A LIFE OF SPEED: THE JUAN MANUEL FANGIO STORY (Video on Demand (VOD) Release USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

A Life of Speed: Juan Manuel Fangio has a thoughtful presentation of Formula 1 racing in the 1940s/1950s as well as a reason that a professional racer may choose to retire in those years. It is an interesting watch to review the dangers inherent in early Formula 1 racing and the obstacles professional racers could encounter while endeavoring to travel from one country to another to compete. The film is in Spanish, some broken English, and has good English subtitles. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This documentary is about the professional racing career of Juan Manuel Fangio with some terrific footage from his retirement years as he analyzes his career and choice to retire. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Francisco Macri for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alfredo Federico, Dalila Zaritzky for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Stewart, Toto Wolff, Fernando Alonso, Mika Häkkinen, Alain  Prost, Juan Manuel Fangio, Horacio Pagani, and Nico Rosberg.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is worth watching and great for fans and history buffs of Formula 1 racing. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN’S 4TH (Released to DVD USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven’s 4th—cute, simple family film—is not as good as the predecessor films in the Beethoven series.  This movie serves at the level of an afternoon, fill-in-some-time watch while doing other activities. The presentation is okay and its overall campiness makes the film better than it would have been.  Art Lafleur is an interesting casting choice as the obedience trainer for dogs. Judge Reinhold reprises his role from the last film. It’s interest factor runs around the contrasting personalities of the two Saint Bernard dogs and the two different families they come from. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This story is about a large St. Bernard who goes to obedience school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Joe Pichler, Michaela Gallo, Matt McCoy, Veanne Cox, Mark Lindsay Chapman, Nick Meaney, Natalie Marston, and Art Lafleur.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a simple afternoon watch with an easy-on-the-mind storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

UNKNOWN: THE LOST PYRAMID (Video on Demand (VOD) Release World-Wide 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid is a documentary that is not well organized and, unfortunately, ends before its story is complete as the hot season begins and outside labor becomes difficult. The audience is left hanging until the dig begins next year.  Unlike the documentary, The Secrets of Saqqara Tomb, this documentary does not tap into the higher interest factor of good documentaries. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Archaeologists work in Saqqara to unearth another Egyptian pyramid. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Max Salomon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jon Bardin, Mala Chapple, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Leslie Greif, Jonathan Halperin, Peter Isacksen, and Malvina Martin, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Zahi Hawass, Mostafa Waziri, Hamada Shehata Ahmed Mansour, Tori Finlayson, Essam Shehab, Mohamed Youssef, and Ammar El-Amir Sadeq.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For those with an interest in Egyptology and archaeology, this is a good watch to see what Dr. Hawas has found. Hopefully, he will continue documenting his findings and follow with another film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

UNCLE BUCK (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Uncle Buck—little edgy toward the end, but needful story—covers classic teenage/adult subject matter well. John Candy shows very well in this movie, has good presence in a well-written story. The movie is ‘full’ and its message not soon forgotten. The child actors are well-grounded and on-spot with the storyline. Thank you  to all involved in ensuring this 1980s film is still available for viewing. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Image 

Storyline 

An uncle is asked to take care of children while a father and mother go to care for a grandfather who has suffered a heart attack. Although, this uncle may be considered an unlikely candidate, his interest in the children’s welfare makes him the perfect choice at the perfect time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Hughes and Tom Jacobson, Associate Producer William H. Brown and Ramey E. Ward, for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Candy Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffman, Macaulay Culkin, Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, Garret M. Brown, Laurie Metcalf, Jay Underwood, and Brian Tarantina.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is a good teen/adult watch with healthful messages on multiple platforms. The movie is memorable, serious and comical, and an overall good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RON’S GONE WRONG (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Ron’s Gone Wrong—okay watch—stands on great animation. The story itself will be understood by adults more than children and while the message may be appropriate, the movie has some bland scenes, Audiences will not relate to several parts of this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a boy who receives a buddy robot as a birthday gift and finds that it is slightly defective. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine for directing effort. and Co-Director Octavio E. Rodriguez, for co-directing efforts, Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Baynham, Elisabeth Murdoch, Sarah Smith, and Producers Lara Breay and Julie Lockhart for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jack Dylan Grazer, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Olivia Colman, Rob Delaney, Justice Smith, Kylie Cantrall, Ricardo Hurtado, Cullen McCarthy, Ava Morse, Marcus Scribner, Thomas Barbusca, Sarah Miller, and Bentley Kalu. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Okay animated film that runs bland in the middle and toward its conclusion, still has a creative idea behind it that is good and makes one think about playing on the young child‘s natural desire for a friend  through mechanical devices.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BLACK AND BLUE (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Black and Blue—WOW! Surprise!—presents a story that leaves an impression. Tyrese Gibson and Naomie Harris work story magic. Watch for Frank Grillo’s performance. Don’t start this one expecting a ho-hum storyline. It is a film many people will miss and wonder how they missed it when they finally view it. The movie paces well and almost defines the word riveting. Terrific conclusion is short and sweet without drag. The film hits all the bells and whistles and certainly earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                                             

Storyline 

A young female police officer becomes involved with a crooked partner and black mafia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Deon Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roxanne Avent, Glenn S. Gainor, and Joshua Throne for making the film possible. Cast includes: Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter, Reid Scott, Beau Knapp, Nafessa Williams, James Moses Black, Carsyn Taylor, Lucky Johnson, Deneen Tyler, Michael Papajohn, Nelson Bonilla, and Frankie Smith. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the right film for a night out with friends. Realistic and engages attention. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

 

Ben Meyers

K-PAX (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

K-Pax requires mental involvement and full attention to detail. It’s a sit down and watch film that does not give allowance for missing a scene as the story is a tightly woven piece of art…a ‘think’ movie…no getting up to make popcorn while the movie runs. Both Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey ‘strut’ their acting skills in each scene and terrifically compliment each other without upscaling in a single scene. This well-written story is a product that is an actor and director’s dream come true. A good film to add to the home video library because it can be watched again and again…good entertainment piece for guests.  Don’t forgo this one due to its lack-luster title…it far outshines the title. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man, who says he is an alien, is arrested and admitted to a mental institution and his assigned physician delves deeply into his past. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Iain Softley for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Susan G. Pollack, Thank you to producer Robert F. Colesberry, Lawrence Gordon, and Lloyd Levin for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack, Alfie Woodard, David Patrick Kelly, Saul Williams, Peter Gerety, Celia Weston, Ajay Naidu, Tracy Vilar, Melanee Murray, John Toles-Bey, Kimberly Scott, and Conchata Ferrell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Good film to add to the home video library. The movie is an absorbing watch from beginning to end and works like a very good mystery. The ending perfectly creates and invites discussion about its meaning/interpretation. It’s a wonderful watch from beginning to end. Thank you to everyone involved in making this movie happen. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

BIG MOMMA’S HOUSE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Big Momma’s House 2—comical compliment to the first film in the series—turns into a good watch for the teen/adult audience. It presents itself well for its intended purpose and has Martin Lawrence delivering his usual good performance. Flamboyant and a little edgy typifies the theme of the movie with quite a few chuckles thrown in to keep it light. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This comedy action film is about: an FBI agent who becomes involved in solving a case surrounding a worm capable of hacking into government agencies' computers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Whitesell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jeff Kwatzenetz, Martin Lawrence, Arnon Milchan, Producer David T. Friendly and Michael Green for making the film possible. Cast includes: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Emily Procter, Zachary Levi, Mark Moses, Kat Dennings, Chloë Grace Moretz, Marisol Nichols, Josh Flitters, Dan Lauria, Jascha Washington, Jeanne Fox, Preston Shores, Trevor Shores, and Sarah Joy Brown. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s light on the mind and serves as a fair, one-time watch. It’s a fun return to the Big Momma character. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Ben Meyers

MONTE WALSH (Television Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Monte Walsh—good story that features Tom Selleck—does not have anything in it that other western movies have not already included in a variety of storylines…like the effect barbed wire had on the demise of the cowboy or the rise of machines that would later be used to herd and track animals. The presentation and storyline, however, are quite good and the acting is outstanding. There are some sexual scenes in the movie, but not as graphic as other movies often portray. This movie will satisfy the western movie fan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This western film is about: the last of the cowboys as corporations begin assuming control of larger ranches, the motor car begins assuming the role of main method of travel, and herding cows on open range is curbed with the establishment of property boundaries defined with barbed wire. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Michael Brandman, and Tom Selleck, Co-Executive Producer Bobby Roberts and Producer Steven J. Brandman, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Selleck, Isabella Rossellini, Keith Carradine, George Eads, Robert Carradine, Barry Corbin, James Gammon, Rex Linn, John Michael-Higgins, William Sanderson, Wallace Shawn, Marshall R. Teague, and Rick Ravenello. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an afternoon watch and a good one at that. It satisfies the western movie fan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Ben Meyers

THE JUNGLE BOOK (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Jungle Book—not a lot of story to work with—manages to create a watchable movie due to the highly personable animated characters and the introduction of some terrific musical tunes with very good accompanying  lyrics. While not a message movie, it manages to convey some outstanding philosophical ideas that are better to absorb early-on in life rather than later. The exceptionally well-animated movie uses dated technology that, in this case, audiences may find welcome. It’s a good addition to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy raised in the jungle is trying to be saved from  the predatory tiger, Sher Khan. A black panther tries to take him to the man village to protect him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wolfgang Reitherman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Bruce Rietherman, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, Louis Prima, J. Pat O’Malley, Verna Felton, Clint Howard, Chad Stuart, Lord Tim Hudson, John Abbott, Ben Wright, and Darleen Carr.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Thin, linear storyline introduces some classic, unbeatable music. Cute watch that supersedes the value of other remakes whether animated or live. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

THE SCORPION KING 2: RISE OF A WARRIOR (DVD Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior—part 2 of 5 films—has ‘okay-ness’ written all over it with its run-of-the-mill revenge story. The centaur and scorpion scenes mostly hide from the camera. This movie is what it is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action fantasy film is about: Mathayus escapes Sargon, flees to Egypt, retrieves the Sword of Damocles, and returns to slay Sargon. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Russell Mulcahy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Daniel and James Jacks for making the film possible. Cast includes: Michael Copon, Karen David, Simon Quarterman, Tom Wu, Andreas Wisniewski, Randy Couture, Natalie Becker, Jeremy Crutchley, Shane Manie, Peter Butler, Chase Augulhas, Pierre Marais, Warrick Grier, and Terry Norton.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. An okay continuation of the series seems to run on a low budget and quickly becomes an average watch. Watch for Randy Couture and Michael Copon. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FANTASTIC FOUR (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Fantastic Four, thin story with no depth to the characters contributes to this movie’s cult classic feel. While some ‘cult’ movies like the 1990s Ninja Turtles movies touch on the fun to watch factor and could be added to the home video library, this movie could not generate those frequencies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Four persons find they develop extraordinary powers and learn how to deal with those powers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Avi Arad, Bernd Eichinger, and Ralph Winter for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Hamish Linklater, Kerry Washington, Laurie Holden, David Parker, Kevin McNulty, Maria Menounos Michael Kopsa Andrew Airlie, and Pascale Hutton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The superficial treatment of story, challenges its value as a remake to the 1994 film.   

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Fate of the Furious—almost as good as Furious 7—is making this series a better series going forward with its great storyline and presentation. WOW! What a concept! This movie makes a terrific choice casting Charlize Theron as a ruthless terrorist. She plays that character very well. The movie creates tremendous anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga which is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime as of the writing of this critique. Hopefully, the next film will live up to the last two films, both 7 and 8. Know there is a spinoff movie just for characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, titled Hobbs and Shaw. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Dominic becomes involved with loan sharks, cyberterrorists, and other criminals who make his life as difficult as they can. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director F. Gary Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Chris Morgan for making the film possible. Cast includes Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludicris, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Luke Evans, Elsa Pataky, Kristopher Hivju, Scott Eastwood, and Patrick St. Esprit. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. There is a new standard to the series that is noticeable…a move more to the lawful side of life and more stability in lifestyle. This movie builds anticipation for F9: The Fast Saga and Fast X. WOW! Fate of the Furious easily earns its watch with great acting and presentation. The movie makes a good addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—creative and original—easily earns its watch. WOW!  Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. is a WONDERFUL film that captivates with its nostalgic presentation, great acting, terrific voicing, and fresh storyline. This movie and the first film in the series are great additions to the home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Puss loses 8 of his 9 lives and has to make a decision about that loss. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joel Crawford for directing effort. Thank you to Co-Director Januel Mercado, Thank you to Producer Mark Swift for making the film possible. Cast includes: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, John Mulaney, Wagner Moura, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Anthony Mendez. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is the one to own in the Puss in Boots saga. It’s great to hear Antonio Banderas reprise his role as the voice for the legendary Puss in Boots. WOW! This is a great watch for children and adults alike. Thank you to all involved in making this film work so well.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Tom and Jerry: The Movie—Nostalgia!—shows very well in its animation. Terrific to see the Tom and Jerry cat and mouse activity and to also be reminded of Spike the Bulldog as built into this movie’s story. The live action is problematic and detracts from the film. But it is good to see Michael Peña and the other live action characters, Patsy Ferran is an interesting actress choice for this movie. She will be looked for in other works to assess her handling of characters. The film also makes a reference to Droopy the Basset Hound which is quite welcome as another small trip down memory lane. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Tom wants to be a pianist and Jerry wants a new home and the adventure is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Chris DeFaria for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Tom, Jerry, Jordan Bolger, Rob Delany, Patsy Ferran, Pallavi Sharda, Colin Jost, Somi De Souza, Ajay Chhabra, Patrick Poletti, Janis Ahern, and Ken Jeong. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It brings back memories in a very big way and entertains with its animation techniques and storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers