THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Santa Claus 2 extends the story from 1994's The Santa Claus movie. The best part of this movie are the elves and an animated reindeer. It's an okay, rather charming, holiday watch for families. Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Photos

Storyline  Santa begins losing weight and his Santa abilities. He starts turning into a regular person. He is informed that he needs to find a Mrs. Clause. if he wants to continue to be Santa Clause Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Lembeck for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Baker, Rick Messina, James Miller, and William W. Wilson III for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, David Krumholtz, Eric Lloyd, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Spencer Breslin, Liliana Mumy, Danielle Woodman, Art LaFleur, Aisha Tyler, Kevin Pollak, and Jay Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story is cute and makes a good natured holiday watch for families.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

MUDBOUND (Theatrical Release Germany USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Mudbound works for its money. This strongly realistic story depicts how people support each other across racial lines when there is trouble and shows how conflicting agendas, coupled with both good and bad life events, work to create disparity between people. The film shows, at a basic level, what works and what does not work in real life. The film deserves praise for its different approach to racism, the needs of land owners versus sharecroppers, and how soldiers sometimes handled post-traumatic stress syndrome after World War II. The story is well supported by its cast.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two Mississippi family stories intertwine and overlap as a sharecropping family and the farm’s new owners’ family each greet their returning World War II war veterans.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Dee Rees for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Teddy Schwarzman,  Daniel Steinman, Robert Teitel, Kyle Tekiela, George Tillman, Jr., and Virgil Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Laura McAllan (Carey Mulligan), Jamie McAllan (Garrett Hedlund), Henry McAllan (Jason Clarke), Pappy McAllan (Jonathan Banks), Hap Jackson (Rob Morgan), Florence Jackson (Mary J. Blige), Rose Tricklebank (Kerry Cahill), Ronsel Jackson (Jason Mitchell), Weeks (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.), Vera Atwood (Lucy Faust), Carl Atwood (Dylan Arnold), Resl (Samantha Hoefer), and Pretty Girl (Elizabeth Ashling).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While this movie does not work at the classic film level, it’s a worthy, solid story that serves the  late teen/adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WINDING STREAM (South By Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Winding Stream—well-done documentary—uses a nice selection of Western music to tell its story with exceptionally fine documentation of the Carter family’s musical history. It’s definitely worth a watch and introduces a terrific Western musician, Murry Hammond. See his song “I Believe, I Believe” on YouTube for an immersion into some great yodeling.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This documentary details the Carter family’s, June Carter Cash, efforts to keep Western music at the forefront of the American identity.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Beth Harrington for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Christine Vernier and David Vernier for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Chet Atkins), Herself (Lorrie Bennett), Himself (John R. Brinkley), Herself (Peggy Bulger), Herself (Anita Carter), Herself (Carlene Carter), Herself (Helen Carter), Herself (Janette Carter), Himself (Joe Carter), Herself (Mother Maybelle Carter), and Herself (Sara Carter).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific immersion into Americana. Good for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EL CAMINO CHRISTMAS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

El Camino Christmas—ironic, but WOW! entertainment piece—tells a top-of-the-line Christmas story with exceptional ability. Odd casting (Luke Grimes paired with Tim Allen) makes this film soar to the top of the charts. It’s a simple script that depicts an entirely fresh story that piques interest in Director David E. Talbert’s work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eric Roth’s desire to track down a missing, Vietnam veteran father takes an unexpectedly nasty and disastrous turn in a small California town.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director David E. Talbert for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rich Carter, Jack L. Murray, Uri Singer, David E. Talbert, and Lyn Talbert for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Deputy Billy Calhoun (Dax Shepard), Sheriff Bob Fuller (Kurtwood Smith), Vicente Santos (Emilio Rivera), Jewels (Kimberly Quinn), Stan the Weather Man (Cooper Thornton), Edna (Sharon Madden), Kate Daniels (Michelle Mylett), Carl Hooker (Vincent D’Onofrio), Old Farmer (John Posey), Seth (Ashton Essex Bright), and Dr. Kamjen (Margarita Franco).

  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Rough ending to this story, but the movie works for its dollar at every level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNCLE NICK (All Media Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Uncle Nick—an extremely ironic portrayal of American citizenry and its current moral state—definitely sets itself into the very mature movie audience category. Graphic pornographic sex streams into your home via Netflix services. Highly visible sex texting, sexual imagery, and a generally demoralizing storyline take Christmas into a world where it never intended going and washes it repeatedly in a mudhole. While sophisticated audiences understand and can appreciate black comedy, this film is much more than that. It is a severe commentary on the state of this nation’s morality and ethical standards that does not present ‘joy to the United States’. The questions become: Is this what entertainment is about, why is this relevant to Christmas, and why is this in any way considered comedy? This film absolutely does not get recommendation from Ben Meyers’ International Movie Critics.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Uncle Nick (Brian Posehn) sets the tone for a Christmas holiday dinner.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Chris Kasick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Beau Ballinger, Gerry Duggan, and Errol Morris for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sophie (Paget Brewster), Michelle (Missi Pyle), Kevin (Scott Adsit), Cody (Beau Ballinger), Valerie (Melia Renee), Marcus (Jacob Houston), Luis (Joe Nunez), and Emily (Annie Savage).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This movie is highly reminiscent of Robin Williams’ A Merry Friggin’ Christmas. This movie presents dark comedy that exposes a family at its worst against the background of a holiday that should expose the best. Better watches, if you are looking for joy of the season, are: The Santa Clause with Tim Allen or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase.  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CUBE 2: HYPERCUBE (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Cube 2: Hypercube—edge of your seat thriller—provides unexpected, mind-twisting curve balls that surprise at every turn. Cube 2: Hypercube, even though it contains more sophistication in the many ways people can die, does not improve in overall entertainment value over the release of Hypercube.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kate Filmore (Kari Matchett) finds herself inside a sophisticated maze structure based on a series of connecting cubes each containing its own horror bent on destroying any human entering it.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Andrzej Sekula for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block, Mehra Meh, Betty Orr, and Michael Paseornek for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Simon Grady (Geraint Wyn Davies), Sasha (Grace Lynn King), Max Reisler (Matthew Ferguson), Jerry Whitehall (Neil Crone), Mrs. Paley (Barbara Gordon), Julia (Lindsey Connell), Becky Young (Greer Kent), Colonel Thomas H. Maguire (Bruce Gray), The Generals (Philip Akin), Tracton (Paul Robbins), and Dr. Phil Rosenzweig (Andrew Scorer). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie maintains interest throughout.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE YOUNG VICTORIA (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Young Victoria—priceless—doesn’t play down the difficulties of ruling and good leadership. It’s a marvelous ode to the necessity of strength of character, knowledge, political finesse, and able/honest advisors. While the acting sometimes seems a bit bland and weak, the film overall makes a good entertainment piece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Victoria (Emily Blunt) finds herself at odds with her mother, her mother’s chief advisor, the populace at large and finds comfort and friendship with Prince Albert (Rupert Friend).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jean-Marc Vallée for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Colin Vaines for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany), Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), King William (Jim Broadbent), King Leopold (Thomas Kretschmann), Sir John Conroy (Mark Srong), Baron Stockmar (Jesper Christensen), Queen Adelaide (Harriet Walter), Baroness Lehzen (Jeanette Hain), Duke of Wellington (Julian Glover), Sir Robert Peel (Michael Maloney), and Ernest (Michiel Huisman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a royal treat.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KILLER* (Theatrical Release Brazil 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Killer demonstrates what a movie might be like if Quentin Tarantino and Sergio Leone combined talents to make a western film. This Brazilian western renders violence and sex to highpoints that make it difficult to watch. It seems to exceed an R-rating.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Cabeleira (Diogo Morgado), raised and abandoned by assassin Seven Ears (Deto Montenegro), travels to town looking for him.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Marcelo Galvão for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Murray Lipnik and Carolina Vianna for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Renata (Thaila Ayala), Gringo (Will Roberts), Soraia (Thaís Cabral), Edgar (Phil Miller), Monsieur Blanchard (Etienne Chicot), Fernanda (Daniela Galli), Tenente Sobral (Paulo Gorgulho), Sete Orelhas (Deto Montenegro), and Geraldo (Francisco Gaspar).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It takes a strong stomach to tolerate the content.

*Also Known as: O Matador

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AUGUST RUSH (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

August Rush—memorable, almost ethereal—takes a very good story and places it into a solid gold frame. A class act that easily reaches encore and double kudo status, this film uses the abundant talents of Freddie Highmore, Robin Williams, Kerri Russell, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers to define itself. Watch for a particularly good performance by Terrence Howard as the social worker, Richard Jefferies. Excellent watch for the whole family. There is some language and one mild love scene.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Evan Taylor (Freddie Highmore), due to a series of unfortunate events, becomes separated from his birth parents. His savant musical abilities take him on the long journey home.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Kirsten Sheridan for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Louise Goodsill, Robert Greenhut, Ralph Kamp, Miky Lee, and Lionel Wigram for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Evan Taylor/August Rush (Freddie Highmore), Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell), Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), Richard Jeffries (Terrence Howard), Maxwell ‘Wizard’ Wallace (Robin Williams), Thomas Novacek (William Sadler), The Dean (Marian Seldes), Reverend James (Mykelti Williamson), Arthur (Leon Thomas III), Nick (Aaron Staton), Marshall (Alex O’Loughlin), Hope (Jamia Simone Nash), and Professor (Ronald Guttman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film becomes a classic watch from its beginning scenes and continues to hold that steady course throughout the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

YU-GI-OH: BONDS BEYOND TIME (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

YU-GI-OH: Bonds Beyond Time—the animation is great; the special effects good for the 10-year-old and up, but not the best for adults—gives its audience an opportunity to examine a popular Japanese anime. The story seems small with a strong yearning to be a kid’s action anime. The best words to describe this film, however, seem to be: childish, difficult to watch, comical when comedy is not the intention. The narrator did not support this story well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Yusei Fudo (voice of Gregory Abbey) time travels to preserve the present by correcting the past.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Ken’ichi Takeshita for directing efforts. Additional characters/cast include: Jaden Yuki (voice of Matthew Labyorteaux), Yugi Moto/Yami Yugi (voice of Dan Green), Paradox/Professor Viper (voice of Sean Schemmel), Jack Atlas (Ted Lewis), Crow Hogan (voice of Tom Wayland), Akiza Izinski/Dark Magician Girl (Erica Schroeder), Luna/Leo/Yubel (voice of Eileen Stevens), and Lyman Banner/Solomon Moto (voice of Wayne Grayson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The anime has plenty of ‘Flash and Dash’; but when you get down to real reasons for this movie’s production and how it connects to children’s entertainment, the question of why is this relevant seems to dominate.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRACERS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Tracers demonstrates the sport of Parkour (Tracing) within the action-movie genre. Taylor Lautner continues to establish himself as an able leading actor for the teen audience. This film is one of his better films since the Twilight series.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cam (Taylor Lautner) finds himself deeply in debt to the Chinese Mafia and uses the sport of Parkour to obtain funds necessary to clear the debt.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Daniel Benmayor for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and D. Scott Lumpkin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nikki (Marie Avgeropoulos), Miller (Adam Rayner), Dylan (Rafi Gavron), Tate (Luciano Acuna, Jr.), Jax (Josh Yadon), Jerry (Johnny M. Wu), Hu (Sam Medina), Angie (Amirah Vann), Joey (Christian Steel), Chen (Wai Ching Ho), Lonnie (Chris Jackson), and Messenger #1 (Sean Rahill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a treat to see Parkour used again in film. It was used in Casino Royale (2006), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). Taylor Lautner fans will appreciate the film for its action.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CASE FOR CHRIST (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Case for Christ performs at a much higher level of quality than many Christian films. Even though it takes Mike Vogel (acting as character Lee Strobel) a long time to get to the point, the film still makes valid and strong arguments for the existence of and reasons for believing in a good force that moves and acts in a very real way in human lives. The film makes a good statement for all non-believers to come to a position of belief that this force is readily available to each of us.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Leslie Strobel (Erika Christensen) chooses Christianity for her religious faith and her husband, Lee Strobel (Mike Vogel), uses his formidable journalist skills to disprove her newfound religion.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon Gunn for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Monica Kepes, Paul Kepes, Frank Shaw, Lee Shaw, and Lee Strobel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Roberta Waters (Faye Dunaway), Joe Dubois (Frankie Faison), Walt Strobel (Robert Forster), Ray Nelson (Brett Rice), Alfie Davis (L. Scott Caldwell), Worship Leader (Meredith Andrews), Dr. William Craig (Rus Blackwell), ICU Nurse (Tracey Bonner), Dr. Phillip Singer (Matthew Brenher), Judge (Mark Campbell), and Bill Hybels (Jordan Cox).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a more worthy Christian film in both content and quality than many films within this genre. It is on par with Victor, another quite well done Christian film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BRUBAKER (Theatrical Release USA 1980)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Brubaker does not do Robert Redford’s acting abilities justice as did Jeremiah Johnson, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Sting.  Yet, it is a good fictionalized account of attempts to reform Arkansas prisons during the 1960s and 1970s. The script, however, is poorly written and the film falls far below a solid 4-star rating. Watch for Morgan Freeman and Yaphet Kotto (known for Mr. Big in Live and Let Die) in this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

New Warden Henry Brubaker (Robert Redford) attempts reform at an Arkansas prison and finds resistance at high political levels when he makes a remarkable discovery.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Stuart Rosenberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ted Mann for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Richard ‘Dickie’ Coombes (Yaphet Kotto), Lillian Gray (Jane Alexander), John Deach (Murray Hamilton), Larry Lee Bullen (David Keith), Walter (Morgan Freeman), Roy Purcell (Matt Clark), Huey Rauch (Tim McIntire), Abraham Cook (Richard Ward), Zaranska (Jon Van Ness), C.P. ‘Woody’ Woodward (M. Emmet Walsh), Rory Poke (Albert Salmi), and Carol (Linda Haynes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. For a hardcore Robert Redford fan, the movie will be quite satisfying.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CUBA AND THE CAMERAMAN (Venice International Film Festival, Venice, Italy 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Cuba and the Cameraman—a winning, re-watchable documentary—follows the lives of persons living in Cuba over the course of 45 years. Cameraman Jon Alpert completes this outstanding documentary and makes a strong historical statement about political policies, their impact on families living at three different society levels, and how people survive when unexpected events occur that negatively impact ability to procure food, clothing, and shelter. The film reminds one of depressions, recessions, war rationing and other tough times that United States populations have survived as well as enhances an appreciation for America’s prosperity and its ability to mechanize many farming tasks, electrify homes, and create adequate sanitation with running water and good sewage/garbage disposal. It’s a WOW, BRAVO, ENCORE film that honestly tells its story through film without a narrator’s interpretation or deliberate manipulation—a priceless 114-minute documentary, well worth the time and money to view.

Film Poster courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cameraman Jon Alpert makes several trips to Cuba over 45 years and camera views Fidel Castro’s political policies as they impact three completely different families and the country itself.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director and Cameraman Jon Alpert for directing efforts.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great piece of work. It is exceptionally valuable because it follows the impact of political policies throughout lifetimes while gently reminding viewers that people will survive despite terrifically difficult obstacles to that survival.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RITE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Rite bases itself on the true story of Father Gary Thomas, an American exorcist. The film is well portrayed and is worth at least one ticket. This is another good film for veteran Dutch actor Rutger Hauer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), a new priest, travels to Rome to learn exorcism and successfully exorcises Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mikael Håfström for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Bernacchi, Richard Brener, and Merideth Finn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Angeline (Alice Braga), Father Xavier (Ciarán Hinds), Father Matthew (Toby Jones), Istvan Kovak (Rutger Hauer), Rosaria (Marta Gastini), Aunt Andria (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), Francesca (Arianna Veronesi), Vincenzo (Andrea Calligari), Eddie (Chris Marquette), Nina (Torrey DeVitto), and Young Michael (Ben Cheetham).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is worth at least one view.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOSPEL ROAD: A STORY OF JESUS (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus presents parts of the life of Jesus as narrated by Johnny Cash. Unfortunately, the film, although shot in Israel, is a low budget production that, while a worthy watch, does not fall into a quality watch due to weak acting and portrayal of storyline. Actor Robert Elfstrom casts as Jesus and seems a bit unsettling to see in this role. Due to its low budget, the film uses old ruins located in Israel rather than re-creating sets that would be more appropriate to the actual situations in the first century.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Johnny Cash narrates this film about the life of Jesus. Cash films in Israel.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Elfstrom for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Johnny Cash), Jesus Christ (Robert Elfstrom), Mary Magdalene (June Carter Cash), John the Baptist (Larry Lee), Peter (Paul L. Smith), Nicodemus (Alan Dater), Jesus as a child (Robert Elfstrom, Jr.), John (Gelles LaBlanc), Matthew (Terrence Winston Mannock), Judas Iscariot (Thomas Leventhal), James the Elder (John Paul Kay), Thomas (Sean Armstrong), and Andrew (Lyle Nicholson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It may be appreciated by the beginner or new Christian or one who would love to see the background scenery of Israel, but it needs revision for full effect.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers