MURDER MYSTERY (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Murder Mystery—simple, clean, straightforward, classic murder mystery—plays Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston together in a family friendly film worth watching. The nicely written and easy-to-follow script does not use fear as its driving theme and serves at a surprisingly refreshing entertainment piece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A couple become involved in a murder mystery.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kyle Newacheck for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jennifer Aniston, Barry Bernardi, Beau Flynn, Julie Goldstein, Beth Kono, Lucas Smith, ad Charlize Theron for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nick Spitz (Adam Sandler), Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston), Charles Cavendish (Luke Evans), Malcolm Quince (Terence Stamp), Grace Ballard (Gemma Arterton), Tobey Quince (David Walliams), Inspector de la Croix (Dany Boon), Colonel Ulenga (John Kani), and Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film does not rely on the heart-punching, anxiety-ridden musical score that so many murder mysteries and horror flicks use. It’s a peaceful, satisfying evening’s entertainment piece.

Video Critique Available Here

Ben Meyers

HARRIET THE SPY: BLOG WARS (Television Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars works as a good teen flick. Adults may find the fare a bit childish. The storyline flags and needs a bit of a pep up. The acting, however, completely works for this movie genre on par with Disney television flicks made for teens.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harriet works to become her school’s official blogger.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Oliver for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Vince Commisso, Steve Jarosz, Wendy Moss, Natalie Osborne, Nancy Steingard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harriet (Jennifer Stone), Golly (Kristin Booth), Skander (Wesley Morgan), Roger (Doug Murray), Violetta (Shauna MacDonald), Sol (Jason Blicker), Ms. Elson (Jayne Eastwood), Janie (Melinda Shankar), and Sport (Alexander Conti).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie takes no real emotional or mental involvement and therefore becomes an easy-on-the-mind film that can run as a background flick while doing other activities. It could serve as a very good pajama party film for young girls.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pink Panther—first Pink Panther movie since  Son of the Pink Panther (1993)—loses none of the original Pink Panther movies’ charisma and charm. The movie completely deserves watching. Great entertainment with good casting choices to include the addition of Jean Reno as a sidekick to Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) and Kevin Kline as Chief Inspector Dreyfuss. These three work like a glove to a hand. They serve good comedy from beginning to ending scenes. This film is a compliment to Peter Sellars’ classic Pink Panther movies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A French coach dies, the Pink Panther diamond disappears, and Clouseau is on the case.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ira Shuman and Tracey Trench for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Clouseau (Steve Martin), Dreyfus (Kevin Kline), Ponton (Jean Reno), Nicole (Emily Mortimer), Yuri (Henry Czerny), Cherie (Kristin Chenoweth), Raymond Larocque (Roger Rees), Xania (Beyoncé), and Deputy Chief Renard (Philip Goodwin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works. Steve Martin picks up the role of Inspector Clouseau well and does a great job. Great work for Director Shawn Levy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INDICE 50 (Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia Release Japan 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Indice 50—great French short film—works for its entertainment value and totally succeeds. This short film is just great entertainment. No other comment can be made. It’s fun to watch from its beginning to its ending.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A Father and a Mother endeavor to enjoy a very crowded beach.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Sylvain Amdlard, Alexandre Belmudes, Damien Clef, Megane Fumel, Joseph Guene, and Matthew Peters-Houg. Additional characters/cast include: Mother (Claire D’Intorni) and Father (Jose Vicente).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works as a great children's short film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SURF’S UP (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Surf’s Up—original and fresh—uses Shia LeBeouf’s voice for the main character with the added plus of hearing Jeff Bridges’ voice. Good story. Moves along well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Penguins surf and play.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ash Brannon and Chris Buck for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Andrea Miloro for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cody Maverick (voice of Shia LaBeouf), Zeke Topanga/Geek (voice of Jeff Bridges), Lani Aliikai (voice of Zooey Deschanel), Chicken Joe (voice of Jon Heder), Reggie Belafonte (voice of James Woods), Tank Evans (voice of Diedrich Bader), Mikey Abromowitz (voice of Mario Cantone), Kelly (voice of Kelly Slater), and Rob (voice of Rob Machado).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works to some extent. The characters are relatable and well presented.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SILENT (Hamptons International Film Festival Release East Hampton (Town) New York USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Silent—short film—needs a full-length treatment to fully realize its potential. The ending comes unexpectedly without explication making the story seem more like a teaser film than an animated show with a defined beginning and conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A short film tribute to the silent era of film.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Moonbot Studios for this creative effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It has great animation. The film teases the audience to want more. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DEAR ALICE (Fort Myers Film Festival, Fort Myers, Florida USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Dear Alice—excellent short film produced at the School for Visual Arts—deserves an expanded full-length film treatment that maintains the heart and honesty of the original story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Young talented artist gets encouragement from an unexpected source.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Matt Cerini for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific children’s film.

* Also known as A Heart Touching Story of a Little Girl.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE COUNTING SHEEP (YouTube Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Counting Sheep—a Ringling College of Arts and Design student short film—shows cuteness despite its lack of depth. Directors Michale Warren and Katelyn Hagen have potential for directing longer films.

Film Poster Courtesy Google Images

Storyline

An impatient sheep maneuvers from his proper placement as the 100^th sheep to count to the first sheep to count before a sheep counter goes to sleep.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Michale Warren and Katelyn Hagen for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film defines the word ‘cute’ and easily serves entertainment needs for all ages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NODDING OFF (Northwest Filmmakers' Festival Portland Oregon USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Nodding Off—Ringling College of Art and Design short film—turns into one of the better online short films and creates desire to see more of Director Kailey Choi’s work. This short film is especially surprising as it appears to be a first effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

From exhaustion, a man falls asleep while driving and a bobblehead dog, on the car's dashboard, tries to save the day.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kailey Choi for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Cute and a GREAT story. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FORGET ME NOT * (All Media Release France 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Forget Me Not—a Danish Animation Workshop short film—shows love in action in a story that is relatable and enjoyable.  Good work for Director Katarina Lundquist.

Storyline

A seasoned, country man takes care of a troll.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Katarina Lundquist for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an interesting story. This short film is relatable and can be enjoyed by everyone.

* Also known as Forglemmegei

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAVAROTTI (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Pavarotti—a Bravo! presentation—documents the life of Luciano Pavarotti, both his career and some of his private life. It allows a small peek into his personal value systems, his music, and work ethic. It begs for a re-watch. Excellent educational tool.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Pavarotti travels the world and leaves beauty through music.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Blackman, Paul Crowder, Guy East, Nicholas Ferrall, Lorenzo Gangarossa, Mario Gianani, Lorenzo Mieli, and Dickon Stainer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Spike Lee), Himself (Stevie Wonder), Herself (Princess Diana), Himself (Phil Donahue), Himself (Luciano Pavarotti), Himself (Bono), Himself (Nelson Mandela), and Himself (Plácido Domingo).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is great way to explore the formidable singing powers of Luciano Pavarotti. A good tool for parents to introduce children to opera.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind—based on a true African family story—quickly becomes a respectful ode to the human spirit. The solid storyline completes itself with a well-written script and event-filled scenes that are particularly striking due to the African setting and the struggle for the simplest human needs. Excellent child/adult share film with strong value system included for free.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man works through ignorance and others’ egoisms to establish a way to survive famine.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chiwetel Ejiofor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Hampden, Phil Hunt, Jonathan King, Norman Merry, Joe Oppenheimer, Compton Ross, Jim Shamoon, Jeff Skoll Natascha Wharton, and Mario Zvan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Trywell Kamkwamba (Chiwetel Ejiofor), William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba), John Kamwamba (Felix Lemburo), Jeremiah Kamkwamba (Robert Agengo), Priest (Fiskan Makawa), Annie Kamkwamba (Lily Banda), Anges Kamkwamba (Aïssa Maïga), Mkubwi (Frederick Lukhere), and Shabani Mkubwi (Hestingzi Phiri).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves its place in the family home video library. Terrific inspirational film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BILLY GRAHAM: AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY (Television Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey—a Bravo short film!—documents Mr. Graham’s life and work. This movie is a painless way to introduce a person to the Billy Graham story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Billy Graham rises from life on the farm to worldwide evangelical leader.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Daniel Camenisch and Vonda Harrell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Duane Gaylord and Tim Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Billy Graham), Himself (Paul Harvey), Narrator (Jeff Hoyt), Herself (Morrow Graham), Herself (Jean-Graham Ford), Himself (Melvin Graham), Himself (Mordecai Ham), Himself (Franklin Graham), and Himself (William Martin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary works as an excellent educational tool for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PATRICK* (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Patrick—sweet, clean, and completely family-friendly—stands out due to its simpleness. A loving tribute to generational family influence, the movie shows the acting talents of Beattie Edmondson to good advantage.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An unexpected and unwelcome inheritance influences life choices.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mandie Fletcher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Flavio Colotta, Geraldine East, Patrizia Fersurella, Jonathan Feuer, Peter Hampden, Matthew Helderman, Yvette Hoyle, Phil Hunt, Tom Harberd, Matthew Helderman, Yvette Hoyle, Phil Hunt, Joe Listhaus, Tracey McCarrick, Norman Merry, Ppaolo Monaci, Ciro Orsini, Compton Ross, James Scott, Tim Smith, and James Swarbrick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harry (Sam Fletcher), Sarah Francis (Beattie Edmondson), Roger the Landlord (Rupert Holliday-Evans), Granny (Ann Queensberry), Geoff the Parkgoer (Jason Lewis), Saskia the Parkgoer (Kasia Koleczek), Caroline (Patricia Potter), Graham (Ben Roddy), and Alan (Peter Davison).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Enjoyable and light on the mind, the movie requires no terrific emotional involvement and gives non-judgmental treatment to lifestyles that build themselves along the way.

*Also Known as: Patrick the Pug

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

23 ½ HOURS LEAVE (Theatrical Release USA 1937)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

23 ½ Hours Leave—nice trip back in time—has a well-done storyline that sweetly shows: life flows about the same through the generations. The story is a remake of a 1919 short film of the same name. It’s fun, cute, and a good, easy-on-the-mind movie. The singing is phenomenal and well-appreciated.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A Sergeant makes a bet and becomes involved with his General and the General’s daughter.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John G. Blystone for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Douglas MacLean for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant Robert Gray (James Ellison), Peggy Markley (Terry Walker), Tommy (Morgan Hill), Sergeant Turner (Arthur Lake), General Markley (Paul Harvey), Sergeant Beans Banning (Wally Maher), Sergeant Jake Solomon (Andy Andrews), Sergeant Schultz (Murray Alper), and Sergeant Squibb (Pat Gleason).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works. Great work for all involved.  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Same Kind of Different as Me—based on a true story—lacks realism and fails in both sincerity of acting and portrayal. The acting by Djimon Honsou, Renee Zellweger, Jon Voight, and Greg Kinnear rates on the ‘fair’ scale rather than normal expectations for this quartet. The story is a good one, but the script seems to need ‘tipping up’ to work at a higher entertainment level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A husband and wife, their relatives and friends, and a homeless man find common ground.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Carney for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Bancroft, Michael Carney, Alexander Foard, and Hans Graffunder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear), Debbie Hall (Renee Zellweger), Denver Moore (Djimon Hounsou), Earl (Jon Voight), Regan (Olivia Holt), Carson (Austin Filson), Tommye (Geraldine Singer), Julio (Daniel Zacapa), and Willow (Dana Gourrier).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story’s basic premise is good. It serves as a light afternoon watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers