ELYSIUM (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Elysium, a movie directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9), is one of this director’s best films. Matt Damon is perfectly cast here. Elysium is fresh, entertaining, and engaging. It earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

In a dystopian future, rich people live in their own world above earth while poor people live on earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Neill Blomkamp for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Block, Neill Blomkamp, and Simon Kinberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, and William Fichtner. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is exceptionally creative and completely earns the title of futuristic entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUSH HOUR (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Rush Hour—Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker—has comedy tucked in with action to create a very good piece of entertainment. WOW! As of 2022 the movie is 24 years old and still provides a good watch.

Film Poster Google Images

Storyline 

Two law enforcement officers attempt to rescue a kidnapped daughter of a Chinese diplomat. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brett Ratner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roger Bimbaum, Jonathan Glickman, and Arthur Sarkissian for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tzi Ma, Tom Wilkinson, Ken Leung, Elizabeth Pena, Mark Rolston, and Rex Linn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a worthy watch for the teen/adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MINIONS AND MORE 1 (Internet release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Minions and More 1—short film collection—shows characters from Illumination Studios' full-length films. The quality varies from ‘okay’ to good. It is what it is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This movie is a collection of short movies about the Minions and other characters from Illumination Studios. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Illumination Studios for gathering the collection together. Cast includes: Pierre Coffin, Miranda Cosgrove, Danny DeVito, Jessica DiCicco, Dana Gaier, John DiMaggio, Nev Scharrel, and Tara Strong. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This collection mixes some good short films with some that need work to provide entertainment value. But, for diehard Illumination Studio fans, it is a treat to see a variety of their characters in their own short film collection. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAST SEEN ALIVE (All-Media Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Last Seen Alive—good film for Gerard Butler fans—is interesting, entertaining, and well-acted. The violence is palatable for an adult audience and works within the framework of the story…It also works within its R-rating. There is language, but for the most part it is a good thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man’s wife disappears. He goes to look for her. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brian Goodman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gerard Butler, Taylor Conrod, Marc Frydman, Brian Pitt, Bob Shapiro, David Shojai, and Alan Siegel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Gerard Butler, Jaimie Alexander, Russell Hornsby, and Ethan Embry. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is reminiscent of John Cena’s film, The Marine, which also is about a wife kidnapped at a gas station. Between the two movies, Last Seen Alive is the better watch. It shows more action, more grit, and determination than the other movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Resident Evil: Retribution—typical ‘wild ride’ that the Resident Evil stories rely on—seems to contain more graphic portrayal of violent scenes than previous Resident Evil movies. However, the storyline is solid; the acting very good; and, the presentation is really good. Resident Evil: Retribution is the fifth movie with one more film to go before the series completes. There is no lack of fast movement and good engagement of audience in the movie.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Alice fights zombies and other forces of evil to make it to a safe place. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Paul W. S. Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jeremy Bolt, Paul W. S. Anderson, Robert Kulzer, Don Carmody, and Samuel Hadida for making the film possible. Cast includes: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand, Sienna Guillory, Shawn Roberts, Aryana Engineer, Colin Salmon, Johann Urb, Boris Kodjoe, and Li Bingbing. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Be aware that this film seem more violent than the other Resident Evil films. But, for Resident Evil fans, the movie lives up to expectations and will satisfy audiences who love horror thriller films. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHREK FOREVER AFTER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Shrek Forever After—cliched—leaves the viewer with the feeling ‘I’ve seen this before’ except with fewer ogres, witches, and a lot less Rumpelstiltskin.  It feels like producers needed a film to conclude the series, threw this together, and sent it out. The story seems an odd way to end the series. But it is entertaining and works for an every-man audience. Good Halloween watch for October. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

Rumpelstiltskin interferes with Shrek’s life and Shrek has to find his way back to a better life with Fiona. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gina Shay and Teresa Cheng for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Walt Dohrn, Jane Lynch, Jon Hamm, Craig Robinson, Luke Bell, Mary Kay Place, Kathy Griffin, and Kristen Schaal. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that the first Shrek movie is the gold-star watch. If one is a diehard Shrek fan, this movie will suit but it lacks the quality of Shrek 2 and Shrek 3. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHEELS ON MEALS (Video Release World-Wide 1984)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Wheels on Meals—Hong Kong Jackie Chan movie presentation—is an okay film, not a great film. This movie is one of Jackie Chan’s earlier works where he has not acquired the sophistication of his later works. Be aware there are some suggestive scenes, but the movie is a fairly clean watch that shows the oncoming talent of one of America’s favorite martial arts actors.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Two cousins run a food truck and run into a female pickpocket which sets off a series of adventures that require good martial art skills to resolve. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sammo Hung for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Raymond Chow for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Lola Forner, Benny Urquidez, Pepe Sancho, Herb Edelman, Keith Vitali, and Cheung Chung. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Jackie Chan choreographed this movie and the action scenes are good. But be aware that this film is one of his earlier works and does not have the more sophisticated storyline of his later films. This is an average watch for the most part, but it has good English voiceovers and great subtitles for English speaking audiences. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK: MOWGLI AND BALOO (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo—minorly entertaining—works at a below par level from its beginning to concluding scenes. It’s comical in all the wrong ways.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Mowgli needs to make a decision between living a human life or a jungle life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dee McLachlan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Raju Patel and Mark Damon for making the film possible. Cast includes: Billy Campbell, Roddy McDowall, Jamie Williams, and David Paul Francis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There are better film interpretations of the Mowgli-themed story than this movie provides. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX-THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Star Wars: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker has regained a bit of the George Lucas spirit in a few scenes that the previous two films lost. This is a good film to the credit of Director J. J. Abrams.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Rebellion faces its deepest challenges in fighting evil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. J. Abrams for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, J. J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan for making the film possible. Cast include: Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, John Boyega, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Ian McDiamond, Billy Dee Williams, and Richard Grant. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                                  

Yes. Know that if audiences thought the Star Wars series was over with Episode VI and now are watching the continuation of this series’ story, that the series has devolved into a predictable story of good versus evil where evil will never be completely vanquished because if evil is vanquished, the story is over. So, with the rise of a new type of Leia called Rey, be prepared for a sequel where evil did not really die and will once again raise its head so that Rey and her team will have a new movie to act in. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PRINCIPAL (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Principal does not perform at the level of Morgan Freeman’s film, Lean on Me. However, The Principal has its own spunk and has performances by James Belushi at the helm with very good support by Louis Gossett Jr. The movie completely keeps audience attention and provides non-stop tension from its beginning to concluding scene. It’s rough, tough, and gritty. It tells a need-to-be-told story. It’s an unforgettable watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A teacher, with no place else to go within a school district, is assigned the position of principal at the most troubled school within the district. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher Cain for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Thomas Brodek for making the film possible. Cast include: Jim Belushi, Louis Gossett Jr., Rae Chong, and Kelly Minter. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a demonstrative watch at how troubled public schools can become. It’s a tough watch but a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A COWGIRL’S SONG (Internet Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

A Cowgirl’s Song—trite storyline and perfect example of average entertainment—can be complimented on its clean storyline and presentation. There are no surprises here if one chooses it as a watch for their young teenager. For most audiences, the story will not hold interest.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                           

Storyline 

Two young girls work to raise bail monies to free their father from jail.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Timothy Armstrong for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Carlos DeMattos and Marcos DeMattos for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bill Jenkins, Cheryl Ladd, Rachel Cannon, Savannah Lee May, Darci Lynne Farmer, Maggie McClure, Cate Jones, Shane Henry, Dodge Prince, and Marcus Mauldin.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This is an exceptionally simple story that appeals to a limited audience. However, it surprisingly rates as higher entertainment value than Hannah Montana: The Movie. This movie would work for younger audiences as clean entertainment with no unwanted surprises. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DRIFTING HOME * (Video Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

Drifting Home starts well and soon becomes complicated in its storyline to the point of un-intelligibleness. This anime becomes, not only incomprehensible, but highly confusing even to a western audience who enjoys anime. The  movie leaves its audience hanging at its conclusion with no idea about its purpose and message. The voiceovers are not done well…the recording is poor…but the subtitles are good. The animation is great. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two childhood friends attempt to survive a flood that sets their home adrift in a dangerous sea of water. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hiroyasu Ishida for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Koji Yamamoto for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mutsumi Tamura, Kana Hanazawa, Daiki Yamashita, Inori Minase, Ayumu Murase, Asami Seto, Nana Mizuki, Bin Shimada, and Yumiko Kobayashi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. Watch a Hayao Miyazaki directed film instead.

* Also Known As: Ame wo Tsugeru Hyôryû Danchi  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Huntsman: Winter’s War—good, not great—has nice special effects reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings in creative and fresh imagery. The movie recasts Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Nick Frost, and Sam Claflin from Snow White and the Huntsman while adding new cast members Rob Brydon, Jessica Chastain, and Emily Blunt. This movie plays along darker lines than Snow White and the Huntsman but it is a good prequel/sequel film to Snow White and the Huntsman with a shocking link between the Snow White story and the Snow Queen story. The film, overall, is a good watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The Huntsman tangles with the Snow Queen in his attempt to preserve the concept of love. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Joe Roth for making the film possible. Cast include: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Nick Frost, Sam Claflin, Rob Brydon, Liam Neeson (Narrator), and Jessica Chastain. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know that this movie’s story heavily ties with Snow White and the Huntsman (2012 USA/UK Live Action). Many references in this movie, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, to Ravenna, Snow White, the Huntsman, and the Snow Queen will make this film more understandable if one watches Snow White and the Huntsman before tackling this film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PHIL TIPPETT: MAD DREAMS AND MONSTERS (All Media Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams and Monsters—worth watching bio-pic documentary—educates its audience about the process of stop motion and go-motion animation by using the example of top-notch animator Phil Tippett. While this movie may be of high-level interest to film schools as an easy introduction to this type of animation and how it was used in high profile movies, like Star Wars, the film can also be highly appreciated by movie enthusiasts and film buffs. The documentary is well presented, has good interviews, and has high educational value. A viewer may wish for a little more in-depth review of Phil Tippet’s personal life, but know Mr. Tippet’s wife chose to completely support his professional work by working with him to build the business. It’s a very good watch to see what Phil Tippet created himself and collaborated with others to make. The movie emphasizes the dedication needful when one works within the entertainment industry. Overall, a terrific watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Phil Tippett’s lifelong and substantial contributions to the entertainment industry receive a thorough documentation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Gilles Penso and Alexandre Poncet for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Alexandre Poncet for making the film possible. Cast include: Joe Dante, Jon Davison, Chuck Duke, Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, and Paul Verhoeven. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Enlightening, educational, and entertaining. Very well-done documentary. Great work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE YIN-YANG MASTER: DREAM OF ETERNITY (Video Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity—fantasy film—has top-notch special effects. The story is complicated and requires a careful watch partially due to themes that one does not get deep insight into within western entertainment and that are uniquely part of eastern tradition and thought. The movie is entirely fresh and original. Absolutely no boredom here as heroes revolve in and out of deeply spiritual worlds to solve highly unusual difficulties in the real world.  High suspense dominates the film. The movie has great subtitles and English voiceovers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An ancient and powerful demon must be kept in check.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Guo Jingming for directing effort. Cast includes: Deng Lun, Mark Chao, Olivia Wang, and Wang Duo.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is put together very well, has fabulous animation and special effects. Good work overall.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BRIGHT (Video Release World-Wide 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Bright, a fantasy action film, pairs Will Smith with Joel Edgerton to produce an interesting action film that is well-acted, entertaining, and watchable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Aliens and humans work together to keep law and order.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Ayer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Eric Newman, David Ayer, Bryan Unkeless, and Ted Sarandos for making the film possible. Cast includes:  Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry, Edgar Ramirez, and Ike Barinholtz.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is quite well done and worth watching for action fans. Be aware there is some nudity that precludes it from the children’s audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Inspector Clouseau—reboot of Pink Panther-themed movies—features Alan Arkin, who provides a good rendition of the original spirit of this film series. Peter Sellers continues to dominate the Pink Panther market, after this film, through the 1970s despite Arkin’s sharper image and precise style of presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Inspector Clouseau once again bumbles his way through solving a case. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bud Yorkin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lewis J. Rachmil for making the film possible. Cast include: Alan Arkin, Frank Finlay, Barry Foster, Patrick Cargill, Beryl Reid, and Clive Francis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite the usual suggestive themes within the story, the film, for the most part, induces a fair amount of chuckles from its audience. It’s worth its watch even though it is over 50 years old as of 2022.

Ben Meyers