RABIN, THE LAST DAY (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Rabin, the Last Day follows the events of November 4, 1995, the day Israel’s Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated. This documentary is a very good study in the perils of leadership, the balancing of power, and the necessary courage required for leaders to move forward despite their extremely tenuous hold on life when decisions are not well received. This documentary contains outstanding re-enactments as well as terrific archival footage to make its points. The film is a very good choice of cultural study for anyone studying Judaism. It’s a documentary of excellence.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Israel’s Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s last hours before his deadly assassination are detailed in this documentary.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Amos Gitai for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Shuki Friedman, Gadi Levy, Benoît Quainon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Head of the Commission (Yitzhak Hizkiya), Commission Member (Pini Mittelman), Commission Member (Michael Warshaviak), Commission Lawyer (Einat Weitzman), Rabin’s Assassin (Yogev Yefet), Rabin’s Driver (Tomer Sisley), Commission Lawyer (Ronen Keinan), Hospital Director (Tomer Russo), and Attorney General (Uri Gottlieb).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary is exceptionally well done and seems to show a remarkably delicate balance that needs to be maintained between Israel’s religious and political ideological groups.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DOCTOR STRANGE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Doctor Strange contains great imaginative concepts such as the ability to use the astral dimensions, destroy or manipulate the three guarded sanctums that protect earth, bend time through the use of an infinity stone, and create infinite time loops. But special effect scenes such as the scene where buildings bend over themselves create a ho-hum feeling because they’ve been used years before as in the Christopher Nolan/Leonardo DiCaprio Inception film. While that effect was a WOW! in Inception due to its novelty and high quality, it didn’t work for this movie not only for its lack of novelty, but due to its poor quality in execution. Expect a sequel due to its box office success and its Marvel Comic status. Benedict Cumberbatch is an excellent choice for the character Dr. Strange.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) seeks help from sorcerers and ancient wisdom to regain the use of his hands after serious injury prevents him from pursuing his occupation of neurosurgery.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Derrickson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Louis D’Esposito, Stan Lee, and Charles Newirth for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), Wong (Benedict Wong), Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen), The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Dr. Nicodemus West (Michael Stuhlbarg), and Jonathan Pangborn (Benjamin Bratt).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is watchable if for no other reason than its great concept and the fact that it brings to life yet another Marvel Comic character.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Beauty and the Beast is a live action remake of the classically animated Beauty and the Beast story. It tops the charts for profitability generating over a billion dollars at box office, but fails in originality. The music is terrific. Emma Watson sings and one immediately thinks she should do more musicals. She shows a certain sophistication reminiscent of some of Julie Andrews’ earlier musical films; however, she lacks the certain sweet innocence that is necessary to pull this film into the best of the best category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Belle (Emma Watson) saves the Beast (Dan Stevens) and finds her happily ever after story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bill Condon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Don Hahn, Thomas Schumacher, and Jeffrey Silver for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gaston (Luke Evans), LeFou (Josh Gad), Maurice (Kevin Kline), Agathe/Enchantress (Hattie Morahan), Clothilde (Haydn Gwynne), and Jean the Potter (Gerard Horan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The music is quite good and it’s interesting to see a live action version of this favorite childhood story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHALE RIDER (Theatrical Release Poland 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Whale Rider—a ‘love it from its beginning to its end movie’—is sensationally wonderful and could possibly rate as one of the best foreign films of 2002. Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes is superb; the storyline is great. Special thanks to Director Niki Caro for bringing out the best in each scene. Special notice to Actor Cliff Curtis for good performance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sometimes destiny becomes fulfilled through a female descendant rather than a male descendant.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Niki Caro for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bill Gavin and Linda Goldstein Knowlton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Koro (Rawiri Paratene), Nanny Flowers (Vicky Haughton), Porourangi (Cliff Curtis), Uncle Rawiri (Grant Roa), Hemi (Mana Taumaunu), Shilo (Rachel House), Willie (Taungaroa Emile), and Dog (Tammy Davis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. It’s a class act on its way to classic status.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

WHY STOP NOW? (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Why Stop Now takes a series of tough life events where one asks, ‘What else could go wrong in this kid’s life?’ and produces comedy. The film may be one of Jesse Eisenberg’s better works since The Social Network and Zombieland. He is well supported by actor Tracy Morgan. This movie will age well and has potential to become one of those re-watchable films in the category of A Christmas Story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eli Bloom (Jesse Eisenberg) masterfully juggles a drug-addicted Mother, Penny Bloom (Melissa Leo), who desperately needs to enter rehab, a younger sister Nicole Bloom (Emma Rayne Lyle)  who intimidates classmates with a threatening hand puppet, drug dealer Sprinkles (Tracy Morgan) to whom his mother owes past-due monies, an aunt Trish (Stephanie March) who locks herself in the bathroom to stay away from her drug-addicted sister, a budding romance with a girl named Cloe (Sarah Ramos), and his need to perform well at a professional music audition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Phil Dorling and Ron Nyswaner for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Wendy Cox and Peter Sterling for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Black (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), Eduardo (Paul Calderon), and Dave Epstein (Neal Huff).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jesse Eisenberg is perfectly cast in this comedy that works for its money. The small underlying message that the best things in life can happen out of the worst series of catastrophes is not lost in the story’s climax.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DARK WAS THE NIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Dark Was the Night enters the realm of the improbable as far too many animals and humans go missing before real action is taken to solve the problem. The monster is ‘cool’ with its three-cloven hoof tracks, but overall the movie just doesn’t ‘cut it’. It seems Directors and Producers think putting someone like Lukas Haas in the film is going to pull a low B-grade film into a higher classification. It’s a pleasure to see Kevin Durand on screen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In the small country town of Maiden Woods an ominous, unknown creature stalks animals and humans.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jack Heller for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ross M. Dinerstein, Tyler Hisel, Kevin Iwashina, Ted Markovic, Alexander Robb for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Shields (Kevin Durand), Donny Saunders (Lukas Haas), Susan Shields (Bianca Kajlich, Earl (Nick Damici), Jim (Heath Freeman), Adam Shields (Ethan Khusidman), Clair (Sabina Gadecki), Foreman (Steve Agee), and Creature Performer (Jacob Grigolia-Rosenbaum).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. While there’s always interest in a new menace in the woods, this isn’t the best movie out there to get thrills and chills from the unknown.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MISS CONGENIALITY (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Miss Congeniality—a must see for Sandra Bullock fans—is fun, sassy, and smart with terrific casting that includes the immortal Michael Caine and an all-star cast that includes Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen, William Shatner, and the legendary Ernie Hudson. The script is great. The storyline is fresh.

Movie Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

FBI Agent Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is assigned duty at the Miss United States beauty contest to prevent a bomb threat from becoming reality.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Donald Petrie for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Marc Lawrence, and Ginger Sledge for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Victor Melling (Michael Caine), Eric Matthews (Benjamin Bratt), Kathy Morningside (Candice Bergen), Stan Fields (William Shatner), Harry McDonald (Ernie Hudson), Agent Clonsky (John DiResta), Cheryl Frasier/Miss Rhode Island (Heather Burns), and Karen Krantz/Miss New York (Melissa De Sousa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sandra Bullock teams with Michael Cain and Benjamin Bratt to create an unexpectedly charming story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALIEN ARRIVAL * (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

Alien Arrival complicates itself to the point of confusion with its fractured sci-fi script. This challenge is exacerbated with weak acting, poor direction, and lack of sufficient detail to allow those critical transitioning points that bridge the gap between knowing what is going on and not knowing what is going on. Critical, need-to-know information is presented too late in the script to maximize understanding. An example is: wondering why can a main character breathe without a mask, why can he live in a ship with little to no oxygen, food, and water for three years. The fact that he adapted to his environment is presented too late in the story and is one of the many reasons the story delivers a less than average performance. The main actor Dan Mor has good screen presence and, with training, has the possibility of being an outstanding thriller/action character actor.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kyle Cortland (Dan Mor) goes on a rescue mission designed to find and free his father.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jesse O’Brien for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eric Scott Johnson, Eric Machiela, and Ross Vande Waa for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tarren Hollis (Aleisha Rose), Kyle Cortland (Dan Mor), Norman Oleander (Christopher Kirby), Obias Hatch (Mark Redpath), Reef (voice of Shaun Micallef), Prison Commander (Jak Wyld), Prison Guard (Akira Bradley), Carl Sanders (Jamie Foster), and Burly Prisoner (Adam Tuohy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The film needs reconstruction from the bottom up.

*Also know as Arrowhead

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GENERATION IRON 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Generation Iron 2 successfully outperforms its prequel Generation Iron with an informative format that focuses on the changes occurring within the professional body building community. The movie follows the professional careers of the world’s current top body builders and successfully generates new enthusiasm for this sport as it introduces Australian Callum Von Moger who presents an uncanny déjà vu a la Arnold Schwarzenegger to the screen. This film brings body building out of the woods into the light again.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Five of the world’s best body builders show how it’s done.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Vlad Yudin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Nick Orton and Ollie Upton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Himself), Martyn Ford (Himself), Kal Greene (Himself), Rich Piana (Himself), Ahmad Ashkanani (Himself), Angelica Teixeira (Herself), Iris Kyle (Herself), Michael, Manager (Michael Kupisk), Jay Cutler (Himself), Dana Linn Bailey (Herself), Gregg Valentino (Himself), Ken Wheeler (Himself), Jim Manion (Himself), Hidetada Yamagishi (Himself), Karina Elle (Herself), Lee Haney (Himself),  Rich Gaspari (Himself), Shawn Ray (Himself), Bader Boodai (Himself), Eugen Sandow (Himself), Daniel Nyiri (Himself), Chris Griggs (Himself), Courtney King (Herself), Ryan Terry (Himself), Renee Janssen (Herself), Steve Weinberger (Himself), Mamdouh Elssbiah (Himself), Bella Falcon (Herself), Brandon Curry (Himself), Regan Grimes (Himself), Frank McGrath (Himself), William Bonac (Himself), Brandon Hendrickson (Himself), India Paulino (Herself), Ariel Khadr (Herself), Jacob Wilson (Himself), Ahmad Askar (Himself), Raquel Palmas (Herself), Anita Herbert (Herself), Tim Gardner (Himself), Jea Jung (Himself), Marie Molinie (Herself), Terrence Ruffin (Himself), Jim Lorimer (Himself), Abdullah Al Alotaibi (Himself), Santi Aragón (Himself), Floyd Hughes (Himself), Matthew Mitchell (Himself), Sam Beeler (Himself), Adam Paz (Himself), Darryl Palmas (Herself), Bob Cicherillo (Himself), and Phil Heath (Himself).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For the wannabe body builders among us, Generation Iron 2 has the potential to bring body building back into a highly visible and desirable sport.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

NO RESERVATIONS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

No Reservations shows well due to its well-written script accompanied by high quality acting by both Aaron Eckhart and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Watch for Patricia Clarkson playing the restaurant boss.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Head chef Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) finds herself exceptionally challenged as she tries to cope with her sister’s death, takes on the responsibility of raising her young niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), and deals with career challenges after her boss Paula (Patricia Clarkson) hires a new sous chef Nick (Aaron Eckhart).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Hicks for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman and Susan Cartsonis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leah (Jenny Wade), Therapist (Bob Balaban), Sean (Brian F. O-Byrne), Bernadette (Lily Rabe), and John (Eric Silver).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie nicely fits the light, romantic comedy genre and doesn’t pander or narrow itself to ‘chick flick only’ status.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

FACING DARKNESS * (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Facing Darkness—admirable documentary bolstered by well-placed interviews and professional camera technique—does a great job detailing the deadliness of Ebola as doctors and volunteers fight to stop its progress in West Africa. It’s a Christian documentary film that highlights the work of Billy and Franklin Graham’s charity, Samaritan’s Purse.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Christians help in an Ebola crisis in West Africa.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Arthur Rasco for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers William Coger and Franklin Graham for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Franklin Graham (Himself), Kent Brantly (Himself), Amber Brantly (Herself), War Room Reenactment Extra (James Bronson), Female Doctor in car riot scene (Tracey de Leon), War Room Reenactment Extra (Rebecca DeRienzo), Kenny Isaacs in War Room Reenactment (Norwood Ezzell), Female Doctor (Dawn Giovanni), Dr. Lance Plyler Reenactor (Randy Grazio), War Room Reenactment Extra (Katie Layman), Dr. John Writebol (John Merical), Nancy Writebol (Pamela Metcalfe), Rioter Around Car In Riot Scene (Michah Walker), and Extra (Kimberly White). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Bravo. The film gives cause to pause and reflect on the best of what is human and re-establishes hope for peace and harmony in a troubled and conflicted world.

* Also known as "Samaritan's Purse Presents Facing Darkness"

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED AND FABULOUS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous­ does not do credit to its prequel. It lacks originality and loses its audience from its beginning.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hart (Sandra Bullock) goes undercover to save Miss United States (Heather Burns).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Donald Petrie for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman and Marc Lawrence, and Ginger Sledge for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Victor Melling (Michael Caine), Eric Matthews (Benjamin Bratt), Kathy Morningside (Candice Bergen), Stan Fields (William Shatner), Harry McDonald (Ernie Hudson), Agent Clonsky (John DiResta), and Karen Krantz (Melissa De Sousa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If you desire to finish the series, then this is it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

POOH’S HEFFALUMP MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Pooh’s Heffalump Movie kindly reminds us that where there is fear, it can be present for no real reason and, very often, is shared equally by everyone sharing the circumstance. Disney creates another gentle Winnie-the-Pooh story that outclasses some previously produced Pooh stories because it consistently returns to several basic, real-to-life themes rather than a single theme—everyone wants and needs acceptance; love is helping others to feel that they have acceptance and place; excitement about new things is a large step in understanding how to overcome fear and to learn how to love; and it’s important to strive for the happy ending for everyone in the story. The script’s dialogue is good with good timing and excellent portrayal of story. The single, small criticism concerns a scene where Piglet makes lasting friends with Lumpy, a small Heffalump, while playing in a pond. The music does not fit this scene. It is too upbeat for the situation. The music is not right for the occasion as if added as an unnecessary fill-in due to time or budget restriction. This whole scene needs deletion or improvement.

Film Poster of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tigger’s house is damaged during the night and the Winnie-the-Pooh and crew believes there is a Heffalump loose in the woods.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frank Nissen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jessica Koplos for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Winnie the Pooh/Tigger (voice of Jim Cummings), Piglet (voice of John Fiedler), Roo (voice of Nikita Hopkins), Kanga (voice of Kath Soucie), Rabbit (voice Ken Sansom), Eeyore (voice of Peter Cullen), Mama Heffalump (voice of Brenda Blethyn), and Lumpy (voice of Kyle Stanger).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is a mini-classic for children that has real meaning similar to the sweet reminders of the Jimmy Stewart movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life”. It’s moral lessons are kindly and softly presented. It’s a good instructive presented in entertainment formatting. This film can be loved by adults as well as children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Theory of Everything, a highly watchable rendition of Stephen Hawking's life, earns a loud, resounding  BRAVO! Eddie Redmayne masterfully plays the part of Stephen Hawking and has been cast perfectly with Felicity Jones who matches his acting ability with superb skill. The duo creates a charismatic onscreen team who perfectly catch the flavor of a difficult life well lived. Director James Marsh (Man on Wire and Project Nim) shows surpassing proficiency in bringing real life events out of the hard-edged documentary presentation into the softened confines of the fiction world without losing that special truthfulness that defines the truly good story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Stephen Hawking’s (Eddie Redmayne) life receives a full review from early childhood under paternal and maternal care to his seasoned years. His theories and ideas evolve as his observational abilities mature.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Marsh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin, Amelia Granger, and David Kosse for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones), 17-year-old Robert Hawking (Tom Prior), 14-year-old Lucy Hawking (Sophie Perry), 8-year-old Timothy Hawking (Finlay Wright-Stephens), Brian (Harry Lloyd), Diana King (Alice Orr-Ewing), Dennis Sciama (David Thewlis), and Carter (Thomas Morris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film demonstrates great craftsmanship and easily makes Ben Meyers’ Hundred Best Films List. The film shows grace, maturity, and character.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SAN ANDREAS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

San Andreas successfully surpasses the normal B-grade status into which many disaster films naturally classify themselves. This film becomes one of Dwayne Johnson’s better films as it creates a highly balanced and believable mix of his tender family side with his wrestling/action movie persona. Casting chose Carla Gugino as his character wife, Emma Gaines. That choice turns into the perfect onscreen team for careening through an earthquake-destroyed California coastline. The visual and special effects departments managed one of the best disaster movies yet by eliminating those troubling blurry scenes as buildings crumble and fall as well as the redundant ‘I’ve seen this before’ feeling that plagues action/disaster movies. This film shows craftsmanship and care of artisanship in every scene. That care results in an overall movie effect that can be only described as: enthralling. The attempt at marriage repair is not overdone. The loyalty to family and concern for child safety manages itself well. The film’s story is not too fast, loud, or busy. It’s just right.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Raymond Gaines (Dwayne Johnson) and Emma Gaines (Carla Gugino), in the throes of marital separation, find themselves working together to rescue their daughter, Blake Gaines (Alexandra Daddario), while California crumbles under their feet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Peyton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Rob Cowan, Michael Disco, and Tripp Vinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Daniel Riddick (Ioan Gruffudd), Serena Johnson (Archie Panjabi), Dr. Lawrence Hayes (Paul Giamatti), Ben Taylor (Hugo Johnstone-Burt), Ollie Taylor (Art Parkinson), and Dr. Kim Park (Will Yun Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This action/disaster film fills the ticket quite nicely for action fans. There’s a lot going on, but not too much. The blare and glare that has plagued action/disaster movies over the past several decades has been toned down to just the right level so that an audience can appreciate the artistry and absorb each event-filled scene with greater attention to detail. It’s more natural.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DESPICABLE ME 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Despicable Me 2 turns into a better film than Despicable Me and Minions. The Minions continue to be lovable until covered with a dangerous mutagen. Gru becomes increasingly civilized. The script and dialogue are excellent with good portrayal of story. This film becomes an excellent choice for the child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Anti-Villain League (AVL) requests the help of former super-villain Gru (voice of Steve Carell) to find the criminal responsible for stealing a dangerous mutagen. The AVL pairs him with Agent Lucy Wilde (voice of Kristen Wiig), and the story is on as the two super sleuth the crime.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Janet Healy and Christopher Meledandri for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eduardo/El Macho (voice of Benjamin Bratt), Margo (voice of Miranda Cosgrove), Dr. Nefario (voice of Russell Brand), Floyd (voice of Ken Jeong), Silas (voice of Steve Coogan), Agnes (voice of Elsie Fisher), and Edith (voice of Dana Gaier).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film shows sweetness as Gru increases his capacity to love.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers