GALLIPOLI (Theatrical Release Australia 1981)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Gallipoli—World War I movie—tells the story of two Australian professional runners and how they volunteer for the war effort. Good movie that has a solid storyline with very fine acting. Watch for a young Mel Gibson as one of the lead actors.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Two Australian boys decide to join the World War I war effort. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Weir for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Stigwood and Patricia Lovell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Archy Hamilton (Mark Lee), Frank Dunne (Mel Gibson), Jack (Bill Kerr), Les McCann (Harold Hopkins), Zac (Charles Yunupingu), Wallace Hamilton (Ron Graham), Rose Hamilton (Gerda Nicolson), Billy (Robert Grubb), Snowy (David Argue), Billy Snakeskin (Steve Dodd), and Barney (Tim McKenzie). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. One of Mel Gibson’s early film efforts…very well done…good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:  

Ben Meyers

S.M.A.R.T. CHASE * (Theatrical Release Japan 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

S.M.A.R.T. Chase needs someone other than Orlando Bloom as the main character. Either the camera could not get his action moves correct or it is something else. This film seems like a copy of other American-produced action movies, but despite the presence of a good British actor could not pull its action scenes off.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A security officer is hired to transport a rare artifact and gets hijacked on the way. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Martin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wei Han and Ben Pugh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Danny Stratton (Orlando Bloom), Ling Mo (Lynn Hung), J Jae Anh(Hannah Quinlivan), Mach Ren (Simon Yam), DingDong Tang (Leo Wu), Ling Mo (Lynn Hung), Yen (Jing Liang), Yanneng Shi, Rong Chang, Da Ying, Clem (Tom Price). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. But, know that this film lacks entertainment value.

* Also known as: Ji zhi zhui ji

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SNOW QUEEN 3: FIRE AND ICE (Theatrical Release Russia 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Snow Queen 3: Fire and Ice—animation—has no life, is as bland as the first two presentations, and runs on an average tale. The troll characters are both memorable and cute…but everything else seems like something one has seen before and really doesn’t care to see it again.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The continuing adventures of the Snow Queen. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Aleksey Tsitsilin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Yuri Moskvin and Vladimir Nikolaev for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gerda (Laurie Hymes), Kai (Jason Griffith), Rollan (Graham Halstead), Orm (Billy Bob Thompson), Alfida (Devin Bailey Griffin), Arrog (Scott Rayow), Maribel (Lori Gardner), Shaman (Marc Thompson), Grandma (Vanessa Johansson), Rahat (Tom Wayland), Locum (Marc Thompson), Hippie, Pirate Boss Lady (Samara Nayemi), Troll Kids (Lori Gardner, Eileen Stevens, and Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld), Snow Queen (Eileen Stevens), and Luta (Dee Bradley Baker). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. To finish the series, one may desire to watch this animated feature. But, there are much better child watches that deliver more value for your dollar.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

FEARLESS * (Netflix Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fearless—charmingly appealing—runs on a story that could easily be run-of-the-mill. But, because of its characters and animation runs as a little higher quality for the children’s watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Three babies from gaming space enter the real world and begin realizing their superpowers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Cory Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Williams, Danielle Sterling, Patrick Worlock, and Robyn Klein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Melanie (Yara Shahidi), Reid (Miles Robbins), Dr. Arcannis (Miguel Pimentel), Captain Lightspeed (Jadakiss), Fleech (Tom Kenny), Zona (Angie Martinez), Elliot (Harland Williams), DJ (Fat Joe), Kira (Amari McCoy), Private Wade (Dwayne Wade), General Jayne Nadia Blazerhatch (Gabrielle Union), and Mom (Susan Sarandon). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For a child’s watch the film works. Adults may find it cute and comical. 

* Also Known as Fe@rLeSS

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The True Adventures of Wolfboy—unique, unusual with dark overtones—is like a first viewing of Edward Scissorhands, Coraline, The Corpse Bride all rolled into one…except it engages more tension about the future of Wolfboy than the other films generate for their main characters. With a storyline that delves into the deep recesses of being different and possible outcomes, this mental film deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Wolfboy takes a journey that leads to some unexpected answers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Martin Krejčí for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Declan Baldwin, Lauren Beck, Benjamin Blake, Josh Godfrey, and Kimberly Steward for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul (Jaeden Martell), Aristiana (Sophie Giannamore), Mr. Silk (John Turturro), Rose (Eve Hewson), Denny (Chris Messina), Pollok (Michelle Wilson), Jen (Chloë Sevigny), Nicholas (Stephen McKinley Henderson), Percy (Nick Pulinsky), and Gas Station Clerk (JJ Alfieri). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For the teen/adult watch, it works well. Really good work for Director Martin Krejčí.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SINBAD: NIGHT AT HIGH NOON AND THE WONDER GATE * (Premiered in Japan 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sinbad: Night at High Noon and the Wonder Gate—third installment of the Japanese produced Sinbad anime short film series—works as well as the first two movies to entertain the child audience. The animation works on the more peaceful level and is quite welcome due to its attention to detail and lovely coloration. While this anime does not POP!, the heart and good writing remove it from a run-of-the-mill watch. There is a certain quaintness that draws the audience into the story as if one needs to watch this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Sinbad goes on another adventure. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shinpei Miyashita for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Takashi Inou and Kentarô Koike for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Razzak (Voice of Michael Adamthwaite), Yutaka Aoyama, Daal (Voice of Michael Dobson), Sinbad (Voice of Cole Howard), Takeshi Kaga, Sana (Voice of Elyse Maloway), Tadashi Miyazawa, Galip (Voice of Riley Murdock), Momoko Tanabe, and Ali (Voice of Travis Turner).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good afternoon watch for children and adults may like its concept.

* Also Known As: Sinbad: soratobu hime to himitsu no shima Part 3

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HUNTER (Theatrical Release Australia 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Hunter—Australian film—delivers good adventure. Willem Defoe teams with Sam Neill to create an interesting, coherent story that is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A biotech company hires a mercenary to gather DNA samples from a Tasmanian tiger.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daniel Nettheim for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Vincent Sheehan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Martin David (Willem Dafoe), Lucy (Frances O’Connor), Jack (Sam Neill), Sass (Morgan Davies), Bike (Finn Woodlock), and Middleman (Jacek Koman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Willem Dafoe fans will be pleased with his performance in this film. The movie is a lazy afternoon, adult watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JOHNNY GUITAR (Theatrical Release USA 1954)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Johnny Guitar has all the bells and whistles for a good western movie but misses key ingredients that make a film work. Good entertainment needs heart, allows real connection to the characters, and seems meaningful. Besides those three ingredients, there is a fourth ingredient: a film should be manufactured so that it can be re-watched through the years and provide that same punch of enjoyment as the first time one watched it. The alternative is that it’s worth its single watch and one leaves feeling like Wow! I got that. This movie lacks that spark of magic that makes good entertainment. The strongest actor/actress in the film is Joan Crawford.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

 A female saloon keeper and a drifter become involved in accusations of stagecoach robbery.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nicholas Ray for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Herbert Yates for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vienna (Joan Crawford), Johnny Guitar (Sterling Hayden), Emma Small (Mercedes Cambridge), The Dancin’ Kid (Scott Brady), John McIvers (Ward Bond), Turkey Ralston (Ben Cooper), Bart Lonergan (Ernest Borgnine), Old Tom (John Carradine), Corey (Royal Dano), Marshal Williams (Frank Ferguson), Eddie (Paul Fix), Mr. Andrews (Rhys Williams), Pete (Ian MacDonald), and Sam (Robert Osterich).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie can be shelved unless one is doing academic research for westerns and/or stars who appear in this film. Better westerns for entertainment are: The Missing or The Way West or Rio Grande.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

FINDING ‘OHANA (Netflix Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Finding 'Ohana—not the best treasure hunt movie—reminds an audience of Goonies. The concept is good, but the movie just does not have that spark that makes good entertainment. Despite good acting and a fair, well-written script, the movie seems to fall flat at all the places where it should be building to its climatic moments. Watch Goonies instead.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A brother and sister look for treasure in Hawaii. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jude Weng for directing effort. Thank you to Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pili (Kea Peahu), Ioane (Alex Aiono), Hana (Lindsay Watson), Casper (Owen Vaccaro), Leilani (Kelly Hu), Kimo (Branscombe Richmond),George Phan (Ke Huy Quan), Kua Kawena (Brad Kalilimoku), Brown(Chris Parnell), Robinson (Marc Evan Jackson), Monks (Ricky Garcia), Ryan (Ryan Higa), Tina (Mapuana Makia), Melody (X Maya), and Yoli Greenburg (Kyndra Sanchez). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The film could have shown the Hawaiian culture and been a great show about finding hidden treasure, but the overall movie is weak in portrayal and will not appeal to the wider audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers 

SINBAD: THE MAGIC LAMP AND THE MOVING ISLANDS * (Theatrical Japan 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Sinbad: The Magic Lamp and the Moving Islands—sequel to Sinbad: The Flying Princess and the Secret Island—is a very well done short film. It’s a good animated movie for children.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Sinbad looks for a magical lamp. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shinpei Miyashita for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Takashi Inou and Kentarô Koike for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Razzak (Voice of Michael Adamthwaite), Yutaka Aoyama, Daal (Voice of Michael Dobson), Sinbad(Voice of Cole Howard), Takeshi Kaga, Sana (Voice of Elyse Maloway), Tadashi Miyazawa, Galip (Voice of Riley Murdock), Momoko Tanabe, and Ali (Voice of Travis Turner). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a simple, calm movie for a child’s before-bedtime-watch. 

* Also Known As: Sinbad: soratobu hime to himitsu no shima Part 2

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HUBIE HALLOWEEN (Netflix Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Hubie Halloween—cute, interesting concept—accesses the talents of an all-star cast to execute a welcome comedy based on Halloween.   One might wish for a few less scenes of  Adam Sandler's scared face, but the movie is a good watch overall and a good family Halloween special.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Hubie finds his life on Halloween night. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Brill for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Grady, Adam Sandler, Dominico Hadelo, and Allen Covert for making the film possible. Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler), Sergeant Steve Downey (Kevin James), Violet Valentine (Julie Bowen), Pete Landolfa (Ray Liotta), Richie Hartman (Rob Schneider), Hubie’s Mother (June Squibb), Sergeant Blake (Kenan Thompson), DJ Auora (Shaquille O’Neal), and Walter Lambert (Steve Buscemi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While it is not an ‘I HAVE to see this movie,’ this  Halloween TV Special works as one of the better Halloween films released and readily accesses that unique Adam Sandler humor that liberally sprinkles itself to include the human element while generously sending out nice messages about the importance of community, fairness, and kindness without preaching and without 'talking down' to its audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

SECRET MAGIC CONTROL AGENCY (Theatrical Release Ukraine 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Secret Magic Control Agency—new look at the Hansel and Gretel story—easily becomes an intriguing watch for adults and an entertaining watch for children. This movie takes a new look into the Hansel & Gretel story by pushing the clock forward to when they are adults. The film script is well-written; the concept is great; and the computer animation is above average. The characters have been deeply drawn. It’s a great afternoon watch for children.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

When the King disappears, Hansel and Gretel are assigned the case.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Aleksey Tsitsilin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sergey Selyanov and Vladimir Nikolaev for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gretel (Sylvana Joyce), Hansel (Nicholas Corda), IIvira (Erica Schroeder), King (MarcThompson), Agent Stepmother (Georgette Reilly), Agent Stepdaughter (Johanna Elmina), Prime Minister (Mike Pollock), and BabaYaga (Mary O’Brady).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This animated film can work as a child/adult entertainment share movie. The voicing is terrific.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INDIAN HORSE (Toronto International Film Festival Toronto Canada 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Indian Horse—true story about the life of Saul Indian Horse—documents the life of this First Nations professional hockey player. The story is well-written with heart sprinkled throughout. Good concept. Great work for all involved in the film’s production.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A First Nations boy, forcibly removed from his home to attend public school, tells his story. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Stephen Campanelli for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Paula Devonshire, Trish Dolman, andChristine Haebler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Saul Indian Horse  (Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, Ajuawak Kapashesit), Jack Lanahan (Martin Donovan), Naomi (Edna Manitowaba), Fred Kelly (Michae lLawenchuk), Virgil (Will Strongheart), Buddy Blackwoll (Tristen Marty Pahtaykan), Ernie Jack (Vance Banzo), Father Quinney (Michael Murphy), and Father Gaston(Michiel Huisman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Be aware that this film is a hard watch as it highlights the results of forced schooling for First Nation children into dominant culture and religion. It reminds one of the Australian movie, Rabbit Proof Fence, and once again questions the wisdom of forcibly removing children from their homes, native language, and culture. The movie works more on the adult level, but would provide excellent discussion material for the family after viewing.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEGO: THE ADVENTURES OF CLUTCH POWERS (DVD Release Germany 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Lego: The Adventures of Clutch Powers—cute animation—presents nothing new in its story except that Lego figures act in this film. The movie is a simple afternoon watch that children who love Legos will enjoy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Clutch Powers, a Lego character who is a master builder, loves to explore and have adventures. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Howard Baker for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Cragnotti, Patrick Gunn, Jimmy Ienner, Lawrence Kasanoff, and Jill Wilfert for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Clutch Powers (Voice of Ryan McPartlin), Peg Mooring (Voice of Yvonne Strahovski), Kjeld Playwell (Voice of Paul Michael Glaser), Brick Masterson (Voice of Roger Rose), Bernie von  Beam/Artie Fol (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Watch Commander/Rock Powers (Voice of Gregg Berger), Mallock the Malign (Voice of Stephan Cox), Skelly (Voice of Alex Desert), and Bones (Voice of Chris Hardwick). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. It might work for the child’s watch, but for the child/adult share, both age groups will most likely find more entertainment value in The Lego Movie.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AIR STRIKE * (Theatrical Release China 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Air Strike, not the usual high-quality film one expects from Bruce Willis, has air fights that are executed well. The individual scenes and/or combination of scenes are good, but the movie is difficult to follow. The continuity is not in place so that the viewer can connect the scenes. It makes major switches to other parts of the story so that confusion reigns as to how to connect one scene to another scene. The script needs to be re-written to make sense and give each character development so that an audience cares about what happens to the characters. Read a plotline before going to understand the film while viewing.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The Chinese, during World War II, fight their way through a serious Japanese air strike to guard Chongqing. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ziao Feng for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Brooker, Jiajun Du, Halyang Jiang, Jimmy Jiang, Kimberly Kates, Zhonglun Ren, Yonghua Shao, and Stan Wertlieb for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: tou (Ye Liu), Jack (Bruce Willis), An Minxun (Song Seung-heon), Cheng Ting (William Wal-Ting Chan), Uncle Cui (Wei Fan), Zhao Chun (Gang Wu), Ding Lian (Su Ma), Yagou (Yongli Che), Xua Manguan (Yuanzheng Feng), and Olan Xue (Janine Chun Ning Chang). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This movie, despite its production in English, is not a good pick for a Chinese/Japanese war movie.

* Also Known As: Da hong zha

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FATHERHOOD (Theatrical Release France 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fatherhood—one of those films that seems like it might be good but the prospective viewer is unsure—Well! Let’s set the record straight. This film blows away any assumptions that it won’t live up to its title and its trailer. WOW! This teen/adult watch works for anyone who wants to see a classic film about parenthood. ‘No shabbiness’ here for Kevin Hart fans. Superb acting with portrayal of story completely on par. The story? Well-written. It’s a add it to the home video library as a long-term keeper.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A man’s wife dies and leaves him with an infant daughter to raise. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Weitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Reid Carolin, Jason Cloth, Betsy Danbury, Aaron Gilbert, Carli Haney, Jaclyn Huntling, Isaac Klausner, Bryan Smiley, and Channing Tatum for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Matt Logelin (Kevin Hart), Marion (Alfre Woodard), Jordan (Lil Rel Howery), Swan (DeWanda Wise), Maddy Logelin (Melody Hurd), Howard (Paul Reiser), Oscar (Anthony Carrigan), and Anna (Thedra Porter). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a one-of-a-kind-winner that finally gives some recognition to a father’s love for his children. Grand film, worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (Theatrical Release USA 1942)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Pride of the Yankees—little gem, easy to miss—brings attention to the disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), but places the main focus on the life of Lou Gehrig from his early years to his retirement.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline 

The story of Lou Gehrig. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Sam Wood for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Samuel Goldwyn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lou Gehrig (Gary Cooper), Eleanor Gehrig (Teresa Wright), Babe Ruth (Babe Ruth), Sam Blake (Walter Brennan), Hank Hanneman (Dan Duryea), Mom Gehrig (Elsa Janssen), and Pop Gehrig (Ludwig Stössel). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Originality and heart. Good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers