SHANGHAI NOON (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Shanghai Noon—creative, original Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson film—marries comedy with a strong western story that uses Jackie Chan stunts with a different set of tools than he has used in past movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A Chinese Imperial Guard goes to America to find a kidnapped princess. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom Dey for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jackie Chan, Willie Chan, and Solon So for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chon Wang (Jackie Chan), Roy O’Bannon (Owen Wilson), Princess Pei Pei (Lucy Liu), Indian Wife (Brandon Merrill), Lo Fong (Roger Yuan), Van Cleef (Xander Berkeley), Imperial Guard (Rongguang Yu), Imperial Guard (Cui Ya Hui), Imperial Guard (Eric Chen), Andrews (Jason Connery), Wallace (Walton Goggins), and Blue (Adrien Dorval). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a completely entertaining watch for the adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WAR AND PEACE (Theatrical Release USA 1956)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

War and Peace—drearily drags through 3 hours and 28 minutes—drowns itself in good to average acting and tells a story that, if told within a 2-hour timeframe, could have been interesting and worth watching. Little to no character development hampers this movie from its beginning to its end with the primary focus on Henry Fonda who the audience is expected to assume a necessary presence when, in fact, could be eliminated entirely. The strongest actor, despite having little screen presence and few dialogue lines, is Herbert Lom who plays Napoleon Bonaparte. This phenomena/oddity is like the amazing screen presence Michael Shannon obtained in his very small role in the movie The World Trade Center. War and Peace definitely captures epic status, but that status remains rather hidden under heavy doses of exposition and all the bells and whistles that sing ‘epic movie’ which serve their own purpose but over the whole run of the film overpowers and hampers its ability to retain audience interest.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 The story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s march into and out of Russia.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director King Vidor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Carlo Ponti for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Natasha Rostova (Audrey Hepburn), Pierre Bezukhov (Henry Fonda), Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (Mel Ferrer), Anatol Kuragin (Vittorio Gassman), Napoleon (Herbert Lom), Field Marshal Kutuzov (Oskar Homolka), Helene Kuragina (Anita Ekberg), Dolokhov (Helmut Dantine), Prince Vasili Kuragin (Tullio Carminati), Prince Mikhail Andreevich (Barry Jones), Lisa Bolkonskaya (Milly Vitale), and Countess Rostove (Lea Seidl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  

Yes. The one reason one may want to watch this movie is to forgo reading the 1,225 pages of the book. The gist of the book can be obtained in a little over three hours. 

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Ben Meyers

THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Peanut Butter Falcon—worthy script and well-made film—gives us a view of a much-matured Shia Lebeouf, a maturation that works very well in this movie. WOW! He brings a lot into this film. An additional super plus is the casting of Zack Gottsagen who has terrific charisma and plays very well on screen. The story is well presented, well done. A fun and worthy watch for the whole family, the movie deserves its place in the family home video entertainment library. Good work and thank you for everyone involved in putting the film into its final viewing product.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A young man dreams of being a wrestler and after multiple attempts to escape his care home finally succeeds and begins a terrific adventure. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zak (Zack Gottsagen), Rosemary (Ann Owens), Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), Carl (Bruce Dern), Tyler (Shia LeBeouf), Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church), Winkie (Rob Thomas), Mark (Jon Bernthal), Orderly (Tim Zajaros), Duncan (John Hawkes), Ratboy (Yelawolf), and Craig (Jonathan D. Williams). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Terrifically inspiring film that easily earns its re-watchable status. Highly personable and relatable.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

LIFE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Life—Five-star visuals and spectacular cinematography take the movie to a whole new level going in, but after the lifeform starts killing astronauts it seems to slip a notch in quality of story. The film does pull itself through so that an audience will be able to sit through to its conclusion; but, know that this is mostly due to the visuals and the actors’ cooperation during the filming. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

An alien life form creates massive challenges for a space station. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Daniel Espinosa for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Vicki Dee Rock and Don Granger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sho Murakami (Hiroyuki Sanada), Rory Adams (Ryan Reynolds), Miranda North (Rebecca Ferguson), David Jordan (Jake Gyllenhaal), Ekaterina Golovkina (Olga Dykhovichnaya), Hugh Derry (Ariyon Bakare), Student 2 (Jesus Del Orden), Student 1 (Allen McLean), Student 3 (Leila Grace), Student 4 (Mari Gvelesiani), 20/20 Anchor (David Muir), and 20/20 Anchor (Elizabeth Vargas). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Watch it for the visuals, the acting, and the special effects. The special effects are not shabby. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

Dora and the Lost City of Gold does not deliver the same level of entertainment as the television series. This story’s premise is nice and the idea good, but the portrayal fails and it quickly loses audience interest. It’s not the best or the worst, but should be avoided if one looks for the highest quality entertainment for their children. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Dora needs to save parents and solve a lost city mystery. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Bobin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eugenio Derbez, Julia Pistor, and John G. Scotti for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Swiper (Voice of Benicio del Toro), 6-year-old Dora (Madelyn Miranda), Animal Vocalizations (Dee Bradley Baker), 6-year old Diego (Malachi Barton), Backpack (Voice of Sasha Toro), Map (Voice of Marc Weiner), Elena (Eva Longoria), Cole (Michael Peña), Nico (Joey Viera), Sabrina (Pia Miller), Dora (Isabela Merced), Diego (Jeff Wahlberg), Abuelita Valerie (Adriana Barraza), Security Guard (Damien Garvey), and Vegan Student (Anikka Abelita). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. Unfortunately, it fails to match the quality of its television series. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIDE LIKE A GIRL (Theatrical Release Australia 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Ride Like A Girl—rough start, but satisfying conclusion—stars Sam Neill who seems to have a tough time assuming his role. But, after awhile one just accepts it and moves along into the movie which turns into a fairly good watch with good exposure for North American audiences into the world of Australian horse racing. The strongest actress in this film is Teresa Palmer who plays the part of Michelle Payne. She does very well. Stevie Payne plays Stevie Payne and adds greatly to the likableness of this film. He has talent. There needs to be more character development as the potential to plumb depth of character is large in this movie. Overall, it turns into a good family watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline 

This movie is based on the true story of the first girl to win the Australian Cup. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rachel Griffiths for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Claudia Bluemhuber, Florian Dargel, Uta Fredebell, Hugo Grumbar, Tim Haslam, Ian Hutchinson, Andrew Mackie, Bryce Menzies, Jesus Manuel Munoz, Richard Payten, and Michael J. Rivette for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paddy Payne (Sam Neill), Michelle Payne (Terese Palmer), Darren Weir (Sullivan Stapleton), Sister Dominique (Magda Szubanski), Therese Payne (Brooke Satchwell), Terry Bailey (Damie Garvey), Patrick Paynes (Aaron Glenane), Cathy Payne (Sophia Forrest), Trevor Smart (Shane Bourne), Andrew Payne (Henry Nixon), and Joan Sadler (Genevieve Morris). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is not the best of the biographical drama films on the entertainment market but it completely works for an afternoon ‘feel good’ flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IP MAN 4: THE FINALE (Theatrical Release Singapore 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ip Man 4: The Finale—the fourth and final installment of the Ip Man series—reprises Donnie Yen for the fourth time as the actor for IP Man. This series has been a treat from its beginning to its end. WOW! All four films deserve a place in the home video library collection. Yen, an excellent Chinese actor, wows audiences from the beginning of the series and never fails to deliver excellent entertainment backed with realistic fight scenes. This 'must see' movie has a charming storyline that passes international borders well. It holds its value over time. Watch for Danny Kwok-Kwan Chan as Bruce Lee. The movie is relatable—a great watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

IP Man travels to the United States. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wilson Yip for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edmond Wong and Raymond Pak-Ming Wong for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: IP Man (Donnie Yen), Barton Geddes (Scott Adkins), Bruce Lee (Danny Kwok-Kwan Chan), Hartman Wu (Vanness Wu), Ming (Jim Liu), Bob (Kent Cheng), Wan Zong Hua (Yue Wu), Leung Kan (Ka-nin Ngo), and Mr. Wight (Adrian Wheeler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a film for every action fan and will not disappoint. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HEAD VANISHES (Theatrical Release Ukraine 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

The Head Vanishes—very odd short film—raises more questions about its meaning than it answers. Even a metaphorical analysis becomes difficult. Unfortunately, it is the definition of the typical meanings of the words: weird, unclear, and boring. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A woman makes a journey by herself. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Franck Dion for directing effort. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. One may choose to watch this short film to compare artistic endeavor and animation style among short films. But, overall, the storyline is difficult to follow and is not interesting enough to watch a second time. 

*Also known as: Une tête disparaît.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STICK MAN (Television Release United Kingdom 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Stick Man—short film—has a main character as a stick man that seems to stand in front of its story rather than being a part of its story. The constant repetition of its reminder that it is a stick man is annoying and detracts from the overall likability of the film. The short film lacks enough storyline to make it interesting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A stickman needs to find its way home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Jeroen Jaspaert and Daniel Snaddon for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stick Man (Voice Martin Freeman), Narrator (Voice of Jennifer Saunders), Snail/Park Keeper/Swan Dad/Frog/Beach Dad/Crab/Cat (Voice of Rob Brydon), Dog (Voice of Russell Tovey), Stick Lady and Others (Voice of Sally Hawkins), Santa (Voice of Hugh Bonneville), Pooh Bridge Girl (Voice of Anouska White), Pooh Bridge Girlfriend/Firewood Girl (Voice of Eve Bentley), Pooh Bridge Boy/Stick Boy (Voice of Ben Jenkinson), Beach Boy/Snowman Boy (Voice of Elliot Kelly), Beach Girl (Voice of Ella Sutton), Stick Girl (Voice of Isabel Ainsworth), and Stick Toddler (Voice of Eden Muckle). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This short film may work for children, but adults would prefer the short film, Piper, instead. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GONE WITH THE WIND: THE REMARKABLE RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD (Video Release UK 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Gone with The Wind: the Remarkable Rise and Tragic Fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd—3 hour bio-documentary—tells a straightforward story that minces no words about a tough story. This is another good story to remind audiences of the difficulties of being in the entertainment world physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Documentary details Ronnie Van Zant's determination to build the Lynyrd Skynyrd band from its struggling beginning to its tragic ending. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom O’Dell for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Tom O’Dell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bob Burns, Edward King, Al Kooper, and Artimus Pyle. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For fans of this band, this documentary is a ‘must see’. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TRAIN (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1964)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Train—good Burt Lancaster movie—tells a simple, yet intriguing story with great backing of cinematic effects. Very entertaining. It creates a desire to see more of Burt Lancaster’s films as well as movies directed by Directors John Frankenheimer and Arthur Penn. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

During wartime, Germany attempts to move valuable art on display in France across German borders.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors John Frankenheimer and Arthur Penn for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Jules Bricken for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Labiche (Burt Lancaster), Colonel Franz Von Waldheim (Paul Scofield), Christine (Jeanne Moreau), Mlle. Villard (Suzanne Flon), Papa Boule (Michel Simon), Major Herren (Wolfgang Preiss), Didont (Albert Rémy), Pesquet (Charles Millot), General Von Lubitz (Richard Münch), Jacques (Jacques Marin), Spinet (Paul Bonifas), Captain Schmidt (Jean Bouchaud), Sergeant Schwartz (Donald O’Brien), Octave (Jean-Pierre Zola), and Pilzer (Arthur Brauss). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has no 'message to hone', 'no bone to pick'. It just tells its story. That’s refreshing. The cinematography is really well-done. It’s a ‘sit back and enjoy’ movie. Refreshingly, it leaves one with no obligation to change one’s worldview. It does what a movie is supposed to do…entertains with no guilt trip attached.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ENTER THE WARRIORS GATE (Theatrical Release China 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Enter the Warrior’s Gate—slow start with that cliched feeling—picks up interest with the introduction of the antagonist, Dave Bautista. Good screen charisma with some fairly, comical scenes that revolve around Bautista and his professional assassin provide the comic relief for the rest of the story. This movie can easily be a cult classic and serves as a fair to middling entertainment piece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man hones his computer game playing skills via Chinese wisdom.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Matthias Hoene for directing skills. Thank you to Executive Producers J.C. Cheng, Claude Léger, Gregory Ouanhon, Jonathan Vanger, and Ariel Zeitoun for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zhoo (Mark Chao), Su Lin (Ni Ni), Arun (Dave Bautista), Annie (Sienna Guillory), Jack (Uriah Shelton), Wizard (Francis Ng), Nymph #1 (Ming Xi), Mountain Spirit (Kara Wai), Brutus (Zha Ka), Black Knight (Ron Smoorenburg), Nymph #2 (Tianyi You), Nymph #3 (Lijie Liu), Travis Leigh (Dakota Daulby), Hector (Luke Mac Davis), and Messenger #1 (Yilin Guan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Watch for up and coming actor, Uriah Shelton.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ODDBALL (Theatrical Release Australian 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Oddball serves as good family entertainment. The acting is good. There’s a small twist at the conclusion of the story that’s not expected and perhaps a little awkward, but it still works well enough to entertain. Great work for Director Stuart McDonald.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A dog is trained to protect penguins from predatory attacks. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stuart McDonald for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Frank Dunphy, Jason Koffeman, Seph McKenna, Steve Oemcke, Joel Pearlman, Craig Perry, and Daryl Talbot for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Swampy Marsh (Shane Jacobson), Emily Marsh (Sarah Snook), Bradley Slater (Alan Tudyk), Olivia Marsh (Coco Jack Gillies), Jack Jones (Richard Davies), Mayor Lake/Narrator (Deborah Mailman), Oddball (Kai), Zoe (Tegan Higginbotham), Missy (Meeko), Pocket (Chip), Sergeant Gosch (Dave Lawson), Pocket’s Girlfriend (Edith), Fox (Stinky), Dog Catcher (Frank Woodley), and Judge Burns (Terry Camilleri).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves its watch and serves as a nice introduction to Australian veteran actor, Shane Jacobson, for those not familiar with his work. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA (Television Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Old Man and the Sea—remake of 1958 Spencer Tracy theatrical film of the same name—despite accessing the talents of Anthony Quinn serves average entertainment with an edge of slowness that dips into boredom. The storyline is exceptionally simple without a great deal of depth, almost a small slice of real life where a dangerously poor decision is made and someone luckily survived to do it another day.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 An aging fisherman catches the fish of his dreams.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jud Taylor for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer William F. Storke for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Santiago (Anthony Quinn), Tom Pruitt (Gary Cole), Mary Pruitt (Patricia Clarkson), Lopez (Joe Santos), Angela (Valentina Quinn), Young Santiago (Francesco Quinn), Anderez (Paul Calderon), Maria (Sully Diaz), Manolo (Alexis Cruz), and Gomez (Manuel E. Santiago).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The Anthony Quinn film lineup has a slew of films that are much better entertainment fare than this one.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ORPHANS OF THE STORM (Theatrical Release USA 1921)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Orphans of the Storm—black and white silent film—portrays the why and how behind the rise of the French revolution. Strong story telling technique backed with great actors/actresses push this movie into the ‘definite watch’ category a hundred years after its initial release. Everything transitions well; there is a comprehensible flow to the film that can be much appreciated. The film, overall, is well done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Two adopted girls endeavor to make their way through the French Revolution.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director D.W. Griffith for directing effort. Thank you to Producer D.W. Griffith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henriette Girard (Lillian Gish), Louise Girard (Dorothy Gish), Chevalier de Vaudrey (Joseph Schildkraut), Count de Linieres (Frank Losee), Countess de Linieres (Katherine Emmet), Marquis de Praille (Morgan Wallace), Mother Frochard (Lucille La Verne), Jacques Frochard (Sheldon Lewis), Pierre Frochard (Frank Puglia), Picard (Creighton Hale), Danton (Monte Blue), Robespierre (Sidney Herbert), King Louis XVI (Lee Kohlmar), Henriette’s Landlady (Marcia Harris), and Doctor (Adolph Lestina).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie could almost be watched again because it ably captures human events true to every group of mankind with only the name of the revolution and country and time period being different.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FINAL CUT (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Final Cut has a fresh, innovative concept backed with a well-written script and some thoughtful, well-interpreted acting by Robin Williams. Suspenseful and difficult to guess what will happen next mark this film as a very good story. Great work for Director Omar Naim. He understood how to draw the maximum amount of suspense from this story and did it well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A memory cutter becomes troubled over whether some memories should be cut.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Omar Naim for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Burns, Marc Butan, Guymon Casady, Marco Mehlitz, Michael Ohoven, Nancy Paloian, and Michael Paseornek for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alan Hakman (Robin Williams), Delila (Mira Sorvino), Fletcher (Jim Caviezel), Thelma (Mimi Kuzyk), Jennifer Bannister (Stephanie Romanov), Hasan (Tarek Bishara), Isabel Bannister (Genevieve Buechner), Michael (Brendan Fletcher), Simon (Vincent Gale), Young Alan (Casey Dubois), Young Louis (Liam Ranger), Legz the Tattoo Artist (Joely Collins), Charles Bannister (Michael St. John Smith), Jason Monroe (Chris Britton), and Caroline Monroe (Wanda Cannon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Tightly put together with a terrific conclusion makes this film stand out and shout in the suspense thriller movie lineups.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers