AT WAR WITH THE ARMY (Theatrical Release USA 1950)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

At War With the Army has Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin playing a terrific comedy duo. This movie is their third theatrical team effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A two-man song and dance team join the army.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hal Walker for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Abner Greshler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: First Sergeant Vic Puccinelli (Dean Martin), Private First Class Alvin Korwin (Jerry Lewis), Sergeant McVey (Mike Kellin), Eddie (Jimmie Dundee), Private Pokey (Dick Stabile), Corporal Clark (Tommy Farrel), Corporal Shaughnessy (Frank Hyers), and Supply Sergeant Miller (Danny Dayton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a light entertainment piece for an afternoon watch. It’s not a background flick. It requires some engagement to stay on top of the storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IRON MAN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Iron Man 2—better than Iron Man—has better special effects, storyline, and action scenes. The movie is worth a ticket and time investment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Iron Man continues to battle enemies while working with failing technology.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jon Favreau for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Louis D’Esposito, Susan Downey, Jon Favreau, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, and Jon Denis L. Stewart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), Natalie Rushman/Natasha Romanoff, (Scarlett Johansson), Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), and Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Robert Downey Jr. and Mickey Rourke establish the spice for this action entertainment film.

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Ben Meyers

BILL AND TED’S BOGUS JOURNEY (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey builds a quirky framework and then allows the story to randomly bounce around within the irregularly established boundaries. The outcome seems to put a new face on comedy so that the film is ‘kind of’ comical married to highly creative. The film becomes difficult to classify and definitely works at borderline cult classic. This is Alex Winters and Keanu Reeves second Bill and Ted movie casting and in some ways seem to have performed a little better than in the last film. William Sadler plays a great Death.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bill and Ted take a detour into death’s gate, make death their slave, and begin an adventure to regain their lives.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Hewitt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert W. Cort, Ted Field, Rick Finkelstein, and Barry Spikings for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ted (Keanu Reeves), Bill/Granny Preston (Alex Winter), Grim Reaper (William Sadler), De Nomolos (Jess Ackland), Rufus (George Carlin), Missy (Amy Stoch), and Sir James Martin (Jim Martin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is part of a series and is necessary if fans want to finish the series. The film works for the teen/adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here::

Ben Meyers

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: I CHOOSE YOU * (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You works for a child audience due to the lack of story development and its catering to ‘flash and dash’ for its entertainment value. If the audience is not familiar with the Pokémon stories, read a plotline before watching to maximize understanding. This is not one of the best films on the market for Pokémon fans, but it does tell how Ash got started and how Pikachu becomes his Pokémon.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A trainer takes on the chore of working with a recalcitrant Pokémon.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kunihiko for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sai Haraguchi, Minami Ichikawa, Tsunekazu Ishihara, Masato Kondo, Masakazu Kubo, Harold George Meij, Toshio Miyahara, Junya Okamoto, and Shin’ichirô Tsuzuki for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator/Professor Okido (voice of Unshô Ishizuka), Satoshi (voice of Rica Matsumoto), Ash Ketchum/Delia Ketchum (voice of Sarah Natochenny), Musashi (voice of Megumi Hayashibara), Kojiro (voice of Shin’ichirô Miki), Nyarth (voice of Inuko Inuyama), Pikachu (voice of Ikue Ôtani).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A better watch is Kubo and the Two Strings.

* Also known as Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You or Pokemon the Movie I Choose You

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Ben Meyers

THE MUMMY (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Mummy—as good a watch 20 years after it was made as the year it was released—deals action-filled scenes as rapidly as a card dealer shuffles a deck of cards. It’s a pleasure to be brought back to early film making techniques when a movie director actually bothered to pack the movie screen with enough ‘extras’ to impress the audience with the gravity of a situation. The hordes that fill war scenes in this film are more than impressive and allow the viewer to experience that sinking feeling of being completely outclassed and outnumbered. This movie runs strongly along the style of an Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark-type of adventure/fantasy and doesn’t miss a beat in slinging WOW entertainment everywhere. It’s completely re-watchable, has a terrific cast, and displays the skills of Director Stephen Sommers to full advantage.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An Egyptologist accidently resurrects Imhotep, an ancient high priest.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Sommers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Kevin Jarre for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), Jonathan Carnahan (John Hannah), Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), Beni Gabor (Kevin J. O’Connor), Dr. Allen Chamberlain (Jonathan Hyde), Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), and Dr. Terrence Bey (Erick Avari.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It promotes grandeur. Each scene supports itself on outstanding backdrops. No lack found here. It’s Bravo! Bravo! film entertainment for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

F.R.E.D.I. (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

F.R.E.D.I.—film with no bang—serves up afternoon entertainment that can play in the background while the audience accomplishes other tasks. Not the best in a lineup of entertainment choices, this film’s most redeeming factor becomes the robot. Without the robot, the film performs below the norm. Casting choices revolve around the median or average range.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A teenager finds a robot.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sean Olson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Christian Beckman, Blake Elder, Kerri Elder, Mike Yueming Li, Sean Olson, Johnny Remo, Felix Yiyan Tang, Jasper Bingfeng Yu, and George Yaming Zhang for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Andi Palmer (Kelly Hu), Grant (Angus Macfadyen), F.R.E.D.I. (voice of Candace Cameron Bure), James Nash (Lucius Hoyos), Danny (Reid Miller), Randy Nash (Tyler Christopher), Natalie (Casimere Jollette), Williams (Christina Cox), Brody (Texas Battle), and Lopez (Harvey Guillen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film needs much improvement to make that long shot. Nothing new here. Try the animated movie Big Hero 6 instead.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KING OF COMEDY (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The King of Comedy presents a more serious side to comedian Jerry Lewis. Robert De Niro, a terrific fully developed actor, seems a bit miscast for his part while Director Martin Scorsese seems to be scrambling to make everything meet and work with this mix of comedy and serious drama that works more like oil and water than a good gin and vodka. In spite of this, Director Scorsese creates a likable film that serves to educate as well as entertain.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A standup comedian puts together an elaborate scheme to launch his career.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Greenhut for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro), Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), Rita Keane (Diahnne Abbott), Masha (Sandra Bernhard), Ed Herlihy (Ed Herlihy), Band Leader (Lou Brown), Stage Door Fan (Loretta Tupper), Stage Door Fan (Peter Potulski), Stage Door Fan (Vinnie Gonzales), and Stage Door Guard (Whitey Ryan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a movie most audiences would shelve until there is nothing else to watch and then pull it down as a secondary choice to other movies. Fans of Jerry Lewis need to be aware that this is not usual Jerry Lewis fare. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OPEN SEASON 2 (Video Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Open Season 2 entertains at a little higher level than its prequel. The lead voices of Boog and Elliot are given to Mike Epps and Joel McHale. Acting, portrayal of storyline, and computer animation are good. Directors Matthew O’Callaghan and Todd Wilderman direct a movie worth watching for children, teens, and adults.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Weenie, a dachshund, accidently falls back into the hands of his owners and the forest animals decide to rescue him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Matthew O’Callaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jill Culton and Michelle Murdocca for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elliot (voice of Joel McHale), Boog (voice of Mike Epps), Giselle (voice of Jane Krakowski), McSquizzy (voice of Billy Connolly), Fifi (voice of Crispin Glover), Roberto (voice of Steve Schirripa), Bobbie (voice of Georgia Engel), Rufus (voice of Diedrich Bader), Mr. Weenie (voice of Cody Cameron), and Stanley (voice of Fred Stoller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The adventure is average, but interesting, and deserves one family viewing.

Video Critique Available Here

Ben Meyers

HITLER’S STEEL BEAST * (Video Release Japan 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Hitler’s Steel Beast needs more than 59 minutes to tell its story. Although one learns a great deal, one leaves the movie screen feeling as if there could have been so much more story than was shown. The narrator’s rushed presentation leaves an audience feeling more hurried than entertained which takes away from the enjoyment factor that makes a film great watching. The title supposes that the film will mostly detail Hitler’s train, but the film itself becomes more time-devoted to Hitler, what he did, and his growing paranoia that eventually led to his suicide at the closure of World War II.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Hitler and Hitler’s personal rail transport car receive an examination.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daniel Ablin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Vincent Attelé for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (François Delpla), Himself (Mark Felton), Himself (Luc Fournier), Herself (Séverine Fraisse), Himself (Clive Lamming), Himself (Paul Malmassari), and Himself  (Rainer Martens).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film could have been much better if it had talked more about the train than Hitler.

* Also known as Le train d'Hitler: bete d'acier

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GODZILLA (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla, with a few small tweaks on the script, could have been a great movie. Despite that, the special effects make this a good action thriller. Kudos to Director Roland Emmerich for a very good try.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nuclear testing produces a monster that terrorizes New York City.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Roland Emmerich, Ute Emmerich, and William Fay for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Niko Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick), Philippe Roaché (Jean Reno), Audrey Timmonds (Maria Pitillo), Colonel Hicks (Kevin Dunn), Mayor Ebert (Michael Lerner), Charles Calman (Harry Shearer), Lucy Palotti (Arabella Field), Dr. Elsie Chapman (Vicki Lewis), and Sergeant O’Neal (Doug Savant).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While the storyline has not been fully developed, the special effects and animation make the movie work for the ‘monster goes on a rampage’ fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CAPTURE THE FLAG (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

Capture the Flag should work as a good animated story, but it doesn’t. The movie doesn’t process well despite the fairly good animation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two children attempt to save the day for the Moon and for Earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Enrique Gato for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gabriel Arias-Salgado, Axel Kuschevatzky, and Jorge Tuca for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Richard Carson (voice of Dani Rovira), Amy González (voice of Michelle Jenner), Mike Goldwing (voice of Carme Calvell), Marty Farr (voice of Javier Balas), Frank Goldwing (voice of Camilo Garcia), Scott Goldwing (voice of Toni Mora), Samantha Goldwing (Marta Barbará), Steve Gigs (voice of Fernando Garcia Cabrera), Bill Gags (voice of Xavier Casan), and Igor (voice of Oriol Tarragó).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There are better animated films out there that work at higher levels of entertainment than this movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HONEY, WE SHRUNK OURSELVES (Relesed to Television USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves doesn’t work as well on screen as it must have worked in its pitch meeting and on paper. The movie lacks a good script, good acting, and portrayal of story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An inventor shrinks himself, his brother, his wife, and his sister-in-law.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dean Cundey for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Barry Bernardi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wayne (Rick Moranis), Diane (Eve Gordon), Adam (Bug Hall), Patti (Robin Bartlett), Gordon (Stuart Pankin), Jenny (Allison Mack), Mitch (Jake Richardson), Ricky (JoJo Adams), Vincent (Bryson Aust), and Trey (Theodore Borders).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This is the last movie in the 3-part series, but it is not the best of the series. Rick Moranis needs to move on to other films. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LBJ (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

LBJ—unique storyline—teaches a very large principle of leadership, oath of office, and procedure when power removes from one person and suddenly settles on the shoulders of another. The story, well-done, needs a stronger actor to play the part of Lyndon Johnson. Although Woody Harrelson resembles Lyndon Johnson, he seems to need more realism and force. On the other hand, Jeffrey Donavan looks a little like John F. Kennedy, but it seems that he also could have been better cast for resemblance or, at the least, had stronger makeup to replicate JFK. Outside of these minor criticisms, this film has a lot to say and becomes a great after watch conversation piece especially within the family setting. Thank you to Director Rob Reiner for showcasing the quality of determination in an inspiring and entertaining manner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lyndon Johnson assumes the presidency after the assassination of President Kennedy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rob Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Elizabeth A. Bell, Lloyd Braun, Daniel Alberto Casal, Chris Conover, Michael Ilitch Jr., Allan Mandelbaum, Julie B. May, Andrew Mittman, Glenn Murray, Hernan Narea, Danny Roth, Martin Shafer, Michael Tadross Jr., and Damiano Tucci. for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lyndon B. Johnson (Woody Harrelson), Bobby Kennedy (Michael Stahl-David), Senator Richard Russell (Richard Jenkins), Lady Bird Johnson (Jennifer Jason Leigh), John F. Kennedy (Jeffrey Donovan), Senator Ralph Yarborough (Bill Pullman), John Connally (John Burke), Walter Jenkins (C. Thomas Howell), George Reedy (John Ellison Conlee), and Kenny O’Donnell (Michael Mosley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a worthy film that speaks well of Lyndon Johnson’s carrying forward the political agenda of his predecessor based on his oath of office for the position of Vice President even though he disagreed with many of the protocols. Outstanding piece on ethics, humility, and proper understanding of position, place, and duty.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEGEND (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

Legend—Tom Cruise’s 7^th theatrical film release—doesn’t deliver despite the direction of Ridley Scott, a director who gained formidable skill over years of effort. The film has a low budget presentation and does not extract itself from that position throughout its delivery partly due to a small, trite storyline and its lack of continuity and flow. Special effects lack professional presentation, (i.e., the unicorn horn wobbles on the horse’s head). The quality of this director’s later films such as Black Hawk Down, Body of Lies, and Gladiator far surpass the quality of Legend.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Darkness fights for more than its share of space by an ingenious plan to eliminate unicorns, guardians of light.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arnon Milchan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack (Tom Cruise), Lili (Mia Sara), Darkness (Tim Curry), Gump (David Bennent), Blix (Alice Playten), Screwball (Billy Barty), Brown Tom (Cork Hubbert), Pox (Peter O’Farrell), Blunder (Kiran Shah), and Oona (Annabelle Lanyon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film shows as a low budget film both in presentation and story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLASH OF THE TITANS (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Clash of the Titans uses stop motion mixed with live action to create this movie’s special effects. Surprisingly, this 1981 version of the Titans performs at a similar level to the 2010 remake even though this film plagues itself with weak acting and lack of realism. On paper the story appears to work. On screen it fails despite a great concept.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Zeus, Perseus, the Kraken, and a host of other Greek mythological characters interact.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Desmond Davis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ray Harryhausen and Charles H. Schneer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zeus (Laurence Olivier), Hera (Claire Bloom), Thetis (Maggie Smith), Aphrodite (Ursula Andress), Poseidon (Jack Gwillim), Athena (Susan Fleetwood), Hephaetus (Pat Roach), Perseus (Harry Hamlin), and Andromeda (Judi Bowker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The animation effects for 1981 are great; but for now, not so great. However, this film is similar in quality to the 2010 remake.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LOGAN’S RUN (Theatrical Release UK 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Logan’s Run—sci fi without action—works as a drama, intent on telling the audience its story with nothing to back up its perfectly in place, imaginatively constructed world. There’s no character depth and that reflects the thin storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In this future prediction, everyone lives inside a pristine environment and dies at a pristine age—30.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Logan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Saul David for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Logan (Michael York), Francis (Richard Jordan), Jessica (Jenny Agutter), Box (Roscoe Lee Browne), Holly (Farrah Fawcett), Doc (Michael Anderson Jr.) Old Man (Peter Ustinov), 2^nd Sanctuary Man (Randolph Roberts), The Woman Runner (Lara Lindsay), and Billy (Gary Morgan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It works as a ‘droopy’ movie...lags in pace.

Video Critique Available at:

Ben Meyers