MEMORIAL DAY (Newport Beach Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Memorial Day—good concept—plays like a cookie-cutter movie. It’s an ‘I’ve seen this before’ entertainment  piece. It does not seem appropriate for a grandfather to use a grandson as a nose tissue to cry into...however, the healthful need to release certain memories is understood and sometimes it takes a certain set of circumstances to allow that release. This film illustrates that.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon

Storyline

A young boy finds his grandfather’s footlocker.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Samuel Fischer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Samuel Fischer , Kyle O’Malley, and Jeff Traxler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Staff Sergeant Kyle Vogel (Jonathan Bennett), Bud Vogel (James Cromwell), Lieutenant Bud Vogel (John Cromwell), Young Kyle Vogel (Jackson Bond), Betty Vogel (Mary Kay Fortier Spalding), Lieutenant Kelly Tripp (Emily Fradenburgh),Captain Tom Marshall (Charles Hubbell), Derek Lodermeier (Corby Kelly), Spc. Josh Berg (Chris LeFevere), Brandt (Steven Luke), Young German Soldier (Jasper Morgan), Ed Gorski (Reed Sigmund), Pfc. Nick Sullivan (Thomas Sellwood), Sarah Vogel (Erin Traxler), and Moises Aguilar (Armin Zadeh).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Not much new in this drama.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUEL AT DIABLO (Theatrical Release USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Duel at Diablo starts fairly well and finishes fairly well. The casting department chose the interesting mix of James Garner, Sidney Portier, and Dennis Weaver to portray the story. Dennis Weaver’s acting needs some tweaking for more believability. The movie did not really catch its western genre well perhaps due to the heavy involvement of its storyline with a strong female element.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline

Three stories intertwine to make this western about Apaches, the United States Army, scouts, and Indian wives come to life onscreen.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Ralph Nelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Fred Engel, Ralph Nelson, and James Garner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: idney Poitier), Ellen Grange (Bibi Andersson), Willard Grange (Dennis Weaver), Lieutenant Scotty McAllister (Bill Travers), Sergeant Ferguson (William Redfield), Major Novac (John Hubbard), Colonel Foster (Ralph Nelson), Cpl. Harrington (Bill Hart), Chata (John Hoyt), Alchise (Eddie Little Sky), and Clay Dean (John Crawford).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is easy entertainment that requires little mind expenditure to watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROMMEL (DVD Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Rommel—generic—makes an audience wonder why this story has importance. Partially this challenge comes due to the writing and the thinly defined character development. The movie should move into the higher caliber ranges of war films but misses its mark.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline

The final days of Erwin Rommel, German Field Marshal.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Niki Stein for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Schmidl, Manfred Hattendorf, Nico Hofmann, Ariane Krampe, Jurgen Schuster, Sascha Schwingel, and Christine Strobl for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Erwin Rommel (Ulrich Tukur), Oberstleeutnant Hofacker (Tim Bergmann), Adolf Hitler (Johannes Silberschneider), General Speidel (Benjamin Sadler), and Oberst Finckh (Rolf Kanies).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The value of the movie is the insight one gets in how Erwin Rommell and General Spiedel work in the scheme of WWII. If one does not know much about this piece of history, it may be good to read a quick Wikipedia article that will explain the events that led to Rommel's final days.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE CHEAP DETECTIVE (Theatrical Release USA 1978)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Cheap Detective—well written comedy—has WOW! factor all over it due to its mixing of 1940s-style detective story elements with exaggerated emphasis on the usual drama in detective stories. Add Peter Falk as the detective and out pops a movie presentation that more than pleases. It is, as a whole, watchable for the adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

 A detective works to solve a mystery despite many misleading clues.

 Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ray Stark for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lou Peckinpaugh (Peter Falk), Jezebel Dezire (Ann Margret), Betty DeBoop (Eileen Brennan), Ezra Dezire (Sid Caesar), Bess (Stockard Channing), and Marcel (James Coco). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It’s a fun romp that takes involvement to track its story. Very cleverly done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CUTTER (Video Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Cutter—a little different take on Biblical excavation stories—makes good use of Chuck Norris’ acting talent. The action scenes are notable and the story has been told well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A diamond cutter gets help from a detective.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director William Tannen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Danny Dimbort, Avi Lerner, Aaron Norris, Chuck Norris, Trevor Short, and Les Weldon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Shepherd (Chuck Norris), Elizabeth Teller (Joanna Pacula), Dirk (Daniel Bernhardt), Isaac Teller (Bernie Kopell), and Parks (Todd Jensen).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie does not perform as a Chuck Norris’ best, but has that distinct Chuck Norris flavor that marks his movies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE OCTAGON (Theatrical Release USA 1980)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Octagon—classic Chuck Norris—can easily become a cult classic for multiple watches just for the WOW! factor that places it in a category of its own for action scenes. It’s a fun watch for the adult audience. Some sexual references.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Ninja terrorists develop an international system of training camps which the best Ninja of all (Chuck Norris) must dismantle.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eric Karson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Leone and Alan Belkin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Scott James (Chuck Norris), Justine (Karen Carlson), McCarn (Lee Van Cleef), AJ (Art Hindle), Aura (Carol Bagdasarian), Selkura (Tadashi Yamashita), Nancy (Kim Lankford), Tibor (Larry D. Mann), Doggo (Kurt Grayson), Kyo (Richard Norton), Katsumo (Yuki Shimoda), Duffy (Redmond Gleeson), Pierre (Alan Chappuis), Deadwyler (Brian Libby), Ken Gibbel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Classic Chuck Norris movie that even a non-Chuck Norris fan will enjoy. Thank you to everyone involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WINDUP (YouTube Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

WindUp—short film—makes an audience think about how important a child’s memory can be to life. The short film has excellent animation and sweet storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A small girl fights to live.

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Pixar Director Yibing Jiang for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Junbo Zhang for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful short film and could be expanded.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UMBRELLA (YouTube Release Brazil 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Umbrella—short film—has much heart and earns its watch. Great work for all involved in production. Bravo! Bravo! This is an award winning movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

An orphan wishes for a yellow umbrella.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Helena Hilario and Mario Pece for directing effort. Thank you to StudioStratostorm for producing the short film. Thank you to CGI artists Alan Prado, Dhiego Guimaraes, and Felipe Pardini.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Heartfelt film, good for families.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A FOLDED WISH (Siggraph Asia Release Brisbane Australia 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

A Folded Wish—short film—is interesting because it teaches a cultural tradition and enlarges understanding between cultures. Animation is very good.

Film Poster courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Twin sisters fold paper cranes in hopes of one sister becoming healthy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to  Siggraph Asia 2020 Digital Animation and Illustration courses in The One Academy of Communication Design. Thank you to Artmoeba Productions. Thank you to the 19 graduate students who made this short film possible as an assignment for finishing graduate work.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Bittersweet short film that illustrates the Japanese tradition of folding paper 1000 times when there is a wish that needs to be granted.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHINE (San Diego International Film Festival San Diego California USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Shine—animated short film—is comical, cute, and great to see. Great animation and the storyline is well written.

Film Poster Courtesy Google Images

Storyline

Two males try to impress a female with light shows.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Alexander Dietrich and Johannes Flick for making the film. Thank you to Producer Mareike Keller for making the film possible. Thank you to Filmademie Baden-Wurttemberg. Additional characters/cast include: Three animated characters, two males and one female.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a wonderful show and worth at least one watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

VANISHING OF THE BEES (Theatrical Release UK 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Vanishing of the Bees—documentary—contains good interviews and documentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of honeybees disappearing nationally and internationally.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Maryam Henein and George Langworthy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers James Erskine and Holly Mosher for making the film possible.  Additional characters/cast include: Beekeeper (Bret Adee), Representative (Dennis Cardoza), UNAF President (Henri Clement), Executive Director (Jay Feldman), Narrator (Emilia Fox), Maryann Frazier, Politician (Jean Glavany), Beekeeper (Davey Hackenberg), Beekeeper (David Hackenberg), Author (Gunther Hauk), Pesticide Applicator (Wayne Larsen), Dee Lusby, Beekeeper (David Mendes), and Philipp Mimkes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is worth both time and money to watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

BORN STRONG (All Media Release Worldwide 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Born Strong—interesting and informative—showcases the strongest men in the world with high WOW! factor. It Is surprising to see the level of involvement of Arnold Schwarzenegger in weight lifting outside of his well-known body building competitions. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This movie features the 4 strongest men in the world and the Arnold Strongman Competition.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gary Cohen and Ross Hockrow for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Gary Cohen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eddie Hall, Hafbor Julius Bjornsson, Brian Shaw, and Zyndrunas Savickas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good inspirational movie for anyone who wants to live this lifestyle and inspiring to see the amount of weight men can pull and lift.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RESCUE DAWN (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Rescue Dawn—based on a true story—shows and elaborates the grim sequence of events that led to the capture and imprisonment of Dieter Dengler, a United States Navy Fighter pilot, during the Vietnam War. The movie itself starts well, gets a little slow during the concentration camp scenes, but gets on track after an escape. Director Werner Herzog once again delivers a meaningful film that makes a point. Good work for all involved.

Film Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Vietnam War fighter pilot endeavors to survive after being shot down.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Werner Herzog for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Freddy Braidy, Jimmy de Brabant, Michael Dounaey, Gerald Green, Kami Naghdi, Nick Raslan, and Elie Samaha. Additional characters/cast include: Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), Squad Leader (Zach Grenier), Admiral (Marshall Bell), Spook (Toby Huss), Norman (Pat Healy), Farkas (GQ), Jet Pilot (James Oliver), Navy Pilot (Brad Carr), Pathet Lao Guard (Salchia Wongwirol), Province Governor (Francois Chau), Little Hitler (Teerwat Mulvilai), Crazy Horse (Yuttana Muenwaia), Jumbo (Kriangsak Ming-olo), Nook the Rook (Somkuan Siroon), and Walkie Talkie (Chorn Solyda).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Christian Bale and Steve Zahn define their roles well. The movie is worth its full watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CROMWELL (Theatrical Release UK 1970)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Cromwell—good movie—has challenges with actors. Richard Harris is a high level actor but the actors perform their parts almost as an afterthought…like they are speaking to an imaginary friend or a live audience. This detracts from the quality of media art. The story lacks good flow. The script does not provide enough background to establish or to support Cromwell’s actions. The background that is provided covers itself with much commotion and the need to move the story along. Reading a bit of history about Cromwell’s place in England’s history or reading a plot line before going will aid in understanding this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Amazon

Storyline

The movie is about Cromwell’s civil war purposed to dethrone King Charles.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Ken Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Irving Allen  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Oliver Cromwell (Richard Harris), King Charles (Alec Guinness), The Earl of Manchester (Robert Morley), Queen Henrietta Maria (Dorothy Tutin), Prince Rupert (Timothy Dalton), John Carter (Frank Finlay), The Earl of Strafford (Patrick Wymark), Hugh Peters (Patrick Magee), Sir Edward Hyde (Nigel Stock), The Earl of Essex (Charles Gray), Henry Ireton (Michael Jayston), Oliver Cromwell, II (Richard Cornish), Ruth Carter (Anna Cropper), Solicitor General (Michael Goodliffe), and General Byron (Jack Gwillim).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. But simply reading a short Wikipedia article about Cromwell’s place in English history will be much easier than watching this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

QUEEN: MERCURY RISING* (Internet Release 2011 USA)

  Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Queen: Mercury Rising—documentary—puts together a well-documented movie with excellent archival footage, good interviews, and a straightforward storyline. Great work for all involved. The movie is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline

The story of the rock band, Queen.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Miriam Lyons for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Brian Aabech for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Mike Cooper), Photographer (Mick Rock), Broadcast and Author (Paul Gambaccini), Music Journalist (Rosie Horide), Former General Manager EMI International Division (Paul Watts), and Former Publicist for EMI (Eric Hall).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an exceptionally good film for both Queen fans and persons who would like a quick educational download on the Queen band.

*Also known as The Story of Queen: Mercury Rising

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NATURE UNLEASHED: EARTHQUAKE * (DVD Release 2005 USA)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Nature Unleashed: Earthquake—tries, but fails—serves run-of-the-mill fare. Better apocalyptic movies can be easily found with short Internet searches. It is what it is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon

Storyline

A nuclear power plant is destroyed by an earthquake.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tibor Takács for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Avi Lerner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Josh (Fintan McKeown), Leon (Patrick Dreikauss), Muddy (Kofi Agyemang), Mr. Reed (Jay Benedict), Miss White (Lydie Denier), Dylan (Damia Hunt), Mikael (Pete Lee Wilson), Emilio (Patrick Monckton), Dr. Rachel Stevens (Jacinta Mulcahy), Cherie (Zoe Thorne), Lydia (Naomi Vekinis), and Viktor (Michael Zeiniker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The film, unfortunately, is not worth the investment of time or money.

* Also known as Earthquake

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

QUANTUM APOCALYPSE (DVD Premiere Poland 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Quantum Apocalypse—mindless quilting of previously made films—executes a little better than Nature Unleased: Earthquake, but not much better. Nothing interesting or new here. It is what it is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon

Storyline

Scientists work to save Earth from a comet.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Justin Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kenneth Badish and Ewerhard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Terry (Rhett Giles), Lynne (Stephany Jacobsen), Leo (Stuart Lafferty), Trish (Gigi Edgley), Ben (Randy Mulkey), Lindsey (Kristen Quintrall), Dr. Zulkowski (Jerry Leggio), Samantha (Jenna Craig), Tom (Collin Galyean), Dr. Sadoughian (Amol Shah), Dr. Rhodes (Dean Arevalo), Ms. Taylor (Shirly Brener), Frank Herbert (Marel Medina), General Rodgers (Ron Flagg), and Sean (Kyle Clements).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Better than Nature Unleashed: Earthquake…but not nearly as good as Deep Impact.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GEORGE AND THE DRAGON (Television Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

George and the Dragon—'cool' concept with its share of comedy—serves more as a good choice for the background movie running during a house party. Watch for Michael Clark Duncan, a cameo of Val Kilmer and Patrick Swayze, and some quite well-executed scenes by James Purefoy and Piper Parabo.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

A knight fights a dragon.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tom Reeve for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Adam Betteridge, Frank Hubner, Omar Kaczmarczyk, David Rogers, Jeremy Saunders, and Steven Saxton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George (James Purefoy), Princess Lunna (Piper Perabo), Garth (Patrick Swayze), Tarik (Michael Clarke Duncan), Elmendorf (Bill Treacher), Father Bernard (Jean-Pierre Castaldi), Wryn (Rollo Weeks), Sir Robert (Paul Freeman), Bulchar (Stefan Jurgens), Mercenary 1 (Stefan Weinert), McNally (Phil McKee), Sister Angela (Caroline Carver), King Edgar (Simon Callow), Mother Superior (Joan Plowright), and Aard (Carl Chase).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a run-of-the-mill, cute movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PARADISE WAITS (Worldwide Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Paradise Waits—documentary—contains impressive snow skiing and snowboarding clips with superb camera work. It needs a little more character development before it can fully move into the status of a terrific movie watch, but the amazing skill of these snow skiers and snowboarders who travel the globe to challenge the most risky and fear-inspiring mountain peaks easily make the viewer cringe and it contains considerably more character development than Dark Matter, a short film also laced with extreme snowboarding skill. The sport, as executed, is spectacularly shown. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Amazon Prime Video

 Storyline

 Skiing and snowboarding at its finest.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Blake Campbell, Steve Jones, and Todd Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve and Todd Jones for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mark Carter, Sage Cattabriga Alosa, Angel Collinson, Johnny Collinson, Tim Durtschi, Dana Flahr, Colter Hinchliffe, Dyann Hood, Bryan Iguchi, Todd Ligare, Longe Dash, Ian McIntosh, Nick McNutt, Griffin Post, and Cam Riley.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Unbelievable snowboarding and skiing mark this film as worth a watch if for nothing else than education on what humans are physically capable of doing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EVERY LITTLE STEP (Theatrical Release Japan 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Every Little Step—very good camera work—shows in detail the dedication and hard work necessary to produce a stage show. Nothing has changed much for centuries in this art. This is not an easy watch despite great interviews. The movie easily becomes more of a mature adult watch. While movie actors can make a movie and move on to new material, it seems sad that stage actors are locked into a character for years. It makes one wonder how their characters affect them when they are in a long-running series.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline

Documents the process of choreography and the life of dancers involved in execution of choreography.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Adam Del Deo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Breglio, Christopher Chen, and Douglas Hansen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Self (Bob Avian), Self (Justin Bellero), Self (Michael Bennett), Self (Jay Binder), Self (Kelly Bishop), Self (John Breglio), Self (Candy Ann Brown), Self (Nigel Columbus), Self (Michelle Liu Coughlin), Self (Charlotte d’Amboise), and Self (Jacques d’Amboise).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There is not much to see here that has not already been thoroughly documented in other films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers