THE PENTAGON WARS (Television Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Pentagon Wars—classic film about the Bradley tank tests and production—produces an exceptionally comical view of how military tests run and what happens when people in command are more interested in financial gain than in people and their safety. The script is very well-written, but not well acted.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Congress appoints a representative to examine the costs and time for developing several military products to include the Bradley tank.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Benjamin for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Martyn Burke, Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, and Stacey Sher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: General Partridge (Kelsey Grammer), Colonel James Burton (Cary Elwes), Sergeant Fanning (Viola Davis), Colonel J.D. Bock (John C. McGinley), Major William Sayers (Tom Wright), Sergeant Benjamin Dalton (Clifton Powell), Spec-4 Granger (Dewey Weber), Colonel Smith (Richard Schiff), Jones (J.C. MacKenzie), and Casper Weinberger (Richard Benjamin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film entertains and keeps audience attention without taxing the mind. Thank you to all involved in production and distribution.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within—terrific computer-generated animation effects—presents a hard to follow storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Phantoms attack humans to kill and destroy. Humans work to find means to stave the power of the phantoms.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hironobu Sakaguchi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Hironobu Sakaguchi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Doctor Aki Ross (voice of Ming-Na Wen), Captain Gray Edwards (voice of Alec Baldwin), Ryan (voice of Ving Rhames), Neil (voice of Steve Buscemi), Jane (voice of Peri Gilpin), Dr. Sid (voice of Donald Sutherland), General Hein (voice of James Woods), Council Member #1 (voice of Keith David), Council Member #2 (voice of Jean Simmons), and Major Elliot (voice of Mat McKenzie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Read a plotline before you go to enhance understanding of the film. For an academic study of CGI, this film is a very good choice.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PLANET HULK (DVD Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Planet Hulk—average Marvel film—requires no effort to watch and becomes an easy-on-the-mind film due to its low engagement factor. It performs as a teen-age action flick with good acting and storyline, but there’s not much here other than some good fight scenes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The Hulk goes into outer space, lands on an alien planet, and fights in alien gladiator arenas.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Liu for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Eric S. Rollman making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hulk (voice of Rick D. Wasserman), Caiera (voice of Lisa Ann Beley), Red King (voice of Mark Hildreth), Hiroim (voice of Liam O’Brien), Korg (voice of Kevin Michael Richardson), Miek (voice of Sam Vincent), Elloe Kaifi (voice of Advah Soudack), Lavin Skee (voice of Micahel Kopsa), Beta Ray Bill (voice of Paul Dobson), Iron Man (voice of Marc Worden), Miek (voice of Sam Vincent), Elloe Kaifi (voice of Advah Soudack), Lavin Skee (voice of Michael Kopsa), Beta Ray Bill (voice of Paul Dobson), and Iron Man (voice of Marc Worden).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a fun re-visit into the Hulk story, but a better teen/adult watch is Guardians of the Galaxy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PEE-WEE’S BIG HOLIDAY (Video Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Pee-wee’s Big Holiday movie does not match the quality of the 1985 Pee-wee’s Big Adventure film mostly due to the lower key of acting that Paul Reubens (Pee-wee) delivers in this movie than he did in the previous film. The addition of Joe Maganiello seems an odd casting choice that does not fit the story well. The movie, however, does carry itself and serves as a good watch for the Pee-wee fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Pee-wee, who has never left his small town, decides to travel to New York City to attend a friend’s birthday party.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Burton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer William E. McEuen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens), Dottie (Elizabeth Daily), Francis Buxton (Mark Holton), Simone (Diane Salinger), Mickey (Judd Omen), Mr. Crowtray (Irving Hellman), Mario (Monte Landis), Chip (Damon Martin), BMX Kid (David Glasser), and BMX Kid (Gregory Brown).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the Pee-wee fan, this film satisfies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FLYBOYS (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Flyboys provides a look into a little-known slice of World War I history by telling about United States pilots who volunteer for military service with the French Air Service to fight German flyers. Action scenes rely on air fights, destruction of a supply depot, destabilization of a Zeppelin blimp, and elimination of a German pilot with the moniker, Black Falcon. The multitudinous air fights become monotonous due to their repetitious scenes...after all, how many different stunts can an airplane of that era have? The story suffers from shallow character development and same-o, same-o male/female relationships as defined by wartime conditions. Because the movie relies on a single, really bad guy rather than building up a sophisticated barrage of evil that must be overcome, it becomes difficult to engage or care about what happens. The film does provide, however, a nice look at the acting skills of James Franco and Jean Reno.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

American fighter pilots fight under French command during World War I.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Bill for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Brown, James Clayton, Phillip M. Goldfarb, and Duncan Reid for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Blaine Rawlings (James Franco), Cinema Usher (Scott Hazell), Sheriff Detweiller (Mac McDonald), William Jensen (Philip Winchester), Mr. Jensen (Todd Boyce), Mrs. Jensen (Karen Ford), Laura (Ruth Bradley), Eugene Skinner (Abdul Salis), and Skinner’s trainer (Jean-Philippe Écoffey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is a nice revisit to World War I and some of the early attempts to do air combat. For the movie industry professional it offers a look at Director Tony Bill’s directing abilities. An additional air combat film, The Tuskegee Airmen, serves as a good film that focuses on little known World War II air combat history. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEING CANADIAN (Video Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Being Canadian does not have a lot to give for a 90-minute investment of time. It performs as a slow documentary about Who’s Who in Hollywood who has Canadian roots and ties. The movie plays down being Canadian to the level of being Canadian means: one is involved either in the movie or music industry. It seems to have been produced as a low-key roast of Canadian entertainment personas.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Robert Cohen defines Canadian via Who’s Who in the entertainment industry.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Cohen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Teza Lawrence, Michael Souther, and David Warren for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herself (Cobie Smulders), Himself (Nathan Fillion) Himself (Mike Myers), Himself (Ben Stiller) Himself (Seth Rogen), Himself (Michael J. Fox), Himself (Dan Aykroyd), Herself (Kim Cattrall), Himself (Will Arnett), and Herself (Catherine O’Hara).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It does not rate as good entertainment and has that same constipated feeling of ‘this is going nowhere’ that Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s series, The Trip, displays.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUNAWAY (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Runaway, despite its subject matter, has an easy-on-the-mind presentation with just enough action to keep attention. The storyline is very good; the acting good to average. The movie, written and directed by Michael Crichton, uses the worthy talents of Tom Selleck to tell its story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A police officer finds a home robot programmed for murder.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Crichton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Kurt Villadsen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Ramsay (Tom Selleck), Thompson (Cynthia Rhodes), Luther (Gene Simmons), Jackie Rogers (Kirstie Alley), Marvin (Stan Shaw), Chief (G.W. Bailey), Bobby Ramsay (Joey Cramer), Johnson (Chris Mulkey), and Hooker at Bar (Anne-Marie Martin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For an audience desiring a break from ramped-up action, this movie delivers a refreshing low-key entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HANGMAN (Video Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Hangman—Al Pacino, Karl Urban, Brittany Snow—has an exceptionally low box office intake and has generally been rated poorly by critics. However, despite the film’s subject matter, a serial killer’s methodical victimization according to Hangman game rules, the movie does what it is supposed to do—invokes horror at what humans are capable of doing to other humans—and does it quite well. The concept is sound. Director Johnny Martin directs a well-written script in a credible manner that displays the main actors’ skills well. The film shows skill in creating suspense.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A serial killer uses the Hangman game to enact his killings.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Johnny Martin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Shanan Becker, Jonathan Saba, Ernst Etchie Stroh, and Johnny Martin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ray Archer (Al Pacino), Detective Will Ruiney (Karl Urban), Christi Davies (Brittany Snow), Hangman (Joe Anderson), Captain Watson (Sarah Shai), Dr. Abby Westlin (Sloane Warren), Joey Truman (Chelle Ramos), Reverend David Green (Steve Coulter), Peter Rorick (Michael Rose), and Uniformed Officer (Katelyn Farrugia).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film performs with extreme realism and high suspense.

Video Critique Available :

Ben Meyers

THE AVIATORS* (Video Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

The Aviators seems thrown together and works on a small storyline. This animated film’s weak characterizations and portrayal work almost at the unintelligible level. It’s a 2008 Spain animation movie that debuted within the United States as a video release in 2009. Before going to this film, be sure and read the Wikipedia article about the World War I homing pigeon, Cher Ami, and discuss the role of homing pigeons during World War I with your children. This will increase their understanding of the plot line and their appreciation for the value of homing pigeons during early war effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This film is meant to be a tribute to homing pigeon service during World War I. In particular there was a homing pigeon, Cher Ami, who saved nearly 200 lives during World War I. Despite Cher Ami’s multiple wounds (shot in the breast, blinded, and with one leg missing) she flew 25 miles to deliver a message that saved soldier lives.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Miguel Pujol for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jordi Castelltort, Kieth Merrill, Peter Rancie for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Soldiers (voice of Phil Austin), Victor (voice of Cyrille Autin), Cher Ami (voice of Yann Bean), Sergeant Grey (voice of Robert Berliner), Narrator (voice of John Bolen), McBomb (voice of Arsenio Corsellas), Charlie/Kids Sparrows (voice of Bryan Forrest), Linberg (Jeff Foxworthy), Sargento Gris (voice of Juan Carlos Gustems), and Paloma Francesa (voice of Miguel Ángel Jenner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. While the voice casting is great, the story does not flow well. The movie needs to be remade and NOT as an animation piece for children. The World War I homing pigeons deserve more respect than this film affords. Read a plotline and discuss before you go.

*Also known as Cher Ami or Flying Heroes

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

The Eagle Has Landed moves like a cookie cutter film without any new moves and the special effects necessary to drive its storyline. While the actors Robert Duvall, Michael Caine, and Donald Sutherland are excellent, their performance in this film is weak. It’s a ho-hum film to fill in some Saturday afternoon time or to show as a running background flick for a party.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War II Germans hatch a plan to kidnap Winston Churchill.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Sturges for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Niven Jr. and Jack Wiener for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Oberst Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine), Liam Devlin (Donald Sutherland), Colonel Radl (Robert Duvall), Molly (Jenny Aqutter), Himmler (Donald Pleasence), Admiral Canaris (Anthony Quayle), Joanna Grey (Jean Marsh), Captain von Neustadt (Sven-Bertil Taube), and Father Verecker (John Standing).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie, somewhat interesting, does not move along as well as the World War II movie, Wind Talkers, or the Vietnam movie, We Were Soldiers.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Theatrical Release USA 1946)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

It’s a Wonderful Life—Superb! Bravo! Bravo! film—sports one of the best storylines brought to the big screen. This is a ‘no fault found’ movie starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed that stands the test of time and does not relegate itself to academic study. Seventy-two years later it serves testimony to Frank Capra’s ability to capture the heart and soul of an audience. Get ready for classic acting that relies on the stupendous skills of Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi, Ward Bond, Henry Travers, and Carl ‘Alfa Alfa’ Switzer (Our Gang).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A savings and loan officer is shown the far-reaching value of living life well.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frank Capra for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Frank Capra for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George Bailey (James Stewart), Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell), Clarence (Henry Travers), Mrs. Bailey (Beaulah Bondi), Ernie (Frank Faylen), Bert (Ward Bond), Violet (Gloria Grahame), and Mr. Gower (H.B. Warner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. WOW! What a treat! Nothing wasted here; a complete entertainment that can be watched by everyone. The film belongs in the home video library collection. Its value for re-watch will not be lost over time.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PANCHO VILLA (Theatrical Release Spain 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Pancho Villa casts Telly Savalas for the main role and Clint Walker for the secondary role. Neither Savalas nor Walker play their parts well as if they are not comfortable with their scripted dialogue. The only strong actor becomes Chuck Connors who appears to over-achieve as an effort to shore up the former two actors’ lack of performance. Due to the poor acting, this film fails to entertain on nearly every level it can be critiqued on.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A Mexican revolutionary enters the United States to avenge an arms deal gone wrong.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eugenio Martín for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bernard Gordon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pancho Villa (Telly Savalas), Scotty (Clint Walker), Colonel Wilcox (Chuck Connors), Flo (Anne Francis), Luis (José María Prada), Lieutenant Eager (Ángel del Pozo), McDermott (Luis Dávila), Lupe (Mónica Randall), General Goyo (Antonio Casas), and Mendoza (Alberto Dalbés).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Better films along this same theme are: The Magnificent Seven (1960) and/or its 2016 remake.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAINT YOUR WAGON (Theatrical Release USA 1969)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Paint Your Wagon reverses the male-activated polygamous home establishment to the female suggesting two husbands. Despite its light-hearted and rather frivolously delivered script, the movie presents scenes and dialogue that conflict so strongly with established male/female role presumption that it catalytically serves as a re-think on the subject of polygamy. The musical score delivers; and, even dares to show the chord range of Clint Eastwood. Set against a rough and tough early western mining community, the script serves an adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Mormon husband places his second wife on an auction block for ownership to the highest bidder.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joshua Logan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Alan Jay Lerner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ben Rumson (Lee Marvin), Pardner (Clint Eastwood), Elizabeth (Jean Seberg), Rotten Luck Willie (Harve Presnell),Mad Jack Duncan (Ray Walston), Horton Fenty (Tom Ligon), Parson (Alan Dexter), ), Horace Tabor (William O’Connell), and Haywood Holbrook (Benny Baker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film has an amoral theme and does not serve a family’s watching needs.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHILD’S PLAY (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Child’s Play begins the first of the Chucky movie franchise. While the hype surrounding this film series exaggerates its ability to deliver horror, the movie performs quite nicely in a thriller category as it quickly delivers slasher-type murders without pattern as the only answer to this doll’s frustrations. The well-written script has a certain rhythm that Director Tom Holland catches and uses well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young woman unknowing purchases a possessed doll for her son.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tom Holland for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Barrie M. Osborne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Karen Barclay (Catherine Hicks), Mike Norris (Chris Sarandon), Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent), Charles Lee Ray/Chucky (voice of Brad Dourif), Maggie Peterson (Dinah Manoff), Jack Santos (Tommy Swerdlow), Dr. Ardmoe (Jack Colvin), Eddie Caputo (Neil Giuntoli), Peddler (Juan Ramírez), and Mr. Criswell (Alan Wilder).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The special effects, while not great, are memorable and go a long way to establish the story's line.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

All Dogs Go to Heaven, despite its good concept, misses the mark of excellence, the magical element that makes entertainment work. It fails to reach the heart so that the audience responds in kind with that ‘Awww, gee whiz, that’s just the way it is’ feeling. That missing magic kills many films and this movie is no exception to that rule. The entertainment business ticks and thrives on its ability to lure and keep its audience within the spell of the story from its opening scene to its last scene. This movie seems designed for an audience of 10 years of age. It is not a child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A dog goes to heaven and comes back to earth to find a bad dog acquaintance has kidnapped a young, orphan girl.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and Dan Kuenster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Morris F. Sullivan and George Walker for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie B. Barkin (voice of Burt Reynolds), Itchy Itchiford (voice of Dom DeLuise), Anne-Marie (voice of Judith Barsi), Whippet Angel (voice of Melba Moore), Dog Caster (voice of Daryl Gilley), Vera (voice of Candy Devine), Killer (voice of Charles Nelson Reilly), Carface (voice of Vic Tayback), and Harold (voice of Rob Fuller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This animated movie needs touching up to make it work well for a children’s audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers