HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA (Video Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Hotel Transylvania Transformania—fourth in the Hotel Transylvania series—loses much of the appeal of the first three films. It lacks originality and personality. Adam Sandler does not reprise his role as Dracula nor does Kevin James come back as Frankenstein. Younger audiences who have followed the series to this point may enjoy this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Count becomes a human and his son-in-law becomes a monster. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Derek Drymon and Jennifer Kluska for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Selena Gomez, Michelle Murdocca, and Genndy Tartakovsky for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jonathan (Voice of Andy Samberg), Mavis (Voice of Selena Gomez), Ericka (Voice of Kathryn Hahn), Van Helsing (Voice of Jim Gaffigan), Wayne (Voice of Steve Buscemi), Wanda (Voice of Molly Shannon), Griffin (Voice of David Spade), Murray (Voice of Keegan Michael Key), and Dracula (Voice of Brian Hull). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The first three films in the series are better than this movie. The series seems to have run out of storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

HOME TEAM (Netflix Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Home Team—WOW! What a way to kick off the 2022 football season!—proves, beyond any doubt, that Kevin James can pull drama out of his skill sets as easily as he pulls comedy. Don’t expect comedy from this film. Expect a very good, hardcore football coach who knows how to win and gets wins out of any team he coaches. Watch for Taylor Lautner. Outstanding performances by the supporting cast.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

When a head coach gets suspended from coaching for a year, he goes home to coach his son’s team. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Charles and Daniel Kinnane for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Bernardi, Todd Lewis, and Judit Maull for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Sean Payton (Kevin James), Troy Lambert (Taylor Lautner), Jamie (Rob Schneider), Beth (Jackie Sandler), and (Gary Valentine). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Very, very well-done sports movie. Excellent watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

PUSH (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Push—great concept—chooses to cast Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning together. It’s magic onscreen especially with a second duo of Camille Belle and Djimon Hounsou. The film involves the mind and an audience can easily miss story points if not carefully watching. Good entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl in Hong Kong must be found before authorities find her. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul McGuigan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Bourla,  Amy Gilliam, Michael Ohoven, Gretchen Somerfeld, David Valleau, and Stan Wlodkowski for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Young Nick (Colin Ford), Nick’s Father (Joel Gretsch), Henry Carver (Djimon Hounsou), Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning), Division Doctor (Robert Tsonos), Division Doctor (Brandon Rhea), Kira Hudson (Camilla Belle), Victor Budarin (Neil Jackson), Nick Grant (Chris Evans), and Dice Man (Kai Cheung Leung). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie, easily rewatchable, tantalizes the intellect and serves intrigue well. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

SAM CADE (Television Movie Release 1972)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Sam Cade plays like a television movie rather than a theatrical release and is indeed a compilation of episodes from Cade’s County television series. Despite reliance on the weaker television-type entertainment, this compiled movie shows strong performance by Ed Asner and the straightforward performance of Glenn Ford. The film footage is aged and in need of repair, but not unwatchable.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Sam Cade becomes the assassination target of mobsters. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marvin Chomsky for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Charles Larson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Edward Asner, Edgar Buchanan, Betty Ann Carr, Sandra Ego, Glenn Ford, Peter Ford, Taylor Lacher, Darren McGavin, and Loretta Swit. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves as light afternoon entertainment fare.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Beneath the Planet of the Apes—nearly as good as the Charlton Heston introductory version of this story— serves as a good sequel to that movie. The storyline has been well-written. Watch for Charlton Heston in this film as well as James Franciscus. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Upon return to planet Earth, a space traveler finds apes in control of the surface. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ted Post for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Arthur Jacobs for making the possible. Characters/cast include: Brent (James Franciscus), Zira (Kim Hunter), Dr. Zajus (Maurice Evans), Nova (Linda Harrison), Mendez (Paul Richards), Fat Man (Victor Buoames Gregory). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie compliments the first film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED TAILS (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Red Tails quickly turns into an above average war movie watch with its terrific and memorable flying scenes, daring sky manuevers, and reliance on bringing some little known World War II history to the forefront of public consciousness. The movie introduces several new black actors for 2012 as well as tapping veteran actors like Cuba Gooding Jr. The film deserves its watch. Watch for Brian Cranston in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Red Tails quickly earn the respect of their peers for their courage and willingness to take on air missions labeled as impossible. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Anthony Hemingway for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers George Lucas and Ales Komarek for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Colonel A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard), Major Emanuelle Stance (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Marty Julian (Nate Parker), Joe Little (David Oyelowo(, Ray Gannon (Tristan Mack Wilds), Andrew Salem (Ne-Yo), Samuel George (Elijah Kelley), David Watkins (Marcus Paulk), Decian Hall (Leslie Odom Jr.), Maurice Wilson (Michael B. Jordan), and Leon Edwards (Kevin Phillips). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is very worthy of its watch. It’s well-written and flows well.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANGELA’S CHRISTMAS WISH * (Internet Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Angela’s Christmas Wish Part 2—animated short film—has charm, heart, and innocence built into its sweet story. The well-done computer animation relies on characters that appeal to human sympathy. A good childrens’ watch that can be equally appreciated by the adult audience. Peaceful bedtime story that can be shared. The film has universal appeal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Angela unites her family at holiday time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Damien O’Connor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Vince Commisso, Cathal Gaffney, Ellen McCourt, Darragh O’Connell, Natalie Osborne, and Jenna Stacey for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Young Angela (Voice of Anya O’Connor), Mother (Voice of Ruth Negga), Father (Voice of Moe Dunford), Angela (Voice of Lucy O’Connell), Pat (Voice of Brendan Mullins), Mrs. Blake/Librarian (Voice of Janet Moran), Aggie (Voice of Shona Hamil), and Tom (Voice of Oscar Butler). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. A simple story that produces a feel good emotion. 

*Also Known As: Angela’s Christmas 2 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

NIGHTBOOKS (Internet Release 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Nightbooks—creepy flick for horror movie fans—serves fresh, creative entertainment fare that expands on the Hansel and Gretel fairytales. The costuming, makeup, background staging, and special effects are especially outstanding and original. Terrific new acting talent coming up can be seen in the character interpretations performed by Winslow Fegley and Lydia Jewett. The movie moves along well with no flagging in entertainment value.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young horror writer comes into contact with a real witch. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Yarovesky for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rob Tapert and Jeanette Volturno for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Alex (Winslow Fegley), Mom (Jess Brown), Dad (Mathieu Bourassa), Natacha (Krysten Ritter), Lenore (Cleo/Trixie), Yasmin (Lidya Jewett), and Todd (Luxton Handspiker). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie appeals to the intellect and imagination. It deserves its monetary investment and the time taken to watch it.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WONDER MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1945)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Wonder Man—cute, simple story—uses an old technique of one actor playing two parts, a brother and his twin, to tell its story. As used in this movie, it works very well as the two brothers have completely different personalities and lifestyles and thus gives Danny Kaye a wide range in which to display his talent. While not a belly laugh type of comedy, the movie does serve fare for a good chuckle here and there. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The ghost of a murdered man comes back to help his brother solve the murder. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bruce Humberstone for directing effort. Thank you to Samuel Goldwyn for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Edwin Dingle/Buzzy Bellew (Danny Kaye), Ellen Shanley (Virginia Mayo), Midge Mellon (Vera-Ellen), Monte Rossen (Donald Woods), Schmidt (S.Z. Sakall), Chimp (Allen Jenkins), Torso (Edward Brophy), Ten Grand Jackson (Steve Cochran), and District Attorney (Otto Kruger). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is an especially good study of the comedic talents of Danny Kaye as well as the acting abilities of Vera Ellen (White Christmas). For Danny Kaye fans, the movie serves as perfect entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

 

Ben Meyers

BURNING (Video Release Australia 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Burning—documentary about Australia on fire—graphically records fire devastation to landscape and to human/animal habitat. The camera crew does an outstanding job addressing the effects of fire. The documentary needs to increase effectiveness by addressing power line arcing, human error, eucalyptus forest's high volatility, and controlled burnings that can escape along with a thorough examination of the history of fire in Australia rather than focus on this event as a phenomena rather than a regular feature of this land. The movie comes off as a message movie due to this failure. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A documentation of Australia’s 2019/2020 fires. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Eva Orner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Howard Owens and Ben Silverman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include:  Scott Morrison, Daisy Jeffrey, Bruce Pascoe,  Rebecca Mcgowan, Mary Ayliffe, Roly Stokes, and Michael Harrington. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The film continually contributes the cause of the 2019/2020 fires to climate change, but fails to address adequately the fact that these fires have occurred for millions of years in Australia and are a regular feature of the landscape. Another failure is the movie offers little practical advice about preventing or at least diminishing the repetition of this event. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

SLAPPY AND THE STINKERS (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Slappy and The Stinkers—made as a simple child/adult watch—gives its audience nothing new. Children may like it better than adults, but the script writer adds  language that precludes the child viewing. The acting runs on an up and down good to average scale throughout. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A sea lion comes under the care of a small gang who try to set it free. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Barnet Kellman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Martha W. Chang for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Morgan Brinway (BD Wong), Roy (Bronson Pinchot), Harriet (Jennifer Coolidge), Sonny (Joseph Ashton), Domino (Gary LeRoi Gray), Witz (Carl Lindner), Loaf (Trevis Tedford), and Lucy (Scarlett Pomers), and Spencer Dane Sr. (David Dukes). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie runs slowly on a story that blares “I’ve seen this before” and “I got this message already” theme.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

SISTER ACT (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Sister Act—great performance by Whoopi Goldberg—ranks among the better and more enjoyable film productions. The movie provides a well-balanced mixture of good musical entertainment, some intrigue, comedy, and a welcome conclusion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A nightclub singer hides in a convent to get away from the mob. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Emile Ardilino for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Scott Rudin for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Deloris (Whoopi Goldberg), Mother Superior (Maggie Smith), Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy), Mary Robert (Wendy Makkena), Mary Lazarus (Mary Wickes), Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), Eddie Southern (Bill Nunn), Joey (Robert Miranda), and Willy (Richard Portnow). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie does have sexual references, but generally delivers good entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

ADVENTURES OF THE WILDERNESS FAMILY 3* (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Adventures of the Wilderness Family 3—good family film—runs on the same quality levels as its two prequel films. It retains its casting and seems to give a bit more screen time to George ‘Buck’ Flower than the previous films. The movie serves as a simple, easy-on-the-mind piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The family’s right to live in the wilderness becomes threatened by government authority. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jack Couffer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arthur Dubs and Fred R. Krug for making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: Skip Robinson (Robert Logan), Pat Robinson (Susan Damante-Shaw), Jenny Robinson (Heather Rattray), Toby Robinson (Ham Larsen), and Boomer (George Buck Flower). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the third film in the series…a family friendly watch. 

*Also known as: Mountain Family Robinson 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

 

Ben Meyers

THE WATER MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Water Man works to some extent due to the direction and acting of David Oyelowo and the rising, new talent of  Lonnie Chavis, who did a great portrayal of character Gunner Boone, along with his co-star Amiah Miller who caught the spirit of a drifter, perfectly. The only real criticism would come from the movie’s lack of a conclusion with a resolution. The movie serves as a teen/adult watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young boy teams with a young girl to find the Waterman, a mythological life form, who supposedly holds the secret to immortality. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Oyelowo for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Oyelowo, Carla Gardini, Shivani Rawat, and Monica Levinson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Amos Boone (David Oyelowo), Mary Boone (Rosario Dawson), Gunner Boone (Lonnie Chavis), Josephine Riley (Amiah Miller), Jim Bussey (Alfred Molina), Mrs. Bakemeyer (Jessica Oyelowo), Drowned Man (Kenny Powell), and Sheriff Goodwin (Maria Bello). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

 Yes. It’s great to see David Oyelowo in film again.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAND OF THE LOST (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Land of the Lost performs on the level of average to good entertainment. Because of the addition of Will Ferrell, the audience may expect more from this movie, but the film  does not deliver according to expectations. Watch for the appearance of Matt Lauer from the Today show. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A scientist disappears into a world of dinosaurs. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brad Silberling for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Julie Darmody, Ryan Kavanaugh, Daniel Lupi, Brad Silberling, and Adam McKay for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), Holly Cantrell (Anna Friel), Will Stanton (Danny McBride), Chaka (Jorme Taccone), Enik (John Boylan), and Matt Lauer (Matt Lauer). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie could have moved into better entertainment if the adult sexual references had been edited out. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

ALPHA AND OMEGA: JOURNEY TO BEAR KINGDOM (DVD Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Alpha and Omega: Journey to Bear Kingdom—short film—has more action and force than the previous Alpha and Omega movies…almost as if trying to make a great closure to the series. However, in the series of 8 films, the fourth movie continues to stand as the best in the series. Alpha and Omega followers will not be disappointed.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 The pups must once again rescue Kate and Humphrey.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Maltby for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers R.K. Chand, Steve Rosen, Liz Young, and Mike Young for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kate/Stinky (Voice of Kate Higgins), Humphrey (Voice of Ben Diskin), Runt (Voice of Debi Derryberry), Claudette (Voice of Marieve Herington), Paddy/Marcel/King/Louis/Claw (Voice of Christopher Smith), Queen (Voice of Erin Fitzgerald), Princess Canue/Magpie (Voice of G.K. Bowes), and Strom/King Rogue/Evan (Voice of Joshua Tomar).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is the last film, to date, in the Alpha and Omega series. It runs along the same storyline, format, and animation as its predecessor films.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE EXTRAORDINARY TALE OF WILLIAM BUCKLEY: THE GREAT UNTOLD STORY OF AUSTRALIA’S ROBINSON CRUSOE (Television Release Australia 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Extraordinary Tale of William Buckley: The Great Untold Story of Australia’s Robinson Crusoe—short documentary—tells how Melbourne, Australia got started in the early 1800s. The story runs into incredible as it examines 30 years of William Buckley’s life as a prisoner deported to Australia who escapes prison life and lives in the bush. The authentic performances, the excellent camera work, and the well-outlined story mark this documentary as well worth watching.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The dramatized biography of William Buckley and how he adapted to Australian Aboriginal life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Malcolm McDonald for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steve Amezdroz and Tony Wright for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Narrator (Michael Cathcart), William Buckley (Jean-Marc Russ), John Morgan (Chris Haywood), Buckley Family Woman (Sifora Durrurrnga), Buckley Family Brother (Angus Pilakuj), Buckley Family Cousin (Jamie Gulpilil), Buckley Family Girl (Alana O’Ryan), Wathaurong Woman #1 (Francis Daingangan), Watharong Woman #2 (Sylvia Gurralpa), Wathaurong Man #1 (Mark Malabirr), and Mathaurong Man #2 (Graham Gunurilee), 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Informative and easily earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers