THE KING AND I (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The King and I—animated remake of the classic 1956 movie—serves as a children’s lunch break movie. While the animation is worthy, the movie does not even begin to compare to the 1956 live action movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A school teacher attempts to educate and westernize the court children of the King of Siam.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Rich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Barber and Robert Mandell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Anna Leonowens (voice of Miranda Richardson), Anna Leonowens (Singing voice Christiane Noll), The King of Siam (Voice of Martin Vidnovic), The Kralahome (Voice of Ian Richardson), Master Little (Voice of Darrell Hammond), Prince Chululongkorn (Voice of Allen D. Hong), Prince Chululongkorn (Singing voice David Burnham), Tuptim (Voice of Armi Arabe Abiera), Tuptim (Singing voice of Tracy Venner Warner), Louis Leonowens (Voice of Adam Wylie), Sir Edward Ramsay (Voice of Sean Smith), First Wife (Voice of James Fujii), Captain Orton (Voice of Kenny Baker), Sir Edward’s Captain (Voice of Ed Trotta), and Burmese Emissary (Voice of Tony Pope).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. For children it might work because it is an animated feature. But, The King and I (1956) version with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner stands in a class of its own for telling this story. That assessment comes before reviewing the live action first film, Anna and the King of Siam (1946), or the remake, Anna and the King (1999), versions of the story. This movie provides excellent after viewing discussion material for families to understand different cultures, the rules they live by, and the difficulties of upgrading to another way of doing things.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Addams Family Values—interesting, creative, playful, and witty—adds a nice twist to the Addams Family stories with the addition of a new baby and Fester’s desire for romance as a second story running parallel to the first story. It’s good to see Joan Cusack in this movie with a beautiful rendition of the character Debbie Jellinsky. Summer camp scenes for the older children are well done and provide good comedy. Good to see reprised roles by some actors/actresses and because the movie upholds the original integrity and intent of the Addams Family stories, the movie will be enjoyed by all fans of the television series. No disappointment here. Faithful adherence to original entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A new baby added to the household changes the rules while Uncle Fester’s desire for romance complicates matters even further.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Sonnenfeld for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Nicksay for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Morticia Addams (Anjelica Huston), Gomez Addams (Raul Julia), Uncle Fester Addams (Christopher Lloyd), Debbie Jellinsky (Joan Cusack), Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci), Granny (Carol Kane), Pugsley Addams (Jimmy Workman), Pubert Addams (Kaitlyn and Kristen Hooper), Lurch (Carel Struycken), Joel Glicker (David Krumholtz) and Thing (Christopher Hart).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good show, worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.6|5.0 Starsìì

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—live action and motion capture remake of the 1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—has a much enhanced cinematography over the original movie, but its shallow storyline and out-of-place dialogue lines hinder its ability to match or exceed the value of the original movie. The live action characters do not seem real...almost as if they are digitized...many of their motions and body language do not seem human. There also seems to be some timing challenges between the motion of speech and the actual delivery of speech throughout the film that detract from its ability to allow the audience to totally engage in the storyline. If the movie is chosen to watch, look for Will Arnett’s assigned dialogue lines that do not seem to match the situation at hand.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mutated turtle ninja warriors emerge from the sewers of New York City to keep New York safe.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Liebesman for directing effort. Thank you to and to Executive Producers Eric J. Crown, Jason Reed, Napoleon Smith III, and Denis L. Stewart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: April O’Neil (Megan Fox), Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett), Eric Sacks (William Fichtner), Raphael (Alan Ritchson), Michelangelo (Noel Fisher), Leonardo (Pete Ploszek), Leonardo (voice of Johnny Knoxville), Donatello (Jeremy Howard), Splinter (Danny Woodburn), Splinter (voice of Tony Shalhoub), Shredder (Tohoru Masamune), Bernadette Thompson (Whoopi Goldberg), Karai (Minae Noji), Taylor (Abby Elliott), Councilman (Madison Mason), McNaughton (Taran Killam), Dr. Baxter Stockman (K. Todd Freeman), Dr. O’Neil (Paul Fitzgerald), Young April O’Neil (Malina Weissman), Subway Hostage (Venida Evans), Sacks Bodyguard (Mikal Vega), and Harley Pasternak (Harley Pasternak).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The 1991 version is a better entertainment investment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier—directed by William Shatner—turns itself into a film almost as good and in some ways better than the Star Trek IV movie. It’s a good watch for Trekkies and a much improved upgrade from Star Trek 1, Star Trek 2, and Star Trek 3.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Enterprise is hijacked to begin a search for God.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director William Shatner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gene Roddenberry and Ralph Winter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Scotty (James Doohan), Chekov (Walter Koenig), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Sulu (George Takei), and St. John Talbot (David Warner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works for the Trekkie audience and works within the series of movies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Last of the Mohicans—much better than the 1920 silent film in storyline—fails in acting and portrayal of storyline. Expectations run high for this film due to its casting choices, but does not deliver as it should have despite the fact that it was a Michael Mann directed film (Collateral and Ali).

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

Men attempt to protect two girls.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer James G. Robinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), Cora Munro (Madeleine Stowe), Chingachgook (Russell Means), Uncas (Eric Schweig), Alice Munro (Jodhi May), Major Duncan Heyward (Steven Waddington), Magua (Wes Studi), and Colonel Edmund Munro (Maurice Roëves),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film tells the story better than the 1920s film, but does not stand in the best class of remakes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

I AM BIG BIRD: THE CAROLL SPINNEY STORY (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story—terrific, heart-catching, WOW! documentary—turns itself into a loving piece of art that really works to capture the spirit and drive of the man under the suit of Sesame Street’s Big Bird and the puppeteer work of Oscar the Grouch. The heart-driven interviews and excellent pacing of archival footage place the documentary in a class of its own, well worth watching. Kudos for great sequencing by Directors Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of the man who played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Clay Frost and Joshua Johnson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Oz (Self), Additional Muppets/Self (Jim Henson), Self (Steve Whitmire), Self (Sonia Manzano), Self (Caroll Spinney), Self (Roscoe Orman), Self (Fran Brill), Self (Alison Bartlett), Self (Jerry Nelson), Self (Dave Goelz) and Self (Eric Jacobson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film from its opening scene marks it as a good addition to the family home video library. Thank you to the late Caroll Spinney for making us laugh, cry. and think about simple, important things in life.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROXANNE (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Roxanne acting and portrayal easily could earn it a 4.5/5.0 star rating with Steve Martin’s dialogue delivery—quick, smooth, and that tinge of blandness that marks his comedic appeal. The show advertises itself as PG-rated. Be aware that the film runs more like a PG-13 script. The story is as creative as it can be within this old romantic theme of one man setting up another man for the girl the first man wants. Using the nose as the hindrance for the romance and casting the story within the context of a less than proficient fire department allow the film to work. Good direction by Director Fred Shepisi who comfortably and predictably moves each scene toward its expected and satisfying conclusion. The movie works as a fair, older child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A woman falls in love with the wrong man.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fred Schepisi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Steve Martin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: C. D. Bales (Steve Martin), Roxanne (Daryl Hannah), Chris (Rick Rossovich), Dixie (Shelley Duvall), Chuck (John Kapelos), Mayor Deebs (Fred Willard), Dean (Max Alexander), Andy (Michael J. Pollard), Ralston (Steve Mittleman), and Jerry (Damon Wayans).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story’s basic structure places it into a category of ‘catch it as you can,  but definitely not a priority watch.'

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LITTLE GIANTS (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Little Giants—great film for the younger audience—promotes positive themes throughout and enhances its good message with a great storyline and good acting. The movie deserves a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young boys, least likely to succeed, are coached to win at football.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Duwayne Dunham for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gerald R. Molen and Walter F. Parkes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Danny O’Shea (Rick Moranis), Kevin O’Shea (Ed O’Neill), Becky O’Shea (Shawna Waldron), Junior (Devon Sawa), Jake Berman(Todd Bosley), Rudy Zolteck (Michael Zwiener), Tad Simpson (Danny Pritchett), Hanon (Troy Simmons), Spike (Sam Horrigan), Murphy (Joey Simmrin), Marcus (Marcus Toji), Timmy Moore (Chirstopher Walberg), Nubie (Matthew McCurley), Mike Hammersmith (Brian Haley), Johnny Vennaro (Jon Paul Steuer), and Karen O’Shea (Mary Ellen Trainor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great story for fans of Rick Moranis and Ed O'Neill.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home—much improved over the first three movies—presents a worthy watch despite the awkwardness of using whales from the past to communicate with an alien in the future. The question arises about the communication between the two species and is not adequately addressed within this story. The characters have been fully drawn from previous films so that they are deeply familiar. This movie creates a desire to see the sequel, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Captain Kirk and his crew go back in time to bring two whales into the future to communicate with aliens who speak the same language.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leonard Nimoy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ralph Winter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Scotty (James Doohan), Sulu (George Takei), Chekov (Walter Koenig), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Amanda (Jane Wyatt), Gillian (Catherine Hicks), Sarek (Mark Lenard), Lieutenant Saavik (Robin Curtis), Federation Council President (Robert Ellenstein), Klingon Ambassador (John Schuck), Admiral Cartwright (Brock Peters), Starfleet Communications Officer (Michael Snyder), Starfleet Display Officer (Michael Berryman), Saratoga Science Officer (Mike Brislane), Commander Rand (Grace Lee Whitney), Alien Communications Officer (Jane Wiedlin), Starship Captain (Vijay Amritraj), Commander Chapel (Majel Barrett), Saratoga Helmsman (Nick Ramus), Controller #1 (Thaddeus Golas), Controller #2 (Marty Pistone), Bob Briggs (Scott DeVenney), and Lady in Tour (Viola Kates Stimpson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is the best out of the first four Star Trek movies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DICK TRACY (Theatrical Release USA 1945)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Dick Tracy—nothing new—presents an average detective tale with a straight forward, simple, ‘let’s get to the point’ story. It seems like a “Let’s make a cheap movie and see what happens.” It’s a ‘run of the mill’ movie’ that can fill a lunch hour or light afternoon watch that does not require mental involvement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Detective looks for a serial killer.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director William Berke for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sig Rogell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dick Tracy (Morgan Conway), Tess Trueheart (Anne Jeffreys), ‘Splitface’ (Mike Mazurki), Judith Owens (Jane Greer), Pat Patton (Lyle Latell), Chief Brandon (Joseph Crehan), Junior (Mickey Kuhn), Professor Linwood J. Starling (Trevor Bardette), Steve Owens (Morgan Wallace), Deathridge (Milton Parsons), and Mayor (William Halligan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It works for the detective fan and is worth a watch for a lunch break.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GO KARTS * (Theatrical Release Australia 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Go Karts—Australian movie production—turns into a good family watch that is both realistic and educational. The film works with a fair to middling storyline that is well done and acting that hits that critical bar that makes an audience believe.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young boy dreams of winning a national go-kart competition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Owen Trevor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dave Hansen, Berry Meyerowitz, Joel Pearlman, Josh Pomeranz, Michael Pontin, and Jeff Sackman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Christie Hooper (Frances O’Connor), Patrick (Richard Roxburgh), Mandy Zeta (Anastasia Bampos), Dean Zeta (Cooper van Gootel), Barry (Dan Wyllie), Jack Hooper (William Lodder), Mike Zeta (Damian de Montemas), Colin (Darius Amarfio Jefferson), Spectator (Emily Nagisa Machin), Ralph (Jack Connell), and Leroy (Simon Lockwood).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie, overall, stands as good family entertainment.

*Also known as "GO!"

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, London UK 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Goodbye Christopher Robin—one of the better bio-flicks—has terrific marketability due to the directing skills of Director Simon Curtis (Woman in Gold, My Week With Marilyn) who ably captures the relationship between a father and his son. This is a very good bio flick and completely worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The inspiration for the children’s books Winnie the Pooh finds its base in the real relationship between a father and his son.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon Curtis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Simon Curtis and Simon Vaughan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Betty (Vicki Pepperdine), Daphne Milne (Margot Robbie), Sharon the Midwife (Mossie Smith), Christopher Robin age 6 months (Stanley Hamlin), Olive (Kelly Macdonald), Christopher Robin Age 3 years (Dexter and Sonny Hyman), Alan Milne (Domhnall Gleeson), Ernest (Stephen Campbell Moore), Rupert (Richard McCabe), Lady O (Geraldine Somerville), Christopher Robin Age 8 (Will Tilston), and Christopher Robin Age 18 (Alex Lawther).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film far surpasses the movie, Christopher Robin (2018). Very sweet work.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FOREIGNER (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Foreigner—newer Jackie Chan release—refigures the Jackie Chan we love. Chan relies less on the heavy over-the-top martial arts and stunts that he used to build his initial career, moves to a more laid back Bruce Willis style of fighting, and focuses on that cheeky grin and likable personality that sold him to the international audience at the first of his career. Those two moves made this film one of the best he has produced in recent years and successfully establishes a good second wind for the second half of his acting career. The action completely works and creates a WOW! action flick that audiences do NOT want to miss. It has a well written storyline, great acting, and quickly defines character depth and relatability.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Jackie Chan looks for his daughter’s murderer and finds himself embroiled in a government’s high-powered political game.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Campbell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Oren Aviv, Philip Button, Fenglei Chen, Cary Cheng, Adam Fogelson, Defu Jiang, Penny Jiang, Zhao Lei, Dave Li, Karl Li, Xinxuan Liu, David Marconi, Heman Peng, Robert Simonds, Sunny Sun, Joe Tam, Donald Tang, Zhongjun Wang, Zhonglei Wang, and April Ye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fan (Katie Leung), Quan Ngoc Minh (Jackie Chan), Ian Wood (Rufus Jones), Simpson (Mark Tandy), Denis Fisher (John Cronin), McCormick (Caolan Byrne), Channel A News Anchor (Donna Bernard), Pat Nugent (Aaronn Monaghan), Patrick O’Reilly (Niall McNamee), Liam Hennessy (Pierce Brosnan), Maggie/Sara McKay (Charlie Murphy), Mary Hennessy (Orla Brady), Katherine Davies (Lia Williams), Jim Kavanaugh (Michael McElhatton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This Jackie Chan movie is one action film that fans will not want to miss.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DOOM ANNIHILATION (DVD Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

Doom Annihilation—amateurish presentation—troubles itself with scenes, like the fighting with the imps, that need realism, more cinematic presentation, and strong screen presence.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

United States Marines encounter demons.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Giglio for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura and John Wells for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant Joan Dark (Amy Manson), Dr. Malcolm Betruger (Dominic Mafham), Dr. Bennett Stone (Luke Allen-Gale), Captain Hector Savage (James Weber Brown), Private Steven Winslow (Clayton Adams), Private Carley Corbin (Nina Bergman), Private Rance Redguo (Amer Chadha-Patel), Sergeant Harry Friesen (Gavin Brocker), Sergeant Logan Akua (Chidi Ajufo), Dr. Ahmed Kahn (Hari Dhillon), Dr. Veronica Cyr (Katrina Nare), Captain Fadel Tarek (Arkie Reece), Private Li Chen (Jemma Moore), Chaplain Glover (Louis Mandylor), Daisy (voice of Gina Philips), Morgan (Cassidy Little), Olivia Dark (Kate Nichols), Joan (Agleya Gumnerova), Dr. Sandy Peterson (Lorina Kamburova), and Dr. Ezekiel Barnes (Nathan Cooper),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The first Doom is better than this presentation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GUNFIGHTERS (Television Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.2|5.0 Starsìì

The Gunfighters has no definable, fresh, strong storyline. Small sense of realism and poorer acting place the movie into the less than watchable class. One of the worst films for George Kennedy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two brothers and a cousin are establishing a ranch and find their efforts hindered.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clay Boris for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sonny Grosso and Larry Jacobson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cole Everett (Art Hindle), Dutch Everett (Reiner Schöne), Matt Everett (Anthony Addabbo), Deke Turner (George Kennedy), Governor Hornbeck (Michael Kane), Sally Wells (Lori Hallier), Jake Morant (Howard Kruschke), Sam Martin (Francis Damberger), Kate Burrows (Beverley Hendry), and Sheriff Burrows (Wendell Smith).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Better western entertainment is True Grit (1969) or The Missing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE REAL FOUNDER (Television Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Real Founder—good documentary short—tells the McDonald Brothers’ back story of how they got started and laid the foundation for Ray Kroc’s ability to sell franchises that ring the world. Terrific archival footage mark the documentary as worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Documentary about the McDonald Brothers, the original founders of McDonalds’ fast food restaurant system.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Sobel for directing effort. Thank you to Richard McDonald, Ralph Stevens, and Scott Sobel for making the film.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great documentary, worth watching, for those who want to know who the McDonald Brothers are and what they did to establish the beginnings of a great restaurant operation perfectly set for franchise.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers