STALLONE: FRANK, THAT IS (World-Wide Release 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Stallone: Frank, That Is—documentary—uniquely tells the story of one brother and allows insight into the other brother’s life. This documentary film is a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

 The documentation of Frank Stallone’s life

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Derek Wayne Johnson’s directing effort. Thank you Producer Ronald Zamber for making the film possible. Additional cast include: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Dee Williams, Billy Zane, Joe Mantegna, Talia Shire, Geraldo Rivera, Danny Alello, Burt Young, and Frankie Avalon.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary shows how two brothers worked together in the entertainment industry to each establish their own careers.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY * (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Madea’s Big Happy Family—cute and comical adult movie—serves completely fresh entertainment fare that backs itself with one-of-a-kind acting.

 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Storyline

 Madea invites her family to dinner.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tyler Perry for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ozzie Areu, Joseph P. Genier, and Michael Paseornek for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Madea (Tyler Perry), Shirley (Loretta Devine), Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis), Kimberly (Shannon Kane), Calvin (Isaiah Mustafa), Tammy (Natalie DesselleReid), Harold (Rodney Perry), Cora (Tamela Mann), Brown (David Mann), and Byron (Shad Moss). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Completely watchable for the Tyler Perry fan.

 *Also Known as: Tyler Perry’s: Madea’s Big Happy Family

 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SHARKNADO (Television Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Sharknado—defines cult movie—works every possible improbability into laughable and still manages to cast a fishing line that will hook an audience into watching it serially much as did the movie series, Tremors. Not a high-end movie by any means, it still manages a certain kind of ‘cool’ that ‘kind of’ works on some level. Watch for John Heard. Good movie watch for cult movie enthusiasts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A hurricane allows sharks to become airborne killers in Los Angeles.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Anthony Ferrante for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Rimawi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fin Shepard (Ian Ziering), April Wexler (Tara Reid), George (John Heard), Nova Clarke (Cassandra Scerbo), Baz Hogan (Jaason Simmons), Bobby (Alex Arleo), Carl Hubert (Neil H. Berkow), Candice (Heather Jocelyn Blair), Deanna (Sumiko Braun), and Agnes (Diane Chambers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Low rated movie that audiences are going to watch anyway. Cult classic that an audience doesn’t forget.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers 

THE SHIRALEE (Television Release USA 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Shiralee—the definition of poignant—tells a wonderful story by means of two amazing Australian talents: Bryan Brown and Rebecca Smart. Do not miss this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

An Aussie man works on the road from place to place and now has a young daughter to care for while trying to find work.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George Ogilvie for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jock Blair and Bruce Moir for making the film possible. Thank you to Bryan Brown, Noni Hazlehurst, Rebecca Smart and the rest of the cast for acting efforts.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Don’t miss this very human, Australian film…gets to the basics of living life. Exceptionally watchable.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAND BEFORE TIME IX: JOURNEY TO BIG WATER (Direct-to-Video USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water—not as good as the film before it—serves as a decent, clean children’s watch that needs no supervision by the adult. Average fare that does not serve up a particularly interesting story, but the animation continues to improve within the series and noticeably shows that improvement in this watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

 

Storyline

The dinosaurs help a dolphin back to open sea.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Grosvenor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer James Wang for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Voice of John Ingle), Grandpa Longneck (Voice of Kenneth Mars), Diplodocus Mom (Miriam Flynn), Littlefoot (Voice of Thomas Dekker), Cera (Voice of Anndi McAfee), Ducky (Voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Spike (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Ducky’s Mom (Tress MacNeille), and Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This movie, part of a long series, serves the child watch, but does not serve the child/adult share entertainment audience.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

I YAM WHAT I YAM: THE STORY OF POPEYE THE SAILOR (Released by Warner Brothers Worldwide 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

I Yam What I Yam: The Story of Popeye the Sailor—great short documentary—tells in a time-friendly manner how Popeye got started, how he managed long popularity, and how he changed over the years. Great interviews and good documentation mark this movie as a worthwhile watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

Documentary that traces the life and longevity of the popular animated character, Popeye, the sailor man.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Constantine Nasr and Mark Nassief for directing effort. Thank  you to Narrator Tom Kinny for narration effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary delivers much information in a short time frame (43 minutes)—efficient watch that increases knowledge.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SWING VOTE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Swing Vote—fun, creative idea—expands its storyline to create chuckles as Kevin Costner develops and moves his character from a drunk fired from an egg packing factory into being in a state of responsibility. While he tries to right his thinking processes, high-level politicians fall from a position of regard and high ethical standards to a lower state of unethical behavior. The comedy creates an interesting dichotomy that makes it a welcome watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

The next United States President will be chosen on the vote of one man.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joshua Michael Stern for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Terry Douglas, Ted Field, Robin Jonas, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner), Molly Johnson (Madeline Carroll), Kate Madison (Paula Patton), President Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammer), Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper), Art Crumb (Nathan Lane), Martin Fox (Stanley Tucci), John Sweeney (George Lopez), Walter (Judge Reinhold), and Lewis (Charles Esten).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is worth a watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MIDNIGHT SKY (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Midnight Sky—directed by veteran actor, George Clooney—sports good cinematography but fails to establish a clear storyline and seems confusing at times. The audience may feel like it is trying to play catchup. The natural potential for the creativity to manifest becomes lost in the movie’s lack of linearity.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A scientist, stationed in exceptionally inhospitable climates, tries to save astronauts.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George Clooney for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Greg Baxter, Jennifer Gates, Barbara A. Hall, and Todd Shuster for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Augustine (George Clooney), Sully (Felicity Jones), Adewole (David Oyelowo, Iris (Caoilinn Springall) Mitchell (Kyle Chandler), Sanchez (Demian Bichir), Maya (Tiffany Boone), Jean (Sophie Rundle), Younger Augustine (Ethan Peck), and Mason Moseley (Tim Russ).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Read a plotline before watching to enhance its entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALIENS (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Aliens—solid presentation—improves on the last film. It is not so rocky where at any moment it could drastically change in rating as was the first film. This movie has everything pretty much in place at the start of the film. The characters handle the aliens better and get the job done in a more cinematic way. It’s worth a watch for the science fiction fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A single survivor to an alien attack helps another space crew fight the alien.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Cameron for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gordon Carroll, David Giler, and Walter Hill for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Newt (Carrie Henn), Corporal Hicks (Michael Biehn), Burke (Paul Reiser), Bishop (Lance Henriksen), Private Hudson (Bill Paxton), Lieutenant Gorman (William Hope), Private Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein), Sergeant Apone (Al Matthews), and Private Drake (Mark Rolston).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is a good watch and nearly earns a second watch. The movie is well organized.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAKAN (YouTube Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Pakan—short film—needs expansion to create understanding. This short film has good animation and nice characters that create visual interest. 

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline 

A man and a box are the basis of this short film. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to CG Brothers and the Pakan Team for making the short film available. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film creates intrigue while presenting a clip of what could be a longer movie.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE YETI ADVENTURES * (FIFF (Fribourg International Film Festival) Belgium 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Yeti Adventures—cute child/adult share film—presents a solid story in 1 hour and 24 minutes. Nice way to get a good bedtime story.

Film Poster courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Two explorers endeavor to provide definitive proof of the Yeti’s existence.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Directors Pierre Greco and Nancy Florence Savard for directing effort. Thank you to the Provider: NBC Universal. Thank you to Producer Nancy Florence Savard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rachelle Lefevre, Noel Fisher, and Colm Feore. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Good watch for everyone with a concept freshly explored.

* Also Known As: Mission Kathmandu or A Yeti Adventure

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ARMSTRONG (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Armstrong—documentary—tells about Neil Armstrong, his personal life, how he got to be in the space program. and his life accomplishments. There is also a small exploratory on how he decided to say “One Small Step for Man and One Giant Leap for Mankind.” The documentary is put together well and the interviews, especially the ones from his first wife, are very good.

 Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images

Storyline

 Neil Armstrong, his life and his times, are examined in a documentary that takes a whole life, not just his professional life, and makes a well-balanced documentary.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Fairhead for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jim Hays and Mark Stewart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Harrison Ford), Neil Armstrong, Mark Armstrong, CBS Reporter (Mike Bodie), Mike Collins, Janet Armstrong, Rick Armstrong, Frank Borman, Gerry Griffin, Dave Scott, and Christopher Kraft. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A good watch, well worth the investment of time and money especially for those viewers who have a keen interest in the exploration of outer space.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

OUTBACK RABBIS (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Outback Rabbis has potential to increase understanding about a culture that is not generally understood by the general public. It is difficult, however, to understand why this documentary has been made (its purpose) and released to the public when it is made clear that 'want to be' converts to this lifestyle are not encouraged to convert. But, the film does allow some insight, through great interviews, into the Ultra-Orthodox mindset. The movie, on a whole, however, seems more alienating than creating truly welcoming pathways. It invites a select few while seeming to push away the general masses. This is not its intention, but it seems the outcome of the presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Rabbis travel through Australia looking for ‘lost’ Jews.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Rabbi Danny Ben-Moshe for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film increases knowledge about a different culture and is well done due to its faithful following of its main characters on a road trip through Australia. The film shows diligence of purpose...finding lost Jews...and a spiritual life rigorously maintained even in the face of its obscurity of purpose in making the movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Framing John DeLorean—interesting documentary—tells part of the John DeLorean story. It uses Alec Baldwin to re-enact some of John DeLorean’s story. Makeup artists did a fair job of recreating the John DeLorean look.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

John DeLorean and his dream to build an automobile to his specifications, his rise and his fall.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Nate Bolotin, Nick Moceri, Thane Ritchie, and Aram Tertzakian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John DeLorean (Alec Baldwin), Bill Collins (Josh Charles), Cristina Ferrare (Morena Baccarin), John Valestra (Dean Winters), Jim Hoffman (Michael Rispoli), Ben Tisa (Dana Ashbrook), Jerry West (Jason Jones), Howard Weitzman (Josh Cooke), Roy (Sean Cullen), and GM Executive (William Hill). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The documentary is insightful.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Day the Earth Stood Still—good remake of the 1951 movie of the same name—works due to its casting. Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Jaden Smith help create the solidness of the movie’s story. This film does not meet the quality standards of the original movie nor does it deliver the entertainment value of that original film, but it has its own charm and is completely watchable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 An alien and his robot visit earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Derrickson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Harris Boardman, Gregory Goodman, and Erwin Stoff for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Klaatu (Keanu Reeves), Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly), Regina Jackson (Kathy Bates), Jacob Benson (Jaden Smith), Professor Barnhardt (John Cleese), Michael Granier (Jon Hamm), John Driscoll (Kyle Chandler), Colonel (Robert Knepper), Mr. Wu (James Hong), and Dr. Myron (John Rothman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good movie that makes the original story its own as this movie creates a loose adaptation of the original story. But, for the classic watch, the 1951 movie still has more entertainment value than this movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREEN ZONE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

  Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Green Zone—exciting and tense—elevates Matt Damon’s skills as did the Bourne series. The special effects have been done with quality. The storyline is efficient and does not waste time with empty, superfluous scenes that contribute nothing to the movie itself. The only drawback is that the movie presents one point of view and allows no room for another. It is cut and dry. But, that effect is probably what makes and drives the movie toward the higher end rating.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Storyline

An Army officer cannot locate weapons of mass destruction based upon intelligence information he receives.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin and Debra Hayward for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Additional characters/cast include: Al Rawi (Igal Naor), Seyyed Hamza (Said Faraj), Al Rawi Bodyguard (Faycal Attougui), Ayad Hamza (Aymen Hamdouchi), Miller (Matt Damon), Perry (Nicoye Banks), Wilkins (Jerry Della Salla), Conway (Sean Huze), Met-D (Michael J. Dwyer), and Met-D (Edouard H.R. Gluck).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a quality action film.

Video Critique Available :Here

Ben Meyers

THE OUT OF TOWNERS (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

 

The Out of Towners with Jack Kelly and Sandy Dennis has a cleaner, more decent presentation than its 1999 remake with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn, but the remake has higher entertainment value. The story is fun, comical, light entertainment. Watch for Jack Kelly in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A man travels to New York with his wife to interview for a better position.

 Additional Thanks  

Thank you to Director Arthur Hiller for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Paul Nathan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George Kellerman (Jack Lemmon), Gwen Kellerman(Sandy Dennis), TV Man (Sandy Baron), Woman in Police Station (Anne Meara), Man in Airplane (Robert Nichols), Airline Stewardess (Ann Prentiss), Cab Driver (Ron Carey), Officer Meyers (Philip Bruns), Murray (Graham Jarvis), Cuban Diplomat (Carlos Montalbán), and Agent in Boston (Robert King).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s clean, good fun that everyone can identify with on some level because each of the experiences this couple encounters are part of the common human experience. The movie allows a good chuckle due to all the things that can go wrong when embarking on a trip away from home.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

GODZILLA 2000: MILLENNIUM * (Theatrical Release Japan 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla 2000: Millennium—low budget special effects—serves the Godzilla fan well and performs as a somewhat enjoyable watch. The movie would not earn its place in the family home video library by any means, but it works as a cult classic with a little higher value than previously and later made live action Godzilla movies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Godzilla battles a UFO.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Takao Okawara for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Professor Yuji Shinoda (Takehiro Murata), Mitsuo Katagiri (Hiroshi Abe), Yuki Ichinose (Naomi Nishida), Io Shinoda (Mayu Suzuki), Professor Shiro Miyasaka (Shirô Sano), Takeshi Ôbayashi, Shiro Namiki, Sakae Kimura, Bengaru (Bengal), and Ken’ichi Nagira.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie earns its watch by staying close to the original idea of Godzilla  as a fighting, oversized lizard while improving on previously made and later made movies with an expanded and improved storyline.

*Also known as Gojira ni-sen mireniamu

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers