THE GREY (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Grey—survival movie—works as a good time-filler. It’s an easy-on-the-mind film that is engaging to watch. It is fairly well-written. The presentation is good, and, overall, this movie is a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A professional wolf hunter takes a flight for his vacation. The plane goes down and the hunter becomes the hunted. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Carnahan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jules Daly, Joe Carnahan, Ridley Scott, and Mickey Liddell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Dallas Roberts, Joe Anderson, James Dale, and Nonso Anozie. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie follows the usual format of a survival film. This movie follows a team of men versus the environment and wild animals. The difference is that the conclusion has a small, unexpected twist  that is worth waiting for. It’s a simple thriller worth watching. 

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Ben Meyers

MUNICH (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Munich—intellectual watch—takes full audience engagement to follow its story line. The script has been written with depth and excellent tone. Everything in this film works at an above average level. It is not a formula story nor does it follow a trite, genre format of spy, action, thriller movies. It bases in real life events and has been well portrayed. Know that the movie contains full nudity scenes and mature, adult dialogue. It is wise to read a plotline before engaging this film to follow the story with complete comprehension. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Israeli sports team is attacked at the Munich Olympic games. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel, and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciarán Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, and Geoffrey Rush. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie works outside established legal order and becomes a ‘James Bond’- type story in an effort to accomplish justice. It earns its watch time and monetary investment.

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Ben Meyers

SULLY (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sully—very good story—gives its audience a great ‘good news’ from impossible circumstances movie based in true events. The film shows how experience and calmness of mind work hand in hand during critical times when a quick decision must be made. This movie outstandingly shows how well our society functions under duress and how much United States’ culture values human life. Director Clint Eastwood shows his usual high level skills of story telling by  maximizing this story with some background information of Pilot Scully’s childhood and military flying experience. Great script, more than worth watching movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A passenger airliner leaves the airport with 155 passengers. Suddenly birds blow both engines and the pilot lands the aircraft in the Hudson River. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Frank Marshall, Tim Moore, and Allyn Stewart for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Mike O’Malley, Anna Gunn, Autumn Reeser, Holt McCallany, and Jamey Sheridan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Well presented, acted, and worth watching. It's one of Clint Eastwood-produced films that sits among his finer works. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREE GUY (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Free Guy—fresh, creative, and fun—shows Ryan Reynolds in some of his better works as he thoroughly plumbs his role as ‘Guy’. The script is complicated and the conclusion takes some thought to understand what truly happened in this story. The movie more than earns its watch time and monetary investment. Great concept movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic comedy film is about a computer program that seems to go awry when one of the characters in the game becomes aware, appears to become an independent AI character, and then desires to become a part of the ‘real’ world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, Sarah Schechter, Greg Berlanti, and Adam Kolbrenner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Fresh, interesting watch that takes complete involvement to keep up with its complicated storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOONFALL (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Moonfall—intriguing with a highend concept—has good special effects, okay to good acting, and a suitable presentation. It is not well-written but suitable and has a few perks at certain junctures of its story. Some parts of the story were not thought through well. Look for Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, and a nice cameo of Donald Sutherland. 

Film  Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

After an alien micro particle attacks a space ship and causes the death of  an astronaut, the moon later shifts its orbit and heads toward earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser for making the film possible. Cast includes: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Donald Sutherland, and Carolina Bartczak. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is worth watching for its special effects but needs some boosting for that realistic feel in its storyline and presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

RIDE ALONG (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along—better than expected—does not have high comedic appeal but it does have its chuckles along the way. Kevin Hart and Ice Cube do not make an outstanding comedic team. One challenge is Kevin Hart’s overworking of his character against the more comfortable screen presence of Ice Cube. Watch for a guest appearance of Laurence Fishburne toward the end of the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man wants to marry the sister of a detective and wants a recommendation to join the police force. He is invited on a ride-along to prove his worthiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, and Laurence Fishburne. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has been designed as a comedy for the adult audience. The film did not ask for its sequel, but there is one available. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

ASSASSIN’S CREED (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Assassin’s Creed—good/fair story, interesting concept—bases its story on a popular video game of the same name. The acting in the movie is good/fair.  The presentation is fair. The conclusion seems a bit obscure. Read a plotline before going to enhance enjoyment of this movie. The movie raises questions about the value of free will in humans and allows good discussion material after watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Knight’s Templar guard the secret of the apple that contains DNA code that can eliminate free choice so that peace can reign in the world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Kurzel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jean-Julien Baronnet, Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Conor McCaughan, Amon Milchan, and Gerard Guillemot for making the film possible. Cast includes: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling, and Michael Williams. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This film is not clear in its conclusion. Read a plotline before going for better enjoyment. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

KELLY’S HEROES (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Kelly’s Heroes—interesting cast of characters—has Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, and Donald Sutherland. WOW! It’s perfect casting as this set of actors offset each other very well. The movie is a war, comedy, and action film that is easy to digest and provides a quality watch if the audience is looking for comedy. Watch for the guest appearance of Carroll O’Connor from All in the Family sitcom television series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A group of soldiers discover that there is a huge cache of gold bars hidden in a vault behind German lines and the story is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brian Hutton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gabriel Katzka, Harold Loeb, and Sidney Beckerman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O'Conner, and Donald Sutherland. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie entertains with a very sweet mix of comedy, action, and war drama. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Rescuers Down Under rehashes the previous Rescuers movie with new scenery, new bad guy while reprising the voices of Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor for continuity. The audience connectivity to the original story is lacking in this performance due to that rehash. It is a suitable watch and has great animation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Members of the Rescue Aid Society must fly to Australia to help a young boy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hendel Butoy and Mike Gabriel for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Thomas Schumacher for making the film possible. Cast includes Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, John Candy, Adam Ryen, George C. Scott, and Tristan Rogers. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While this film is suitable for children, it has some thematic elements that may frighten younger children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UGLYDOLLS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

UglyDolls—noticeable, loud message movie—works with extremely good voicing for the melodies within the movie. Unfortunately, the lyrics run with cliched content that most audiences are quite familiar with. Messages often kill a film’s entertainment value, but this message is presented palatably and can be swallowed while still enjoying the movie. This okay film has its perks but also contains noticeable flat spots. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

UglyDolls are sent to Uglyville and one of those dolls develops a desire to have a child of her own who loves her just the way she is. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kelly Asbury for directing effort. Cast includes: Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jones, Janelle Monae, Blake Shelton, Wang Leehom, Pitbull, Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Emma Roberts, Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX, and Lizzo. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie has a nice message that needs to be told and it does have its perks. But the songs and the storyline are a bit cliched.  

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

D3: THE MIGHTY DUCKS (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

D3: The Mighty Ducks—same quality as the first Mighty Ducks movie—presents a good conclusion to the Mighty Ducks series. This story presents well, has been cast well, and supports itself on a well-organized storyline.  Overall, this is a good family share, sports movie that leaves a ‘feel good’ emotion after watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Ducks' coach gets a promotion and the Ducks get a new coach at a  new school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Lieberman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jordan Kerner and Jon Avet for making the film possible. Cast includes: Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Nordling, Heidi Kling, and Joss Lackland. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is enjoyable to the point that it becomes difficult to critique. It’s a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men: First Class—suitable, but not as outstanding as expected—has an oddly chosen cast. The script varies widely in quality….good in some places, poor in other places. Overall, the movie does not have consistency in delivery. The movie still retains that comic book campy, comical, cheesiness which haunts these type of movies.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

In Auschwitz concentration camp, a young boy finds he has the power to bend metal gates. Others find talents they have to teleport, produce cyclones, and shapeshift.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matthew Vaughn for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, and Gregory Goodman for making the film possible. Cast includes: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Oliver Platt, and Kevin Bacon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie tells a back story of Charles Xavier/Professor X and Eric Lensherr/Magneto, Raven/Mystique, and Hank/Beast among others of the X-Men characters featured in sequels made before this film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THAT DARN CAT (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

That Darn Cat—remake of the 1965 film of the same name—begins at the okay/good level and begins to quickly dissolve into a disorganized mess. The characters have no strength of personality, the actors do not become their characters, and the storyline is weakly written. The conclusion completely lets its audience down. The ‘bad guys’ come off as just ordinary people living life throughout the film until the very end and the switch comes as such a surprise. Watch the 1965 movie instead of this one. The 1965 version is honestly good entertainment for the whole family. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A kidnapped woman places her watch on a cat’s neck in hopes of getting help. The cat’s owner sees the watch and goes to the FBI for help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bob Spiers for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Robert Simonds for making the film possible. Cast includes: Christina Ricci, Doug E. Doug, George Dzundza, Peter Boyle, Michael McKean, and Bess Armstrong.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. If one wants to see the remake of the same name, this is it. But the film does not even begin to compare to the original 1965 release of this story. This movie has weak characterization, poor and disorganized presentation, and a conclusion that ruins the film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

WATER BIRDS (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Water Birds—documentary—shows how several species of water birds gather their food, the kind of food they gather, how mates pick each other, how and where nests are built, how newly hatched chicks are fed, and how parents protect their young. It needs to be longer than its 30 minutes but is a great watch time length for children and provides a gentle view of the balance of nature. The short film has been added to the end of The Rescuers animated movie. Know that the film is getting old and needs a bit of restoration, but it is not so old that it cannot be viewed and enjoyed. Very educational without seeming to be educational. Reconnects people to nature and the earth. Intriguing and insightful, this is a terrific child/adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Water birds within their native habits are given close, photographic scrutiny. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Sharpsteen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Winston Hibler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is both interesting and worth its watch. Great, easy-on-the-mind entertainment for children as they can learn the names of a variety of water birds and see their behavioral habits at close range. Terrific camerawork. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE THREE BLIND MOUSEKETEERS (Theatrical Release USA 1936)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Three Blind Mouseketeers—cute—reminds one of the animated, specially designed for children shows featured on television during the 1950s and 1960s. This short film is featured at the end of the 1977 DVD movie release of The Rescuers. It’s a fun watch as mice adventure for cheese. The animation effects are terrific with good attention to detail. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Mice adventure to get cheese. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Hand for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Billy Bletcher and Pinto Colvig. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good, worth watching short film that has been put together well. Produced in 1936, it has lost none of its value to entertain.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES: THE PHOX, THE BOX, AND THE LOX (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Fractured Fairytales: The Phox the Box, and the Lox—interesting animated short film—doesn’t have a lot of storyline but ‘kind of’ teaches a small lesson about being careful about what one acts upon. Sometimes it is wiser to rely on something in print rather than words spoken into the air. The voicing is quite good. This short film was added to the beginning of the 1999 Brendan Fraser DVD Dudley Do-Right movie as an extra entertainment piece. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A wily fox tries to get a cursed box opened by using someone not so bright as he. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steve Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tiffany Ward for making the film possible. Voicing cast includes: Scott Weil, Keith Scott, Jeff Bennett, and June Foray. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s cute and watchable, not terrible.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers