THE MOUSE ON THE MOON (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1963)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Mouse on the Moon—clean, old-style, family, British spoof—is a sequel to the film, The Mouse That Roared. The Mouse on the Moon has a good, witty storyline with dialogue to back it up. It works to serve up a little laughter through good writing, portrayal, and presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A very small country manages to claim the moon before the United States or Russia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Richard Lester for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Shenson for making the film possible. Character/cast include: Grand Duchess Gloriana XIII (Margaret Rutherford), Prime Minister Rupert Mountjoy (Ron Moody), Vincent Mountjoy (Bernard Cribbins), Professor Kokintz (David Kossoff), Maurice Spender (Terry-Thomas), Cynthia (June Ritchie), British delegate (John Le Mesurier), Bracewell (John Phillips), and M15 Man (Eric Barker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful film for those who love British 'tongue-in-cheek' films, and is very well done for the whole family. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A MAGICAL JOURNEY (All Media Release World-Wide 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

A Magical Journey—exceptionally different approach to storytelling—plays as a low-budget movie somewhat like a made for television movie. It almost plays like a spoof similar to the movie, Boris and Natasha, except more dramatized. The conclusion wraps up so quickly that the film seems not to have a conclusion. This movie plays on a dark side in some scenes. Overall, the film has good presentation with suitable acting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl escapes from her evil caretaker and enters the world of Hollywood’s backyard studios. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Olias Barco for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Olias Barco, Dennis Ivanov, Egor Olesov, and Yuriy Prylypko for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Polina (Polina Pechenenko), Mother (Virginie Ledoyen), Saul (Saul Rubinek), Chemist (Edouard Baer), Viking Queen (Audrey Marnay), Screen Hologram (Jean Reno), Viking Valet (Virgile Bramly), Varvara (Severja Janusauskaite), Sasha Ivanov (Oleksandr Ivanov), Anton (Wim Willaert), and Edward (Daniel Cohen). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is different and could appeal to the child (10 years+)/adult share audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE YINYANG MASTER (All-Media Release World-Wide 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Yinyang Master—imaginative with a big storyline—gets the entertainment job done. Fresh with its introduction of interactions between heaven and earth, it has good presentation. The main downside to this film is the difficulty to keep various characters straight by name and personality. It needs a little more character development for the international audience.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An adventure between human and demon worlds. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Li Weiran for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Chen Kuo-fu, Chia-Lu Chang, Kun Tao, and Zheng Yin for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Qing Ming (Chen Kun), Bai Ni (Zhou Xun), Ci Mu (William Chan), Yuan Boya (Qu Chuxiao), Peach Blossom (Wang Likun), Shen Le (She Yue), Snow Queen (Wang Zixuan), and Butterfly Spirit (Wang Ruiyi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Chinese film is watchable, entertaining, and very well done overall. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PITCH BLACK* (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Pitch Black—Vin Diesel Riddick movie—has a great story that is almost rewatchable. Despite its lower-budget presentation, it has an interesting storyline with a few higher-budget movie items sprinkled throughout its presentation. Watch for Keith David, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, and Cole Hauser in the movie.  

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A spaceship on its way to its destination, becomes damaged, and lands on a four-sun planet that is never dark. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Twohy for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Tom Engelman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Richard Riddick (Vin Diesel), Carolyn Fry (Radha Mitchell), William Johns (Cole Hauser), Jack (Rhiana Griffith), and Imam al-Walid (Keith David). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film may not be a high-quality movie, but it is just fun to watch.

*Also Known as The Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AIRBUS VS. BOEING: THE JUMBO JET RACE (Released on Freevee/Amazon Prime 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Airbus Vs. Boeing: The Jumbo Jet Race—54-minute short documentary—runs fast with a tremendously sophisticated approach to rivalry at the highest levels of finance, commerce, and political maneuvers between nations. Exceptionally educational and worth a rewatch. Thorough and adequately presents the rivalry from both points of view. A refreshing presentation of competition.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The rivalry between Airbus and Boeing to establish dominance. 

Additional Thanks                                            

Thank you to Director Patrick Barberis for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie educates, entertains, and presents thoughtful presentation of the subject material. A particularly beneficial watch for everyone engaged in highly competitive endeavors. The concluding scenes are of great interest. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUST LIKE HEAVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Just Like Heaven—wonderful, romantic film—presents a highly creative, clean story. This movie moves well. It captures and involves its audience. It plays on terrific character development. Reese Witherspoon is an outstanding pick for playing opposite Mark Ruffalo. This movie deserves every minute of its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A young woman needs to reconnect to life in more ways than one. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Waters for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo), Katrina (Ivana Milicevic), Darryl (Jon Heder), Jack (Donal Logue), Abby Brody (Dina Waters), Dr. Fran Lo (Rosalind Chao), Dr. Brett Rushton (Ben Shenkman), Lead Ghostbuster (Joel Miller), and Grace (Caroline Aaron). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Exceptionally fresh and well-written storyline lead to a very satisfying watch. Entertaining. Deserves both monetary and time investment for its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SOUL OF SUCCESS: THE JACK CANFIELD STORY (World-Wide Release All-Media 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Soul of Success: The Jack Canfield Story—short documentary film—serves more as a motivational movie than as a real documentary. Very little dialogue focuses on his personal life while most of the movie focuses on achievement of monetary wealth rather than building a well-rounded life that leads to true success. Very little is said about the time investment it takes to sustain his current business. One does not get to know who Jack Canfield is. The movie depreciates relatability and therefore depreciates in entertainment value. Part of this may be due to the limit of 54 minutes for this watch.  The film lacks POP due to the lack of personality development. The movie lacks aura and loses much charm that could have reached the larger audience. It would have been wonderful to see more family photos of his wife, his children, and his mother, his father and step-father despite their personal challenges.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Jack Canfield’s rise to fortune. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nick Nanton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Bretthauer, J.W. Dicks, Tamara Magalotti, Sussi Mattsson, Nick Nanton, and Sophia Stavron. Cast: Jack Canfield, his wife, his CEO, and a few friends.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite this being a short film and not having enough time to fully flesh out this wonderful story, it is worth watching to see what Jack Canfield has done to be successful. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KEVIN JAMES: SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF (Television Release USA 2001)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Kevin James: Sweat the Small Stuff—short film format—emphasizes clean humor. It is as good as another Kevin James stand-up routine, Kevin James: Never Don’t Give Up (also streaming on Netflix) and establishes him as a good comedian for the general audience, a comedy routine that the whole family can attend with no surprises. It’s  comical and well done. It deserves its watch and serves as a great addition to the family home video collection. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Stand-up comedy routine that focuses on life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lauren Gray, Kevin James, Paul Miller, Kimber Rickabaugh, and Jeff Sussman. Cast: Kevin James. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful, clean standup comedy routine that the whole family can watch (presented on Netflix Streaming).

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPIDER-MAN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man 2—not as good as its prequel—does not present with the power of the first film. The actors seem a bit disengaged at times as if they know the script but are not involved. The exception to this is J.K. Simmons who has his part ‘down to a tee’ and provides some terrific comic relief. Aasif Mandvi has great screen presence. Alfred Molina looks great as a villain but does not pull a strong enough villain presence to work. This film, overall, is a good enough watch, but does not improve on the entertainment value of the first film in the series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Spider-Man fights evil. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Rami for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Parker/Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire), Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), Harry Osborn (James Franco), Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), May Parker (Rosemary Harris), and Rosie Octavius (Donna Murphy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the second installment of the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man films before Andrew Garfield became Spider-Man. Know that Spider-Man 2 with Tobey Maguire is better than The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Andrew Garfield.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Pan—creative attempt to make a live action prequel story for all the Peter Pan films made since 1953—has terrific special effects but also has a big story that needs more than the 90 minutes assigned to it. This makes it difficult for an audience to find its comfort zone within the special effects. It is also difficult to understand Captain Hook as presented in this story and his relationship with Peter Pan. But besides all that, it is worth watching if one takes the movie as it is and understands that it is going to be fast paced with a lot happening in a little time. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Peter Pan before he became Peter Pan. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Wright for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Paul Webster for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Peter Pan (Levi Miller), Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman), James Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara), Smee (Adeel Akhtar), Mother Barnabas (Kathey Burke), Bishop (Nonso Anozie), Mary (Amanda Seyfried), Chief Great Little Panther (Jack Charles), Nibs (Lewis MacDougall), Steps (Bronson Webb), Kwahu (Na Tae-joo), and Mermaids (Cara Delevingne). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Overall, the story gets lost in the special effects to the point where the story is undefined.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

SOLIS (Television Released in UK 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Solis drags from its early scenes to its concluding scenes. It seems to run like a soap opera melodrama and does not present itself well on the big screen. The main character is taken through much suffering. Director Carl Strathie cannot stabilize, at any point in the film, a relatable link between the audience and the main character despite the pain the main character experiences. While the scope of outer space is almost as good as in the film, Gravity, it becomes difficult to recommend this movie over films such as Life or Europa Report.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

An astronaut seems bound to enter the danger zone of our sun. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Carl Strathie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charlette Kilby, Alan Latham, Carl Strathie, Steven Ogg, and Caleb Wilson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Troy Holloway (Steven Ogg), Commander Roberts (Voice of Alice Lowe), Milton (Voice of Sid Phoenix), Lieutenant Harris (Voice of Henry Douthwaite), Liz Holloway (Kate Coogan), and Ship (Voice of Charlette Kilby). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film could almost be skipped for the film Gravity, even though the presentation of Gravity could also be much improved. It is worth watching to get an increased appreciation for the scope of outer space. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

QUIET VICTORY: THE CHARLIE WEDEMEYER STORY (Television Release 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story, because of its television format, does not hit the emotional button as did the theater movie, The Pride of the Yankees with Gary Cooper. Quiet Victory, however, provokes much thought about disease outcome and possibilities of retaining value and purpose despite debilitating health conditions. It also becomes an interesting watch for its deep presentation of family interaction when a family is presented with severe health challenges. While the movie needs improvement in both camerawork and presentation, it earns its watch for educational value and the more positive choices that can be made when a family decides to serve each other rather than run away from the challenge.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A coach contracts Lou Gehrigs’ disease.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Roy Campanella II for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Linda Otto for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Lucy Wedemeyer (Pam Dawber), Charlie Wedermeyer (Michael Nouri), Bobby Maker (Peter Berg), Charlie’s Doctor (James Handy), Assistant Coach (Reginald VelJohnson), Ted Simonsen (Noble Willingham), Older Kale Wedemeyer (Stephen Dorff), and Skinner (Kyle Chandler). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The camera work seems low budget and the presentation definitely falls into television quality, but it has worth in its value as presenting how a bad situation can become a victory when a family makes different choices that work on the service side rather than self-serving side of life.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRADING PAINT (Theatrical Release 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Trading Paint—good movie for John Travolta fans—plays well with an easy-on-the-mind story and presentation. John Travolta is a perfect choice for his character and seems very comfortable in the role. The cast creates just the right mix, seems on target, and acts rather than resorting to theatrics for story portrayal. It is a welcome entertainment piece that does exactly what a movie is supposed to do…entertain.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A father and son dirt race and work through family and professional challenges.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Karzan Kadar for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Burgueno, Andrea Iervolino, Alexandra Kim, and Silvio Muraglia for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Sam Munroe (John Travolta), Becca (Shania Twain), Cam Munroe (Toby Sebastian), Cindy (Rosabell Laurenti Sellers), Linsky (Michael Madsen), Stumpy (Kevin Dunn), Ben (Buck Taylor), Diner Redneck (Luis Da Silva), Martha (Margaret Bowman), Kelly (Gioia Libardoni), Dr. Deena Thompson (Denny Mendez), Jack Dunn (Chris Mullinax), Ray Miller (Red Farmer), Track Girls (Jen Baker and Faith Bruner), and James (Jonathan Aidan Cockrell). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie is very well presented and portrayed. It is worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE MIST (Theatrical Release United States 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Mist—odd concept—plays on a creature feature theme without really touching horror except at the most elemental level. It’s an okay watch, not an outstanding watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A mist terrorizes a small rural town. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank Darabont for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Darabont, Martin Shafer, and Liz Glotzer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: David Drayton (Thomas Jane), Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), Amanda Dunfrey (Laurie Holden), Brent Norton (Andre Braughr), Ollie Weeks (Toby Jones), Jim Grondin (William Sadler), Dan Miller (Jeffrey DeMunn), Irene Reppler (Frances Sternhagen), and Private Wayne Jessup (Sam Wilwer). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While not an outstanding horror movie, it is a look at Stephen King’s novel and serves Stephen King fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

BUBBLE (Video Release World-Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Bubble—Japanese Anime—captivates its audience and creates a type of entertainment magic toward the conclusion of the film that makes a person want to watch it again. Great work for all involved. The film has terrific voice overs.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 Young Men and Women play Parkour in deserted Tokyo.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Tetsuro Ayaki for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Yoshihiro Furusawa and Jouji Wada for making the film possible. Cast/characters include: Hibiki (Voice of Jun Shison), Uta (Voice of riria.), Shin (Voice of Mamoru Miyano), Kai (Voice of Yuki Kaji), Denki Ninja Leader (Voice of Tasuku Hatanaka), Usagi (Voice of Sayaka Senbongi), Isozaki (Voice of Ryota Osaka), Osawa (Voice of Wataru Hatano), Undertaker (Voice of Marina Inoue), Kanto Mad Lobster (Voice of Shin’ichiro Miki), and Makoto (Voice of Alice Hirose). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie is more than worth watching and almost could be watched again. It is wonderful to see, well written and presented.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KINDERGARTEN COP (Theatrical Release United States 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Kindergarten Cop makes an excellent casting choice with the team of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pamela Reed. It serves more as an adult watch rather than an adult/child share film. Overall, it is a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A cop goes undercover in a kindergarten class. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ivan Reitman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ivan Reitman and Brian Grazer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Joyce Palmieri (Penelope Ann Miller), Detective Phoebe O’Hara (Pamela Reed), MissSchlowski (Linda Hunt), Cullen Crisp (Richard Tyson), Eleanor Crisp (Carroll Baker), Dominic Palmieri (Christian and Joseph Cousins), Jillian (Cathy Moriarty), Samantha’s Mother (Park Overall), Zach’s Mother (Jayne Brook), Joshua’s Mother (Heidi Swedberg), Captain Salazar (Richard Portnow), Henry Shoop (Bob Nelson), and Stewardess (Angela Bassett). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film has some suggestive content but it does work with a good storyline, presents well, and supports itself on good acting.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers