HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire—the fourth in the series—is the best Harry Potter movie to date. It's a terrific film for teen/family entertainment. It’s worth your time and your money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This film has Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) entered into the Triwizards’ Tournament where he consistently proves his high ethical values, courage, and care for others against very real dragons, frightening maze competitions, and underwater trials.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Mike Newell. Thank you to Executive Producers David Barron and Tanya Seghatchian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Bryce (Eric Sykes), Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski), Peter Pettigrew AKA Wormtail (Timothy Spall), Bartimius ‘Barty’ Crouch Junior (David Tennant), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams), Fred Weasley (James Phelps), George Weasley (Oliver Phelps), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Amos Diggory (Jeff Rawle), Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton).Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon),Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Mike Newell pushes the script over the top for entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LITTLE RASCALS (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Little Rascals—an entertainment treat—completely gives tribute to the old 1920-1940s Our Gang/The Little Rascal shows. Innocence, kindness, and just plain fun swirls through this 1994 film as it tells its story of neighborhood boys who are committed to living the good life of childhood.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The little rascals, a group of neighborhood boys, have formed a club that requires the members to hate girls and keep the club pure by clearing it of all female influence. They find, however, that one club member, Alfalfa (Bug Hall), bends the rules by giving attention to his sweetheart, Darla (Brittany Aston Holmes), and they immediately put Alfalfa 'on probation'. The story romps through a delightfully sabotaged club house date between Darla and Alfalfa, a house arrest of Alfalfa, a go-kart derby, and changed attitudes about women in general.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Penelope Spheeris. Thank you to Executive Producers Roger King, Deborah Jelin Newmyer, and Gerald R Molen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Spanky (Travis Tedford), Stymie (Kevin Jamal Wood), Froggy (Jordan Workol), Porky (Zachary Mabry), Buckwheat (Ross Bagley), Uh-Huh (Courtland Mead), Butch (Sam Saletta), Woim (Blake Jeremy Collins), Elmer the Monkey (Himself), Petey the Dog (Himself), Mr Welling (Mel Brooks), Stymie’s girlfriend (Raven Symoné), Twins 1 and 2 (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), Buckwheat’s Mom (Whoopi Goldberg), A.J. Ferguson (Reba McEntire), and Waldo’s Dad (Donald Trump).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Penelope Spheeris did a terrific job of capturing the spirit of the original series. It’s a great trip into old-time entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LOONEY TOONS: BACK IN ACTION (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Looney Toons: Back in Action—a real and refreshing tribute to Looney Tunes—uses the talents of Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, and all the Looney Toons’ characters to create a terrific mix of all-star animated and live action characters that deliver value entertainment for the teen and adult audience. Steve Martin is a little over-the-top as Mr. Chairman, but it all works in the story at large.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Daffy Duck gets fired for trying to acquire his own cartoon and Stuntman DJ Drake (Brendan Fraser) is fired after a misguided attempt to escort Daffy off the Warner Brother’s Studio lot ends with Daffy firing up the Bat Mobile and driving it into Warner Brothers’ water tower. Everything gets wet and the film is on with Stuntman DJ Drake going home, with Daffy tagging along, only to find that they must involve themselves in finding the mystical blue monkey diamond in Las Vegas.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Joe Dante. Thank you to Executive Producers Christopher Defaria and Larry Doyle for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dusty Tails (Heather Locklear), Mother (Joan Cusack), Mr. Smith (Bill Goldberg), Mr. Warner (Don Stanton), Mr. Warner’s Brother (Dan Stanton), Security Guard (Dick Miller), Damian Drake (Timothy Dalton), Hollywood Director (Roger Corman), Dr. Bennell (Kevin McCarthy), Jeff Gordon (Himself), Matthew Lillard (Himself), Kate (Jenna Elfman), Acme VP of Bad Ideas (Mary Woronov), and Acme VP of Stating the Obvious (Marc Lawrence).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is good, clean fun. Director Joe Dante did a great job of mixing live action with animated action.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KILLING SEASON (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Killing Season—convoluted mix of  'yes, no, maybe I want to kill you'—finally reaches a sweet/sour mixed conclusion of ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t really mean or want to do that’ and ‘I’m off to apologize to my son and grandson for missing my grandson’s baptism…have a good return trip to Serbia.’ Robert De Niro doesn’t seem to cast well with John Travolta. John Travolta’s Serbian accent seems contrived as if someone gave him a tongue stud to pull it off. Killing Season tries to be both bloody and compassionate, gets off track from the first, and doesn’t find its way back to coherency at any point in the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

John Travolta hunts Robert De Niro with a bow and arrow.

Additional Thanks

Good Work for Director Mark Steven Johnson. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Danny Dimbort, Anson Downes, Linda Favila, Avi Lerner, Danny Lerner, Guy Tannahill, and Jake Wagner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chris Ford (Milo Ventimiglia), Sarah Ford (Elizabeth Olin), Elena (Diana Lyubenova), Serbian (Kalin Sarmenov), Bar Customer (Stefen Shterev), and Serbian Soldier (Joseph Oliveira).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If one is a die-hard Robert De Niro or John Travolta fan, this film may work.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BABE: PIG IN THE CITY (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Stars ììì

Babe: Pig in the City most likely begins its descent into failure mode when the Bull Terrier (voice of Stanley Ralph Ross ) nominates the Babe (voice of Elizabeth Daily) as the head honcho and leader of a pack of dogs, cats, and monkeys. Not that we don’t trust Bull Terriers, but somehow everything just falls apart for this film from that point on (or maybe it was when Babe and Esme (Magda Szubanski), are suspected of carrying illegal substances at the airport and need to take a hotel for the night due to missing their flight). At any rate, this Babe film just doesn’t have the necessary nous to pull its story full round for audience applause despite the fact that a good ending—where every animal gets his wish and all is well—is the denouement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Farmer Arthur Hoggett (James Cromwell), falls down a well and becomes temporarily bedridden. Farm bills pile up and Mrs. Esme Cordelia Hoggett enters Babe, the pig, into a sheep herding contest in the hopes that winning monies can be used to pay the farm debt.

Additional Thanks

Good work for Director and Producer George Miller. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara Gibbs for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Landlady (Mary Stein) Fugley Floom (Mickey Rooney), Ferdinand/Tug (voice of Danny Mann), Zootie (voice of Glenne Headly), Bob (voice of Steven Wright), Thelonius (voice of James Cosmo), Easy/Tough Pup (voice of Nathan Kress), Easy (voice of Myles Jeffrey), The Doberman (voice of Stanley Ralph Ross), The Pink Poodle/The Choir Cat (voice of Russi Taylor), and Flealick (voice of Adam Goldberg).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Babe: Pig in the City becomes the perfect example of sequels that fail to match the entertainment value of their prequels.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS * (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

How The Grinch Stole Christmas—creative, refreshingly new, and totally entertaining—allows Jim Carrey to once again establish an unmistakable, strong film presence. However, despite being completely disguised behind the Grinch’s heavy costuming, Carrey establishes just the right touch to offset the acting of Taylor Momsen (character Cindy Lou Who) without overpowering her efforts. It’s a pleasure to see this small girl, who is not afraid of the Grinch in the slightest, set into process a set of events that completely changes his life. The color, scenery, special effects, and characters are fully maximized to create pleasing effects and unique originality in every scene. This feature rates as one of the best Christmas films made and well worth viewing. And, the film even contains a nice moral: Don’t get personal about criticism, take it in stride, be happy, consider, endeavor to see the other person’s point of view, do not exclude yourself from community due to differences between you and ‘them’, and live by the imperative that no one—young, old, male, female, black, white, red, brown, yellow, green—shall be treated with anything other than love because love has the power to heal everything and anything in life.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film’s story begins with a green, hairy looking animal-like ‘thing’ bundled tightly in a blanket, floating from the air to the doorstep of two elderly female Whos for care. The Whos name the ‘thing’ Grinch. Grinch grows, enters school, falls in love, and experiences challenges as a classmate who desires the same girl makes fun of the Grinch’s beard. The Grinch goes home and tries to shave, but when he returns to school the next day with facial cuts covered with paper swabs all over his face, everyone makes fun of him. This seemingly minor incident causes the Grinch to leave the community and establish a reclusive lifestyle until a young girl named Cindy Lou Who breaks open the Grinch’s small black heart so that he can finally be free to love, feel, and care within the larger community.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Ron Howard. Thank you to Executive Producer Todd Hallowell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Max (Kelley), Mayor Augustus Maywho (Jeffrey Tambor), Martha May Whovier (Christine Baranski), Lou Lou Who (Bill Irwin), Whobris (Clint Howard), 8-Year Old Grinch (Josh Ryan Evans), and Clarnella (Mindy Sterling).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Director Ron Howard completely put this story in the “It’s well worth monies spent for entertainment” category.

 * Also Known As Dr, Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Grinch

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOURS (South by Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

Hours—an inspiring movie—tells the story of one man’s attempt to preserve his newborn daughter’s life after Hurricane Katrina hits a New Orleans hospital where his infant is being kept in a ventilator.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story begins with Nolan Hayes (Paul Walker) taking his wife, Abigail Hayes (Genesis Rodriguez), to the hospital to give birth. A storm hits the hospital during the birth. The doctor meets with Nolan Hayes and tells him that the baby lives, but that his wife Abigail had liver complications and died. The doctor escorts Nolan Hayes to see his baby and explains that the baby must be kept on a stationary ventilator for the next 48 hours until the infant can breathe on its own. The storm gets worst and the hospital is evacuated leaving Nolan alone with his infant daughter. The stationary ventilator's battery becomes low, Nolan Hayes finds a hand-crank battery charger and uses the hand-crank charger to keep oxygen in the ventilator. The rest of the film revolves around Nolan Hayes’ trials to preserve his daughter until rescuers provide relief.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director and Writer Eric Heisserer. Thank you to Executive Producers Dan Clifton, Kevin Scott Frakes, Paul Walker, and Ken Hirsh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sandra (Nancy Nave), Marc (Shane Jacobsen), Karen (Natalie Safran), Jeremy (TJ Hassan), Lucy (Lena Clark), Nurse (Kesha Bullard), and Dr. Edmonds (Yohance Myles).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film works for disaster drama fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEWITCHED (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

Bewitched becomes an entertainment treat largely due to the acting talents of Will Farrell playing the part of Jack Wyatt/Darrin and Nicole Kidman playing the part of Isabel Bigelow/Samantha. Michael Caine is a little too sophisticated, and therefore seems misplaced, while playing his part of Nigel Bigelow, Isabel Bigelow’s father. It seems John Hurt, Christopher Lee, or even Sean Connery would have been a better casting choice for that part.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film tells the story of Isabel Bigelow, a real life witch, who moves to Los Angeles to begin a new life. In the meantime, Hollywood has decided to reboot the television series Bewitched and is looking for someone to play the part of Samantha. They cannot find someone who can twitch her nose well; but, Jack Wyatt discovers Isabel Bigelow in a bookstore and convinces her to audition for the part of Samantha in the Bewitched television series remake. The result becomes a comedy as spells, magical mayhem, romance, and a little witchery rule the days and nights.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director, Producer and Writer Nora Ephron. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven H. Berman, Bobby Cohen, and James W. Skotchdopole for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Iris Smythson/Endora (Shirley MacLaine), Ritchie (Jason Schwartzman), Maria Kelly (Kristen Chenoweth), Nina (Heather Burns), Larry (Jim Turner), Stu Robison (Stephen Colbert), Jim Fields (David Alan Grier), Joey Props (Michael Badalucco), Aunt Clara (Carole Shelley), Uncle Arthur ( Steve Carell), Sheila Wyatt (Katie Finneran), James Lipton (James Lipton), and Conan O’Brian (Conan O’Brian).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is good, clean fun.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì

The Great Muppet Caper requires a taste for Muppets to truly enjoy the film. However, for Muppet fans, this film is better than some of the eight films in the Muppet series, perhaps because it holds the distinction of being the one Muppet film actually directed by Jim Henson. Look for the cameo appearance by Jim Henson in this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story contains a little intrigue as newspaper reporters Kermit the Frog (voice of Jim Henson) and Fozzie Bear (voice of Frank Oz) endeavor to solve several high level jewel theft crimes. The plot thickens as Miss Piggy (voice of Frank Oz) becomes involved in a romantic triangle and pressure is put on Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear to increase the effectiveness of their detective work to catch the thieves.

Additional Thanks

Really Good Work for Director Jim Henson. Thank you to Executive Producer Martin Starger for making the film possible. Additional character/cast include: Rowlf/Dr Teeth/Swedish Chef/Waldorf/The Muppet Newsman/Zeke/Man Having Snapshot in Restaurant (voice of Jim Henson), Animal/Sam the Eagle/ Gramps/Swedish Chef (voice of Frank Oz), Lady Holiday (Diana Riggs), and The Great Gonzo/Beauregard/Zoot/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Lobbuck Lou (voice of Dave Goelz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If you are a Muppets fan, you will not be disappointed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IP MAN 3 (Theatrical Release China 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ip Man 3 more than compliments the first IP Man films and scores a higher Ben Meyers’ rating than the prequel movies because of its increased intensity and terrific acting. The first 20 minutes are a little slow and some of the martial arts’ scenes not quite as ‘real;’ but as a rebel newcomer enters the story and 'messes' with an umbrella maker, the film picks up pace and holds its own through the ending credits. The fight between Ip Man (Donnie Yen) and Frank (Mike Tyson) are a terrific, not-to-be-missed, tribute to the fighting skills of Tyson, legendary American boxing champion from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ip Man 3 tells the story of the adult Bruce Lee’s request to become Ip Man’s student to learn Wing Chun fighting. It also interweaves Ip’s family life story involving the loss of his wife, Wing Sing, and how the family settles into living in Hong Kong.

Additional Thanks

Great Work For Director Wilson Yip. Thank you to Executive Producer Edmond Wong for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cheung Wing-sing (Lynn Hung), Cheung Tin-chi (Jin Zang), Ma King-sang (Patrick Tam), Miss Wong (Karena Ng), Chui Lek (Kai-Chung Cheung), Fatso (Kent Cheng), Master Tin (Ka-Yan Leung), and Bruce Lee (Kwok-Kwan Chan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Donnie Yen lends the entire IP man series a certain 'on screen' charisma that is not to be missed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GONE WITH THE WIND (Los Angeles Premier USA 1939)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Gone with the Wind—even today—stands as the industry classic of artistic endeavor. The casting with Clark Gable (Rhett Butler) and Vivian Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara) could not be more outstanding. This is one of the longest running films I’ve watched since 2009. With interludes, the movie, set in the pre- through post-American Civil War period, spans nearly four hours.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film explores the American Civil War from the south’s point of view and through the eyes of plantation owners as they pass through loss and upheaval during that war period. It’s a tale of rebuilding after loss and the driving forces that make rebuilding possible.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood. Thank you to Producer David O. Selznick for making the film possible. Thank you to Max Steiner for the music. Thank you for the screenplay by Sidney Howard and for the novel by Margaret Mitchell. Additional characters/cast include: Gerald O’Hara (Thomas Mitchell), Ellen O’Hara (Barbara O’Neil), Suellen O’Hara (Evelyn Keyes), Carreen (Ann Rutherford), Brent Tarleton (George Reeves), Stuart Tarleton (Fred Crane), Mammy (Hattie McDaniel), Pork (Oscar Polk), Prissy (Butterfly McQueen), Jonas Wilkerson (Victor Jory), Big Sam (Everett Brown), John Wilkes (Howard C. Hickman), India Wilkes (Alicia Rhett), and Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. There is no lack here. It has full entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JURASSIC PARK III (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Jurassic Park III—suitable to okay film—tries to work from the power of the first and second Jurassic Park movies and misses the energy of those films. Sam Neill and Laura Dern reprise their roles as Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler. This film is what it is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dr. Alan Grant takes an offer to fly over dinosaur-infested islands and then finds that the couple on the plane with him want to land.

Additional Thanks

Thank you Director Joe Johnston for directing efforts Thank you to Executive Producer Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Cast include Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, John Diehl, Bruce A. Young, Laura Dern, and Taylor Nichols.

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a suitable watch and can almost be a cult classic. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WE’RE BACK! A DINOSAUR’S STORY (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Stars ìì

We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story—a linear, animated disaster—has little character development and no story depth. The best thing that can be said about this film is that it has absolutely great voicing. This is not a film that shows Executive Producer Steven Spielberg's usual flair for investing in great entertainment films; but, perhaps to make up for this movie's failure, Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was on billboards the same year this animated feature was released and that film more than makes up for this film’s lack. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story revolves around a T-Rex who meets a small alien named Vorb (voice of Jay Leno) who endeavors to make T-Rex into a ‘nice’ dinosaur with Brain Grains, brain food in a box. He is introduced to other dinosaurs who have been fed this food and then meets Captain Neweyes (voice of Walter Cronkite) who has a ‘wish machine’ that catches peoples’ every wish. Several children want to see real dinosaurs, so Captain Neweyes readies the ‘nice’ dinosaurs for a trip to New York City, but warns them beware of his evil brother, Professor Screweyes (voice of Kenneth Mars). While in New York City, the dinosaurs meet a boy named Louie (voice of Joey Shea) who eventually meets a girl named Cecilia (voice of Yeardley Smith). Louie convinces Cecilia that she should run away with him to join the circus. But, the circus they join is run by the evil Professor Screweyes The story is off and running as the dinosaurs endeavor to save Louie and Cecilia and finally find a true dinosaur home in the Museum of Natural History.

Additional Thanks

Fair Work for Directors Phil Nibbelink, Simon Wells, and Dick and Ralph Zondag. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mother Bird (voice of Rhea Perlman), Woog (voice of René Le Vant), Elsa (voice of Felicity Kendal), Dweeb (voice of Charles Fleischer), Larry King (Himself), Stubbs the Clown (voice of Martin Short), and Dr. Bleeb (voice of Julia Childs).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The best thing about this film is the animation and voicing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers