REAL STEEL (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Real Steel—high octane fight scenes—gives Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo a good platform to display some terrific acting skill. Creative, fresh, and enjoyable script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 Robot boxing takes center ring when a robot-throw-away goes back into service.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Shawn Levy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Josh McLaglen, Mary McLaglen, Jack Rapke, Steven Spielberg, Steve Starkey, and Robert Zemeckis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman), Max Kenton (Dakota Goyo), Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly), Finn (Anthony Mackie), Ricky (Kevin Durand), Aunt Debra (Hope Davis), Marvin (James Rebhorn), Tak Mashido (Karl Yune), Farra Lemkova (Olga Fonda), and Kingpin (John Gatins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Nice way to spend an afternoon. Exciting watch.

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Ben Meyers

BAD NEWS BEARS (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Bad News Bears—Walter Matthau—serves a good piece of entertainment. It is difficult to say that the later 2005 remake with Billy Bob Thornton is better than this story because the two actors have such strong personalities that are so different in professionalism that each movie has its own entertainment value and can be watched in close proximity to each other and still be enjoyed. This works as a good teen/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A coach learns how to care about a Little League baseball team that needs to win a game.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Ritchie for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stanley R. Jaffe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Coach Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau), Amanda Whurlitzer (Tatum O’Neal), Roy Turner (Vic Morrow), Cleveland (Joyce Van Patten), Bob Whitewood (Ben Piazza), Kelly Leak (Jackie Earle Haley), Ogilvie (Alfred Lutter III), Tanna Boyle (Chris Barnes), Ahmad Abdul Rahim (Erin Blunt), and Engelberg (Gary Lee Cavagnaro). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Good sports story.

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Ben Meyers

SIGNS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Signs—another good film from M. Night Shyamalan—does not serve up a perfectly orchestrated piece of entertainment but does have a kind of a draw that is oddly intriguing so that one wants to see or know more about the movie. Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix are a perfect mix to cast as brothers. And, the children actors Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin performed at a high level of professionalism. The film could have been a cult classic, but that unique charisma that often occurs in Shyamalan movies prevents that classification and moves it into a higher level for viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Crop circles that appear in a family’s farmland soon manifest something much more frightening than crop circles.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director M. Night Shyamalan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Kathleen Kennedy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bo Hess (Abigail Breslin), Officer Paski (Cherry Jones), Ray Reddy (M. Night Shyamalan), Colleen Hess (Patricia Kalember), SFC Cunningham (Ted Sutton), Officer Paski (Cherry Jones), Ray Reddy (M. Night Shyamalan), Colleen Hess (Patricia Kalember), SFC Cunningham (Ted Sutton), Tracey Abernathy (Merritt Wever), Mr. Nathan (Lanny Flaherty).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth a watch.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

LAND BEFORE TIME XIV: JOURNEY OF THE BRAVE (DVD Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

 

Land Before Time XIV: Journey of The Brave finally pushes the Land Before Time animated feature into a 4.0/5.0 Star rating. The series continually improved over time and has earned the higher rating based upon improvement in animation, storyline, script dialogue, relevant music placed correctly for impact with only one song (the one played at the stinkweed pool) needing reworking. There is some discourse occurring that there will be another Land Before Time movie which, if the trend of upward quality continues, may be outstanding.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 The baby dinosaurs take on another adventure.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Davis Doi and Tony Tulipano for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers George Chang, Oliver Guse, Lee Hsu, Enni Hsueh, and Bunis Yang for making the film possible. Narrator (Voice of Tony Amendola), Littlefoot (Voice of Felix Avitia), Chomper (Voice of Isaac Ryan Brown), Ruby (Meghan Strange), Mr. Threehorn (Voice of George Ball), Ducky/Digger (voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett), and Cera (Anndi McAfee). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This animated feature is the best in the series to date and serves as a good, clean watch for children. The entire series does serve teaching of good ethics and care for others and can be chosen as no need for parental supervision due to an unexpected inuendo or questionable scene.

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Ben Meyers

SHARKNADO 3: OH, HELL NO (Television Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Sharknado 3: Oh, Hell No—average horror flick—has Ian Ziering, his family, and his friends reprising their roles in this third movie about tornados having their way with sharks. Entertainment performs at the okay, somewhat good, run-of-the-mill level. Watch for Frankie Muniz in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

 A tornado twirls sharks through the east coast from north to south.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Anthony C. Ferrante for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Rimawi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fin ShepardNova Clarke (Cassandra Scerbo), Lucas Stevens (Frankie Muniz), Claudia Shepard (Ryan Whitney), Gilbert Shepard (David Hasselhoff), President Marcus Robbins (Mark Cuban), May Wexler (Bo Derek), Jess (Blair Fowler), and Brian Jones (Michael Winslow).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The last film is better than this one.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GREEN LAND: WILDLIFE IN THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS (Television Release 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Green Land: Wildlife in the Land of the Vikings—documentary Short—advertises itself with a poster that seems to place emphasis on Greenland while de-emphasizing that it is really about the wildlife that inhabits Greenland. The title of the movie, by using the word Vikings, seems to draw attention to the Vikings and away from animal wildlife. Initially, because of the way the poster is designed and the title of the documentary there can be confusion. Know that this documentary is about undomesticated animals that survive in this climate. This is a good, educational wildlife film and worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Greenland has its own wildlife specific to the dynamics of that environment.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bo Landin for directing effort. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This serves as a quick explore to enhance knowledge and works as a quick afternoon watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BLUE MIRACLE (Internet Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Blue Miracle orients its story toward the value of charity, integrity, and the value of sharing life through good deeds. The film itself takes a while to establish its purpose, but can be valued as a story that endeavors to show a good way to live life…in the service of others.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

 An orphanage needs funding and endeavors to win a well-funded fishing competition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Julio Quintana for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Miguel Chapa,, Jason Michael Gerber, Terry Hemmings, and Jason Hoelscher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wade (Dennis Quaid), Omar (Jimmy Gonzales), Tricia Bisbee (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), Becca (Fernanda Urrejola), Hector (Raymond Cruz), Wayne Bisbee (Bruce McGill), Moco (Miguel Angel Garcia), Geco (Anthony Gonzalez), Hollywood (Nathan Arenas), and Wiki (Isaac Arellanes). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Dennis Quade and Jimmy Gonzales make a good lead team and have a good supporting cast. While this film is not award winning…it has its own value of implanting good ethics seeds in audience minds.

 

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Ben Meyers

STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND (Theatrical Release USA 1955)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Strategic Air Command seems to be a message movie, but it seems a bit unclear what the real message is. Because the United States is becoming involved in Vietnam in 1955, it may have been a movie created to appeal to a young male audience and to build a desire to be involved in air warfare. The movie earns a watch for James Stewart and June Allyson fans as an academic study of these two actors. Know that the film is limited to its decade.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The United States Air Force recalls 2 friends for service.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Anthony Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Samuel J. Briskin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Holland (James Stewart), Sally Holland (June Allyson), General Ennis C. Hawkes (Frank Lovejoy), Lieutenant Colonel Rocky Samford (Barry Sullivan), Ike Knowland (Alex Nicol), General Espy (Bruce Bennett), Tom Doyle (Jay C. Flippen), Major General Castle (James Millican), Reverend Dr. Thorne (James Bell), and Mrs. Thorne (Rosemary DeCamp). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Know that: The story works slowly with repeated views of the airplanes that are being flown. This piece of entertainment shows its age and does not cross the decades to serve universal entertainment needs.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MASERATI: A HUNDRED YEARS AGAINST ALL ODDS (Internet Release UK 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Maserati: A Hundred Years Against All Odds—documentary—backs itself with worthy interviews and an easy to follow, chronologically ordered story. It is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Documentary shows Maserati’s humble beginnings and the struggles required to realize the dream of a fast and luxurious automobile.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Philip Selkirk for directing effort. Thank you toExecutive Producers Katherine Boudria and Philip Selkirk for making the film possible. Additional cast include: Stirling Moss, Carlo Maserati, Ettore Maserati, Juan Manuel Fangio, Adolfo Orsi, John Surtees, Paolo Pininfarina, Nick Mason, Giorgetto Giugiaro, and Matteo Panini. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A good, light watch for Maserati fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SCROOGED (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Scrooged—updated interpretation of Charles Dickens’ character Scrooge—accesses the talents of Bill Murray to tell its tale. The movie refreshingly entertains without falling dismally into redundancy. Watch for Robert Mitchum in this film. Great work for Richard Donner. This is a sophisticated Christmas watch that can be deeply enjoyed.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A power- and money-hungry executive must learn lessons about compassion and kindness.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Donner for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Stephen J. Roth for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Cross (Bill Murray), Claire Phillips (Karen Allen), Lew Hayward (John Forsythe), Brice Cummings (John Glover), Eliot Loudermilk (Bobcat Goldthwait), Ghost of Christmas Past (David Johansen), Ghost of Christmas Present (Carol Kane), Preston Rhinelander (Robert Mitchum), Calvin Cooley (Nicholas Phillips), and Herman (Michael Pollard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an entertainment product, that, easily earns its place in the home entertainment library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

S.W.A.T. (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

S.W.A.T.—great Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell film—has charisma and creates interest. It’s worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A European drug lord creates havoc for a Los Angeles special ops team.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Clark Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Louis D’Esposito for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant Dan Harrelson (Samuel L. Jackson), Jim Street (Colin Farrell), Chris Sanchez (Michelle Rodriguez), Deacon Kaye (LL Cool J), T.J. McCabe (Josh Charles), Brian Gamble (Jeremy Renner), Michael Boxer (Brian Van Holt), Alex Montel (Olivier Martinez), Lieutenant Greg Velasquez (Reg Cathey), and Captain Thomas Fuller (Larry Poindexter).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE IMPOSSIBLE (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Impossible—dramatic disaster film—bases itself on a true survival story. The exceptionally realistic film keeps interest from its opening scene to its ending scene, plays all the elements of a disaster movie to the fullest, and tells its story well. Casting choices of Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts are the best choices for the movie as are the child casting of Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, and Oaklee Pendergast. Good addition to the film is young Johan Sundberg. Great portrayal and great acting by all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The true story of a family caught in the 2004 Thailand tsunami. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J.A. Bayona for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor), Lucas (Tom Holland), Thomas (Samuel Joslin), Simon (Oaklee Pendergast), Simone (Marta Etura), Karl (Sönke Möhring), Old Woman (Geraldine Chaplin), Caregiver (Ploy Jindachote), and Red Cross Nurse (Jomjaoi Sae-Limh). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Outstanding movie that serves as a good watch for the whole family.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WILDLIFE CROSSING! (Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival Oakland California USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

 

Wildlife Crossing!—short film—intrigues and beguiles with its sweet story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A male snail needs to cross a highway to reach a female snail.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Noro Drziak for directing effort. Thank you to Short Film Making Lab for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film catches the heart.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SKYFALL (Theatrical Release Canada 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Skyfall—third of five James Bond films that feature Daniel Craig as James Bond—creates a spy movie superior in its class. WOW! exciting, the movie does not miss a beat in delivery of James Bond entertainment fare. It’s an excellent watch for James Bond fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

James Bond attempts to help M.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Mendez for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Callum McDougall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Daniel Craig), M (Judi Dench), Silva (Javier Bardem), Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), Eve (Naomie Harris), Severine (B. Marlohe), Kincade (Albert Finney), Q (Ben Whishaw), Tanner (Rory Kinnear), and Patrice (Ola Rapace).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie works as well as Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale. The two movies encourage the 2015 viewing of Spectre.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HURRICANE EXPRESS (Theatrical Release USA 1932)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Hurricane Express—simple story—shows the early acting skills of John Wayne. This provides an interesting study of how skills develop over time and persistent work on chosen careers.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A young man attempts to unmask a criminal who specializes in wrecking the L&M railway lines.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors J.P. McGowan and Armand Schaefer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Nat Levine for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Larry Baker (John Wayne), Gloria Martin (Shirley Grey), Stevens (Conway Tearle), Howard Edwards (Tully Marshall), Frank Stratton (Edmund Breese), Walter Gray (Lloyd Whitlock), Carlson (Al Bridge), Tom Jordan (Matthew Betz), Detective Matthews (Joseph W. Girard), and Detective Hemmingway (James P. Burtis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This story is an early effort (1932), but manages its presentation onscreen nearly a hundred years later.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LAND BEFORE TIME XII: THE GREAT DAY OF THE FLYERS (DVD Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Land Before Time XII: The Great Day of The Flyers—the best of the series so far—WOW! This is really well made. The animation is better. The music is natural and well-placed. The story is well written.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The importance of flying becomes the focus for Littlefoot and friends’ new adventure.

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), Littlefoot (Voice of Nick Price), Ducky (Voice of Aria Noelle Curzon), Spike (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Tria (Voice of Camryn Manheim), Cera (Voice of Anndi McAfee), Petrie (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Petrie’s Sibling 2 (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Petrie’s Sibling 1 (Nika Futterman), Petrie’s Sibling 3 (Voice of Susan Blu), and Petrie’s Mom (Voice of Tress MacNeille). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a wonderful film and tells its story well. It has steadily improved in quality over the years. Wonderful to see the dedication to upgrading the series. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLACK HOLES: THE EDGE OF ALL WE KNOW * (Video Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know—Wow! Bravo!—earns the adjectives of fabulous and interesting because of the subject matter, the interviews, great cinematography, and terrific community support. The cohesive presentation completely works. It does not ‘dumb down’ the intellectual dialogue and still manages to include everyone in this exceptionally interesting watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Several of our best international astronomers and scientists investigate Black Holes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Galison for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Greg Boustead and Jessica Harrop for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Andrew Strominger, Malcolm Perry, Sasha Haco, Gopal Narayanan, Lindy Blackburn, Gisela León, Antonio Gómez, David Sanchez, David Sanchez, Janna Levin, Ramesh Narayan, Lydia Patton, Laura Ruetsche, and Jim Weatherall.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Worth more than one watch…some of our best scientific voices on black holes.

*Also Known As: The Edge of All We Know

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

POSSE (Theatrical Release USA 1975)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Posse—western film—presents nothing new. The movie gives a good look at Kirk Douglas both as an acting talent and as a director. Despite the film’s age, it earns a watch. The movie did not retire to just an academic study. It has retained its entertainment value.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A marshal uses his prowess in capturing outlaws to political advantage.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kirk Douglas for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Phil Feldman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Howard Nightingale (Kirk Douglas), Jack Strawhorn (Bruce Dern), Wesley (Bo Hopkins), Harold Hellman (James Stacy), Krag (Luke Askew), Pensteman (David Canary), Pepe (Alfonso Arau), Mrs. Cooper (Katherine Woodville), Mr. Cooper (Mark Roberts), Carla Ross (Beth Brickell), and Wiley (Dick O’Neill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This is a good afternoon watch.

 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SECRETS OF THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS (Released USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls explains in a small way about the Dead Sea Scrolls. It does not release much information; but for those interested in this subject, it is a good beginning point for developing some knowledge about the scrolls.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The documentary promises to deliver secrets about the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Cartwright for directing effort. Thank you to Narrator John Shrapnel for narrating effort. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Be aware that this is a light overview of informing about the Dead Sea Scrolls. Do not expect a deeply insightful presentation on the subject.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers