THE SOLOIST (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Soloist—completely worth a watch—tells about musical genius and how genius is sometimes lost forever to our world when that genius lives too long without secure and supportive environments. Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx team to reveal the brutality of street life. Great to good acting. Robert Downey Jr., as usual, performs within the realms of superbly well-done. Jamie Foxx, as usual, performs with power but sometimes fails to fully realize that power.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Robert Downey, Jr. endeavors to bring a homeless man’s musical skills to the professional world.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Wright for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jeff Skoll, and Patricia Whitcher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), Mary Weston (Catherine Keener), Graham Claydon (Tom Hollander), Jennifer Ayers (LisaGay Hamilton), David Carter (Nelsan Ellis), Leslie Bloom (Rachael Harris), Graham Claydon (Tom Hollander), Jennifer Ayers (LisaGay Hamilton), David Carter (Nelsan Ellis), Leslie Bloom (Rachael Harris), Curt Reynolds (Stephen Root), Flo Ayers (Lorraine Toussaint), Young Nathaniel (Justin Martin), Bernie Carpenter (Kokayi Ampah), Paul Jr. (Patrick Tatten), Marisa (Susane Lee), Mayor Villaraigosa (Marcos De Silvas), Harry Barnoff (Ilia Volok), Adam Crane (Michael Bunin), and Julliard Conductor (Mike Nowak).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes.  Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx perform wonderfully.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INSOMNIA (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Insomnia—a solid, police detective story—engages its audience with the combined skills of Hilary Swank, Al Pacino, Martin Donovan, and Robin Williams. While this story genre can often find itself running at a B-grade film level, Insomnia performs as a cut above the rest.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Two LAPD detectives are sent to Alaska to aid resolution of a young girl’s murder.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers George Clooney, Kim Roth, Charles J.D. Schlissel, Steven Soderbergh, and Tony Thomas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Walter Finch (Robin Williams), Will Dormer (Al Pacino), Hap Eckhart (Martin Donovan), Pilot (Oliver Zemen), Ellie Burr (Hilary Swank), Chief Nyback (Paul Dooley), Fred Duggar (Nicky Katt), Rich (Lorne Cardinal), Officer #1 (James Hutson), Officer #2 (Andrew Campbell), Coroner (Paula Shaw), Kay Connell (Crystal Lowe), Mrs. Connell (Tasha Simms), Rachel Clement (Maura Tierney), Randy Stetz (Jonathan Jackson), and Principal (Malcolm Boddington).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has spunk and performs as a good thriller with very solid concluding scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WILLIAM KELLY’S WAR (Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

William Kelly’s War—good World War I story, plagued with weak acting—comes off as a school project rather than a film one would pay to view. Ben Meyers would like to see what Director Geoff Davis can do with a larger budget and better stage settings.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two Australian boys and their cousin are conscripted into World War I service.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Geoff Davis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Grant Bradley and James M. Vernon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kath (Maureen Alford), Peter Burns (Peter Berzanskis), Townswoman (Marie-Therese Bjornerud), Jim Kennett (John Black), Mr. Kelly (Tony Bonner), Mrs. Marjorie Kelly (Helen Davis), Billy Kelly (Josh Davis), Jack (Mathew Davis), Ned Kennett (Tom Farrah), Paddy (Lachlan Hume), Major Jones (George Ivanoff), Military Police Chaplain (Dave Kenyon), Will Kennett (Dean Kirkright), ANZAC Prisoner (Andrew Knight), Cec Kennett (Troy Larkin), and Constable Jones (James Mason).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. A strong lesson that revolves around courage and how war impacts families can be found in this film; but for entertainment value War Horse provides a professional presentation that will not be found in this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALIEN THUNDER * (Released to Theaters Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Alien Thunder shows Donald Sutherland in an earlier artistic effort. Be aware of low quality film used to produce the movie despite the fact that it was created in the 1970s. The acting and the portrayal are average; the story is simple.

Storyline

A Northwest Mounted Police Sergeant (Donald Sutherland) tracks a native involved in the death of his partner.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Claude Fournier for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Marie-Jose Raymond for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Almighty Voice (Gordon Tootoosis), Sounding Sky (Chief Dan George), Sergeant Malcolm Grant (Kevin McCarthy), Inspector Brisebois (Jean Duceppe), Emilie Grant (Francine Racette), Arthur Ballentyne (Jack Creley), Edouard (James O’Shea), Corporal Harold Bellringer (John Boylan), Rolling Grass (Lenny George), Small Face (Ernestine Gamble), Many Birds (Vincent Daniels), Napoleon Royal (Sarain Stump), Townswoman (Suzette Arcand), Townswoman (Edna Brittain), Townsman (Marshall Brittain), and Indian Woman (Agnes Smallchild).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It quickly becomes a film one watches for fill-in time. The Shootist is a better watch than this movie.

* Also known as Dan Candy’s Law

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PRINCESS DIARIES 2: ROYAL ENGAGEMENT (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement—good family watch—while not as good as its prequel, easily earns its 4.1 stars. Chris Pine and Anne Hathaway team to make this romantic comedy work. Watch for Raven Simone in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Future Queen of Genovia, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway), needs to choose a royal mate.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garry Marshall for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ellen H. Schwartz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), Joe (Hector Elizondo), Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies), Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo), Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine), Andrew Jacoby (Callum Blue), Charlotte Kutaway (Kathleen Marshall), Lord Palimore (Tom Poston), Prime Minister Motaz (Joel McCrary), Reporter Elsie Penworthy (Kim Thomson), Asana (Raven-Symoné), Paolo (Larry Miller), Mia’s Mom Helen (Caroline Goodall), Mia’s Stepfather Patrick (Sean O’Bryan), and Captain Kip Kelly (Matthew Walker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It serves as a good conclusion to the Princess Diary stories unless a new sequel involving royal offspring rears its head.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KING CORN (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

King Corn—informative and worth watching—allows a peek into how government controls farm and farm product usage.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two researchers delve into the role corn plays in United States economy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Aaron Woolf for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Aaron Woolf for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Bob Bledsoe), Himself (Earl L. Butz), Herself (Dawn Cheney), Himself (Ian Cheney), Himself (Don Clikeman), Herself (Elna Clikeman), Himself (Ken Cook), Himself (Loren Cordain), Himself (Curt Ellis), Herself (Audrae Erickson), Himself (Dean Jarrett), Herself (Sue Jarrett), Himself (Rich Johnson), Herself (Farida Khan), Himself (Steve Macko), Himself (Al Marth), and Himself (Scott McGregor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a good watch for the introduction to the food industry and may answer personal questions related to establishing good health. It would be wise to do some research before watching to understand corn and its place in our society both as a food and other uses product.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NICK OF TIME (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Nick of Time’s largest script flaw is the impossibility of Gene Watson’s assignment, the time boundary for completion of job, and Mr. Smith’s seeming ‘leniency’ with Gene Watson as he dallies in completing the assignment. But, all of this adds a certain tenseness to the movie that moves it along. Watch for a very young Courtney Chase who plays Gene Watson’s daughter, Lynn.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kill the state governor and save your daughter’s life or choose not to kill the state governor and lose your daughter becomes the impossible choice given to Gene Watson (Johnny Depp).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Badham for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer D.J. Caruso for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lynn Watson (Courtney Chase), Huey (Charles S. Dutton), Mr. Smith (Christopher Walken), Ms. Jones (Roma Maffia), Governor Eleanor Grant (Marsha Mason), Brendan Grant (Peter Strauss), Krista Brooks (Gloria Reuben), Officer Trust (Bill Smitrovich), Mystery Man (G.D. Spradlin), Gustino (Yul Vazquez), Irene (Edith Diaz), Hector (Armando Ortega), Mixologist (C.J. Bau), Beverage Service (Cynthena Sanders), and Transport Reception Manager (Dana Mackey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth watching to see some of Johnny Depp’s early artistic efforts.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FINDING NEVERLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Finding Neverland—one of those movies that makes one feel profound thanks for the movie industry—shows Johnny Depp at his best. Director Marc Forster takes a very good, inventive, creative, imaginative script and successfully translates it into the movie format without missing a beat of orchestration. A very good look behind the scenes at the germination, growth, and birth of Peter Pan and the world he lives in.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

J. M. Barrie receives his inspiration for his most famous story, Peter Pan.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marc Forster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Binkow, Neal Israel, Michelle Sy, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sir James Matthew Barrie (Johnny Depp), Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet), Mrs. Emma du Maurier (Julie Christie), Mary Ansell Barrie (Radha Mitchell), Charles Frohman (Dustin Hoffman), Peter Llewelyn Davies (Freddie Highmore), Jack Llewelyn Davies (Joe Prospero), George Llewelyn Davies (Nick Roud), Michael Llewelyn Davies (Luke Spill), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Ian Hart), Peter Pan (Kelly Macdonald), Mr. Jaspers-Usher (Mackenzie Crook), Mrs. Snow (Eileen Essell), Mr. Snow Jimmy Gardner), Gilbert Cannan (Oliver Fox), and Nana/Mr. Reilly (Angus Barnett).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes, this is an inspired script and storyline. Thank you for all involved in the movie’s production. Other movies within this genre of storytelling are: Walt Before Mickey and Saving Mr. Banks.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHITE FANG (Sundance Film Festival Park City, Salt Lake City, and Provo City, Sundance Resort In Uinta National Forest Utah County, Utah USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

White Fang—a 2018 animated remake of the 1991 live action film of the same name—shows us what a remake can look like when there is a great script, terrific cast, and very good director behind it. This outstanding story fit the animated format well with no flaws found.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A wolfdog experiences interaction with humans on three very different levels.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Alexandre Espigares for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joshua M. Cohen and Leah Holzer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marshal Weeden Scott (voice of Nick Offerman), Maggie Scott (voice of Rashida Jones), Beauty Smith (voice of Paul Giamatti), Grey Beaver (voice of Eddie Spears), Jim Hall (voice of David Boat), Bookie (voice of Sean Kenin),  Vichi (voice of Raquel Antonia), Marshal Todd (voice of Daniel Hagen), Ned (voice of Stephen Kramer Glickman), William (voice of William Calvert), Three Eagles (voice of Jason Grasi), and Curtis (voice of Armando Riesco).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story maintains its classic status with this excellent execution of storyline. Thank you for all involved in retelling Jack London’s story White Fang.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEPRECHAUN 3 (Video Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

Leprechaun 3—better than the two previous Leprechaun films—easily becomes a worth viewing film to see what the Leprechaun has up his sleeve for evil surprises. In comparing the first three Leprechaun films, a notable difference becomes the higher quality of acting for everyone involved, a better script, and a good storyline for this movie. Warwick Davis establishes himself as an entirely believable representation of the leprechaun in his interpretation of the character’s personality.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The leprechaun (Warwick Davis) goes on a Las Vegas rampage to retrieve one missing coin from his hoard of gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brian Trenchard-Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer for Mark Amin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leprechaun (Warwick Davis), Scott McCoy (John Gatins), Tammy Larsen (Lee Armstrong), Fazio (John DeMita), Mitch (Michael Callan), Loretta (Caroline Williams), Gupta (Marcelo Tubert), Art (Tom Dugan), Waitress (Leigh-Allyn Baker), Lucky (Richard Reicheg), Nurse (Linda Shayne), Doctor (Ian Gregory), Tony (Roger Hewlett), Elvis (Terry Lee Crisp), High Roller (Jennifer Stein), and Girl Tourist (Susan Skinner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This movie is part of the Leprechaun horror series, but the 2014 release of The Forgotten is a better entertainment piece for this genre of film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

COME SUNDAY (Sundance International Film Festival Park City, Salt Lake City, Provo, Sundance Resort, Utah, USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Come Sunday supports itself on a well-written script and good performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor. While this is not a new story, it documents the estrangement that occurs when one attempts to establish ‘new’ ideas from the bottom up.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Minister Carlton Pearson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) re-evaluates Pentecostal church dogma and endeavors to teach his newfound beliefs within his church.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joshua Marston for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marc Forster, Jonathan Montepare, Brad Simpson, Lucas Smith, and Cindy Wilkinson Kirven for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Carlton Pearson (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Announcer (Gerard Catus), Lawyer (Allie McCulloch), Reggie (Lakeith Stanfield), Henry (Jason Segel), Nicky (Stacey Sargeant), Gina Pearson (Condola Rashad), John Heines (Andrew Masset), Claire (Selena Anduze), Quincy (Danny Glover), Terry Allen (Nic Starr), Oral Roberts (Martin Sheen), Richard Roberts (Ric Reitz), Ron (Dustin Lewis), Lillie Ruth (Tonea Stewart), Lead Choir Singer (Kevin Lemons), and Ben (Clark Harris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie retells the age-old challenges involved in the dilemma of believing one has discovered a higher truth that is not acceptable within one’s peer group. It’s one of the better Christian films on the market and rises to the challenge of telling its story well.

Video Critique Available at:

Ben Meyers

STARGATE (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Stargate taps the acting skills of Erick Averi, James Spader, and Kurt Russell to tell its story. Kirk Russell seems to have difficulty getting into his character in this film, but as he settles in he becomes a good choice for his role as Colonel Jonathan O’Neil. The sets are spectacular and the costumes are well done. It is no Star Wars, by any means, but still makes a good sci fi watch for some afternoon ‘kill’ time.

Storyline

Wormholes, Egyptology, Pyramids, and ancient hieroglyphs all link together to open an ancient stargate.

Additional Thanks

                    

Thank you to Director Rolland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mario Kassar for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Colonel Jonathan O’Neil (Kurt Russell), Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader), Ra (Jaye Davidson), Catherine Langford (Viveca Lindfors), Skaara (Alexis Cruz), Sha’uri (Mili Avital), General W.O. West (Leon Rippy), Lieutenant Kawalsky (John Diehl), Anubis (Carlos Lauchu), Horus (Djimon Hounsou), Kasuf (Erick Avari), Lieutenant Ferretti (French Stewart), Nabeh (Gianin Loffler), Freeman (Christopher John Fields), and Brown (Derek Webster).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The concept is fresh and well portrayed. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SCROOGE (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Scrooge has difficulty getting the scrooge into Scrooge. Albert Finny cannot do the role of sour, cranky, and miserly well. And, in the scenes displaying the Ghost of Christmas Past, the ‘happy’ dancing characters did not seem really happy. The main challenge in this movie is lack of realistic acting that is adequate enough to pull the story well. It needs a reboot.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ebednezer Scrooge doesn’t ever really die as can be seen in this remake of an old and favorite Christmas story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ronald Neame for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Leslie Bricusse for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ebenezer Scrooge (Albert Finney), Ghost of Christmas Past (Edith Evans), Ghost of Christmas Present (Kenneth More), Mr. Fezziwig (Laurence Naismith), Nephew Fred (Michael Medwin), Bob Cratchit (David Collings), Tom Jenkins (Anton Rodgers), Isabel Fezziwig (Suzanne Neve), Ethel Cratchit (Frances Cuka), 1^st Gentleman of Charity (Derek Francis), Tom (Gordon Jackson), 2^nd Gentleman of Charity (Roy Kinnear), Fred’s Wife (Mary Peach), Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Paddy Stone), and Mrs. Fezziwig (Kay Walsh).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. A better choice for this story is Robert Zemeckis’ 2009 animated version, A Christmas Carol.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HARD RAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Hard Rain—C-grade film—that, despite an all-star cast of Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Randy Quaid, Minnie Driver, and Edward Asner, ends as ‘just another heist’ flick. Watch for Betty White in the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

An armored truck becomes stuck in a ditch during a hard rain storm. ‘Wannabe’ robbers try to take advantage of the situation.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mikael Salomon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Allison Lyon Segan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jim (Morgan Freeman), Tom (Christian Slater), Sheriff Mike Collins (Randy Quaid), Karen (Minnie Driver), Uncle Charlie (Edward Asner), Kenny (Michael A. Goorjian), Mr. Mehlor (Dann Florek), Ray (Ricky Harris), Wayne Bryce (Mark Rolston), Phil (Peter Murnik), Hank (Wayne Duvall), Henry Sears (Richard Dysart), Doreen Sears (Betty White), Mayor (Ray Baker), and Mayor’s Wife (Lisa Fuhrman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is one of Christian Slater’s later works. Randy Quaid, Morgan Freeman, and Edward Asner lend quality to the storyline. There are some good action scenes like racing jet skis through flooded buildings and a stained-glass church window that provide interesting viewing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HIGHLANDER II: THE QUICKENING (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Highlander II: The Quickening—not much better than its prequel—earns at least one watch based on finishing the series. It serves best as a film running in the background for a party watch and most likely will complete its cycle as a good cult film. Good work for Director Russell Mulcahy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Earth’s inhabitants are protected from depletion of the ozone layer by a massive shield that prevents the sun’s rays from killing earth’s inhabitants. When the ozone layer has replenished itself, the corporation receiving income for the shield battles for shield maintenance due to the commercial profit it provides.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Russell Mulcahy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Guy Collins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), Ramírez (Sean Connery), Louise (Virginia Madsen), Katana (Michael Ironside), Neyman (Allan Rich), Blake (John C. McGinley), Cabbie (Phillip Brock), Drunk (Rusty Schwimmer), Jimmy (Ed Trucco), Hamlet (Steven Grives), Horatio (Jimmy Murray), Corda (Pete Antico), Reno (Peter Bucossi), Joe (Peter Bromilow), and Doctor (Jeff Altman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The series continues with some new characters: Blake (John C. McGinley) and Katana (Michael Ironside). Thanks to all involved in making the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers