UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Unaccompanied Minors—Christmas watch—serves up a good portion of generous Home Alone-style holiday comedy. One of the best children’s films for 2006, the movie delivers a bushel basket full of good will and heartfelt chuckles. Great work for Director Paul Feig. Overall, this film works as a good child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A snowstorm lands a handful of minors into an airport holding area.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Feig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Ira Glass, Michael Lambert, Carrie Morrow, and Julie Snyder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Oliver Porter (Lewis Black), Zach Van Bourke (Wilmer Valderrama), Charlie Goldfinch (Tyler James Williams), Spencer Davenport (Dyllan Christopher), Timothy Wellington (Brett Kelly), Grace Conrad (Gia Mantegna), Donna Malone (Quinn Shephard), Valerie Davenport (Paget Brewster), Sam Davenport (Rob Corddry), Katherine Davenport (Dominique Saldaña), Cindi (Jessica Walter), and Head Guard Hoffman (Rob Riggle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It deserves its watch.

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Ben Meyers

REVERSING ROE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Reversing Roe—comprehensive documentary—presents a long-term look at the Roe VS Wade case. Audiences will appreciate more in-depth coverage on this sensitive issue and the wider range of facts concerning government requirements for doctors who handle patients asking for an abortion. Very good review that fosters deeper understanding.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The documentary follows the history of American abortion politics.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Christine Connor and Eva Longoria for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herself (Donna Howard), Himself (John Seago), Herself (Brigitte Amiri), Himself (Troy Newman), Herself (Colleen McNicholas), Herself (Linda Greenhouse), Himself (Tom Davis), Herself (Gloria Steinem), Herself (Faye Wattleton), Herself (Eleanor Holmes Norton), Herself (Tanya Melich), and Himself (Curtis Boyd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is interesting and informative. It’s a good teen/adult watch that provides great opportunity for after watching discussion.

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Ben Meyers

ALPHA AND OMEGA 2: A HOWL-IDAY ADVENTURE (Video Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 1.7|5.0 Starsì

Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure—suffers from a lack of continuity in its storyline and, as a result, logical sequencing becomes skewed. There is no rhyme or reason. ‘Things’ just seem to ‘happen’. The film ends with no real explanation. Unfortunately, despite the tremendous effort, the film misses the mark for good entertainment that appeals to an international audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two wolves, who are preparing for the holidays, find their pup missing and go to find it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Anthony Bell and Richard Rich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Noah Fogelson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Humphrey (voice of Ben Diskin), Kate/Stinky/Lilly (voice of Kate Higgins), Claudette (voice of Marieve Herington), Runt (voice of Debi Derryberry), Eve (voice of Tracy Pfau), Tony/Rogue #2 (voice of R. Martin Klein), Princess (voice of Meryl Leigh), Rogue Wolf #1 (voice of Shaun Gerardo), Garth/King (voice of Blackie Rose), and Winston (voice of John Eric Bentley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This not the best film for your time or money.

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Ben Meyers

STARSKY AND HUTCH (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Starsky and Hutch works because of exceptionally good casting decisions that paired the unlikely team of Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller together. The well-written story holds its own throughout the movie. This turns into a good, comedy/action police show that is easy to follow and entertains.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An unconventional police car, a police informer, and two policemen using unconventional means to solve crime do a good job of tracking and intimidating criminals.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Todd Phillips for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gilbert Adler and Ben Stiller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Starsky (Ben Stiller), Ken Hutchinson (Owen Wilson), Huggy Bear (Snoop Dogg), Captain Doby (Fred Williamson), Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn), Kitty (Juliette Lewis), Kevin (Jason Bateman), Holly (Amy Smart), Staci (Carmen Electra), Chau (George Cheung), Manetti (Chris Penn), and Heather (Brande Roderick).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie did an outstanding job of commemorating the original television series. It serves good entertainment and satisfies the charisma needed to put it into the good watch category.

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Ben Meyers

LEGALLY BLONDE (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Legally Blonde—refreshingly new—gives the most delightful dip into the ‘power within’ to completely change one defined future for another and does it with such aplomb. No preaching, a great deal of exceptionally sweet comedy, and a lot of heart mark this film. Actress Reese Witherspoon gives her audience a study in ‘real’. She plays her part with honesty, complete believability, and generousness of heart. It’s a terrific movie that gives a great peek-a-boo into a life outside the norm while leaving respect in its wake. The movie could have so easily been relegated to ‘chick flick’ status and becomes everything but that.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sorority girl gets dumped and proves her mettle in a fight to change perceptions about her basic character.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Luketic for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ric Kidney and Marc Platt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), Emmett (Luke Wilson), Vivian Kensington (Selma Blair), Warner (Mattthew Davis), Professor Callahan (Victor Garber), Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge), Professor Stromwell (Holland Taylor), Brooke Taylor Windham (Ali Larter), Margot (Jessica Cauffiel), Serena (Alanna Ubach), Dorky David Kidney (Oz Perkins), and Chutney (Linda Cardellini).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works for its money and succeeds.

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Ben Meyers

JUPITER ASCENDING (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Jupiter Ascending screams ‘I want to be another Wachowksi bust-it-over-the top film’ and ends as a ‘I am delivering the introduction to a fair television series.’ The story runs on the verge of unclear and the acting borders on weak partially due to poor casting choices that lack that cohesive magical-ness that other Wachowski films have, think Matrix. Eddie Redmayne is great, just not in this movie. Hopefully, Matrix 4 will pull its own weight and not resemble this film’s output.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Power and inheritance rights along with the responsibility that goes with those rights become the focus of a woman who becomes aware of her true identity.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lana and Lily Wachowski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman and Roberto Malerba for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), Stinger Apini (Sean Bean), Balem Abrasax (Eddie Redmayne), Titus Abrasax (Douglas Booth), Kalique Abrasax (Tuppence Middleton), Diomika Tsing (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Gemma Charrerjee (Christina Cole), Nesh (Nicholas A. Newman), Phylo Percadium (Ramon Tikaram), Greeghan (Ariyon Bakare), and Aleksa (Maria Doyle Kennedy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There’s plenty of creativity in the special effects, but there’s a disconnect between special effects and storyline.

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Ben Meyers

DUCK SOUP (Theatrical Release USA 1933)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Duck Soup—classic Marx Brothers—highlights Groucho’s unique flair for comedy. It also provides fine study material for the culture of an era’s costuming, architectural design, and general settings. The dialogue is quick, witty and requires attention to catch the richness of the entendre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The ruler of a country decides to solve its financial crises by declaring war on another country over the favors of a wealthy woman.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leo McCarey for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Herman J. Mankiewicz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Marx Brothers (The Marx Brothers), Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx), Pinky (Harpo Marx), Chicolini (Chico Marx), Bob Roland (Zeppo Marx), Mrs. Gloria Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), Vera Marcal (Raquel Torres), Ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern), Zander (Edmund Breese), Sylvanian Agitator (Leonid Kinskey), Prosecutor (Charles Middleton), and Lemonade Vendor (Edgar Kennedy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Despite its age, it still entertains. For the younger set, it needs a plotline read before they go to understand the thread of the story.

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Ben Meyers

COLDPLAY: A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS (Theatrical Release Philippines 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams—documentary about the band Coldplay—becomes a Bravo! presentation due to its coverage of the formation of the band, its ethereal music scores, and display of long term dedication to strong work ethic. It’s an inspiring story that concentrates on the positive move forward. Great work for Mat Whitecross.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of Coldplay, a British rock band, comes alive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mat Whitecross for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Arlene Moon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Guy Berryman), Herself (Beyoncé), Himself (Jon Buckland), Himself (Will Champion), Himself (Brian Eno), Himself (Noel Gallagher),  Himself (Phil Harvey), Himself (Bruno Mars), Himself (Chris Martin), Herself (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Himself (Mat Whitecross).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s likable, almost lovable from the opening to ending scene. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this 20-year filming effort.

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Ben Meyers

RONIN (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ronin—hard-hitting, exciting action film—holds its own twenty years after its original release date partly due to the terrific casting choices of Robert DeNiro, Jean Reno, Stellan Skarsgård, and Sean Bean. Definitely worth a watch for all action movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Irish and the Russians vie for a package. An intelligence agent puts his formidable skills to work to find the package.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Frankenheimer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Paul Kelmenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sam (Robert De Niro), Vincent (Jean Reno), Deirdre (Natascha McElhone), Gregor (Stellan Skarsgård), Spence (Sean Bean), Larry (Skipp Sudduth), Jean-Pierre (Michael Lonsdale), Dapper Gent (Jan Triska), Seamus O’Rourke (Jonathan Pryce), Man With Newspaper (Ron Perkins), and Mikhi (Féodor Atkine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of the better Robert DeNiro films on the market. Great work for Director John Frankenheimer.

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Ben Meyers

MOBY DICK (Theatrical Release USA 1956)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Moby Dick—touted as a classic—does not present a particularly interesting story. Gregory Peck, one of the lead actors, does not fit this story well as he did in To Kill A Mockingbird. This story requires a rougher personality, perhaps a Richard Widmark or a Henry Fonda, to play the lead character.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man obsessed with killing a large whale endangers his whole crew.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Huston for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Huston for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Ahab (Gregory Peck), Ishmael (Richard Basehart), Starbuck (Leo Genn), Captain Boomer (James Robertson Justice), Stubb (Harry Andrews), The Manxman (Bernard Miles), Ship’s Carpenter (Noel Purcell), Daggoo (Edric Connor), Peleg (Mervyn Johns), Peter Coffin (Joseph Tomelty), and Captain Gardiner (Francis De Wolff).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There is some value in watching how whaling ships used to operate, but that is a small advantage for time and money spent.

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Ben Meyers

MY GIRL 2 (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

My Girl 2—sequel movie to My Girl—turns out a simple, fun story for the whole family. This sequel film is as good as its prequel. The same cast reprises their roles. Anna Chlumsky does a terrific job interpreting her character.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl searches for information about her deceased biological mother.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howard Zieff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph M. Caracciolo, David T. Friendly, and Howard Zieff for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Phil Sultenfuss (Richard Masur), Alfred Beidermeyer (Aubrey Morris), Dr. Sam Helburn (Gerrit Graham), Arthur (Anthony R. Jones), Harry Sultenfuss (Dan Aykroyd), Shelly Sultenfuss (Jamie Lee Curtis), Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky), Nick Zsigmond (Austin O’Brien), Rose Zsigmond (Christine Ebersole), Jeffrey Pommeroy (JD Souther), and Maggie Muldovan (Angeline Ball).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It finishes the series well.

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Ben Meyers

LOOK WHO’S TALKING (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Look Who’s Talking—uses the voice of Bruce Willis to voice over the talking baby, and the talents of John Travolta and Kirstie Alley to tell the rest of the story. Travolta and Alley make a dynamic team that serves up good, light romantic entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young woman takes charge of living life alone with a baby on the way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Amy Heckerling for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jonathan D. Krane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James (John Travolta), Mollie (Kirstie Alley), Rosie (Olympia Dukakis), Albert (George Segal), Grandpa (Abe Vigoda), Mikey (voice of Bruce Willis), Rona (Twink Caplan), Mikey (Jason Schaller/Jaryd Waterhouse/Jacob Haines/Christopher Aydon), and Melissa (Joy Boushel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, it’s a good story, well told with a perfect power balance between Travolta and Alley.

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Ben Meyers

GLEASON (Television Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Gleason—the title of this movie suggests largeness of story but fails to deliver and leaves the audience feeling empty. Brad Garret is not well cast for this part, the story is shallow, and the conclusion is blunt. This documentary-type movie fails to comprehensively tell the Gleason story to include his Smokey and the Bandit and Nothing in Common work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Part of the Jackie Gleason story comes alive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howard Deutch for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara Lieberman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jackie Gleason (Brad Garrett), George ‘Bullets’ Durgom (Saul Rubinek), Genevieve Halford (Gretchen Egolf), Audrey Meadows (Kristen Dalton), Art Carney (Michael Chieffo), Jack L. Warner (Danny Wells) Sammy Birch (Mark Camacho), Sol Friedman (Jason Blicker), Toots Shor (Vlasta Vrana), and William S. Paley (Shawn Lawrence).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Do not expect a comprehensive or deep study of Jackie Gleason’s life. This movie does serve to reveal a bit more of Gleason’s basic personality and work ethic. This film is also had 21 minutes removed from the the original cut.

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Ben Meyers

LOOK WHO’S TALKING TOO (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Look Who’s Talking Too has more heart than its prequel movie and does a fair job of detailing family conflict on several levels. It’s a light watch that does not require great emotional involvement but still satisfies the need for entertainment. Great work for Director Amy Heckerling for driving this good script to its satisfying conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A sibling rivalry story intertwines with a parental marital challenges story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Amy Heckerling for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John D. Krane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James (John Travolta), Mollie (Kirstie Alley), Rosie (Olympia Dukakis), Stuart (Elias Koteas), Rona (Twink Caplan), Mikey (voice of Bruce Willis), Julie (voice of Roseanne Barr), Eddie (voice of Damon Wayans), Joey (Gilbert Gottfried), and Debbie (Lesley Ewen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a good family watch.

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Ben Meyers

CHASING 3000 (AMC Loews Theater Release, New York City, New York USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Chasing 3000 features good, believable casting choices with the team of Ray Liotta, Trevor Morgan, and Rory Culkin. While a bit superficial in that the movie does not plumb depth of character, the storyline is solid and the scripting well-timed. It’s worth a watch for families who share a common interest in sports.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two young brothers, avid Pittsburgh Pirates fans, make a return to Pittsburgh from California to see Roberto Clemente hit his 3000^th base hit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gregory J. Lanesey for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Patrick Gallagher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adult Mickey (Ray Liotta), Roger (Rory Culkin), Mickey (Trevor Morgan), Kelly (Tania Raymonde), Young Roger (Nicholas Brady), Gang Member (Andrew Bryniarski), Poppy (Seymour Cassel), Dr. Boogie (Ricardo Chavira), Jamie (Willa Holland), Marilyn (Lauren Holly), Maddy Straka (Madison Lanesey), Bobby Straka (Patrick Sebes), and Chuck Ireland (M. Emmet Walsh).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a light watch for sport fans that also makes a good, clean family share. The movie focuses on two underage brothers who independently travel cross country to their native state, their misadventures along the way, and their dogged love of baseball that drives their ambitious journey.

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Ben Meyers