THE CUP (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Cup—great film for horse lovers—tells its story well. Good casting that choses Brendan Gleeson as a horse trainer. The accents are difficult to understand, but the subtitles are good and can be used to supplement dialogue. Good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

True story based on winning the Melbourne horse racing Cup.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kirk D’Amico, Peter DeRauch, Joel Pearlman, and Greg Stitch for for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include MC Jockey’s Presentation (Bryan Martin), Damien Oliver (Bryan Martin), Damien Oliver (Stephen Curry), Trish Oliver (Jodi Gordon), Jason Oliver (Daniel MacPherson), Jenny (Alice Parkinson), Lee Freedman (Shaun Micallef), Neil Pinner (Martin Sacks), Pat Oliver (Colleen Hewett), Ray Oliver (Andrew Curry), Claire (Kate Bell),  Phillips (Tom Burlinson), Pat Smullen (Nick Simpson Deeks), and Sir Michael Smurfit (Lewis Fitz-Gerald).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is good entertainment that goes into the world of horse racing. The movie earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE QUIET MAN (Theatrical release USA 1952)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Quiet Man—wisely cast John Wayne with Maureen O’Hara—tells a romantic Irish story that is more than worth its watch. The movie shows some great Irish countryside and gives a good look at Irish traditions related to courting and marriage. The film will be enjoyed by seniors, but may lack the magic to capture a younger viewing audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A professional boxer returns to his home country and falls in love with a local girl.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Ford for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Merian C. Cooper and John Ford for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sean Thornton (John Wayne), Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), Michaleen Oge Flynn (Barry Fitzgerald), Father Peter Lonergan (Ward Bond), Squire Red Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen), The Widow Sarah Tillane (Mildred Natwick), Dan Tobin (Francis Ford), Mrs. Elizabeth Playfair (Eileen Crowe), Fishwoman with Basket (May Craig), Reverend Cyril Playfair (Arthur Shields), Hugh Forbes (Charles Fitzsimons), Father Paul (James O’Hara), Owen Glynn (Sean McClory), Ignaaatius Feeney (Jack MacGowran), and Molouney (Joseph O’Dea). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This John Ford movie relies on a solid script and a classic storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNACCUSTOMED AS WE ARE (Theatrical Release USA 1929)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Unaccustomed As We Are—short film—does not provide the usual Laurel and Hardy fare. It’s an average story that shows a Laurel and Hardy who are not invested in the story. This is not the Laurel and Hardy that we know and love.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A wife who refuses to cook, jealousy, and neighbor problems create the comedy in this movie.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lewis R. Foster and Hal Roach for directing effort. Thank you to  Producer Hal Roach  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stan (Stan Laurel), Oliver Hardy (Oliver Hardy), Officer Kennedy (Edgar Kennedy), Mrs. Hardy (Mae Busch), and Mrs. Kennedy (Thelma Todd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The Laurel and Hardy spirit is missing in this film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Addams Family—animated film—plays well on screen partially to excellent choices in voice casting and partially due to the welcome prequel to the Addams story and the different take on the Addams family story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Addams family moves to the suburbs.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Cloth, Joe Earley, Aaron L. Gilbert, Kevin Miserocchi, and Andew Mittman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gomez Addams (Voice of Oscar Isaac), Morticia Addams (Voice of Charlize Theron) Wednesday Addams (Voice of Chloe Grace Moretz), Pugsley Addams (Voice of Finn Wolfhard), Uncle Fester (Voice of Nick Kroll), It (Voice of Snoop Dogg), Grandma (Voice of Bette Midler), Margaus Needler (Voice of Bette Midler), Grandma Frump (Voice of Catherine O’Hara), Glenn (Voice of Tituss Burgess), Great Auntie Sloom (Voice of Jenifer Lewis), Parker (Voice of Elsie Fisher), Lurch/Priest/Spirit of the House/Dr, Lambe (Conrad Vernon), and Denise (Voice of Aimee Garcia). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. An enjoyable watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GEMINI MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Gemini Man—two Will Smiths—establish WOW! entertainment. Action is good. Story well-written. Creative and imaginative. Notable work earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A younger clone challenges the older version of himself.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Ang Lee for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Andres Calderon, Luyuan Fan, Guo Guangchang, Don Murshpy, and Chad Oman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry Brogan/Junior (Will Smith), Danny Zakarewski (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Clay Verris (Clive Owen), Baron (Benedict Wong), Jack Willis (Douglas Hodge), Del Patterson (Ralph Brown), Janet Lassiter (Linda Emond), Yuri Kovacs (Ilia Volok), Marino (E.J. Bonilla), Junior (Victor Hugo), Bicycle Messenger (David Shae), LilJack’s Girlfriend (Theodora Miranne), Henry’s Dad (Diego Adonye), Henry’s Mom (Lilla Banak), and Valery Dormo (Igor Szasz).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is a great action film for adults to watch. Excellent entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MEN OF HONOR (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Men of Honor—inspiring—shows the skills of Cuba Gooding, Jr. when cast with Robert DeNiro. Not a bad film. It earns its a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie is about the first African American Navy diver.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George Tillman Jr. for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bill Cosby and Stan Robertson for  making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Master Chief (Robert De Niro), Chief Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), Gwen Sunday (Charlize Theron), Jo (Aunjanue Ellis), Mr. Pappy (Hal Holbrook), GM1 Snowhill (Michael Rapaport), Captain Pullman (Powers Boothe), Captain Hartigan (David Keith), MM1 Dylan Rourke (Holt McCallany), Lieutenant /Commander/Captain Hanks (David Conrad), PO2 Timothy Douglas Isert (Joshua Leonard), Mac Brashear (Carl Lumbly),Ella Brashear (Lonette McKee), Chief Floyd (Glynn Turman), and Boots (Dennis Troutman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is treat to watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIREFIGHTERS (Theatrical Release USA 1922)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Fire Fighters—cute, but a bit boring short silent film—has everything necessary to make a good film, but falls flat in presentation. The young people are good actors but there is no flare to the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Neighborhood children foil a bootlegger.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Robert F. McGowan and Tom McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Peggy (Peggy Cartwright), Roosevelt Pershing Smith (Jackie Condon), Booker T. Bacon (Ernest Morrison), Elmo Billings, Richard Billings, Betsy Ann Hisle, Kenneth Johnson, George Ward, Allen Farina Hoskins, and Dinah.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film works as an academic study, but fails to provide real entertainment value. It would fail even the younger child.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE IRON MULE (Theatrical Release USA 1925)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Iron Mule—really great short silent film—has no character development, but the entertainment value overrides the lack of character development. It is so interesting to see what is happening that the film leads its audience from scene to scene. Very interesting to see what people were doing in the early 1800s and the chuckles are nicely spaced throughout the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 

Storyline

 An 1830s train is besieged by a variety of challenges.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle and Grover Jones for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: The Engineer (Al St. John), George Davis, Glen Davis, Glen Cavender, Doris Deane, Billy Franey, Florence Reed, Walter C. Reed, and Lotus Thompson.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It deserves its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

HIS ROYAL SLYNESS (Theatrical Release USA 1920)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

His Royal Slyness—cute, good silent short film watch—does not work at the same level as other Harold Lloyd films but still entertains.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Storyline

 A book salesman becomes president of a kingdom.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Hal Roach for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for  making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The American Boy (Harold Lloyd), Princess Florelle of Thermosa), Prince Roquefort (Snub Pollard), King Louis XIVII/Bearded Peasant/Bolshevik Agitator  (Gus Leonard), and Count Nichola Throwe (Noah Young).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The silent films are entertaining, easy, peaceful watches. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

28 DAYS LATER (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

28 Days Later—another zombie movie—still manages to entertain. It will not disappoint the zombie story movie fan base.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Storyline

 Survivors of a virus look for sanctuary.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Danny Boyle for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Andrew Macdonald for  making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Activist (Alex Palmer), Activist (Bindu De Stoppani), Activist (Jukka Hiltunen), Scientist (David Schneider), Jim (Cillian Murphy), Infected Patient (oby Sedgewick), Selena (Naomie Harris), Mark (Noah Huntley), Jim’s Father (Christopher Dunne), Jim’s Mother (Emma Hitching), Mr. Bridges (Alexander Delamere), Mr. Bridge’s Daughter (Kim McGarrity), Frank (Brendan Gleeson), Hannah (Megan Burns), and Infected Kid (Justin Hackney).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. There is some nudity in the film, but this movie works for zombie fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

VIOLET EVERGARDEN: ETERNITY AND THE AUTO MEMORY DOLL* (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll—charming, but complicated—introduces an interesting character in the personality of Violet Evergarden. The movie contains two stories that are not melded well. The animation is great and the concept fascinating, but the movie script needs a certain even-ness between the stories to become a truly quality watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A young girl’s life gets changed by Violet Evergarden.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Directors Haruka Fujita and Taichi Ishidate for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers  Yôko Hatta, Shunji Inoue, Yoko Kogawa, Masayuki Nishide, and Yôta Tsuruoka for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bob Buchholz, Luculia Marlborough (Voice of Kira Buckland), Cattleya Baudelaire (Voice of Reba Buhr), Erica Brown (Voice of Christine Marie Cabanos Taylor Bartlett (Voice of Sandy Fox), and Minori Chihara), Granda/Marty (Dorothy Elias Fahn), Cattleya Baudelaire (Voice of Aya Endô), Roland (Voice of Doug Erholtz), Taylor Bartlett (Voice of Sandy Fox), Violet Evergarden (Erika Harlacher), Roland (Voice of Riki Kagami), Female Student (Voice of Yuka Keicho), Isabella York (Minako Kotobuki), and Claudia Hodgins (Voice of Takehito Koyasu).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 

Maybe. The character of Violet Evergarden intrigues and inspires a rewrite to capitalize on that personality.

Also Known as: Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memories Doll

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Wallstreet: Money Never Sleeps—sequel to Wallstreet—almost performs at the same quality level of its prequel. This is a ‘no shab’ movie and well worth watching. Very high level of entertainment. Casting choices are excellent.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

Shia LaBeouf plays the character Jake Moore who attempts to build a Wall Street empire and becomes involved with Michael Douglas who plays the character Gordon Gekko.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Oliver Stone for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alessandro Camon, Celia D. Costas, Alex Young, and Michael Maker for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Prison Cage Guard (Richard Stratton), Prison Guard (Harry Kerrigan), Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), News Host (Maria Bartiromo), Dr. Masters (Austin Pendleton), Louis Zabel (Frank Langella), Jeweler (Eric Purcell), Hedge Fund Chief (Christian Baha), Robby (John Buffalo Mailer), Newscaster (Melissa Lee), and Reporter (Annika Pergament). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Well told story that could build another sequel on the Shia LaBeouf character.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

I DO (Theatrical Release USA 1921)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

 

I Do—silent short film—has been put together well. It’s cute and has goodness in it. One hundred years later, it is still worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images

 

Storyline

 Two newlyweds babysit.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Hal Roach for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Suzanne Lloyd for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Boy (Harold Lloyd), The Girl (Mildred Cavis), The Agitation (Noah Young), The Disturbance (Jack Morgan), and The Annoyance (Jack Edwards).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This shows the talents of Harold Lloyd well. It has a sweet comedy woven throughout the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FATTY JOINS THE FORCE (Theatrical Release USA 1913)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Fatty Joins the Force—interesting short film—needs more run time to ripen the incidents that happen because they happen too fast in this film to fully get the entertainment impact. The incidents that specifically need slowing are: two men fighting and the kids making fun of Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle as a policeman. These scenes are poorly timed and create a type of confusion as it seems they have been artificially set up. It would been better to place time between those events so that there is at least an afternoon, night, or even the next day time to space out the conflicts. This film is not what one might expect of a Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

Fatty achieves a position on the police force but finds it isn’t such a good position after all.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George Nichols for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mack Sennett for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fatty (Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle), Arresting Cop (Charles Avery), Boy (Lou Breslow), Bald Cop (Harry DeRoy), Nursemaid (Minta Durfee), Fatty’s Sweetheart (Dot Farley), Fighter (Billy Gilbert), Cop (William Hauber), Cop (Bert Hunn), Arresting Cop (George Jeske), Jealous Cop (Edgar Kennedy), Cop (Hank Mann), Police Commissioner (George Nichols), Cop (Mack Swain), and Pie Thrower (Jack White).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film is what it is. If you want to see Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle in a better film, watch The Cook. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES: Part Two (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two—best part of the film is the casting of Kurt Russell with Goldie Hawn—presents one of the most handsome Santa Clause characters the big screen has produced. The computer animated elves are terrific and Santa Town has been interpreted with quality. Despite this, the movie works as an average film. However, for a family caught up in the Christmas spirit, it works as an evening watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

 Christmas will be canceled forever.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bill Andrew, David Guggenheim, Clay Kaytis, Adam Kolbrenner, Lyn Lucibello, and Tracy K. Price for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Santa Claus (Kurt Russell), Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn), Kate (Darby Camp), Belsnickel (Julian Dennison), Jack (Jahzir Bruno), Grace (Darlene Love), Bob (Tyrese Gibson), Doug (Sunny Suljic), Teddy (Judah Lewis), Claire (Kimberly Williams Paisley), Security Guard (Patrick Gallagher), Haka  (Malcolm McDowell), Cashier (Violet Columbus), Harriet (Tricia Munford), and Susie (Christy St. John). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. It’s an average watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PLAYING WITH FIRE (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Playing With Fire—good concept—has actors who obviously are working for their kudos. Tyler Mane has versatility. He could play both tough or sentimental characters well. Despite these good points, the movie lacks a certain connection to its audience and fails to entirely satisfy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Kids who need rescuing give a tough time to firefighters.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Andy Fickman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mark Moran for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jake (John Cena), Mark (Keegan Michael Key), Rodrigo (John Leguizamo), Axe (Tyler Mane), Brynn (Brianna Hiildebrand), Will (Christian Convery), Zoey (Finley Rose Slater), Dr. Amy Hicks (Judy Greer), Commander Richards (Dennis Haysbert), Burly Smoke Jumper 1 (Daniel Cudmore), Burly Smoke Jumper 2 (Tommy Europe), Burly Smoke Jumper 3 (Chris Webb), Burly Smoke Jumper 4 (Brad Kelly), Patty (Lynda Boyd), and Scared Mom (Jessica Garcie).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie seems out of joint from its concept.

Video Critique available at:

Ben Meyers

ANGELS AND DEMONS (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Angels and Demons—better than its prequel—provides a uniform and uncomplicated storyline. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Professor Robert Langdon. Director Ron Howard did terrific directing work. The casting department left nothing out by choosing Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, and Rance Howard as part of the cast. This is an overall good watch. Highly imaginative.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Professor Langdon works to solve a crime committed against the Catholic church.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Todd Hallowell, Marco Valerio Pugini, and Dan Brown for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), Camerlengo Patrick McKenna (Ewan McGregor), Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer), Commander Richter (Stellan Skarsgård), Inspector Olivetti (Pierfrancesco Favino), Assassin (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), Cardinal Strauss (Armin Mueller Stahl), Chartrand (Thure Lindhardt), Claudio Vincenzi (David Pasquesi), Father Simeon (Cosimo Fusco), Lieutenant Valenti (Victor Alfieri), Cardinal Lamasse (Franklin Amobi), Cardinal Ebner (Curt Lowens), Cardinal Guidera (Bob Yerkes), and Cardinal Baggia (Marc Fiorini).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is the continuation of Dan Brown’s story and earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOMBSTONE (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Tombstone—much larger than Wyatt Earp—has a stronger cast and tells the Tombstone story better. Kurt Russell does one of the best Wyatt Earp interpretations yet and Val Kilmer does the same in his role of Doc Holiday. Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton add the right amount of spice to make a terrific and believable movie. Watch for Charlton Heston in the movie and Billy Bob Thornton. The movie has grit and gets to its point quickly. Listen for Robert Mitchum’s narration at the end of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

The Tombstone story gets told again.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George P. Cosmatos and Kevin Jarre for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Buzz Feitshans and Andrew G. Vajna for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell), Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), Virgil Earp (Sam Elliott), Morgan Earp (Bill Paxton), Curly Bill Brocius (Powers Boothe), Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn), Henry Hooker (Charlton Heston), Billy Breckinridge (Jason Priestley), Behan (Jon Tenney), Ike Clanton (Stephen Lang), Billy Clanton (Thomas Haden Church), Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany), Allie Earp (Paula Malcomson), Louisa Earp (Lisa Collins), and Mattie Earp (Dana Wheeler Nicholson). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The B-grade western genre got an upgrade. Definitely worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers