BIRDS OF PARADISE (Theatrical Release Argentina 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Birds of Paradise—great concept for animated movie—does not coordinate itself well enough to establish a good movie. Not much new here. Animation and voicing need improvement.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An ordinary sparrow meets a domestic yellow canary and the adventure is on as they explore a new world of freedom. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Daniel De Felippo and Gustavo Giannini for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gustavo Giannini, Carlos Salvatore, and Mychal Simka for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jack (Drake Bell), Old Buzzard (Keith David), Vinnie (Ken Jeong), Skeeter (Jon Lovitz), Rosie (Jane Lynch), and Aurora (Ashley Tisdale). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie is colorful, but it fails to entertain.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOWL FROM BEYOND THE FOG (Atami Kaiju Film Festival Atami Japan 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Howl From Beyond the Fog—unusually creative puppet movie—does not have puppets with mouths that move, but the way this team uses its choreography, it does not matter. Japanese voicing is well-chosen and well supported with good English subtitles. This is a great short film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A blind girl fights for her retention of family lands and receives unexpected help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Daisuke Sato for directing effort. Thank you to LosGatos Works production company for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Eiji (Voice of Suguru Inoue), Nagisa (Voice of Nana Nagao), Inami (Voice of Michiyo Ishimito), Takiri (Voice of Akane Kanamori), and Nebula (Voice of Tomohiro Matsumoto). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Creative Japanese team creates a good monster short movie. Watch for the ending of the film that contains background information on how the water monster was made and marketed. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

SEABISCUIT (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Seabiscuit—unusually well done—teaches as well as entertains. It has an unexpected casting mix that one may expect to fail onscreen: Chris Cooper, Jeff Bridges, and Tobey McGuire. But it is a dynamite trio that completes each scene with realism and professionalism that lures its audience into sitting back and enjoying the show. The message that broken things can be mended whether they are human or animal and that one does not give up on life is particularly welcome and well presented. It’s an inspirational watch that revolves around ‘the little horse that could’. This movie deserves its addition to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Inspiring story of a horse that is too small, a jockey who is too big, a horse trainer who has hit bottom, and a Buick car salesman who believes that such an impossible set of circumstances does not determine failure. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gary Ross for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Gary Ross, and Jane Sindell for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: John Pollard (Tobey Maguire), Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges), Tom Smith (Chris Cooper), Marcela Howard (Elizabeth Banks), George Woolf (Gary Stevens), Tick Tock McLaughlin (Willliam Macy), Samuel Riddle (Eddie Jones), and Narrator (David McCullough). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This earns its place in the winner’s circle. Inspiring watch that works well for a family. Teaches an important ethical principal. Wonderful work for all involved. Thank you for a great watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Jack and the Beanstalk—Abbott and Costello—places a nicely done twist on the original Jack and the Beanstalk story. This cute and simple film serves a little comedy with a straightforward storyline that makes a light, afternoon watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Abbott and Costello live a version of the Jack and the Beanstalk story. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jean Yarbrough for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alex Gottlieb, Pat Costello, Bud Abbott, and Lou Costello for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Mr. Dinkle (Bud Abbott), Jack (Lou Costello), The Receptionist (Dorothy Ford), Police Sergeant Riley (Buddy Baer), Eloise Larkin (Shaye Cogan), Donald Larkin (David Stollery), Arthur (James Alexander), The King (William Farnum), Patrick the Harp (Arthur Shields), Johnny Conrad and Dancers, and Farm Animals (Mel Blanc). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie shows its age. For an academic study of the Abbott and Costello team or for an audience who deeply appreciates the comedic routines of Abbot and Costello, the movie has value.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

INTO THE INFERNO (Netflix Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Into the Inferno—Werner Herzog documentary—Wow! Bravo! Top notch in its presentation, thoroughness, and camera work. The documentary weaves the past, the present, and the future into one seamless, unapologetic bond. It acknowledges the reckless along with the wise. It uplifts folklore and binds it with science. It unites the spectacular with the sufficient. The documentary establishes the realities of our world, polarity, and makes it all...all right…for all the different ways we cope according to our understanding. It takes a dip into the late Maurice and Katia Krafft’s lives while allowing Clive Oppenheimer full access to living explication…uniting death with life. This is an amazing piece of work…pragmatic is too weak of a word to describe this amazing work. This movie works at a high level of culture and offsets it with the mundane. Watch for the tour of North Korea…even that inclusion is an artistic juxtaposition of power with power-less-ness.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A thorough look at vulcanism from the scientific viewpoint, from the religious viewpoint, and from the ‘facts known’ viewpoint. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Werner Herzog for directing effort. Thank you to Producers André Singer and Lucki Stipetic for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This documentary does a beautiful job of weaving the past with the present and the future in one seamless, timeful presentation that neither offends nor apologizes. It accomplishes unification of opposites with no messages attached...artistically creative with the most unlikely of subject matter.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALMOST AN ANGEL (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Almost an Angel—Paul Hogan—presents a kindly, easy-on-the-mind entertainment piece that is not a Crocodile Dundee film but still shows creativity and originality. It’s not the best of films but there is no lack in acting skill and the script has been straight forwardly written.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A small-time crook meets God. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Cornell for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Cornell for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Terry Dean (Paul Hogan), Steve Garner (Elias Koteas), Rose Garner (Linda Kozlowski), Mrs. Garner (Doreen Lang), Father (Douglas Seale), Irene Bealeman (Ruth Warshawsky), George Bealeman (Parley Baer), and Detective Sergeant Freebody (Michael Alldredge). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good flick for adults. Be aware that the movie does contain some sexual references.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GAMERA VS BARUGON (Theatrical Release USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Gamera Vs Barugon—second installment of the Japanese Gamera movie series—does not have the well thought out orderliness and presents many concluding scenes weakly as compared to the first Gamera movie. The Barugon shows what Japan had to offer in 1966 special effects. Overall, the film provides a fair watch for monster movie fans.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The Gamera conflicts with the Barugon. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Shigeo Tanaka for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Masaichi Nagata and Hidemasa Nagata for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Keisuke Hirata (Kojiro Hongo), Karen (Kyōko Enami), Kawajiri (Yuzō Hayakawa), Dr. Satō (Takuya Fujioka), Onodera (Koji Fujiyama), Ichirō Hirata (Akira Natsuki), Dr.Matsushita (Ichirō Sugai), Self Defense Force General (Bontarō Miake), and (Self-defense Force Commander (Jutarō Hōjō). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. If one likes to watch series movies, this one is the next to watch in the Gamera series.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED JOAN (Theatrical Release UK 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Red Joan—interesting but not the best of stories—tells a fictional account of a woman found guilty of espionage in passing atomic bomb development secrets to Russia post WW II. Judi Dench once again shows her outstanding acting abilities in the scenes in which she appears. The story is a rough watch that revolves around her romantic involvements more than her educational accomplishments. It seems rather demeaning for educated females as it demotes the female mind to romance rather than real academic accomplishment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A young Cambridge physics major works on an atomic bomb project and becomes involved in intrigue.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Trevor Nunn for directing effort. Thank you to David Parfitt for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Joan Elizabeth Stanley (Judi Dench), Ms. Hart (Nina Sosanya), Leo Galich (Tom Hughes), Sonya (Tereza Srbova), Professor Max Davis (Stephen Campbell Moore), Attoryney Nick Stanley (Ben Miles), Freddie Gaminara, Patrick Adams (Laurence Spellman), and Peter Kjeri (Stephen Boxer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This a somewhat a good watch despite numerous sexual references and scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY NAME IS THOMAS (Theatrical Release Germany 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

My Name is Thomas—maximizes the emotion of sadness—turns into an okay film with its artistic commentary on the emotional state of a young girl on the road. This is, as of this date (2021), Terence Hill’s latest full-length film. The movie does not run comedy but runs on a depressive storyline that will not relieve any audience dealing with the problems presented onscreen with its unrelenting investigation of heart ache.  

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A man on his way to a desert helps a young girl. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Terence Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jess Hill, Paolo Luvisotti, Anselmo Parrinello, and Anna Vita for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dottoressa (Eva Basteiro-Bertoli), Maria (Francesca Beggio), Lucia (Veronica Bitto), Thomas (Terence Hill), Zia Rosario (Guia Jelo), Priore (Andy Luotto), Cameriere (Giovanni Malafronte), Max (Matt Patresi), and Dottoressa (Cinzia Susino). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film does not entertain or relieve or provide welcome relief from life challenges an audience may be facing.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

MAJOR PAYNE (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Major Payne—actor Damon Wayans—portrays the difficulty in moving from being a combat soldier into a less stressful occupation stateside teaching boys military discipline. The movie serves up a nice platter of comedy with originality and good acting. While this storyline has been investigated from several different angles through the years, this movie reaches a genuine chuckle zone more often than other movies within this storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

An active battle soldier becomes assigned to a group of boys to teach military discipline. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nick Castle for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Eric L. Gold and Michael Rachmil for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Major Payne (Damon Wayans), Emily Walburn (Karyn Parsons), Dr.Phillips (William Hickey), Cadet Alex Stone (Steven Martini), Lieutenant Colonel Stone (Michael Ironside), Cadet Dunn (Orlando Brown), General Decker (Albert Hall), Cadet Dotson (Andrew Leeds), Cadet Dwight Williams (Damien Wayans), Cadet Wuliger (Chris Owen), Cadet Fox (Mark Madison), Cadet Sergeant Johnson (Peyton Chesson-Fohl). and Cadet Leland (Stephen Coleman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie puts discipline on a different level while incorporating comedic elements into its very fiber.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

VIVO (Internet Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Vivo works in an on/off pendulum movement as it swings from a bit boring to almost okay, falters, and swings back to a bit boring. This animated entertainment piece classifies itself as a musical. Listen for some great singing by Lin Manuel Miranda as the voice/singing for Vivo.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Kinkajou determines to ensure that his master’s most important song receives its proper recognition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kirk DeMicco for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lisa Stewart, Michelle Wong, and Rich Moore for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kinkajou (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Gabi (Ynairaly), Simo), Rosa (Zoe Saldana), Andres (Juan de Marcos Gonzalez), Dancarino and Valentina (Brian Tyree Henry and Nicole Byer), Lutador (Michael Rooker), Marta (Gloria Estefan), and Bus Driver (Leslie David Baker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film might be chosen for children who may like the razzle dazzle and singing. Adults will most likely find the movie boring.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THEY CALL ME RENEGADE (Theatrical Release Greece 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

They Call Me Renegade—fun, light comedy—gets the job done for entertainment. Terence Hill serves up original action scenes as well as creative ways to consistently dodge trouble.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A drifter makes a promise to settle down for a while and takes care of a friend’s son and learns a few tricks for survival from the streetwise kid. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director E.B. Clucher for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lucio Bompant for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Luke (Terence Hill), Lawson (Robert Vaughn), Matt (Ross Hill), Moose (Norman Bowler), Ely (Donald Hodson), Tallulah (Beatrice Palme), Melody (Lisa Ann Rubin), Rachel (Valeria Sabel), Trucker (Cole McKay), and Petula (Luisa Maneri). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is an afternoon adult watch. Fun and easy-on-the-mind.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN'S 2ND (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Beethoven's 2^nd reprises the entire cast for the Newton family in their respective roles. The sequel film has a nicely themed family air while showing a family growing up. It’s fair to middling entertainment for the teen/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Beethoven acquires a ‘girlfriend’ and replicates himself X 4. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rod Daniel for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Michael Gross and Joe Mediuck for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: George Newton (Charles Grodin), Alice Newton (Bonnie Hunt), Ryce Newton (Nicholle Tom), Ted Newton (Christopher Castile), Emily Newton (Sarah Rose Karr), Regina (Debi Mazar), Floyd (Chris Penn), Taylor Devereaux (Ashley Hamilton), Seth (Danny Masterson), Janie (Catherine Reitman), Cliff Klamath (Maury Chaykin), Michelle (Heather McComb), Banker (Scott Waara), Gus (Jeff Corey), Linda Anderson (Virginia Capers), Jordan (Jordan Bond), Artur Lewis (Pat Jankiewicz), and Brillo (Kevin Dunn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film serves a teen/adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

XICO’S JOURNEY (Theatrical Release Mexico 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Xico’s Journey—animation—relies on lovely authentic scene settings that one may find in smaller Mexican villages. Read a plotline before going to increase understanding of the movie. A child may need explanation of the concept of fracking. The adult environmental/land development theme may need explication for the younger child. The movie title seems manipulative as it does not adequately represent this movie's intent and main theme. The movie has three main storyline drivers that create discord and confusion. It is not so much an entertainment animation as a message film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Fracking, business entrepreneurs, and magical events combine to establish justice for a small Mexican village. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Eric Cabello Diaz for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Cristina Pinedar, Fernando de Fuentes, and José Garcia de Letona for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Xico (Pablo Gama Iturrarán), Copi (Verónica Alva), Carmen (Verónica Castro), Nana Petra (Lila Downs), Señor Caradura (Randy Ebright), Don Viejo (Enrique Guzmán), Don Manuel (Daniel Habif), Tlacuache (Alex Lora), Lupita (Carla Medina), Cuca (Elena Poniatowska), Previer (José Miguel Pérez-Porrúa Suárez), Tochtli (Marco Antonio Solis), and Venado Azul (Victor Trujillo). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Adults may find this a good anthropological study as it mirrors an underlying cultural view that can easily be followed despite the heavy overlay of messaging from sources outside of that culture. Adults may find it mildly charming due to the quite authentic scene settings.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

HORTON HEARS A WHO! (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Horton Hears a Who!—computer animated—creates WOW! entertainment for nearly any audience. Exceptionally talented people took this simple children’s story and, unbelievably, made it into a full-length film that does not flag nor does it ‘stuff and fluff’ itself to create a movie that should have been a short film. Every minute of this full-length movie relies on the best story-telling techniques, fully developed characters, and a wonderful conclusion that completely satisfies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Horton, the elephant, hears a Who and the story is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you for Directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bob Gordon and Bruce Anderson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Horton the Elephant (Jim Carrey), Mayor McDodd (Steve Carel), Sour Kangaroo (Carol Burnett), The Chairman (Dan Fogler), Dr. Mary Lou LaRue (Isla Fisher), Tommy (Jonah Hill), Sally (Amy Poehler), Mrs. Quilligan (Jaime Pressly), JoJo (Jesse McCartney), and Helga (Selena Gomez). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie easily earns its watch. The perfect child/adult share. Don’t make a mistake and pass this one by. It is sophisticated, beautifully done entertainment that sits at the high end of the movie spectrum.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AT ETERNITY’S GATE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

At Eternity’s Gate—a WOW! film—distinguishes itself as an artistic work within itself as it slowly and quietly paints the life of Vincent van Gogh. Willem Defoe delivers an outstanding performance in his interpretation of van Gogh’s life. Just as van Gogh’s paintings uniquely capture a view of our world, this movie endeavors to match that unique view through its artistic delivery. Be aware that the movie progresses rather slowly and shows many, many scenes of van Gogh walking through landscapes looking for that which he will paint for the day. The film is complicated as was the artist’s life and often leaves the audience unsure of the path that will be chosen, but the flow on its canvas’ is so nicely done that it is as if one is strolling through life with the artist. Watch for a cameo appearance of Mads Mikkelsen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Artist Van Gogh’s inspiration, life purpose, and life path receives thorough examination and explication.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Julian Schnabel for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jon Kilik for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Vincent van Gogh (Willem Dafoe), Theo van Gogh (Rupert Friend), The Priest (Mads Mikkelsen), Dr. Paul Gachet (Mathieu Amalric), The Woman (Emmanuelle Seigner), Paul Gauguin (Oscar Isaac), Madman(Niels Arestrup), Doctor Felix Ray (Vladimir Consigny), Gaby (Stella Schnabel), Johanna van Gogh-Bonger (Amira Casar), The Director (Vincent Perez), Teacher (Anne Consigny), Artist Tambourin (Alexis Michalik), Girl on the Road (Lolita Chammah), Asylum Guard (Didier Jarre), and Aurier’s Article (Voice of Louis Garrel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie moves as many artists paint…with its own deliberateness that demands attention for its artistic presentation, definition of a life, and waits for the audience’s interpretation. An artistic effort that can be well received. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER (Theatrical Release Japan 1965)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Gamera: The Giant Monster—first movie in the Japanese Gamera series—delivers a nicely done monster tale. Note that the special effects compared to 2021 standards are amateurish and stilted but the idea of a monster turtle is quite original. The actors draw interest. The movie serves as an excellent academic study of 1960s Japanese entertainment. The film, put together well, still causes an audience to fantasize about the outcome of dealing with gigantic, fire-breathing monsters.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Arctic unleashes a huge turtle bent on venting wrath against Tokyo.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Noriaki Yuasa for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Masaichi Nagata and Hidemasa Nagata for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Hidaka (Eiji Funakoshi), Nobuyo Sakurai (Michiko Sugata), Kyoko Yamamoto (Harumi Kiritachi), Aoyagi (Junichiro Yamashita), Toshio Sakurai (Yoshiro Uchida), Mr. Sakurai (Yoshiro Kitahara), Dr. Murase (Jun Hamamura), Eskimo Chief (Yoshio Yoshido), and Japanese Ambassador (George Hirose).

Buy a ticket Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie continues the idea of Godzilla except in turtle form with the rage happening in Tokyo rather than other countries of the world. It’s a good dip into Japanese fantasy and storytelling.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers