DR. DOLITTLE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Doctor Dolittle 2—could be interpreted as an environmental message movie—shows the same Eddie Murphy comedy that the first Doctor Dolittle movie did. The highlight of the movie is the rehabilitation of a performing bear into the wilderness life.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Dr. Dolittle effects environmental efforts to make place in the forest for wild animals and to rehabilitate a domesticated bear to the wild. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steve Carr for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Davis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy), Lisa Dolittle (Kristen Wilson), Joseph Potter (Jeffrey Jones), Jack Riley (Kevin Pollak), Charisse Dolittle (Raven-Symone), Maya Dolittle (Kyla Pratt), Eric (Lil Zane), Eldon (James Avery), Eldon’s Wife (Elayne Taylor), Eugene Wilson (Andy Richter), and Logger (Mark Griffin). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has its comedic moments and is a somewhat interesting film to watch.

 

Ben Meyers

EIGHT ON THE LAM (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Eight on the Lam—better than many comedies showing in the year 2022—has Bob Hope waltzing his audience down a sweet little road with a well-written script and good acting. It’s a low-budget production but works as a clean comedy piece with some suggestive scenes toward the end of the film. The movie can serve as a fair family watch and as a short introduction to the comedy of both Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A bank teller comes under accusation of theft. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bill Lawrence for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Henry Dimsdale (Bob Hope), Golda (Phyllis Diller), Police Sergeant Jasper Lynch  (Jonathan Winters), Ellie Barton (Shirley Eaton), Monica (Jill St. John), Linda (Stacey Gregg), Steve (Kevin Brodie), Mike (Robert Hope), Andy (Glenn Gilger), Dana (Avis Hope), Lois (Debi Storm), Mark (Michael Freeman), and Mr. Pomeroy (Austin Willis). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves as an easy-on-the-mind film that can be running as a good party backdrop movie or a light afternoon watch. It is not a film that needs re-watching because ‘one gets the basic story’ the first time through and there is no depth of storyline to follow. Watch for comedian Phyllis Diller who serves as the offset to Bob Hope’s humor. It is a good study for anyone involved in academic studies of sixties films. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DOCTOR DOLITTLE* (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Doctor Dolittle—remake of the 1967 film of the same name—has strong comedic elements that run at the border’s edge of what is and is not acceptable for children or adults. It is simply written, and children will catch most of the comedic dialogue and enjoy the very good animation of all animals. The movie fleshes out well with enough animals, venues, and humans to make a worthy and relatable story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Dr. Dolittle finds his childhood ability to talk to animals has returned. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Betty Thomas for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Davis, David Friendly, and Joseph Singer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Dolittle (Eddie Murphy), Grandpa Dolittle )Ossie Davis), Dr. Mark Weller (Oliver Platt), Mr. Calloway (Peter Boyle), Lisa Dolittle (Kristen Wilson), Maya Dolittle (Kyla Pratt), Charisse Dolittle (Raven Symone), Dr. Fish (Jeffrey Tambour), Dr. Gene Reiss (Richard Schiff), Dr. Sam Litvack (Steven Gilborn), Lucky (Dolittle’s Dog), Rodney (Chris Rock), Dog (Royce Applegate), Jake (Albert Brooks), Pig (Hamilton Camp), Orangutan (Jim Dean), and Dog (Ellen DeGeneres). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is fun but edgy in some dialogue and humor.

Also Known as: Dr. Dolittle

Video Critique Available Here:

 
Ben Meyers 

CATS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì 

Cats has everything that marks the long-standing, classic performance but does not attain the mark of excellence. It works cold with its slim storyline and repetitive theme, almost as if its creator did not have enough imaginative genesis to create the broad range and depth of story and characterization needed in a fantasy of this proportion. The audience may feel refunds are justified before the show has gotten even ten minutes into its story. This movie is an excellent academic study on a film that has everything and manages to fail anyway. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Cats interact to determine place in life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom Hooper for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Debra Hayward, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Tom Hooper for making the film possible.  Characters/cast include: Victoria (Francesca Hayward), Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench), Mystery Cat (Idris Elba), Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson), Mistoffelees (Laurie Davidson), Munkustrap (Robbie Fairchild), Jennyanydots (Rebel Wilson), Bustopher (James Cordon), Rum Tum (Jason Derulo), Asparagus (Ian McKellen), Bombalurina (Taylor Smith), Skimbleshanks (Steven McRae), and Mungojerrie (Danny Collins). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie borders on exotic with its all-star cast, outstanding makeup and costuming, terrific musical lyrics, and more than good dancing and choreography. But, it lacks earthiness and soul. In that lack, the movie becomes less than the great watch it should have been. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (Theatrical Release USA 1964)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Unsinkable Molly Brown—biopic—tells a fictionalized version of the life of Margret Brown, a wealthy American socialite. The musical fills itself with the energy of Debbie Reynolds and Harve Presnell. Terrific supporting cast and a thoughtfully written storyline completes this story of love and hope. Lots of heart. Great story to see and love forever. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Molly Brown fights to move from poverty to wealth and status. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Charles Walters for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lawrence Weingarten for making the film possible. Characters/cast include:  Molly Brown (Debbie Reynolds), Johnny Brown (Harve Presnell), Seamus Tobin (Ed Begley), Christmas Morgan (Jack Kruschen), Buttercup (Hermione Baddeley), Prince Louis de Laniere (Vassili Lambrinos), Grand Duchess (Martita Hunt), Polak (Harvey Lembeck), Daphne (Maria Kamilova), and Gladys (Audrey Christie). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Classic movie that does not need a remake. It stands through time as it is. Wonderful watch completely deserves its addition to the family home video library. WOW! Fun watch. A treat for everyone. Terrific musical score and dancing routines. Wonderful conclusion with a ‘hit it home’ message that is well received. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

TARZAN AND THE TRAPPERS (Television Release USA 1966)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Tarzan and the Trappers—aged presentation of the Tarzan story—needs restoration. This black and white film is beginning to fade into a light white. The camerawork is poor, the set design sparse, and the audio less than satisfactory. It is what it is and may be useful if one has interest in viewing a 1966 low-budget film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Tarzan attempts to avoid persons who desire to trap him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Charles Haas, Sandy Howard, and H. Humberstone for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Sol Lesser for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Tarzan (Gordon Scott), Jane (Eve Brent), Tartu (Rickie Sorensen), Schroeder (Lesley Bradley), Rene (Maurice Marsac), Commissioner Brandini (Bruce Lester), Tribesman (Naaman Brown), Tribesman (Paul Thompson), Tribesman (Carl Christian), Sikes (Sol Gorss), Lapin (William Keene), Tyana (Sherman Crothers), Witch Woman (Madame Sul-Te-Wan), Sikes’ Henchman (Paul Stader), and Tribesman (Don Blackman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie shows its age in presentation as it panders to an audience who has not traveled or been able to watch exotic animals even within the confines of a zoo. It serves more on the level of an academic watch than as entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

DEATH ON THE NILE (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1978)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Death on the Nile—suspenseful and yet, easy-on-the-mind—presents an all-star cast. The film has some plot holes near the end of the movie, but it is well written enough that it almost does not matter. The movie follows the usual Hercule Poirot’s manner of solving mysteries. Watch for Maggie Smith, Jack Warden, and Peter Ustinov, welcome additions to the cast.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Detective Poirot tracks a murder.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Guillermin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Brabourne and Richard B. Goodwin for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov), Louise Bourget (Jane Birkin), Linnet Doyle (Lois Chiles), Marie Van Schuyler (Bette Davis), Jacqueline de Bellefort (Mia Farrow), James Ferguson (Jon Finch), Rosalie Otterbourne (Olivia Hussey), Andrew Pennington (George Kennedy), Salome Otterbourne (Angela Lansbury), Simon Doyle (Simon MacCorkindale), Colonel Race (David Niven), and Miss Bowers (Maggie Smith). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Know there is a 2022 remake of Death on the Nile that accesses the talents of Kenneth Branagh for the role of Hercule Poirot. This 1978 version has its own flavor that takes the audience down an easy path of a traditional mystery solution. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHAT’S IN A NAME * (Internet Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

What’s in a Name—actually quite good short film for a stand-up speech—presents a bit of amusement along with honesty about the ideals of freedom of speech and expression and the importance of education. It is worth its watch, if for nothing else, than seeing a person courageously speaking his mind to an audience in a most straightforward manner. The speech, given at Duke Ellington School of Arts, ends on the humblest of notes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Comedian Dave Chappelle responds to the desire of Duke Ellington to name their arts school after him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to David Chappelle for making the film possible by providing content. Thank you to Netflix for providing venue to broadcast this speech.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This speech at Duke Ellington School of Arts is well put together and with its occasional light humor becomes a great work for all involved in its production. 

*Also Known As: Dave Chappelle: What’s in a Name—Speech at Duke Ellington School of Arts

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BIRTH OF THE DRAGON (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Birth of the Dragon moves beyond the traditional martial arts film presentation and educates the audience about the mindset necessary to perform the arts at their highest level. This excellent warrior movie easily earns its watch due to 1) storyline, 2) action and fight scenes, 3) the introduction to one of Bruce Lee’s teachers, and 4) a broad view of Chinese underground operations. The film opens well and closes well. Thought provoking. Some critics have lamented the introduction of highly fictious material into the basic storyline. Do not let that deter a watch. It easily earns the monetary and time investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Bruce Lee gets instruction from a martial arts instructor about the spirit behind the martial arts. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to George Nolfi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael London, Janice Williams, James Pang, and Leo Shi Young for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Bruce Lee (Philip Wan-lung Ng), Wong Jack-Man (Xia Yu), Auntie Blossom (Jin Xing), Xiulan Quan (Qu Jingjing), Steve McKee (Billy Magnussen), Tony Yu (Ron Yuan), Frankie Chen (Terry Chen), and Sonny Lo (Vanness Wu). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie supports itself on some of the best martial arts action scenes in the business. The storyline is superb. Don’t miss this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Dark Knight Rises seems to have tried to achieve epic status by making a movie that is nearly 3 hours long. The movie needs a cutter who can ruthlessly cut about an hour out of the final product. That severe editing will make this slow-running film pick up pace, cut the boredom, and allow a quicker ‘cut to the chase’ which occupies most of the last 40 minutes of the film. The saving grace of the last 40 minutes leads to a satisfying conclusion, but it takes too long to get there.  The movie is what it is and for Batman fans, it looks like this movie could be the last in the series. Despite its plodding storyline, fans most likely will desire to finish the series.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Batman works to foil evil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan’s directing effort. Thank you to Producers Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, and Charles Roven for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale), Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), James Gordon (Gary Oldman), Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), Bane (Tom Hardy), Miranda Tate/Talia al Ghul (Marion Cotillard), Young Talia (Joey King), John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Batman movie is not as good as the first two Batman films and does not rate as high as Batman Begins. But, it will hold the interest of Batman film buffs who will most likely find it worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

                                                                                                                    

Ben Meyers

THE GREAT WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì 

The Great War—weak presentation that relies on a stage setting that varies little throughout the film—does not do justice to the story it has to tell.  While one recognizes Ron Perlman, the other actors do not have a commanding presence that creates the commanding performance. The plotline is shallowly developed and the reasoning for the final fight seems irresponsible, tasteless, and wasteful. There is little to recommend here other than the use of High Definition video that creates crystal clear video imagery. 

Storyline 

WWI soldiers fight up to the last minute that the war officially ends. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Luke for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Luke and Andre Relis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include:  Captain William Rivers (Bates Wilder), Sergeant Allistor Richardson (Aaron Courteau), Private John Cain (Hiram Murray), Colonel Jack Morrison (Billy Zane), General Pershing (Ron Perlman), Private Cardinni (Edgar Damatian), Private Pinchelli  (Judah McFadden), Corporal Anson Kirby (Andrew Stecker), Private O’Malley (Cody Fleury), and Captain Stevens (Jeremy Pereira). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. A better war flick is Saving Private Ryan with Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A CASTLE FOR CHRISTMAS (Theatrical Release World-Wide 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

A Castle for Christmas—Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes—serves okay entertainment, presents nothing new, and seems bland throughout. It is crowded out by other holiday films such as The Christmas Chronicles, Director Ron Howard‘s  How the Grinch Stole Christmas,  Illumination Studios’ The Grinch or A Christmas Story, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life. These movies have more entertainment value than this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A high-profile author decides to retrace her European roots. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mary Lambert for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Brad Krevoy for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields), Myles (Cary Elwes), Thomas (Lee Ross), Maisie (Andi Osho), Helen (Tina Gray), Rhona (Eilidh Loan), Angus (Stephen Oswald), Lexi Brown (Vanessa Grasse), and Claire (Desiree Burch). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This is a light romantic movie suitable for an afternoon, adult watch. It’s a simple watch; not much new here.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MODEST HEROES (Theatrical Release Japan 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Modest Heroes—three exceptionally rich, fresh, and unrelated animated, short stories that challenge the mind and create high interest—becomes an incredible venture into different lives and the courage it would take to live any one of those lives. The animation follows the gentleness of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. This movie is labeled Volume 1 and it establishes deep desire to see a Volume 2, 3, 4…. At first watch the films do not seem to have adequate closure. But, that observation may be altered with a second viewing. This is a terrific watch for the whole family, deserves addition to the home video library, and uses a welcome format for entertainment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Three-part anthology about two anthropomorphic crab children who mature to the age to leave home, a boy with a severe egg allergy and an invisible man. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Yoshiyuki Momose, and Akihiko Yamashita for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Yoshiaki Nishimura for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kanini (Voice of Fumino Kimura), Kanino (Voice by Rio Suzuki), Toto (Voice by Masaki Terasoma), Kaka (Voice by Yuko Sasaki), Mama (Voice by Shun Yashima/Maggie Q), Shun Yashima (Voice by Sota Shinohara/Henry Kaufman), Papa (Voice by Kentaro Sakaguchi/Todd Haberkorn), Doctor (Voice by Kentaro Sakaguchi/Todd Haberkorn), Invisible Man (Voice by Joe Odagiri/Liam O’Brien), and Old Man (Voice by Min Tanaka/Mick Wingert). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Modest Heroes is subtle and works on a seldom used formatting style. It works well as the three short stories could be watched separately as bedtime stories on three separate nights or deeply enjoyed by audiences who are short on time devoted to entertainment. There are little nuances built into each story so that the complete intent of the stories may require a second viewing for deeper understanding. Good watch for both children and adult audiences.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PURPLE PLAIN (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1954)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Purple Plain—Gregory Peck—is a good movie and tells a fairly good story. The best part of this story comes after the main character’s plane crash lands. The acting quality varies throughout the film from good to suitable and back again as the movie moves along. The portrayal and the presentation are good. The writing is fair. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This war film is about a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot who is stationed in a foreign country during WWII.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Parrish for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Bryan for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Bill Forrester (Gregory Peck), Anna (Win Min Than), Flight Lieutenant Blore (Maurice Denham), Flying Officer Carrington (Lyndon Brook), Miss McNab (Brenda De Banzie), Dr. Harris (Bernard Lee), Wing Commander Aldridge (Anthony Bushell), Mrs. Forrester (Josephine Griffin), Mr. Phang (Ram Gopal), Nurse (Dorothy Alison), Flight Lieutenant (Peter Arne), Sergeant Brown (Jack McNaughton), Radio Operator (Lane Meddick), Navigator Williams (Harold Siddons), and Burmese jeweler (John Tinn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie works as a simple afternoon watch or as a background movie to play at a party.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GET ON UP (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Get On Up tells a straight up, no nonsense story about the life of pop/jazz singer James Brown from his youth to his successful career. Set in the 1950s to 2006, the movie incorporates the talents of actor Chadwick Boseman for the part of James Brown. While Boseman seems, at times, to overdo the James Brown persona (as if he is not comfortable with this persona), he does a good rendition of a hard act to follow due to the James Brown stage intensity. Watch for outstanding performances by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Dan Akroyd, Craig Ellis, and Craig Robinson. This is an adult audience film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Singer James Brown’s story from his childhood through his successful musical career. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tate Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer, Mick Jagger, Tate Taylor, and Victoria Pearman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: James Brown (Chadwick Boseman), Bobby Byrd (Nelsan Ellis), Ben Bart (Dan Aykroyd), Susie Brown (Viola Davis), Joe Brown (Lennie James), Syd Nathan (Fred Melamed),John Starks (Jamal Batiste), Maceo Parker (Craig Robinson), Dee-Dee Jenkins (Jill Scott), Aunt Honey Washington (Octavia Spencer), Big Junior (Atkins Estimond), Ralph Bass (Josh Hopkins), Little Richard (Brandon Mychal Smith), Yvonne Fair (Tika Sumpter), and Vicki Anderson (Aunjanue Ellis). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a well written story and gives a strong presentation of the music that James Brown was most famous for among his fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

LINEWATCH (DVD Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Linewatch—Cuba Gooding, Jr.—incorporates many twists and turns into its platform to take its audience on a WOW! gritty movie about the Border Patrol. Cuba Gooding, Jr. does not fail at any point to deliver a serious thriller performance that keeps the audience on the edge of its seat. The story is well-written and worth every dollar of its ticket purchase.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Border Patrol officers find a coyote vehicle abandoned with no surviving aliens in the cargo area. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kevin Bray for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brad Krevoy, Reuben Liber, and Karri O’Reilly for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Michael Dixon (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), Kimo (Omari Hardwick), Little Boy (Evan Ross), Warren Kane (Dean Norris), Cook (Malieek Straughter), Stokes (AMG), Angela Dixon (Sharon Leal), Luis (Omar Paz Trujillo), and Spencer (Chris Browning). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is very well put together. The movie is a gritty and intense watch for the adult audience.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers