FIRE IN THE SKY (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Fire in the Sky—interesting, but average—takes its audience on another alien abduction tale. This movie is based on a true story, has average to good acting, and an exceptionally wide range of casting choices. Casting choices range from Robert Patrick who was the Robot T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day to Henry Thomas from ET: Extraterrestrial to James Garner to Noble Willingham from the Walker Texas Ranger series and Peter Berg. Not much storyline here except an interesting small explore into the way the abducted man's friends react to the man's abduction and the state of being of the man after he returns to earth.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man disappears and shows up again with a tale of alien kidnapping.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Lieberman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Wolfgang Glattes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Travis Walton (D.B. Sweeney), Mike Rogers (Robert Patrick), Allan Dallis (Craig Sheffer), David Whitlock (Peter Berg), Greg Hayes (Henry Thomas), Bobby Cogdill (Bradley Gregg), Blake Davis (Noble Willingham), Katie Rogers (Kathleen Wilhoite), Frank Watters (James Garner), Dana Rogers (Georgia Emelin), Dan Walton (Scott MacDonald), Cyrus Gilson (Wayne Grace), Buck (Kenneth White), Ray Melendez (Robert Covarrubias), and Dennis Clay (Bruce Wright).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie will be well received for the alien abduction film fan. It’s good work for all involved in production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUDY (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Rudy—based on an inspiring true story of Daniel E. ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger’s ambitions to play for the Notre Dame football team—plays on a long, rather drug out storyline. Though there are good elements within the story itself, it does not move itself along as do sports movies like Saturday Night Lights or Gridiron Gang or even, Draft Day. This film has great casting choices like: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Charles S. Dutton, Ned Beatty, the late Robert Prosky, and John Beasley with Beasley, despite his small part, being the strongest and most involved in his character. Beasley becomes so engrossed in his character to the point that one does not know if he is a coach or an actor. That kind of acting makes movies work.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia 

Storyline

A small-framed young man works to overcome obstacles to playing college football.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Anspaugh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Lee R. Mayes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Daniel Ruettiger (Sean Astin), D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Daniel Ruettiger (Ned Beatty), Mary (Greta Lind), Frank Ruettiger (Scott Benjaminson), Betty (Mary Ann Thebus), Fortune (Charles S. Dutton), Sherry (Lili Taylor), Pete (Christopher Reed), Young Sherry (Deborah Wittenberg), 7-year old Mark (Christopher Erwin), 9-year old Bernie (Kevin Duda), 11-year old Mark (Robert Benirschke), 13-year old Rudy (Luke MAssery), and 13-year old Pete (Robert J. Steinmiller Jr.).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A one time, interesting and inspiring watch.

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Ben Meyers

REQUIEM FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Requiem for the American Dream—documentary about Noam Chomsky’s ideas on economy, government’s interaction with people, and development of this nation—seeds diverse thoughts on a variety of subjects that lead to the thought that America is at the brink of great change. A complex documentary, that contains outstanding archival footage phenomenally placed to support the story, may require a good study into Chomsky’s life activities in order to understand where he is going with his initial assumptions. The camerawork is exceptionally professional in catching angles that give Mr. Chomsky unique settings in which to deliver his message.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Noam Chomsky details why the middle class has dwindled. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter D. Hutchison for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Diana Holtzberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Noam Chomsky), Himself (Alan Greenspan), Himself (Malcolm X), Himself (Richard Nixon), Himself (Barack Obama), and Himself (Mark Rudd). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. An intellectual audience will appreciate the depth of thought and presentation of Mr.Chomsky’s philosophy. Very persuasive speaker. 

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Ben Meyers

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Pride & Prejudice—not a high-end rendition of this classic tale—still manages to charm as a quality romance story. The story stands the test of time due to its high level of writing skill and Donald Sutherland does justice to his part in this British tale. Great casting choices. Portrayal is not shabby. It’s worth a watch.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Love becomes complicated when a wealthy man falls in love with a girl who has no dowry. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Wright for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin and Debra Hayward for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), Mary Bennet (Talulah Riley), Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike), Lydia Bennet (Jena Malone), Kitty Bennet (Carey Mulligan), Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland), Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn), Charlotte Lucas (Claudie Blakley), Sir William Lucas (Sylvester Morand), Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods), Caroline Bingley (Kelly Reilly), Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), Netherfield Butler (Pip Torrens), Mrs. Hill (Janet Whiteside), and Betsy (Sinead Matthews). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie, even though it is a romance, won’t cause its audience to cringe in its seat…it’s a 100% straight, clean film and deserves its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MUPPETS (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Muppets—exceptionally large puppet population—surprises due to the overwhelming presentation of unique puppets. Watch for Jim Parson's (Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory) cameo appearance and listen for his voice in the film for voicing at least one of the puppets. Jason Segal seems to be uncomfortable with his script lines and not as upbeat or happy as the other characters in the movie. Some song and  dance numbers seem a little out of place or a bit mistimed. Overall, The Muppets present a uniform story that concludes on a high note with relevancy to entertainment needs. Good work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The Muppets face down a greedy oil magnate.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Bobin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Martin G. Baker, John G. Scotti, Jason Segel, and Nicolas Stoller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Amy Adams), Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), CDE Executive (Rashida Jones), Kermit/Beaker/Statler/Rizzo/Link Hogthrob/The Newsman (Voice of Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy/Fozzie Bear/Animal/Sam Eagle/Marvin Suggs (Voice of Eric Jacobson), Gonzo/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Zoot/Beauregard/Waldorf/Kermit Moopet  (Voice of Dave Goelz), Swedish Chef/Rowlf/Dr. Teeth/Pepe the Prawn/Bobo/Muppet Gary/Mahna Mahna  (Voice of Bill Barreta), Scooter/Janice/Miss Poogy/Wayne (Voice of David Rudman), Sgt. Floyd Pepper/Camilla/Sweetums/80's Robot/Lew Zealand/Uncle Deadly/Rowlf Moopet/Crazy Harry/Janice Moopet (Voice of Matt Vogel), Walter (Voice of Peter Linz), Tour Guide (Alan Arkin), Grandfather (Bill Cobbs), Hobo Joe (Zach Galifianakis), and Punch Teacher Host (Ken Jeong).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It is worth at least one view for an afternoon watch. Muppets fans will not be disappointed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PETS UNITED (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

Pets United—great animation—uses unknown voices for the animated characters. It’s good to bring new talent to the screen, but a shame to give good, new voicing talent a less than quality piece of work in which to perform. Nothing new in this movie and it rolls itself quite easily into 'not interesting and rather boring' with an idea that is not particularly creative nor does it support a good, final entertainment product.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Robo City’s machines take over and a group of spoiled pets are stranded.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Reinhard Kloos for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ralph Kamp for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Roger (Voice of Patrick Roche), Belle (Voice of Natalie Dormer), Bob (Voice of Felix Auer), Ronaldo (Voice of Jeff Burrell), Walter (Voice of Harvey Friedman), Sophie (Voice of Marty Sander), Slomo/Beezer (Voice of Bryan Larkin), Chichi/Joy (Voice of Naomi McDonald), Edgar/Victor (Voice of Andres Williams), Edgar/Victor (Voice of Andres Williams), Oscar/Stan (Voice of Tom Haywood), Brian/Sheriff Bill (Voice of Ian Odie), Asgar (Voice of Frank Schaff), and The Cyborg/The Mayor/Frank Stone (Voice of Eddie Marsan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. It tries very hard to work, but does not have anything underneath it to make the final product enjoyable or funny or even a cult classic.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

QUANTUM OF SOLACE (Theatrical Release UK 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Quantum of Solace—sequel to Casino Royale—has even more gore and grit than its prequel. Daniel Craig establishes himself firmly as the new Bond in his second 007 movie. The movie seems too fast at times and some of the fight scenes seem to use a shaky cam rather than allow a straight on viewing experience. The story is a little more difficult to follow and does not seem fully whole. Craig seems more believable in his first interpretation of Bond than in this film. Nevertheless, Bond fans will not be disappointed in the entertainment fare.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An organization comes under the scrutiny of 007 as a threat to society.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marc Forster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Callum McDougall and Anthony Waye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Daniel Craig), Camille (Olga Kurylenko), Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), M (Judi Dench), Rene Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini), Strawberry Fields (Gemma Arterton), Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), Gregg Beam (David Harbour), Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), Elvis (Anatole Taubman), Bill Tanner (Rory Kinnear), Foreign Secretary (Tim Pigott Smith), General Medrano), Colonel of Police (Fernando Guillén Cuervo), and Lieutenant Orso (Jesús Ochoa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Bond shoes are a big fit. It will be interesting to see Daniel Craig’s next attempt to fill those shoes. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Along Came a Spider—an Alex Cross story—has an eye-opening view into watching Morgan Freeman form to his character. It may not be one of his best performances, but definitely earns a watch. Good and well-told mystery easily stands as a best mystery story that entertains.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Alex Cross becomes involved in a missing daughter of a congressman case.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lee Tamahori for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Morgan Freeman and Marty Hornstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman), Jezzie Flannigan (Monica Potter), Gary Soneji (Michael Wincott), Ollie McArthur (Dylan Baker), Megan Rose (Mika Boorem), Dimitri Staroduboy (Anton Yelchin), Agent Hickley (Kim Hawthorne), Kyle Craig (Jay O. Sanders), Ben Devine (Billy Burke), Senator Hank Rose (Michael Moriarty), Elizbeth Rose (Penelope Ann Miller), Vickie (Anna Maria Horsford), Floyd the Fisherman (Scott Heindl), Jim Gelway (Christopher Shyer), and Tracie Fisher (Jill Teed).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves Morgan Freeman’s career well. It’s worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHILDREN OF THE SEA (Theatrical Release Japan 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Children of the Sea—good visuals—becomes confusing by the middle of the third act, difficult to interpret what happens to one of the supporting actors. The characters are well-developed, but the ability to cross international entertainment lines seems limited due to not understanding the cultural significance of this story. Read a plotline before going to understand these children’s attachment to water and why this story has significance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A girl becomes involved with boys who have traits of fish.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ayumu Watanabe for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lovinia Chiu, Tanaka Eiko, Hajime Inoue, Keishi Kameyama, Masakazu Kubo), Kimihisa Tsutsui, and Keiji Ôta for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Azumi Ruka (Voice of Mana Ashida), Umi (Voice of Hiiro Ishibashi), Sora (Voice of Seishû Uragami), Angurâdo (Voice of Win Morisaki), Ruka Azumi (Voice of Anjali Gauld), nglade (Voice of Beau Bridgland), Masaaki Azumi/Additional Voices (Voice of Marc Thompson), Kanako Azumi/Students (Voice of Karen Strassman), Gym Teacher/Doctor/Additional Voices (Wally Wingert), Jim Cusack/Additional Voices (Michael Sorich), Dehdeh (Voice of Denise Lee), Jean/Additional Voices (Voice of Josh Petersdorf), and Fuyuko/Students/Additional Voices (Christine Marie Cabanos).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good study of Asian culture and thinking processes, but becomes incomprehensible as it nears the last of the story. It is unclear what happened to one of the actors. Read a plotline before going.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAPILLON (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Papillon—remake of the 1973 film of the same name—fails on a single point: The actors in this film are trying to imitate the original story’s actors (Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman) instead of being themselves and forming their own unique interpretation for their characters. This takes strength away from the story so that it works like imagery rather than the real thing. This is a great story and it needs to be told, but the remake is not as good as the original.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An innocent man teams with a fellow inmate to escape Devil’s Island prison.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Noer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Terence Chang, Danny Dimbort, Yan Fisher-Romanovsky, Samuel Hadida, Martin Hellstern, Josjua D. Maurer, Christian Mercuri, and Kevan Van Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henri Charriere (Charlie Hunnam), Doorman (Damijan Oklopdzic), Jean Castili (Christopher Fairbank), Accountant (Jason Ryan), Nennete (Eve Hewson), Motel Landlord (Sladjana Biljman), Police Inspector (Joe David Walters), Police Inspector (David Stoller), Ship Hold Guard (Gilly Gilchrist), Ship Hold Guard (Mark Robert Pullen), Julot (Michael Socha), Guittou (Brian Vernel), Orderly (Renne Gjoni), Orderly (Paul Leonard Murray), and Louis Dega (Rami Malek).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story is good.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAKE PLACID (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Lake Placid fits the bill for a re-watchable cult classic. Intended to be a horror film, at many junctures in its story, it seems more like a horror comedy movie rather than a straight horror movie. Perhaps that tone is preset due to this crocodile being placed in the state of Maine. The movie earns its watch especially for cult movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Maine has a giant crocodile that a team of people attempt to stop from killing people.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Miner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Bogart for for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Wells (Bill Pullman), Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda), Hector Cyr (Oliver Platt), Sheriff Hank Keough (Brendan Gleeson), Mrs. Delores Bickerman (Betty White), Walt Lawson (David Lewis), Stephen Daniels (Tim Dixon), Janine (Natassia Malthe), Myra Okubo (Mariska Hargitay), Deputy Sharon Gare (Meredith Salenger), Deputy Burke (Jed Rees), Deputy Stevens (Richard Leacock), Officer Coulson (Jake T. Roberts), Paramedic (Warren Takeuchi), and State Trooper (Ty Olsson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It's a cult movie that fans will re-watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DELTA FARCE (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Delta Farce relies on comedy as provided by Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, DJ Qualls, and Keith David. The movie serves the late teen adult audience. They were balanced with the casting of Danny Trejo, a perfect fit for this movie. The movie comes across as simple fare with a story that can be left for a few minutes and rejoined without having missed the gist of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Mexican village receives an unexpected visit from three Army reserve soldiers who think they are in Iraq.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director C.B. Harding for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom Ortenberg and Emily Wolfe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant Major (Michael Rose), General (Glenn Morshower), Larry (Larry the Cable Guy), Karen (Christina Moore), Woman at Cowboy Franks (Lorna Scott), Bill Little (Bill Engvall), Bill’s Boy (Parker Goris), Bill’s Neighbor (Michael Papajohn), Connie (Lisa Lampanelli), Everett (DJ Qualls), Victor (Ed O’Ross), Sergeant Adams (Lance Smith), Colonel (Bill Doyle), Sergeant Kilgore (Keith David), and Airborne Soldier (McKinley Freeman).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While the story is not the best, the actors put their energy into the story to elevate it a higher entertainment standard than it normally would have achieved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BUFFALO BOYS (Theatrical Release Indonesia 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Buffalo Boys, due to its brutal story, works as an adult mature movie with a standard R Rating that would be in the high range due to its realism. It works along the lines of a combination of Kill Bill and The Killer. This Indonesian film has English subtitles, a straight-forward and easy to follow storyline, some sexual references, good direction, and professional acting. The scenery is unique due to its Indonesian setting. The story is not easy to take at times due to the brutality. But it earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 After getting a good exposure to American old west culture, two brothers return to Java where they put their American fighting skills to work.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mike Wiluan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michy Gustavia, Eric Khoo, Wicky V. Olindo, Natalya Pavchinskaya, Mo Shuyl, Sukhdev Singh, Christopher Smith, Bert Tan, Kris Wiluan, and Freddie Yeo for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Suwo (Yoshi Sudarso), Jamar (Ario Bayu), Kiona (Pevita Pearce), Arana (Tio Pakusadewo), Van Trach (Reinout Bussemaker), Drost (Daniel Adnan), Seruni (Happy Salma), Sri (Mikha Tambayong), Suroyo (El Manik), Young Arana (Donny Alamsyah), Sakar (Donny Damara), Fakar (Alex Abbad), Adrie (Hannah Al Rashid), Leung (Zack Lee), and Leung (Sunny Pang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For the exceptionally mature audience, this is a great story that is easy to watch and come away feeling full due to its ability to cross international border lines well. Reminiscent of when spaghetti westerns first hit the American scene.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

RESIDENT EVIL (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Resident Evil, a movie based on an exceptionally popular Japanese computer game,  entertains well, unlike other films built from gaming stories. It is the first movie in a series of six. While not among the best movies produced by Hollywood, it has a certain element in it that just works all the way around. It creates its own kudos because it tries and succeeds in its own right. It’s applauded for that. The storyline is well done and the portrayal is above average. This film leaves the audience with an absolute understanding that there will be a sequel. This is one of few post-apocalyptic films that is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A super computer needs to be subdued and a special military task force takes on the job.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul W.S. Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victor Hadida, Daniel S. Kletzky, Robert Kulzer, Yoshiki Okamoto for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Grey (Ryan McCluskey), Mr. Red (Oscar Pearce), Ms. Black (Indra Ové), Dr. Green (Anna Bolt), Dr. Blue (Joseph May), Dr. Brown (Robert Tannion), Lisa (Heike Makatsch), Clarence (Jaymes Butler), Mr. White (Stephen Billington), Ms. Gold (Fiona Glascott), Alice (Milla Jovovich), Matt (Eric Mabius), One (Colin Salmon), Kaplan (Martin Crewes), and J.D. (Pasquale Aleardi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is almost rewatchable due to its presentation and leaves its audience anticipating its sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

A FEW GOOD MEN (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

A Few Good Men—another movie directed by Rob Reiner—tells a good story. Tom Cruise works well with Kevin Pollack, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Jack Nicholson to create a well-acted and absorbing movie that is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Marines go to military court on charges of murder.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rod Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers William S. Gilmore, Rachel Pfeffer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise), Colonel Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson), Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), Captain Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon), Second Lieutenant Jonathan Kendrick (Kiefer Sutherland), Lieutenant Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak), Private First Class Louden Downey (James Marshall), Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh), Dr. Stone (Christopher Guest), Judge Julius Alexander Randolph), Lieutenant Dave Spradling (Matt Craven), Lance Corporal Harold W. Dawson (Wolfgang Bodison), Captain Whitaker (Xander Berkeley), Captain West (John M. Jackson), and Corporal Jeffrey Barnes (Noah Wyle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No Maybe?

Yes. Well worth its watch especially for fans who enjoy court drama films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Muppets Take Manhattan —almost as good as The Muppet Movie and much better than other 3-star rated Muppet movies like The Muppets Most Wanted—has a well-written, uniform story with much of the gang present. Live characters blend well with the Muppets, dialogue lines are good, story has just enough comedy to keep adults as well as children entertained. A great Muppet movie that earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Kermit wants to produce a Broadway musical but encounters difficulties along the way. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Oz for directing effort. Thank you to to Executive Producer Jim Henson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kermit the Frog/Rowlf/Dr. Teeth/Waldorf/Swedish Chef/Ernie/Granny/Horse & Carriage Rider/Link Hogthrob/The Newsman (Voice of Jim Henson), Miss Piggy/Fozzie/Animal/Bert/Cookie Monster/Ocean Breeze Soap Board Member/Sam the Eagle (Voice of Frank Oz), Gonzo/Chester the Rat/Bill the Frog/Zoot/Beauregard/Jim the Dog/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Penguin (Voice of Dave Goelz), Rizzo the Rat/Gill the Frog/Baby Kermit/Chicken/College Student in Audience/Dog (Voice of Steve Whitmire), Scooter/Statler/Janice/Beaker/Dog (Voice of Richard Hunt), Camilla/Lew Zealand/Floyd/Bear/Chicken/Crazy Harry/Dog/Dr. Julius Strangepork/Granny/Penguin/Pops (Voice of Jerry Nelson), Jenny (Juliana Donald), Ronnie Crawford (Lonny Price), Pete (Louis Zorich), Bernard Crawford (Art Carney), Mr. Skeffington (James Coco), Martin Price/Murray Plotsky (Dabney Coleman), Roller Skater (Gregory Hines), Kermit’s Doctor (Linda Lavin), and Perfume Saleswoman (Joan Rivers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves as a comfortable afternoon watch for the whole family to share. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CASINO ROYALE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

NOTE: This is not a critique of David Niven’s 1967 Casino Royale

Casino Royale has similar plot points to the 1967 Casino Royale. The best James Bond film since Pierce Brosnan’s Die Another Day, Casino Royale takes the audience on an unexpected journey that entertains with Daniel Craig’s grittier, less smooth, look. Be prepared for less special effects and fewer spy gadgets, but also get ready for a WOW! entertainment delivery. The movie delivers on target despite the obvious re-interpretations of the James Bond character.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bond’s mission is to stop a banker from funding terrorists.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Cambell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Callum McDougall and Anthony Waye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Daniel Craig), Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), M (Judi Dench), Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), Rene Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini), Solange (Caterina Murino), Alex Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian), Steven Obanno (Isaach De Bankolé), Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), Valenka (Ivana Milicevic), Villiers (Tobias Menzies), Carlos (Claudio Santamaria), Mollaka (Sebastien Foucan), and Dryden (Malcolm Sinclair).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Daniel Craig’s next 007 movie is Quantum of Solace. Casino Royale delivers. Bond fans will not be disappointed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers