SANTA GIRL (DVD Release Germany 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Santa Girl—simple, straight forward story—has a tremendously upgraded and modernized Santa with a college age daughter. The film is worth one watch when there is nothing else to choose and an audience desires something to run in the background while performing other tasks. Be aware that this is not the typical Jingle/Jangles Christmas story. It’s more business and less Christ-mas-y.

Film Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Santa’s daughter gets a shot at living in the real world.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blayne Weaver for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Lance H. Robbins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Santa Claus (Barry Bostwick), Cassie Claus (Jennifer Stone), Sam (Devon Werkheiser), Pep (McKayla Witt), JR (Joshua Cody), Jack Frost (Hank Stone), Larry Tooth Fairy (Cejei Jefferson), Leprechaun (Tony Matteson Jr.), Deirdre (Darcy Maxine Pierce), Briana (Tyler Clarke-Williams), and Joe (Michael C. Kennedy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A workable afternoon lunch watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NOCTURNA (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Nocturna  begins well with scenes of a small orphan boy who, unlike the other boys, is not content to sleep, but must go to the window to see the night sky. The first 11 minutes of the film gives the impression that the film is going to be an ‘off-the-charts’ movie to be praised around the world as a first-class children’s tale with its more than fair share of animated feature awards. After the Cat Shepherd arrives, the movie takes a downhill slide that keeps begging the question, why is this important and does anyone really want to sit through the rest of it? This Spanish/French film does not cross the international border well. Read a small plotline before going to increase the child and adult understanding of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A small boy must overcome his fear of the dark to bring the stars back into the night sky.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Adrià García and Victor Maldonado for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Carlos Fernández, Paco Rodríguez, and Marie Laurence for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pastor de gatos (voice of Imanol Arias), L’Informateur (voice of Hervé Caradec), Moka (voice of Roger Carel), Ébouriffeuse #3 (voice of Florence Dumortier), Ébouriffeuse #2 (voice of Catherine Cerda), Ébouriffeuse #1 (voice of Evelyne Grandjean), Whisperer (voice of Joe Lewis), voice (Molly Malcolm), Les Lumignons (voice of Patrick Noerie), Cat Sheperd (voice of Robert Paterson), Mister Pi (voice of Patrick Pellegrin), and Murray, le lumignon courageux (voice of Philippe Peythieu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie needs improvement in character development and storyline before it becomes worth dollar investment and viewing time; but, despite this, international films have their own unique charm and often earn a watch despite basic challenges in the story.

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Ben Meyers

GENGHIS: THE LEGEND OF THE TEN (Video Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Genghis:The Legend of the Ten—great acting and portrayal of story—becomes challenging for the international viewer due to the many characters that make the script difficult to track and also complicate the storyline. The movie’s conclusion becomes a bit unclear concerning who won the battle. The upside of the film is the terrific scenery that is well-placed and enjoyable. Read a plotline before you go to increase appreciation of the movie. The film nicely details a different look at the warrior Genghis and how he organized his troops.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Genghis’ battle methods receive an examination.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Zolbayar Dorj and U. Shagdarsuren for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tsogtbayar Namsrai for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: ujim (T. Altanshagai), Shijirsanaa (B. Amarcanihan), Bukha (C. Ariunbyamba), , Sulbekh (Bodi), Hukhtumur (Ayurdadi), Tsahir (Baacanjab), Heekher (Buyanhexig), Unumenkhlei (D. Ganqeqeg), Nachin (D. Gurse), Ahai (Jambal), Esunteh (B. Jargalsaihan), and Bukhtenger (Onon Nanjid).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Mongol is a better choice for a film about Genghis Khan.

* Also Known as ARAVT: The Ten Soldiers of Chinggis Khaan and ARAVT: The Ten Soldiers of Genghis Khan

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Ben Meyers

DEAR MR. WATTERSON (Cleveland International Film Festival Cleveland Ohio USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Dear Mr. Watterson—great documentary—tells a little about the overall comic strip world with great comic strip writers' interviews. The only downside is the anticipated interview with Bill Watterson, writer of the Calvin and Hobbs comic strip, does not appear in the movie. But, comic strip artists who know Mr. Watterson fill in a few details of this reclusive writer’s drive and style of writing. Director Joel Allen Schroeder directs and narrates this documentary which creates a comfortable, thoughtful setting for audiences to remember how much the weekly and weekend comics contribute to Americana. The movie is worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Calvin and Hobbes admirer walks through a life-long love of that comic strip as an ode to Mr. Watterson’s work.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joel Allen Schroeder for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Christopher Browne, Matt McUsic, and Joel Allen Schroeder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Berkeley Breathed), Himself (Seth Green), Himself (Stephan Pastis), Himself (Bill Amend), Himself (Jef Mallett), Himself (Dave Kellett), Herself (Jan Eliot), Himself (Lee Salem), Himself (Wiley Miller), Himself (Nevin Martell), and Herself (Jean Schulz). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Very good watch for persons who love the comics, especially for those who love Calvin and Hobbs. It’s a good academic explore with some very good personal interviews included.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HEAD OF STATE (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Head of State—cute, light comedy—presents a comical ‘what if’ scenario. Fresh script idea is made even better with the casting of Chris Rock as the decoy presidential candidate flanked with Bernie Mac. The two recognized comedians push the comedy in such a way that the audience becomes unsure of the hoped for ending. Good entertainment from Director Chris Rock.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An unqualified, but outspoken, person is chosen to run as a presidential candidate decoy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Rock for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ezra Swerdlow for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock), Mitch Gilliam (Bernie Mac), Martin Geller (Dylan Baker), Brian Lewis (Nick Searcy), Debra Lassiter (Lynn Whitfield), Kim (Robin Givens), Lisa Clark (Tamala Jones), Senator Bill Arnot (James Rebhorn), Bernard Cooper (Keith David), Meat Man (Tracy Morgan), and Nikki (Stephanie March).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Unique story that works well for an adult night out.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TEMPLE GRANDIN (Television Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Temple Grandin—a supportive, realistic re-look at autism—reminds one of the Helen Keller story and how we treat people we perceive as different. Just as Helen Keller broke open the condition of the deaf and the blind to allow the world to see the mind behind those seemingly closed doors so that the mind can outpour its offering to the world, so, too, does Temple Grandin remind us once again that a mind allowed to outpour has so much potential to offer the world for positive change. This movie shows a brilliantly gifted mind that thinks in pictures, sees thousands of pictures in seconds, and picks one thing and links it to 20 or more things in seconds. This movie shows how difficult it is for this kind of mind to exist in a world that works slowly and does not have the ability to see or think as widely, deeply, and quickly as this ‘new’ mind. A Bravo! film, terrifically acted by Claire Danes, shows the world what the new generation of brains will be like. Great work for Director Mick Jackson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A woman works with her autism to create a meaningful and purposeful life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mick Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gil Bellows, Dante Di Loreto, Anthony Edwards, Paul Lister, Alison Owen, and Emily Gerson Saines for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Temple Grandin (Claire Danes), Eustacia (Julia Ormond), Dr. Carlock (David Strathairn), Aunt Ann (Catherine O’Hara), Betty Goscowitz (Stephanie Faracy), Randy (Barry Tubb), Alice (Melissa Farman), Jeff Brown (Steve Shearer), Don Micheals (Richard Dillard), Four-year-old Temple (Jenna Elizabeth Hughes), Uncle Mike (Michael Crabtree), Billy (Charles Baker), Shanklin (David Born), Feedlot Guard (Rutherford Cravens), Ted Gilbert (Matthew Posey), Stacey (Toby Metcalf), and Slaughterhouse Clerk (Cyndi Williams).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. this is a grand film that opens the door wide so that autistic minds can be allowed to perform in the world in which they live. Great work for everyone involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BIGGER (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Bigger—classic entrepreneur story—continuously builds on the power of persistence and keeping strong goals in mind. Terrific film watch for anyone endeavoring to start a new business. And, a particularly good watch for body builders as a background study of the industry. WOW! movie. Watch for some great acting by Tyler Hoechlin, Julianne Hough, Victoria Justice, Aneurin Barnard, and Calum Von Moger.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Weider Brothers build a financial empire on the back of physical fitness, nutrition, and body building.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George Gallo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Camila Castro and Eric Weider for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Betty Weider (Julianne Hough), Joe Weider (Tyler Hoechlin), Jerry George (Max Martini), Kathy Weider (Victoria Justice), Bill Hauk (Kevin Durand), Michael Steere (DJ Qualls), Louis Weider (Steve Guttenberg), Joe 2008 (Robert Forster), Jack Lalanne (Colton Haynes), Ben Weider (Aneurin Barnard), and Roy Hawkins (Tom Arnold).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is put together well. Great work for Director George Gallo.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AIR FORCE ONE (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Air Force One—classic terrorist film—presents a phenomenal Harrison Ford as President of the United States with an outstanding back-up cast of William H. Macy, Glenn Close, Paul Guilfoyle, and Gary Oldman. This movie works because it is not predictable. There are nice surprises built into the story that keep audience attention. The well-timed action scenes with tension kept at a sustainable level throughout the film make this movie a good watch. Great work for Director Wolfgang Petersen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Air Force One is hijacked.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Petersen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marc Abraham, Thomas A. Bliss, and David V. Lester for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), Vice President Kathryn Bennett (Glenn Close), Grace Marshall (Wendy Crewson), Alice Marshall (Liesel Matthews), Chief of Staff Lloyd Shepherd (Paul Guilfoyle), Agent Gibbs (Xander Berkeley), Major Caldwell (William H. Macy), Defense Secretary Walter Dean (Dean Stockwell), NSA Advisor Jack Doherty (Tom Everett), General Alexander Radek (Jürgen Prochnow), and Press Secretary Melanie Mitchell (Donna Bullock).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves up a perfectly exciting portion of Harrison Ford as President James Marshall. Listen for that iconic line, “GET OFF MY PLANE!”

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MIKE’S NEW CAR (Video Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Mike’s New Car—terrific Walt Disney and Pixar Animation 3 minute and 48 seconds short film—has strong entertainment value today 2019 as 17 years ago 2002. Smart and fun with a nice WOW! factor built in serves as the perfect child’s bedtime share story for those late nights when schedules are tight and the hour is late. This short meets Disney quality standards and promotes characters most children are already familiar with and will feel comfortable reviewing with its short and well-timed storyline. Great work for Directors Pete Doctor and Roger Gould.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mike gets a new car and invites Sulley for a ride-along.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Pete Docter and Roger Gould for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sullivan (John Goodman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film meets all quality standards for a quick bedtime story share for children and adults. The short film can be found on YouTube and is available for watching in “Pixar Short Films Collection 1” 2007 release.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MOLLY MAGUIRES (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Molly Maguires—cast completely makes this movie work—has a terrific story to tell and does it with heart rending precision. Great mining scenes, terrific fighting scenes, and heavy detailing of injustice make this movie stand above the crowd.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Irish rebel against working conditions in Pennsylvanian coal mines.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Ritt for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Walter Bernstein and Martin Ritt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Kehoe (Sean Connery), Detective James McParlan (Richard Harris), Miss Mary Raines (Samantha Eggar), Davies (Frank Finlay), Dougherty (Anthony Zerbe), Mrs. Kehoe (Bethel Leslie), Frazier (Art Lund), Father O’Connor (Philip Bourneuf), Frank McAndrew (Anthony Costello), Mr. Raines (Brendan Dillon), Mrs. Frazier (Frances Heflin), and Jenkins (John Alderson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Martin Ritt strongly presents the American coal miner’s plight in the 19^th century.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALPHA AND OMEGA 3: THE GREAT WOLF GAMES (Video Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

Alpha and Omega 3: The Great Wolf Games—a 45-minute short film—drops its audience into its story without preparation. This short film is much improved over the first two Alpha and Omega movies; but still does not compare in quality to short films like DJI Death Sails or Nodding Off. With more storyline and a better beginning starting point it might push into the three-star classification. This is fair work for Director Richard Rich.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Claudette, Runt, and Stinky decide to compete in The Great Wolf Games.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director 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 (voice of Kate Higgins), Runt (voice of Debi Derryberry), Claudette (voice of Marieve Herington), Agnes (voice of Mela Lee), Brent/Fleet (voice of Mike Jacobs), Nars (voice of David Lodge), Umpire (voice of Stuart Whitmore), Marcel/Paddy/Mooch (voice of Christopher Corey Smith), and Ed (voice of Rich Murphy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If an audience has involved itself in the series, they may want to watch this short film. But, if the audience is just looking for quick entertainment, many of the Pixar short films far exceed this one in entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BACKSTREET BOYS: SHOW ‘EM WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You're Made Of—terrific watch and a great review of Backstreet Boys' musical career—takes the audience on a back stage view of the events in their financial lives. The documentary is informative and educational…a WOW! entertainment piece. Thank you to Director Stephen Kijak for the well-done documentary.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Backstreet Boys tell their story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Kijak for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marisa Clifford, Leah Horwitz, Sam Sniderman, and Jennifer Sousa for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (A.J. McLean), Himself (Brian Littrell), Himself (Howie Dorough), Himself (Kevin Scott Richardson), Himself (Nick Carter), Backstreet Boys (Backstreet Boys), Himself (Swoop), Himself (Martin Terefe), Himself (Noah Terefe), Herself (Hanna Terefe), Himself (Glenn Scott), and Himself (Johnny Elgan).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great watch for fans and for persons who wondered what happened to this boy band.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KING KONG (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

King Kong—not as good as the Peter Jackson and Jack Black version of the same storyline—has a way to go to make a stronger story. The special effects are worthy despite scenes of the gorilla blow drying Dwan’s hair with his breath. Jeff Bridges is very well casted. Great work for Director John Guillermin.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An oil crew finds a huge gorilla.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Guillermin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Federico De Laurentiis and Christian Ferry for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Prescott (Jeff Bridges), Fred Wilson (Charles Grodin), Dwan (Jessica Lange), Captain Ross (John Randolph), Bagley (Rene Auberjonois), Boan (Julius Harris), Joe Perko (Jack O’Halloran), Sunfish (Dennis Fimple), Carnahan (Ed Lauter), Garcia (Jorge Moreno), Timmons (Mario Gallo), and Chinese Cook (John Lone).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Simple film for an afternoon watch, unique in its own right.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Hotel Transylvania 2—as good as its prequel—has no need to improve. With great storyline and animation that exceeds other Sony films, this movie flows with more comedy than its prequel. Mark this movie as a great watch. Excellent work by Director Genndy Tartakovsky.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Dracula deals with a grandson that is half human and half-vampire.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Genndy Tartakovsky for directing effort. Thank you to  Executive Producers Allen Covert, Adam Sandler, Ben Waisbren, and Robert Smigel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dracula (voice of Adam Sandler), Jonathan (voice of Andy Samberg), Mavis (voice of Selena Gomez). Frankenstein (voice of Kevin James), Wayne (voice of Steve Buscemi), Griffin (voice of David Spade), Murray (voice of Keegan-Michael Key), Dennis (voice of Asher Blinkoff), Eunice (voice of Fran Drescher), Wanda (voice of Molly Shannon), Grandma Linda (voice of Megan Mullally), and Grandpa Mike (voice of Nick Offerman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Plenty of rib-tickling, laugh-out-loud comedy in this movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE (Television Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee—classic story with WOW! factor—instantly becomes a great watch told with lots of heart and well-placed drama. Exceptionally insightful view detailing resettlement and assimilation issues of Native American peoples. The casting is especially well-done with J.K. Simmons, Fred Dalton Thompson, Aiden Quinn, Adam Beach, and Wes Studi. Great work for Director Yves Simoneau.

Film Poster Courtesy ofi Wikipedia

Storyline

The government attempts to assimilate the Sioux Nation, Santee Dakota, and Oglala Lakota while under the leadership of Chief Sitting Bull and Red Cloud, respectively.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Yves Simoneau for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom Thayer and Dick Wolf for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elaine Goodale (Anna Paquin), Ohiyesa/Young Charles (Chevez Ezaneh), Sitting Bull (August Schellenberg), Uncle (Duane Howard), Henry Dawes (Aidan Quinn), General Sherman (Colm Feore), President Ulysses S. Grant (Fred Dalton Thompson), One Bull (Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse), Jacob (Wayne Charles Baker), Bishop Whipple (Brian Stollery), Colonel Nelson Miles (Shaun Johnston), and Chief Red Cloud (Gordon Tootoosis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This award-winning, Bravo! entertainment piece provides excellent after-viewing discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers