael Lerner), Juice (Tone Loc), Henry (Rick Ducommun), Butch (Alex Zuckerman), Riggs (Alex Morris), and Yvonne (Debbie Allen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a light, fun romp.

* Also known as Blank Cheque

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Stars ììì

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey—a simple story that appeals to a children’s audience—doesn’t give us anything new. It’s a ‘feel good’ movie that supports itself on great voices like Michael J. Fox, Don Ameche, and Sally Fields. Children will enjoy the animal interaction. The ‘talking’ is done with narration and gives one the idea that the animals are telepathically communicating rather than using computer animation for mouth movement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two dogs and a cat, Chance (voice of Michael J. Fox), Shadow (voice of Don Ameche), and Sassy (Sally Field) take a journey home from a California country ranch to San Francisco.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Duwayne Dunham for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Donald W. Ernst and Kirk Wise for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Molly’s Father (Don Alder), Desk Sergeant (Ed Bernard), Jamie Seaver (Kevin Chevalia), Research Assistant (Anne Christianson), Vet (Ted D’Arms), Forest Ranger Mark (Woody Eney), Laura Burnford-Seaver (Kim Greist), Forest Ranger (Rich Hawkins), Bob Seaver (Robert Hays), and The Caterer (Nurmi Husa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a clean, decent watch for children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

QUEEN OF KATWE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Stars ììì

Queen of Katwe—based on a true story—details the conflict involved in escaping an African slum while helping an entire family do better. While the acting is average, the out-of-country scenery and third world living conditions (which are not spared) more than repair any challenges this film may have. Watch for David Oyelowo (The Butler) in this film. While this film lost money at the box office, it is a sleeper and well worth family viewing time.

Movie Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ten-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) becomes an outstanding chess player. Raised in poverty-stricken circumstances, she finds it difficult to navigate between her real environment and the one offered by her chess-playing abilities.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mira Nair for her directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Troy Buder and Connor Schell, Will Weiske, and Daniel Silver for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o), Mugabi Brian (Martin Kabanza), Night (Taryn Kyaze), Young Richard (Ivan Jacobo), Older Richard (Nicolas Levesque), Ivan (Ronald Ssemaganda), Benjamin (Ethan Nazario Lubega), Gloria (Nikita Waligwa), Joseph (Edgar Kanyike), Sara Katende (Esther Tebandeke), and Hope Katende (Hope Katende).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s refreshing to see a film built around a passion for Chess, set in Africa, and the changes that high performance brings to a young player.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MONEY PIT (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì

The Money Pit—comedy—stars Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. It’s a light comedy and has ‘B’ grade entertainment appeal. Particularly enjoyable scenes involve construction workers and their interaction with the owners of the home. There are some sexual references.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Walter Fielding (Tom Hanks) and Anna Crowley (Shelley Long) buy a lovely mansion at an exceptionally good price and quickly find that their darling purchase is falling apart. As their relationship with each other becomes increasingly strained, contractors come in to renovate and update the whole building.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Benjamin for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Giler and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Max Beissart (Alexander Godunov), Estelle (Maureen Stapleton), Art Shirk (Joe Mantegna), Curly (Philip Bosco), Jack Schnittman (Josh Mostel), Shatov (Yakov Smirnoff), Brad Shirk (Carmine Caridi), Ethan (Brian Backer), Benny (Billy Lombardo), Marika (Mia Dillon), and Carlos (John Van Dreelen)

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s funny and, if you’re a Tom Hanks fan, it will suit nicely.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHAPERONE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Stars ììì

The Chaperone—a teen flick with some average acting by Paul Levesque. While it could have been an action film, it relies more on drama for its story. Paul Levesque may have been better cast in an action flick rather than a teen drama flick. It would be interesting to see him cast in several different genres to see what he can do. He looks good on screen and this movie will remind an audience of Dwayne Johnson’s early acting attempts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ray Bradstone (Paul Levesque) gets released from prison and decides to reconcile with his wife and daughter, live the straight life, and get an honest job.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer David Calloway for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Phillip Larue (Kevin Corrigan), Carlos (José Zúñiga), Goldy (Kevin Rankin), Dr. Etman (Enrico Colantoni), Meredith (Ashley Taylor), Josh (Israel Broussard), Augie (Darren O’Hare), Dr. Marjore (Lucy Webb), Ted (Jake Austin Walker), Simon (Cullen Chaffin), Brenda (Taylor Faye Ruffin), and Tracy (Conner Ann Waterman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This movie lost money at the box office. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Stars ììì

Trouble with the Curve—has great actors, a good concept—but makes its audience feel like it was churned out to pay the bills rather than seriously entertain. Clint Eastwood, when he succeeds, really succeeds and when he fails, really fails. This film fails to reach its potential. Box office sales reflect its mediocrity. It’s good to see Matthew Lillard from Scooby Doo fame (Shaggy) acting in the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Gus (Clint Eastwood), an Atlanta Braves baseball scout, seems to be losing his mojo. His daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), finds a terrific pitcher, Rigoberto (Jay Galloway), and the day is saved as Gus’ position secures.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Lorenz for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Tim Moore for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Smitty (Chelcie Ross), Lucious (Raymond Anthony Thomas), Max (Ed Lauter), Neil (Clifton Guterman), Law Receptionist (Carla Fisher), Rosenbloom (George Wyner), Watson (Bob Gunton), and Schwartz (Jack Gilpin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s got a long way to go to become a terrific sports film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NORM OF THE NORTH (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Stars ììì

Norm of the North—chose terrific voices for its animated characters; but, the film fails due to its constant barrage of ‘Save the North’ innuendos. It’s hard to swallow a whole fish at once. Small, palatable increments make a more enjoyable meal. This movie crams the whole fish down at once and loses its entertainment value. The story needs more fleshing out to really work and the character development is poor. Those two improvements would add a lot to this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The Polar Bear Norm (voice of Rob Schneider) has ability to speak to humans. He becomes involved with a real estate developer, Mr. Greene (voice of Ken Jeong), who desires to install a series of new homes in the Artic. The story is ‘on’ as the animals work together to forestall the home development plan.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Trevor Wall for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Silvio Astarita, Paul Cummins, Daniel Engelhardt, Noah Fogelson, Kamal Khanna, A.K. Madhavan, Xia Xiao Ping, Han Tao, Shi Wen, Rose Zhang  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Vera (voice of Heather Graham), Socrates (voice of Bill Nighy), Grandfather (voice of Colm Meaney), Tamecia (voice of Loretta Devine), Laurence the actor (voice of Michael McElhatton), Olympia (voice of Maya Kay), Stan/Pablo (voice of Gabriel Iglesias), Councilwoman Klubeck (voice of Salome Jens), Forebear (voice of Charlie Adler), Female Tourist (voice of G.K. Bowes), and Daughter (voice of Debi Derryberry).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This film is not the best in its class due to its heavily scripted environmental themes. For entertainment value, choose Ice Age instead.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WAY (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Way—turns into a surprisingly inspirational and breathtaking film. It’s about heart breaking loss, broadening perspectives, increasing understanding, love, heart, and healing. Kudos to Director Emilio Estevez for making a film from which everyone can gather insight. Emilio Estevez successfully accomplishes what few films are able to accomplish—universal appeal to human hearts with gentleness.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Thomas Avery’s (Martin Sheen) son, Daniel (Emilio Estevez), decides to walk the Camino Santiago, a Catholic pilgrimage walk, but dies in the Pyrenees at the outset of the adventure. Thomas Avery walks the Camino Santiago for his deceased son and scatters his son’s ashes along the way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Emilio Estevez for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Trevor Dirnkwater, Ramon Gerard Estevez, Julio Fernandez, Alberto Marini, Janet Sheen, John Sloss, and Stewart Till for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sarah (Deborah Kara Unger), Joost (Yorick van Wageningen), Jack (James Nesbitt), Eunice (Romy Baskerville), Doreen (Renée Estevez), Roger (David Alexanian), Cal (William Holden), and Phil (Spencer Garrett).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a solid film with its feet deeply dipped in goodness. It’s suitable for all ages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers