DRIVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Driven—racing film—surprisingly accesses the acting skills of Sylvester Stallone. While this is not one of his best films, it gets the job done for racing fans. Director Renny Harlin put effort into making this film work. His skill definitely pulls it out of the mire onto solid ground.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A cart driver’s advice helps a troubled racer increase skill level.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Renny Harlin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Don Carmody, Andrew Stevens, and Kevin King Templeton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joe Tanto (Sylvester Stallone), Carl Henry (Burt Reynolds), Jimmy Bly (Kip Pardue), Lucretia Clan (Stacy Edwards), Beau Brandenburg (Til Schweiger), Cathy Heguy (Gina Gershon), Sophia Simone (Estella Warren), Memo Heguy (Cristian de la Fuente), Crusher (Brent Briscoe), Demille Bly (Robert Sean Leonard), and Nina (Verona Pooth). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It satisfies racing film buffs.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE A-TEAM (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The A Team—not like the original series—hampers itself with the loss of the original, highly personable Mr. T and because, at some points in the film, it seems the actors are using re-hashed dialogue lines from the original series. This script choice, unfortunately, creates a superficial image that completely loses the original power of the series. ‘Copycat’ does not work well because all freshness and creativity becomes dumbed down to a cheapened mirror image so that the characters become difficult to take seriously. While the actors are chosen to resemble the original characters, they can not emulate the original characters. Better luck, hopefully, on the next attempt at a remake or sequel to the The A-Team.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie attempts to re-create the popular A-Team television series.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Carnahan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ross Fanger, Ridley Scott, and Marc Silvestri for making the film possible. Additional characters/case include: Hannibal (Liam Neeson), Face (Bradley Cooper), Charissa Sosa (Jessica Biel), B.A. Baracus (Quinton Jackson), Murdock (Sharito Copley), Lynch (Patrick Wilson), General Morrison (Gerald McRaney), General Javier Tuco (Yul Vazquez), and Pike (Brian Bloom).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This yes comes for the reason that the effort was put forth and because A-Team fans really need to see a revival of A-Team. Too bad the attempt fails so miserably to deliver the ‘A-Team fix’ audiences look for.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

LAND BEFORE TIME II: THE GREAT VALLEY ADVENTURE (VHS Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure—cute , innocent, child minded—does not serve the adult audience. This movie greatly improves on the first movie because it finally finds its place and understands the audience that it must appeal to…these films do not work as adult/child share movies, as the first movie tries to do. This movie finds its niche market and finally earns that higher rating because it understands the audience this story was meant, from the outset, to serve.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An egg hatches and reveals a new friend.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roy Allen Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Roy Allen Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Littlefoot (Voice of Scott McAfee), Cera (Voice of Candace Hutson), Ducky (Voice of Heather Hogan), Petrie/Ozzy (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Spike/Strut/Chomper (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Grandma Longneck (Linda Gary), Grandpa Longneck (Voice of Kenneth Mars), Narrator/Cera’s Father (Voice of John Ingle), and Ducky’s Mom/Petrie’s Mom/Mother Malasaurus (Voice of Tress MacNeille). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. For a child only film, it completely works. This is a great movie for the very young child.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FINAL SCORE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Final Score—great guy’s movie—features a WOW! performance by Dave Bautista who is completely up to his game in this movie. It works his skills much as the My Spy movie does. It is interesting to see how well Bautista works with children in film. He shows tremendous compassion while protecting. The movie takes the action to a whole different level than the usual B-grade action film and makes this a WOW! man’s flick. Watch for Pierce Brosnan in this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An ex-soldier fights terrorists to save his niece.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Zackary Adler, Shanan Becker, Bill Bromiley, Mark Canton, Arianne Fraser, Jeffrey Greenstein, Duncan McWilliam, Delphine Perrier, Ness Saban, Stephen Shiu, Courtney Solomon, Elizabeth Williams, Henry Winterstern, and Jonathan Yunger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vlad (Martyn Ford), Emil (Gordon Alexander), Tatiana (Alexandra Dinu), Anton (Peter Pedrero),  Pavel (Rick Rowntree) Arkady (Ray Stevenson), Knox (Dave Bautista), Danni (Lara Peake), Rachel (Lucy Gaskell), and Dimitri (Pierce Brosnan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Be aware that this flick is exceptionally violent. This movie completely works for Dave Bautista fans and serves up intense action scenes in non-stop tension that never ends until the final scene.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

POILUS (Internet Release France 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Poilus—short film—uses a French word as its title. The word means an Infantry soldier in the Army of France, usually during WWI. This short film needs more expansion to understand its obscure message and intent. While It is difficult to interpret, the animation is impeccable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Youtube

Storyline

Rabbits go to war.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Isart Digital and the animation team that made the video possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The detail in the animation is worth the watch. It is a stern reminder of the courage it took to fight during WWI with so little fire power and backup for men in the trenches.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NECESSARY ROUGHNESS (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Necessary Roughness—good sports story—can easily be missed and should not be. It works for its money and quickly becomes a treat for sport and non-sport audiences alike because it touches the human heart and intersperses its story with a fair amount of comedy. Scott Bakula plays an outstanding main character and is backed with Sinbad, Robert Loggia, Fred Thompson, Rob Schneider, Jason Bateman, Larry Miller, and Hector Elizondo. The movie relies on the typical sports theme of taking a losing team and making it into a winning team. But this story accomplishes that with a few twists and turns that are welcome. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man gets a second chance to play professional football.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stan Dragoti for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Hawk Koch for making the film possible.  Additional characters/cast include: Paul Blake (Scott Bakula), Coach Ed Gennero (Hector Elizondo), Coach Wally Rig (Robert Loggia), Dr. Suzanne Carter (Harley Jane Kozak), Dean Phillip Elias (Larry Miller), Andre Krimm (Sinbad), Chuck Neiderman (Rob Schneider), Jarvis Edison (Jason Bateman), Wyatt Beaudry (Andrew Bryniarski), Featherstone (Duane Davis), Eric Hansen (Michael Dolan), Sargie Wilkinson (Marcus Giamatti), and Lucy Draper (Kathy Ireland).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie serves an adult audience due to some nudity; but earns its dollars for a ticket. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Devil Wears Prada—fresh, unique, outstanding, spunky—plays the acting talents of Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci. and Anne Hathaway to their very best advantage. Fast, quick dialogue coming from a very well-written script creates a film that is highly appealing to the adult audience. The characters are well-drawn, deeply drawn, and fully developed. This watch catches the attention and makes an excellent addition to a home video collection.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young, graduate journalist applies for a position at a high end fashion magazine.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director David Frankel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph M. Caracciolo Jr. and Karen Rosenfelt for making the flm possible. Additional characters/cast include: Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), Nigel (Stanley Tucci), Christian Thompson (Simon Baker), Nate (Adrian Grenier), Lily (Tracie Thoms), Doug (Rich Sommer), James Holt (Daniel Sunjata), Richard Sachs (David Marshall Grant), Stephen (James Naughton), and Irv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful look at a big business managing style that is highly entertaining and more than worth watching. Due to its sophisticated dialogue delivery, it requires complete involvement to follow its storyline well. Great work for all involved in its production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OUT OF THE INKWELL: THE FLEISCHER STORY (Released on YouTube USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Out of the Inkwell: The Fleischer Story—a short documentary—looks at the Fleischer brothers, Max and Dave, and their innovative animation techniques through Popeye, Betty Boop, and Koko the Clown. The documentary is well done, but does not tell the real reason for the brothers to break up their empire.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This documentary looks at the early works of the Fleischer brothers and their animation empire.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Richard Fleischer, Leonard Maltin, and Carl Reiner for telling this story. 

Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Interesting information that educates about the film industry in a very nice way.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FLYING TIGERS (Theatrical Release USA 1942)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Flying Tigers—John Wayne war movie—allows John Wayne to perform at a much higher level than he did in the war movie, The Longest Day. This movie is more believable and has all around better acting. While the air fight scenes are a bit archaic, the movie still moves along well and earns an afternoon watch or serves well as a background film to run during a party.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A small vignette from the famous World War II Flying Tigers fighting group.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Edmund Grainger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Jim Gordon (John Wayne), Woody Jason (John Carroll), Brooke Elliott (Anna Lee), Hap Davis (Paul Kelly), Alabama Smith (Gordon James), Verna Bales (Mae Clarke), Colonel Lindsay (Addison Richards), Blackie Bales (Edmund MacDonald), Dale (Bill Shirley), and Reardon (Tom Neal). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. It’s an easy-on-the mind film that allows the viewer to take a small break and come back to continue the watch later while still following the story well. John Wayne seems to perform best within the western genre in films like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance or El Dorado. But this war film works at a little higher level of entertainment than many of his war films.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MILES TO FLY (Released on YouTube USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Miles to Fly—short film—relies on superb animation, good timing, excellent sequencing, a storyline that not only has much heart but also is easy to understand because the author told the story in a straightforward manner. The characters are exceptionally likable and easy to relate to. This short film could easily win many awards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young man has a dream to become a pilot. A tough challenge rises that challenges his ability to realize his dream.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kua Soo Kuan for directing effort. Thank you to Stream Star Studio for making the film possible.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film stands heads above other films of this type and deserves a watch on every level. It sends the right message to its audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHAOLIN (Theatrical Release Hong Kong 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Shaolin—exceptionally realistic fight scenes with flying scenes that are noticeably superior to flying scenes in other Chinese movies—relies on a great storyline and tells its story the way stories should be told. Good movie for Jackie Chan. Definitely worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Chinese warlord enters a monastery seeking forgiveness.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Benny Chan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Huayang Fu, Sanping Han, Zhongjun Wang, Guizhi Xue, and Albert Young for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chinghai (Shaogun Yu), Huo Lung (Chen Zhiui), Chingkung (Xing Yu), Chingneng (Jing Wu), Tsao Man (Nicholas Tse), Abbot (Hai Yu), Hou Chieh/Chinochueh (Andy Lau) Madam Hou (Bingbing Fan), Nan (Shimadu Runa), Sung Hu (Xiaohong Shi), and Peter (Karl Eiselen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This entertainment is ‘no shab’. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EL DORADO (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

El Dorado is probably one of John Wayne’s best works since The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. El Dorado uses some of the best western talent from the 1950s and 1960s to create one outstanding western: John Wayne, James Caan, Robert Mitchum, Edward Asner, and Arthur Hunnicutt. This is a great script and storyline; the portrayal is well done

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An argument over water rights turns into a vicious battle that includes hiring a gunfighter.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howard Hawks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Howard Hawks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cole Thornton (John Wayne), Sheriff J.P. Harrah (Robert Mitchum), Mississippi (James Caan), Maudie (Charlene Holt), Dr. Miller (Paul Fix), Bull (Arthur Hunnicutt), Joey MacDonald (Michele Carey), Kevin MacDonald (R.G. Armstrong), Bart Jason (Edward Asner), Nelse McLeod (Christopher George), and Maria (Marina Ghane). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For western movie fans and for those not so inclined, this is an excellent watch. Don’t miss it.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEYOND THE STARS (Theatrical Release Canada 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Beyond the Stars—bland, nothing new—presents a team of Christian Slater, Martin Sheen, and F. Murray Abraham to portray its story. The movie may work as a young adult film to fill in time, but it runs as a rather uninteresting movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young man moves to Oregon and meets a retired astronaut.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Saperstein for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Michael Plotkin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Andrews (Martin Sheen), Eric Michaels (Christian Slater), Richard Michaels (Robert Foxworth), Laurie McCall (Sharon Stone), Mara Simons (Olivia d’Abo), Dr. Harry Bertram (F. Murray Abraham), Phil Clawson (Don S. Davis), Dr. Willis (William S. Taylor), Anne Michaels (Babs Chula), and Al Fletcher (Terence Kelly).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If one is a fan of Martin Sheen and/or Christian Slater, then that factor may encourage viewing; but know that this movie does not work as most science fiction dramas work.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAN OF TAI CHI (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Man of Tai Chi—high brutality, low realism—lacks realism in its fight scenes despite the excellent pairing of Keanu Reeves with Tiger Hu Chen. Unfortunately, the two actors’ full potential is not realized onscreen. It may have been better to allow Keanu Reeves to act rather than act and direct. This would have allowed a third critical, objective eye to see how to pull the good potential in this movie to the forefront. Many of the fight scenes seem low budget or poorly funded. In this type of movie, which relies on the fighting action to drive the movie, misses its mark due to what appears to be a restrained budgeting challenge.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 Tai Chi, underworld fight clubs, and one man’s martial arts skills are examined in this story.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Keanu Reeves for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lemore Syvan, Noah Weinzweig, and Daxing Zhang for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chen Lin Hu (Tiger Hu Chen), Donaka Mark (Keanu Reeves), Inspector Suen Jing Si (Karen Mok), Master Yang (Hai Yu), Ching Sha (Qing Ye), Superintendent Wong (Simon Yam), Thin Man (Yasuyuki Hirata), and Gong Au Young (Brian Siswojo). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie’s script is well-written, but there seems to be a disconnect between the power of the script and the final onscreen production.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

FINDING ALTAMIRA (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Finding Altamira—tries so hard—lacks that over-the-top presentation that would allow Antonio Banderas to shine. It’s an average story stuck in an average frame, slightly interesting but not enough to hold its audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia                                                                                                            

Storyline

The story of the man who found the Altamira Caves.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hugh Hudson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Laura Bickford for making the film possible. Additional Characters/Cast include: Marcelino (Antonio Banderas), Émile Cartailhac (Clément Sibony), Monseñor (Everett), Harle (Javivi), Maria adulta (Irene Escolar), Paul Ratier (Pierre Niney), Vilanova (Nicholas Farrell), Young Maria Sautuola (Allegra Allen), Mero (Lluis Soler), Pasi (Tabata Cerezo), Conchita (Golshiftteh F
arahani), and Soprano (Chantal Garsan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film shows Antonio Banderas’ versatility as an actor and it informs its audience about an interesting geographical phenomena.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUBATO (Internet Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Rubato—short film—examines the life of the street musician and how challenges are overcome. It’s an enjoyable 7 to 8 minute watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube

Storyline

A street musician plies his craft.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Felix Ferrand, Florian Magnin, Jordan Mercredi, Corentin Provost, and Marjolaine Robin for directing effort. Thank you to ESMA for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Musician (Voice of Vincent Grass), The Kids (Voice of Nathalis Homs), and The Dog (Voice of Jéröme Bresset).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Superb animation technique coupled with unique challenges that belong to street life encourages the investment of time to watch this film.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HERE’S THE PLAN (NFFTY Film Festival Seattle Washington USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Here’s the Plan—18 to 19 minute short film—has a sweet storyline that runs true to life. The timing on its storyline needs to be readjusted so that the story focuses on the plan rather than earning money to buy a new oven. It needs to re-focus on the original plan and lengthen its ending to increase effectiveness. The closing scenes are sweetly done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A couple have a dream of running a bakery. When their oven breaks and they must seek employment elsewhere, their relationship begins to drift apart.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fernanda Frick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fernanda Frick for making the film possible. Thank you to Chile’s Consejo Nacional de la Cultura y Las Artes. Thank you to Fernanda Frick Studio.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The short film needs professional cutting and editing to increase effectiveness. The ‘working for someone else’ scenes need collapse, perhaps using a quick montage, to allow an expeditious return to the original dream of running a bakery. This small adjustment could cut 8 minutes out of the movie and increase its impact. The film has a wonderful message that needs to find its place through keeping it simple and short.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MARILYN MONROE DECLASSIFIED (Video Premiere USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Marilyn Monroe Declassified does not gives its audience the confidence that the information provided comes from declassified files as the movie title suggests. The movie still leaves the audience with an obscure picture of Marilyn’s life story as well as the reason for her death. The movie, despite its interesting presentation and many contributors to content, begs the question, what was her life really like and how much does the movie add to what is already known about this actress? The research used to support the documentary format leaves one with an ‘unconfirmed’ status and one walks away feeling a bit cheated that nothing is truly resolved, and it refines itself into a juxtaposition of various opinions.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline

A documentary about the life, work, and early death of Marilyn Monroe.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Davids for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul and Hollace Davids for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Albert Babbitt, Holly Beavon, DonaldBurleson, Chuck Caplinger, Brian Chanes, Timothy Cooper, L.J Dopp, C.O.Erickson,  Pamela Mora, Philippe Mora, John Gilmore, Pete Hammond, Rob Lowe, and David Marshall.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. But, to get a rounded feel for Ms.Monroe’s personality, watch the 2011 movie, My Week With Marilyn.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LONGEST DAY (Theatrical Release USA 1962)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Longest Day has an interesting phenomenon in that the German actors seem quite superior to the American actors. John Wayne seems an awkward casting choice and out of character until the scene where he breaks his ankle. Then, the typical John Wayne onscreen persona becomes quite visible. An unusual choice for casting is Eddie Alpert from the Green Acres television series. Both Henry Fonda and Robert Mitchum integrate well into their characters. The script seems unnecessarily complicated, but understandable. The movie earns its watch and overall is a solid piece of entertainment for the war movie fan. Watch for a cameo appearance of Sean Connery.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

WW II’s D-Day story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, and Darryl F. Zanuk for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Darryl F. Zanuck for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Colonel Thompson (Eddie Albert), U.S. Army Ranger (Paul Anka), Madame Barrault (Arletty), Father Louis Roulland (Jean-Louis Barrault), Private Dutch Schultz (Richard Beymer), Major Werner Pluskat (Hans Christian Blech), Mayor of Colleville (Bourvil), and Flying Officer David Campbell (Richard Burton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is well-done and worth one watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers