CHARLIE’S ANGELS (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Charlie’s Angels introduces new angels—Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore. It’s a good action flick that works at a higher level than either Police Story: Lockdown or Aeon Flux. But, the fight scenes lack power and realism due to some rather obvious stunt manipulation. The basic storyline is good and makes this movie a good pick for running in the background at a party. It’s a surprise to see Bill Murray cast in this film, but it works as it adds to the overall lightness of the movie. Great work for Director McG for his capture of the original style and intent of Charlie’s Angels.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Female detectives use James Bond-type methods to retrieve stolen valuables.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director McG for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph M. Caracciolo, Aaron Spelling, Betty Thomas, and Jenno Topping for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Natalie Cook (Cameron Diaz), Dylan Sanders (Drew Barrymore), Alex Munday (Lucy Liu), John Bosley (Bill Murray), Eric Knox/John McKenn (Sam Rockwell), Vivian Wood (Kelly Lynch), Roger Corwin (Tim Curry), Thin Man (Crispin Glover), Jason Gibbons (Matt LeBlanc), Mr. Jones (LL Cool J), Chad (Tom Green), Pete Komisky (Luke Wilson), Pasqual (Sean Whalen), Flight Attendant (Tim Dunaway), Himself (Alex Trek), and Reform Officer (Raleigh Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works as a good ‘kill some time’ entertainment and for an audience who wants to revisit Charlie's Angels. But, a better watch for a police story is 16 Blocks; for an action film see The Fifth Element.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUGRATS IN PARIS: THE MOVIE * (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Rugrats in Paris: The Movie—cute and lovable—serves as a perfect child/adult share film for the Rugrats fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Rugrats team to save Chuckie’s father from making a poor marriage choice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Stig Bergqvist and Paul Demeyer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eryk Casemiro, Albie Hecht, Han-Young Kang, Pyung Soo Min, Julia Pistor, and Hal Waite for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tommy Pickles (Elizabeth Daily), Dill Pickles (voice of Tara Strong), Angelica Pickles (voice of Cheryl Chase), Chuckie Finster (voice of Christine Cavanaugh), Susan Carmichael (voice of Cree Summer), Lil DeVille/Phil DeVille/Betty DeVille (voice of Kath Soucie), Drew Pickles/Charles Finster, Sr. (voice of Michael Bell), Charlotte Pickles (voice of Tress MacNeille), Wedding DJ (voice of Casey Kasem), Grandpa Lou Pickles (voice of Joe Alaskey), Lulu Pickles (voice of Debbie Reynolds), Stu Pickles (voice of Jack Riley), Coco LaBouche (voice of Susan Sarandon), and Jean-Claude (voice of John Lithgow).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fun to see the Rugrats backgrounded in France.

*Also known as Rugrats in Paris and Rugrats II

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KARATE KID (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Karate Kid, after nearly 30 years release of the original story, finally comes into its own, big time, with this 2010 movie release. The film partners Jaden Smith with Jackie Chan to create one terrific piece of entertainment. It’s fun, comical, and teaches good life lessons on the value of discipline and good ethics. Great work for Director Harald Zwart. The movie easily establishes itself as a solid addition to the family home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young boy transfers to China with his mother, meets a Kung Fu master, and learns a few good lessons along the way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harald Zwart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Susan Ekins, Sanping Han, Xiaoli Han,  Tao Jiang, and Dany Wolf for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dre Parker (Jaden Smith), Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), Sherry Parker (Taraji P. Henson), Meiying (Wenwen Han), Master Li (Rongguang Yu), Meiying’s Dad (Zhensu Wu), Meiying’s Mom (Zhiheng Wang), Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), Dre’s Detroit Friend (Jared Minns), Liang (Shijia Lu), Zhuang (Yi Zhao), Song (Bo Zhang), Harry (Luke Carberry), Mark (Cameron Hillman), Oz (Ghye Samuel Brown), Ur Dang (Rocky Shi), and Mrs. Po (Ji Wang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jaden Smith performs outstandingly in this film. Jackie Chan perfectly balances the rest of the story. It deserves a sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GAME CHANGERS (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Game Changers promotes veganism for world class athletes and supports this through a series of informative interviews with professional athletes who have made this dietary lifestyle change. The interviews are well done. Great work for Director Louie Psihoyos.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Another look at protein resourcing via veganism.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Louie Psihoyos for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Niklas Adalberth, Suzy Amis, Pamela Anderson, Brendan Brazier, Nicole Brodeur, James Cameron, Jackie Chan, Solina Chau, Novak Djokovic, Rip Esselstyn, Caroline Gabel, Jim Greenbaum, Bob Greenberg, Sheryl Greenberg, Lewis Hamilton, Cindy Landon, Charity Morgan, Derrick Morgan, Alexis Ohanian, Nirva Patel, Paresh Patel, Alex Payne, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Britt Selvitelle, Susan Vitka, Kyle Vogt, Tracy Vogt, Gwyn Whittaker, and Maria Wilhelm for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (James Wilks), Himself (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Himself (Patrik Baboumian), Herself (Dotsie Bausch), Herself (Tia Blanco), Himself (Nimai Delgado), Himself (Rip Esselstyn), Himself (Kendrick Farris), Himself (Mischa Janiec), Himself (Bryant Jennings), Himself (Scott Jurek), Himself (Damien Mander), Herself (Morgan Mitchell), Himself (Lucious Smith), and Himself (Griff Whalen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For those who are vegan or who are contemplating a vegan lifestyle, this movie provides a good presentation of the benefits of being vegan at the athletic level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers works more slowly than The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring as it works to establish the next foundation for the final film in the series, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. But the movie outperforms itself with its presentation of some of the best fighting scenes in the industry for scope and magnitude. The Oliphants and the walking trees create a visual wonderland that serves to establish this movie as a classic epic entertainment piece by Director Peter Jackson. Bravo, Encore for one of the best movies released in a century.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sam and Frodo meet the Gollum and fight against the Saruman.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Lynne, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Aldor (Bruce Allpress), Madril (John Bach), Sam (Sean Astin), Frodo (Elijah Woods), Man Flesh Uruk (Sala Baker), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Pippin (Billy Boyd), Sharku/Snaga (Jed Brophy), Eothain (Sam Comery), Wormtongue (Brad Dourif), Haleth (Calum Gittins), Theoden (Bernard Hill), Gamling (Bruce Hopkins), Theodred (Paris Howe Strewe), Saruman (Christopher Lee), Ugluk (Nathaniel Lees), Hama (John Leigh), Mauhur (Robbie Magasiva), Morwen (Robyn Malcolm), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Eowyn (Miranda Otto), Haldir (Craig Parker), Rohan Soldier (Bruce Phillips), Mordor Orc (Robert Pollock), Gimli/Vppealsoice of Treebeard (John Rhys-Davies), Gollum (Andy Serkis), Freda (Olivia Tennet), Bereg (Ray Trickitt), Arwen (Liv Tyler), Eomer (Karl Urban), Elrond (Hugo Weaving), and Faramir (David Wenham).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Visually dazzling and appeals to the intellect.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LORD OF THE RINGS:THE RETURN OF THE KING (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has it all—spectacular visuals, beyond imagination storyline, ‘blow it over the top’ special effects, extreme scene creativity, non-stop action—and it requires constant mental involvement to follow. It’s the film of the century, a classic work from its beginning to its end, and earns an investment of dollars and time as well as a place in the home entertainment library. Great work for Director Peter Jackson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

It’s time to dispose of the power ring. The World of Men pit themselves against Sauron.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Lynne, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frodo (Elijah Wood), Faramir (David Wenham), Everard Proudfoot (Noel Appleby), Elanor Gamgee (Ali Astin), Sam (Sean Astin), Gondorian Soldier 3 (David Aston), Madril (John Bach), Boromir (Sean Bean), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Pippin (Billy Boyd), Eldarion (Sadwyn Brophy), Damrod (Alistair Browning), Celeborn (Marton Csokas), Gondorian Soldier 1 (Richard Edge), Uruk 2 (Jason Fitch), Theoden (Bernard Hill), Bilbo (Ian Holm), Gamling (Bruce Hopkins), Irolas (Ian Hughes), Witchking/Gothmog (Lawence Makoare), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Elf Escort (Bret McKenzie), Rosie Cotton (Sarah McLeod), Baby Gamgee (Maisy McLeod-Riera), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Denethor (John Noble), King of the Dead (Paul Norell), Eowyn (Miranda Otto), Grimbold (Bruce Phillips), Harad Leader 2 (Shane Rangi), Gimli (John Rys-Davies), Harad Leader 1 (Todd Rippon), Gollum/Smeagol (Andy Serkis), Isildur (Harry Sinclair), and Elrond (Hugo Weaving).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s the definition of an epic film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SPOOKY TALE OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS HACK-A-WEEN (Video Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-a-Ween works as a seasonal show for children to fill in time while adults do other activities. The story is simple and works on the level of after school cartoon.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Canceling Halloween results in the creation of a new spooky holiday.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Writers Mark Banker and Matt Smith for writing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Underpants/Mr. Krupp (Nat Faxon), Harold (voice of Jay Gragnani), George (voice of Ramone Hamilton), Narrator/Mr. Gigglenose (voice of Sean Astin), Jessica/Dressy (voice of Dayci Brookshire), Mr. Ree (voice of Clancy Brown), Melvin/Stanley Peet/Melvin’s Dad (voice of Jorge Diaz), Comic Narrator (Peter Hastings), Steve ‘Gooch’ Yamaguchi (voice of Evan Kishiyama), Mr. Meaner (voice of David Koechner), Erica/George’s Mom (voice of Erica Luttrell), Miss Anthrope/Harold’s Mom (voice of Patty Matson), Bo Hweemuth (voice of Brennan Murray), Diddlysaurus/George’s Dad (voice of Kevin Michael Richardson), Melvin’s Mom (voice of Mindy Sterling), Creepy Rattlechains (voice of Stephan Tobolowsky), and Mayor Hoppy McChapper (voice of Karl Wahlgren).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This story runs on a simple idea and provides a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PADDINGTON 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Paddington 2 is one of those rare films that is as good as its prequel and serves as wonderful entertainment for children and adults alike. The animation of Paddington Bear is very good and all cast members work to establish an onscreen presence that works for the story instead of against it. Great work for Director Paul King.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A small bear finds a way to give a great gift to his aunt.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul King for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rosie Alison, Jeffrey Clifford, Alexandra Ferguson-Derbyshire, Ron Halpern, and Didier Lupfer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Uncle Pastuzo (voice of Michael Gambon), Aunt Lucy (voice of Imelda Staunton), Paddington (voice of Ben Whishaw), Judy Brown (Madeleine Harris), Jonathan Brown (Samuel Joslin), Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins), Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville), Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters), Mademoiselle Dubois (Marie-France Alvarez), Dr. Jafri (Sanjeeve Bhaskar), Colonel Lancaster (Ben Miller), Miss Kitts (Jessica Hynes), Mr. Barnes (Robbie Gee), Insurance Company C.E.O. (Nicholas Woodeson), Steve Visby (Alex Jordan), Chakrabatics Instructor (Stewart Gilchrist), and Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works for its dollars and becomes one of the best child/adult share movies of 2017.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TALL GIRL (Internet Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Tall Girl—sweet story—shows how unique differences, in this case unusual female height, can be used to move forward despite extreme social anxiety due to group out-casting. Great work for Director Nzingha Stewart for catching the nuances of being different and the journey to overcome the resulting conflict.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A tall girl finds her way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nzingha Stewart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven Bello and Jenny Hinkey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jodi Kreyman (Ava Michelle), Jack Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), Harper Kreyman (Sabrina Carpenter), Liz (Paris Bereic), Stig Mohlin (Luke Eisner), Kimmy Stitcher (Clara Wilsey), Helaine Kreyman (Angela Kinsey), Richie Kreyman (Steve Kahn), Fareeda (Anjelika Washington), Schnipper (Rico Paris), Crystal Spitz (Bria Condon), Bob Brickman (Shane Guilbeau), Nina Dunkleman (Christina Moses), Will (Andrew Brodeur), Dr. Sager (Jason Rogel), Principal O’Sullivan (Gralen Bryant Banks), and Jodi (Ally Hobbs).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie provides good after viewing discussion for families. Good child/adult share film.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

AQUAMAN (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aquaman—good concept—fails due to a weak storyline and acting that is not as good as it should be. The trailer shows Jason Momoa as casting well for this movie, but within the entire film he seems too high tech to establish realism. For the DC universe better entertainment choices are Batman Begins or The Dark Knight.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two worlds collide and a hybrid goes to save the day.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jon Berg, Walter Hamada, Geoff Johns, Deborah Snyder, and Zack Snyder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arthur (Jason Momoa), Mera (Amber Heard), Vulko (Willem Dafoe), King Orm (Patrick Wilson), Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren), Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), Tom Curry (Temuera Morrison), Captain Murk (Ludi Lin), Jesse (Michael Beach), Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park), King Atlan (Graham McTavish), Cargo Pilot (Leigh Whannell), Young Arthur (Tainui, Tamor Kirkwood and Denzel Quirke), and Young Arthur (Kaan Guldur and Otis Dhanji).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Jason Momoa’s fans, it might work, but for your superhero entertainment time and dollars try Dark Knight.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CITIZEN KANE (Theatrical Release USA 1941)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Citizen Kane—classic watch—tells an outstanding story with style and terrific acting. It seems partially based on the life story of William Randolph Hearst and serves as a great study on the works of actor and director, Orson Welles.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The life story of a newspaper mogul intertwines with childhood memories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Orson Welles for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer George Schaeffer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), Susan Alexander Kane (Dorothy Comingore), Mary Kane (Agnes Moorehead), Emily Monroe Norton Kane (Ruth Warrick), James W. Gettys (Ray Collins), Herbert Carter (Erskind Sanford), Mr. Bernstein (Everett Sloane), Jerry Thompson (William Alland), Raymond (Paul Stewart), Walter Parks Thatcher (George Coulouris), Matiste (Fortunio Bonanova), The Headwaiter (Gus Schilling), Mr. Rawlston (Philip Van Zandt), Miss Anderson (Georgia Backus), Kane’s Father (Harry Shannon), Kane III (Sony  Bupp), and Kane (Orson Welles).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Nothing boring in this drama film. It’s worth a watch and an addition to the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MEN IN BLACK II (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Men in Black II—not as good as the first Men in Black—manages to serve up a good entertainment piece. Will Smith serves as an excellent offset to Tommy Lee Jones. Great work for Director Barry Sonnenfeld. The movie easily deserves its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Agent K’s mind restores to resolve a problem from the past.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Sonnenfeld for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), Jay (Will Smith), Zed (Rip Torn), Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle), Scrad/Charlie (Johnny Knoxville), Laura Vasquez (Rosario Dawson), Jeebs (Tony Shalhoub), Agent Tee (Patrick Warburton), Ben (Jack Kehler), Newton (David Cross), and Hailey (Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie completely satisfies the MIB fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREAKY FRIDAY (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Freaky Friday—remake of a 1976 theatrical released film and a 1995 television release— makes a strong statement for good entertainment due to the casting of Jamie Lee Curtis with Lindsay Lohan and Mark Harmon. Great storyline and concept make it a good family share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A mother and daughter wake from a night's sleep and find their souls have switched each other's physical bodies.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Waters for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mario Iscovich for for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis), Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan), Ryan (Mark Harmon), Grandpa (Harold Gould), Jake (Chad Michael Murray), Mr. Bates (Stephen Tobolowsky), Maddie (Christina Vidal), Harry Coleman (Ryan Malgarini), Peg (Haley Hudson), Pei-Pei (Rosalind Chao), Pei-Pei’s Mom (Lucille Soong), and Evan (Willie Garson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Disney made an entertaining movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NORM OF THE NORTH: KING SIZED ADVENTURE (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Norm of the North: King Sized Adventure—not the best children’s film, but better than the first two Norm of the North movies—serves average fare with noticeably weak character development that outweighs the fairly good animation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Norm travels the world to recover a Chinese artifact.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Finn and Tim Maltby for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mike Bundlie, Anne Parducci, and Audrey Xu for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vera/Chase/Goose #1 (voice of Jennifer Cameron), Grandpa/Student #2 (voice of Brian Dobson), Dexter/Mayhem/Bird (voice of Michael Dobson), Maria/Student #4 (voice of Lisa Durupt), Jin (voice of Simon Hayama), Socrates/Polar Bear #1 (voice of Jonathan Holmes), Quinn/Chaos (voice of Cole Howard), Olympia (voice of Maya Kay), Stan (voice of Alan Marriott), Fong/Student #3 (voice of Lee Tockar), Chen/Polar Bear #2 (voice of Vincent Tong), and Norm (voice of Andrew Toth).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Children may like this film. Adults may not want to choose this as a share night movie.

Video Critiques Available Here:

Ben Meyers