CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant shows top-of-the-line makeup artistry as it recreates a complete cast for a traveling freak show. The storyline is quite good. The acting runs up and down from fair to really good, but the special effects are amateurish. It’s a journey into the unusual.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two boyhood friends, Steve (Josh Hutcherson) and Darren (Chris Massoglia), find a traveling freak show more real than they had imagined.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Weitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Dan Kolsrud, Rodney Liber, Courtney Pledger, and Sarah Radclyffe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Crepsley (John C. Reilly), Rebecca (Jessica Carlson), Mr. Tiny (Michael Cerveris), Murlaugh (Ray Stevenson), Evra the Snake Boy (Patrick Fugit), Annie (Morgan Saylor), Mr. Shan (Don McManus), and Mrs. Shan (Colleen Camp).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The script is very captivating.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

2307: WINTER’S DREAM (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.9|5.0 Starsìì

2307: Winter’s Dream—sci-fi film that predicts a dysfunctional future where humans take vaper drugs to kill the pain of living—works like a school project that couldn’t get off the ground. Plagued by amateurish acting and lack of a good script, it doesn’t even begin to compare with other futuristic films like Mad Max, The Postman, or The Road.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

In a post-apocalyptic world, humans live underground while a threatening former humanoid-type slave class lives above ground.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joey Curtis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kenneth K. Martinez-Burgmaier, Scott Donley, and Pete Sussi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bishop (Paul Sidhu), ASH-393 (Branden Coles), Kix (Arielle Holmes), El Hatta (Kelcey Watson), Atka (Anne-Solenne Hatte), Ishmael (Timothy Lee DePriest), Sara (Stormi Henley), Subatai (Fernando Argosino), Cage (Harwood Gordon), and Aluxia (Duchess Dukes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. A better choice for entertainment value is Resident of Evil series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

13 HOURS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

13 Hours tries so hard to be a box office hit, but the hard-to-follow storyline loaded with multitudinous characters make it a confusing watch. The action flows unsteadily with no real climax. The necessary story support found in the foundation and back story are lacking. John Krasinski (The Office) has been in the business for a long time now but needs more realism in scenes such as when he screams at one of the officers for dropping a dead body over the roof of a building.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

United States Ambassador Chris Stevens (Matt Letscher) makes a poor decision for living quarters in the dangerous country of Benghazi.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Abate, Matthew Cohan, and Scott Gardenhour for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Silva (John Krasinski), Tyrone ‘Rone’ Woods (James Badge Dale), Kris ‘Tanto’ Paronto (Pablo Schreiber), Dave ‘Boon’ Benton (David Denman), John ‘Tig’ Tiegen (Dominic Fumusa), Mark ‘Oz’ Geist (Max Martini), Sona Jillani (Alexia Barlier), Bob (David Costabile), and Amahl (Payman Maadi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Read a plotline, do some research on Bengazi, and CIA Military Contractors before going to gain a greater appreciation of the story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION OF JUDAH (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

The Lion of Judah is what it is. Movie goers will either like it or not. It’s a message movie that relies on less than outstanding animation, portrayal of story, and acting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Judah, the lamb, (voice of Georgie Kidder) endeavors to avoid being sacrificed.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Deryck Broom for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Daniel de Liege, Edward James, Bonnie Kanner, Kurt Kelly, Robert Kohn, William B. Schaeffler, Johan Sturm, Veronique Sturm for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Slink (voice of Ernest Borgnine), Monty (voice of Anupam Kher), Esmay (voice of Sandi Patty), Boss (voice of Michael Madsen) Horace (voice of Omar Benson Miller), Drake (voice of Alphonso McAuley), Jack (voice of Scott Eastwood), Tony (voice of Leon Clingman), and Jesus (voice of Bruce Marchiano

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s one of those love it or hate it flicks.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PHANTOM (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

The Phantom—not what you would expect from a super hero movie—gives itself a poor rating from the get-go. Poor acting and amateurish script kill all possibilities for this film to fly high.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Phantom (Billy Zane) becomes involved in the recovery of the Touganda Skulls.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Graham Burke, Greg Coote, Joe Dante, Bruce Sherlock, Peter Sjoquist, and Richard Vane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kit Walker (Billy Zane), Diana Palmer (Kristy Swanson), Xander Drax (Treat Williams), Sala (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Quill (James Remar), The Great Kabal Sengh (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Uncle Dave Palmer (Bill Smitrovich), Morgan (Casey Siemaszko), Charlie Zephro (David Proval), The Great Kabai Sengh (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Uncle Dave Palmer (Bill Smitrovich), Charlie Zephro (David Proval), and Ray Zephro (Joseph Ragno).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Don’t waste time on The Phantom. The comic strip far exceeds this movie in on-going entertainment value. If one is looking for an excellent super hero movie, try Batman Begins.

Video Critique Available :Here

Ben Meyers

THE TITAN (Theatrical Release Philippines 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Titan—great concept—plays on the theme of how much adaptation a human body can accommodate to survive in inhospitable environments. The movie plays slowly and unfortunately is not the best sci fi out there.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lieutenant Rick Janssen (Sam Worthington) prepares to become the first human who can survive on Titan.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lennart Ruff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rory Aitken,Nicolas Chartier, Jonathan Deckter, Adrián Guerra, Joshua Horsfield, Michael Reuter, and Laure Vaysse for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Abi Janssen (Taylor Schilling), Professor Martin Collingwood (Tom Wilkinson), Dr. Freya Upton (Agyness Deyn), W.O. Tally Rutherford (Nathalie Emmanuel), Lucas Janssen (Noah Jupe), Cl. Jim Peterson (Corey Johnson), Sergeant Anton Werner (Aleksandar Jovanovic), Dr.Luis Hernandez (Diego Boneta), and Corporal Zane Gorski (Aaron Heffernan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There is more entertainment value in Moon.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ATLANTIS: MILO'S RETURN (Video Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.3|5.0 Stars ìì

Atlantis: Milo’s Return—boring 82 minutes of animation—begins well and falls flat within the first few minutes of its story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Queen Kida (voice of Cree Summer) finds that the sinking of Atlantis is not her only problem.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Victor Cook, Toby Shelton, and Tad Stones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tad Stones for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Milo (voice of James Arnold Taylor), Whitmore (voice of John Mahoney), Audrey/Nurse (voice of Jacqueline Obradors), Vinny (voice of Don Novello), Mole (voice of Corey Burton), Sweet (voice of Phil Morris), Packard (voice of Florence Stanley), Obby/Mantell (voice of Frank Welker), and Cookie (voice of Steven Barr).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Needs improvement in presentation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Stars ììì

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh presents a charming, simply animated merge of three well-known Winnie the Pooh stories: Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too with a conclusion based on the book The House at Pooh Corner. As usual, the Winnie the Pooh format consistently presents a low-key, quiet, and kind approach to life with strong dedication to love and willingness to give and help others in need.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Winnie the Pooh interacts with his friends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors John Lounsbery and Wolfgang Reitherman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Wolfgang Reitherman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (voice of Sebastian Cabot), Rabbit (voice of Junius Matthews), Kanga (voice of Barbara Luddy), Gopher (voice of Howard Morris), Piglet (voice of John Fiedler), Eeyore (voice of Ralph Wright), Owl (voice of Hal Smith), Roo (voice of Clint Howard), Christopher Robin (voice of Bruce Reitherman), Christopher Robin in the Blustery Day (voice of Jon Walmsley), Christopher Robin in Tiger Too (voice of Timothy Turner), Roo (voice of Dori Whitaker), Winnie the Pooh (voice of Sterling Holloway), and Tigger (voice of Paul Winchell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Winnie the Pooh can be pleasantly re-visited at all ages for a gentle trip down memory lane.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

POLICE WOMAN * (DVD Release USA 2000/Theatrical Release Hong Kong 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.1|5.0 Stars ìì

Police Woman—one of Jackie Chan’s earlier works—does not function as the usual Jackie Chan movie. Chan plays the role of a villain rather than the hero. The film needs professional camera work, a less complicated presentation, more realistic acting, and more relevant action scenes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Police woman Ho Wai Ma (Lin Chiu) investigates her sister’s death.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mu Chu. Thank you to Producers Mu Chu and Hai-Feng Wei for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cab Driver (Charlie Chin), Ho Mai-Hua (Qiu Yuen), Shao Mei (Betty Pei Ti), Ho Mei-Fang (Chin Hu), Gang Leader (Jackie Chan), and The Boss (Nan Chiang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The film works as a study of Jackie Chan, how he built his career, where he started, and how he improved. It’s an academic treasure, but fails for entertainment value.

*Also known as The Young Tiger or Rumble in Hong Kong 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MULAN II (Video Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Mulan II mixes action, romance, suspense, and musical scores to appeal to a young child’s mind. This story does not measure up to the first Mulan and does not have adult appeal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

General Shang (voice of BD Wong) and Mulan (voice of Ming-Na Wen) . are given orders to transport the emperor's daughters to another kingdom to make alliances with that kingdom by getting his daughters married into the other emperor's household.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Darrell Rooney and Lynne Southerland for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jennifer Blohm for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mushu (voice of Mark Moseley), Mei (Voice of Lucy Liu), Yao (voice of Harvey Fierstein), Ting Ting (voice of Sandra Oh), Su (voice of Lauren Tom), Chien-Po (voice of Jerry Tondo), and The Emperor (voice of Pat Morita).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If one wants to watch the series, this is the next film in the series, but it is not the best of the two Mulan films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PRANCER (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Prancer is sweet, but weak without much thought put into its storyline. While Sam Elliott superbly casts as the western hero, he is a little too rough as supporting character for Rebecca Harrell Tickell  in this movie. There is one scene in the film where Sam Elliott, while reading a newspaper, becomes distracted by outdoor sounds that works well; but he does not convey enough emotion to carry the majority of the scenes for this particular story well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Jessica Riggs (Rebecca Harrell Tickell) nurses a reindeer back to health. She believes she is caring for Prancer, a Santa Claus sleigh reindeer.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John D. Hancock for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Raffaella De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Riggs (Sam Elliott), Mrs. McFarland (Cloris Leachman), Aunt Sarah (Rutanya Alda), Orel Benton (Abe Vigoda), Mr. Stewart/Santa (Michael Constantine), Steve Riggs (John Duda), Carol Wetherby (Ariana Richards), Herb Drier (Mark Rolston), and Billy Quinn (Johnny Galecki).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Better Christmas watches are: A Christmas Story, Polar Express, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Forbidden Kingdom—good Chinese culture fantasy film—involves the Monkey King myth. For full enjoyment of this movie, do a little research on the significance of the Monkey King in Chinese lore before you invest time and money in this entertainment. The special effects behind the action scenes lack realism and need a reboot; but, the overall story flows smoothly partially due to the choice of Jackie Chan and Michael Angarano as backup to Jet Li, who acts the part of the Monkey King. Michael Angarano shows good onscreen charisma in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Teenager Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano) finds a magical staff that involves him in an adventure far beyond what he would have expected.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Rob Minkoff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Raffaella De Laurentiis, Ryan Kavanaugh, Michael Paseornek, Lynwood Spinks, Zhongjun Wang, and Woo-Ping Yuen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Monkey King/The Silent Monk (Jet Li), Lu Yan/Old Hop (Jackie Chan), Southie Girl (Juana Collignon), Lupo (Morgan Benoit), Southie (Jack Posobiec), Young Southie (Thomas McDonell), Old Woman (Zhi Ma Gui), Farmer (Shen Shou He), and Young Village Man (Bin Jiang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It stands as an interesting dip into Chinese fantasy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WILD THORNBERRY'S MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Wild Thornberry's Movie sets Eliza Thornberry on a personal African adventure. Lots of charismatic appeal in this animated story that relies on a solidly good script and terrific voice casting. It’s a fun watch for the whole family.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eliza Thornberry (voice of Lacey Chabert) attempts to rescue a baby Cheetah cub from poachers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Cathy Malkasian and Jeff McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eryk Casemiro, Albie Hecht, Han-young Kang, Julia Pistorand Hal Waite making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darwin (voice of Tom Kane), Phaedra (voice of Cree Summer), Nigel Thornberry/Colonel Radcliff Thornberry (voice of Tim Curry), Cordelia Thornberry (Lynn Redgrave), Marianne Thornberry (voice of Jodi Carlisle), Debbie Thornberry (voice of Danielle Harris), Donnie Thornberry (voice of Flea), Cheetah Cubs (voice of Crystal Scales), and Tally (voice of Kimberly Brooks).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s typical Thornberry fun for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BROTHERS GRIMM (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Brothers Grimm has so much potential not realized that it hurts to watch it meander into mediocrity after its fairly good introductory scenes. The movie relies on a good special effects department to carry the story, but needs more than special effects to carry it. Several scenes, not related to the actual story, made it past editing and actually confuse rather than contribute to the strength of the script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Con-Artists Wilhelm Grimm (Matt Damon) and Jacob Grimm (Heath Ledger) are assigned a supernatural task that will require more than con-artistry to resolve.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Terry Gilliam for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Gordon, Chris McGurk, Andrew Rona, John D. Schofield, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Will (Petr Ratimec), Mother Grimm (Barbora Lukesová), Sister Grimm (Anna Rust), Young Jacob (Jeremy Robson), Gendarme (Radim Kalvoda), Gendarme (Martin Hofmann), German War Veteran (Josef Pepa Nos), and Stable Boy (Harry Gilliam).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There are better movies relating to childhood fairy tales like Mirror, Mirror  that serve a higher entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPEED RACER (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Speed Racer—great animation with live action—immediately catches the viewer off guard with dazzling colors quite out of the norm for movies. The story is concise, almost short, with very little scripting. There is no backstory to make sense of what is happening. Watch for John Goodman in the film. For full appreciation of the movie, read a plotline before you go. The film is one of those movies released before its time and will gather its value in future years.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Speed (Emile Hirsch) receives a series of opportunities to reveal the valuable qualities of integrity, honesty, loyalty to family, courage, and diligence to task when all chips are down.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Michael Lambert, and David Lane Seltzer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Speed Racer (Nicholas Elia), MomSpeed (Susan Sarandon), Speed’s Teacher (Melissa Holroyd), Young Trixie (Ariel Winter), Rex Racer (Scott Porter), Everyman Announcer (Giancarlo Ganziano), Local Announcer (Peter Fernandez), and Harold Ledermann Announcer (Harvey Friedman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film has substance, but despite the added benefit of wonderful cinematography, the movie just doesn’t POP like it should. It’s an interesting dive into speed racing, small companies versus large companies, and interaction between family members trying to keep small, family-owned businesses alive and well in well-funded, highly competitive markets. Watch for Paulie Litt as Spritle Racer. He has great future in creative acting if he chooses.

Video Critique Available :

Ben Meyers

K-19: THE WIDOW MAKER (Theatricial Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

K-19: The Widow Maker condenses the historical events that plagued the K-19, a Russian nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, and eventually led to the deaths of 22 crew members who were exposed to severe radiation poisoning. The film will serve its audience at a higher level if a small amount of research is done on the race between America and Russia to develop this submarine, why it was considered valuable, how we currently detect nuclear submarine presence, and why this particular submarine was plagued with so many challenges both during testing and in its maiden voyage. The movie teams Harrison Ford with Liam Neeson to move its plot along. The real value in this movie lies in its educational appeal and needs more backstory to fully appreciate this story’s 138-minute glimpse into late 1950 through 1960 arms race history between the United States and Russia.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The K-19, a Russian nuclear-powered submarine, experiences serious challenges with its coolant systems.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kathryn Bigelow for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Moritz Borman, Guy East, Harrison Ford, Dieter Nobbe, Nigel Sinclair, and Volker Schauz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alexei Vostrikov (Harrison Ford), Dmitri (Sam Spruell), Kuryshev (Peter Stebbings), Pavel (Christian Camargo), Lapinsh (Roman Podhora), Vasily (Sam Redford), Demichev (Steve Nicolson), Captain Mikhail Polenin (Liam Neeson), Suslov (Ravil Isyanov), Partonov (Tim Woodward), and Kornilov (Lex Shrapnel). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film’s presentation is not outstanding, but it is a painless way to absorb a bit of 1961 Russian history through the movie format.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers