12 STRONG (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

12 Strong has an all-star cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena, William Fitchner, and Navid Nagahban. The action scenes show the interesting juxtaposition of warriors fighting on horses while technical air support oversees their efforts with highly effective air strikes. The film has been touted as one war film Hollywood got right. It does follow a disciplined storyline and supports itself with good action scenes that are somewhat noteworthy, but despite all this the film fails to achieve the stature of movies like We Were Soldiers or Apocalypse Now. This film, however, documents an incredible battle and earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Twelve men fight to limit Taliban strength in Afghanistan. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nicolai Fuglsig for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer. Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill, and Trent Luckinbill for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), Hal Spencer (Michael Shannon), Sam Diller (Michael Pena), General A. R. Dostum (Navid Negahban), Ben Milo (Trevante Rhodes), Colonel Mulholland (William Fichtner), Sean Coffers (Geoff Stults), Vern Michaels (Thad Luckinbill), Scott Black (Ben O’Toole), Bill Bennett (Kenny Sheard), Fred Falls (Austin Stowell), Pat Essex (Austin Hebert), Charles Jones (Jack Kesy), Kevin Jackson (Kenneth Miller), and Mullah Razzan (Numan Acar). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It is watchable but needs improvement in presentation and acting.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS (Theatrical Release Italy 1970)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Garden of the Finzi-Continis encourages younger audiences to research and understand the political stance of Italy as well as the relationship between Italian leaders and Nazism during World War II. The movie is a slow burn drama with Italian language and English subtitles. It has been made for those who understand Jewish culture. Much meaning may be lost for those who are not familiar with customs and principles of that lifestyle. It presents a view of upper class living of both the bourgeoisie and merchant class levels and their intertwining in an extremely perceptive and thoughtful manner. It requires thinking and involvement as the movie moves along. Days after viewing, an audience may find minds returning to the story piecing together bits and pieces of the film into order. This movie has exceptionally graphic nudity presented at its conclusion that precludes a child’s watch. The film is made for the sophisticated, adult audience. It becomes one of those ‘need to view’ movies due to its unique ability to expand cultural dimensions. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Upper class Italian Jews face the rise of Italian Fascism. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Vittorio De Sica for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Arthur Cohn, Gianni Hecht Lucari, and Artur Brauner for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Giorgio (Lino Capolicchio), Micol (Dominique Sanda), Alberto Finzi-Contini (Helmut Berger), Giampiero Malnate (Fabio Testi), Beniamino (Romolo Valli), Ermanno Finzi-Contini (Camillo Cesarei), Olga Finzi-Contini (Katini Morisani), Regina Finzi-Contini (Inna Alexeievna), Giorgio’s mother (Barbara Pilavin), Perotti (Ettore Geri), Ernesto (Raffaele Curi), Bruno (Giampaolo Duregon), and Fanny (Marcella Gentile). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is very well put together for a niche market and may need a second watch to catch all the nuances that are tucked into its storyline. It, unfortunately, has nudity and sexual references toward the end of the film, but overall is a worthwhile watch. It presents itself in spoken Italian, French and some English with easy-to-read English subtitles. It is a better home watch than theater watch so that the film can be stopped and rewound to catch the significance of certain scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WE CAN BE HEROES (Video Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

We Can Be Heroes—cute movie that offers nothing new—shows an adult Lava Girl and Shark Boy married. One may wonder while watching this movie if we really need more superheroes than what Marvel, DC, Darkhorse Comics, and all the Japanese heroes produced. This movie runs on a weak script and seems to appeal to a young audience more than integrating itself into the adult audience as well.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The sons and daughters of superheroes come to the rescue when superheroes become disabled. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Rodriguez for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Racer Rodriguez and Robert Rodriguez for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Missy Moreno (YaYa Gosselin), Ojo (Hala Finley), Noodles (Lyon Daniels), Wild Card (Nathan Blair), Wheels (Andy Walken), A Capella (Lotus Blossom),  Slo-Mo (Dylan Henry), Guppy (Vivien Lyra Blair), Rewind (Isaiah Russell-Bailey), Fast Forward (Akira Akbar), Facemaker (Andrew Diaz), Ms. Granada (Priyanka Chopra Jones), and Anita Moreno (Adriana Barraza). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Children may like the flash and dash but adults may prefer Hellboy instead. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREEN LIGHT (Released to the San Diego International Film Festival San Diego, California, USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Green Light—short, animated film—may need a second watch to catch the full impact of the film. This short film has a simple storyline that requires some thinking about a background story that would support what is being shown on screen. Expansion into a longer film would be welcome as the two main characters are likable and their interaction works. Watch the longer version of the short film on Youtube (~16 minutes) to increase understanding and entertainment value. The animation is good and the characters’ personalities draw the audience into the story. The film has a sweet conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A robot and a girl collaborate to accomplish something wonderful. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Seongmin Kim for directing effort. Thank you to CGI and YouTube for providing venue for public viewing. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Film time and storyline need expansion to fully realize the movie's potential.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHEMISTREE (YouTube Release from the University of Dundee Scotland 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

ChemisTree—short, animated film—makes one think about the chemical processes that move vegetation from the state of barrenness to fruitfulness. The basic idea is good. The story is put together well and the animation is good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An old chemist takes a nap and a very young chemist plays with the chemistry tubes with added drops of a little of this and a little of that. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Gosia Chlopek and Lukas Gecas for directing effort. Thank you to the University of Dundee DJCAD for providing the venue to create the film. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It is creative and earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PUBLIC ENEMIES (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

 

Public Enemies—gritty, no-nonsense bio film—tells how bank robber John Dillinger rose and fell. Johnny Depp and Christian Bale are perfect as the antagonist and protagonist and infinitely increase the interest level of the storyline due to their excellent character offset. The script organizes well into a very good watch for the adult audience.  

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

This biographical drama film is about the rise and fall of John Dillinger.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Mann and Kevin Misher for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup), Homer Van Meter (Stephen Dorff), Charles Winstead (Stephen Lang), Herbert Youngblood (Michael Bentt), Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham), Red Hamilton (Jason Clarke), Harry Pierpont (David Wenham), Tommy Carroll (Spencer Garrett), Charles Makley (Christian Stolte), Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi), and Phil D’Andrea (John Ortiz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is a quality flick throughout, has been exceptionally well organized, and educates as well as entertains. The movie serves an adult audience due to sustained violence throughout and chosen subject matter.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CALL ME BWANA (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Call Me Bwana—low-grade Bob Hope film—serves best to run in the background at a party or as very light afternoon entertainment. It’s simple storyline does not require a great deal of mental involvement and it is in no way an emotional drain. It is what it is and does not apologize. There are a few minorly suggestive scenes that are typical of Bob Hope humor. The film rates a little lower than his later movie Eight on the Lam. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This comedy film is about a writer who is assumed to be an expert on a certain area of the African jungle and on a tribe that lives there.

Additional Thanks             

 Thank you to Director Gordon Douglas for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Albert Broccoli for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Matt Merriwether (Bob Hope), Luba (Anita Ekberg), Frederica (Edie Adams), Ezra Mungo (Lionel Jeffries), Himself (Arnold Palmer), Tribal Chief (Orlando Martins), First Henchman (Percy Herbert), Colonel Spencer (Paul Carpenter), Second Henchman (Al Mulock), Uta (Bari Jonson), and Williams (Peter Dyneley). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The film has relegated itself, through aging, to academic study. It is typical of several low-budget films produced during the 1960s.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 seems to be all over the place due to lack of focus and too many points of view. The film does have action but the action and animation seem to clash. The Harry Osborn character seems to be not very well thought out. The film does provide an explanation of the death of Spider-Man’s parents, but this seems to be the only real reason the film was produced and everything else is just to fill in time. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Spiderman works to keep evil away from good. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marc Webb for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Avid Arad and Matt Tolmach for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield), Young Peter Parker (Max Charles), Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone), Max Dillon (Jamie Fox), Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), Richard Parker (Campbell Scott), and Mary Parker (Embeth Davidtz). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It works to some extent and has a fair storyline but seems to be a bit convoluted in presentation.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SEA BEAST (Television Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Sea Beast becomes a movie that does not know where its target is located. This results in a weird presentation so that one ends up with a Moby Dick-type of story in the early part of the film. Then the film seems to be a message movie, then seems to switch even more to something totally different by the end of the film. The animation is good, but clarity cannot be established between the turns in the story due to lack of connectivity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This computer animated film is about a naval crew who hunt and kill sea beasts. When hunting a particularly desirable sea beast, the sea beast swallows a shipmate and a stowaway and flees.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Williams for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jed Schlanger and Chris Williams for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jacob Holland (Karl Urban), Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator), Captain Crow (Jared Harris), Sarah Sharpe (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), King (Jim Carter), Queen (Doon Mackichan), Admiral Hornagold (Dan Stevens), Gwen Batterbie (Kathy Burke), Ms. Merino (Helen Sadler), Fen (Shannon Chan-Kent), and Young Sailor (Max Mittelman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Children may like the movie, but a higher quality watch that can be enjoyed by a family is Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HUNTED (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Hunted runs on the simple, redundant storyline of gory fight scenes. Improbable survival continually and conveniently presents itself  for the antagonist so that he does not die even though the audience may long for him to die early on in the movie. Tommy Lee Jones has a certain welcome screen presence that is expected but seems either diminished here or lacking…almost as if he is not feeling well during this filming. The venues for each scene are unique and well-chosen. A storyline is lacking. The conclusion leaves one feeling as if the story is not done. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Two state-of-the-art killers fight each other. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director William Friedkin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ricardo Mestres and James Jacks  for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: L. T. Bonham (Tommy Lee Jones), Sergeant Aaron Hallam (Benicio del Toro), FBI Special Agent Abby Durrell (Connie Nielsen), Irene Kravitz (Leslie Stefanson), FBI Special Agent Ted Chenoweth (John Finn), FBI Special Agent Bobby Moret (Jose Zuniga), FBI Special Agent Harry Van Zandt (Ron Canada), Dale Hewitt (Mark Pellegrino), Loretta Kravitz (Jenna Boyd), Stokes (Aaron DeCone), Kohler (Carrick O’Quinn), Zander (Lonny Chapman), Powell (Rex Linn), Richards (Eddie Velez), Sheriff (Alexander MacKenzie), and The Narrator (Johnny Cash). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The hardcore Tommy Lee Jones fan may choose to watch it but know that it falls short of what Tommy Lee Jones usually puts out in entertainment. This film should have been a blockbuster. Know there is no lack of blood and gore.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RRR (Theatrical Release India 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

RRR—3-hour epic from India—mixes beautiful singing/dancing and romance with serious action scenes supported by deeply-drawn characters and a power story that will not soon be forgotten. The movie examines clash of cultures, justice, and dominance of the wealthier class over the poorer classes. While the biological improbability of survival after the more violent scenes detracts from the story, the relief of seeing the heroes and heroines carrying through relieves much of the tension found throughout the movie. There are currently no English voice overs, but the subtitles are excellent. Watch this movie at home as the film moves very fast and has a lot of story densely packed into its 180 minutes and additional time may be needed to catch all dialogue in the subtitles with a quick rewind. The movie is more than good enough to overcome this small obstacle. Know and be aware that the violence and brutality are sometimes shocking and exceptionally graphic. The movie is not suitable for children or the younger audience. It is a good study of action films originating from India, their flow and continuity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This action-drama film is about vengeance, revenge, and establishing where true loyalties lie within the relationships between Indian populations and the British during British occupation of India.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director S. S. Rajamouli for directing effort. Thank you to Producer D. V. V. Danayya for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Komaram Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao, Jr.), Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan), Venkata Rama Raju (Ajay Devgn), Sita (Alia Bhatt), Sarojini (Shriya Saran), Venkateswarulu (Samuthirakani), Governor Scott Buxton (Ray Stevenson), and Catherine Buxton (Alison Doody). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is action packed from beginning to end and is an interesting exploration of sparks that activate rebellion in foreign-occupied territories. Be aware that the movie is exceptionally graphic in its violence. War scenes perform almost at the level of brutality as seen in some films that originate in South American countries. The film is not for the faint of heart. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ANGEL LEVINE (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Angel Levine—great drama—accesses the talents of Zero Mostel and Harry Belafonte to tell a most creative, fresh, and innovative story to captivate the audience and leave a lasting impression. The film becomes an excellent study for using simple, low-cost stage sets, a small cast, a short storyline, and still managing to produce a terrific piece of engaging entertainment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This thoughtfully written film is about a ‘wanna-be angel’ who asks help to do the good deed that will earn him his wings. He has 24-hours to accomplish his good deed.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jan Kadar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Harry Belafonte for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Morris Mishkin (Zero Mostel), Alexander Levine (Harry Levine), Fanny Mishkin (Ida Kaminska), Dr. Arnold Berg (Milo O’Shea), Sally (Gloria Foster), Welfare Lady (Barbara Ann Teer), Delicatessen Clerk (Anne Jackson), Drugstore Clerk (Stephen Strimpell), Druggist (Sam Raskyn), and Woman in Drugstore (Kathy Shawn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film has been thoughtfully crafted and well-written.  Great work for all involved in production. The movie has been produced for a niche market and will need careful watching to understand it on the international level.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

THE OUTPOST (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

The Outpost—bases on a true story­—needs more character development to honor the men who served and died at this Afghan outpost. While Orlando Bloom is distinctive in this film, it is because he is Orlando Bloom, not because he is the character he acts. The movie needs to establish continuity of thought to establish clarity. Camerawork does present some explosions and fight scenes to good effect, but the storyline and its presentation prevent the scenes from reaching their full effect in the flurried presentation. Acting quality varies significantly from good to bad and back again depending on the scene. The best part of the movie is the concluding fight scene. But, that comes far too late in the movie to save it. Watch for Scott Eastwood, Clint Eastwood’s son, in the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A United States-manned Afghan outpost comes under heavy fire. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rod Lurie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Merryman, Paul Tamasy, Marc Frydman, Jeffrey Greenstein, Jonathan Yunger, and Les Weldon for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha (Scott Eastwood), Ty Michael Carter (Caleb Landry Jones), Captain Benjamin Keating (Orlando Bloom), Sergeant Josh Kirk (Jack Kesy), and Staff Sergeant Vernon Martin (Cory Hardrict), Captain Robert Yllescas (Milo Gibson), Staff Sergeant Justin T. Gallegos (Jacob Scipio), First Lieutenant Andrew Bundermann (Taylor John Smith), Sergeant First Class Jonathan Hill (Jonathan Yunger), Sergeant Chris Griffin (Alexander Arnold), Captain Chriss Cordova (George Arvidson), and Private Ed Faulkner (Will Attenborough). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. Better watches for the war movie fan are: Jarhead or Apocalypse Now. The Outpost seems to work like a low grade war video game watch rather than a real movie watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

A Good Day to Die Hard—5^th Die Hard movie since 1988—does not have the same hardness that the earlier Die Hard movies had.  It does not flow as well despite the coupling of Bruce Willis with a younger actor to keep the action in place. This movie seems to have vacuumed all the crumbs of the previous Die Hard movies to reassemble into a likeness of previous movies but an audience may feel they have been served the last of the cake. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A dad becomes involved in his son’s attempt to break criminal activity. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alex Young and Wyck Godfrey for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: John McClane (Bruce Willis), CIA Agent (Jai Courtney), Yuri Komarov (Sebastian Koch), Irina Komarov (Yulia Sniqir), Alik (Radivoje Bukvic), Viktor Chagarin (Sergei Kolesnikov), Lucy McClane (Mary Winstead), CIA Agent (Cole Hauser), Lieutenant Foxy (Aldis Hodge), and Detective Murphy (Amaury Nolasco). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. it works to some extent as an action/thriller movie and is the final film in this series. Bruce Willis fans will find the movie satisfying. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LIKE MIKE 2: STREETBALL (DVD Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Like Mike 2: Streetball—reiteration of the first film—does not perform as well as the first film. Watch for Kel Mitchell in this film. Between the two films, watch the first Like Mike.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A street ball player’s shoes become magically enhanced so he can play with a higher level of skill. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Nelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer David Bixler for making the film possible. Character/cast include: Jerome Triple J (Jascha Washington), Jerome Double J (Michael Beach), Ray Thomkins (Kel Mitchell), Rodney Rheingold (Brett Kelly), Nathan Daniels (Micah Williams), Coach Archie (Blu Mankuma), Dalton (Michael Adamthwaite), Lexi Lopez (Moneca Delain), Lydia (Enuka Okuma), Cavity (Joel Hayward), Preacher (Viv Leacock), Buck Wild (Adrian Holmes), and Raindrop (Mohammed Wenn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. If one watches the first Like Mike movie, this movie is basically the same movie with a few minor changes.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MADAGASCAR (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Madagascar—WOW! computer animated entertainment—has it all…terrific animation, great story, outstanding dialogue lines, characters one will not soon forget, and fabulous voicing. It serves as a solid gold rock in DreamWorks’ lineup of films and deserves a place in the family home entertainment library.  Fun watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Zoo animals discuss going wild and through a series of mishaps discover the differences between zoo life and wildlife. 

Additional Thanks                                                                                                         

Thank you to Directors Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mireille Soria for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer), Gloria (Jada Plinkett Smith), King Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen), Maurice (Cedric the Entertainer), Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), and Rico (Jeffrey Katzenberg). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a fun, enjoyable watch with very good comedic dialogue. Animation and colorization enhancements  make this an excellent addition to the permanent home video library. Worth a second watch.  From the beginning to the ending,  it’s an excellent piece of entertainment for the whole family. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers