WARRIORS OF FUTURE (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Warriors of Future—post apocalyptic Hong Kong movie—has its share of robotic ape and spider scenes. While these are interesting visual effects, those effects, unfortunately, are not supported by interesting presentation, portrayal, storyline, or acting. The English voiceovers are understandable. The film is what it is.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Aliens threaten humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ng Yuen-fai for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Tang Wai-but for making the film possible. Cast includes: Louis Koo, Sean Lau, Carina Lau, Philip Keung, Tse Kwan-ho, and Nick Cheung.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie runs on a trite, overtold story and has much work to be done to be considered high quality entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

COOL HAND LUKE (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Cool Hand Luke—classic Paul Newman—has a terrific story to tell and tells it superbly. The movie plumbs the emotions of sadness and sentimentality. The film is more than worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A prisoner attempts to make several prison breaks and becomes a nuisance to the prison guards and leadership. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stuart Rosenberg for directing effort.  Thank you to Producer Gordon Carroll for making the film possible. Cast includes: Paul Newman, George Kennedy, J.D. Cannon, Robert Drivas, Lou Antonio, Strother Martin, and Io Van Fleet.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a very good watch for the teen/adult share. The movie has heart and provokes good discussion after viewing. Great work for all involved In producing an excellent film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

WHERE THE TRACKS END (Internet Release USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Where the Tracks End—small plotline—fails in presentation, lacks good organization, tries but needs a sophisticated writer to make its storyline succeed. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A school conducted from a moving wagon educates and makes a great difference in a boy’s life as the teacher uses comic books to teach literacy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ernesto Contreras for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ernesto Contreras for making the film possible. Cast includes: Adriana Barraza, Debbie Pollack, Fatima Molina, Guillermo Villegas, Guillermo Villegas, Blanca Guerra, Jero Medina, Gabriela Cartol, Leonardo Alonso, and Norma Pablo.                                                              

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie seems to want to make a point, but never gets to its real message. It is what it is. It does not serve as grade A entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LIVING (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Living—simple and acted well for drama—does not present many details about its main character. The film runs on a dry presentation and makes it difficult to relate to the main character. There are no real flashbacks to support the story. The movie is the perfect example of sterility. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A businessman’s physician informs him he is going to die. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Oliver Hermanus for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, and Tom Burke. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie seems disorganized without a clear viewpoint to drive its plot. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

UNKNOWN: CAVE OF BONES (VOD (Video on Demand) Release World-Wide 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Unknown: Cave of Bones—no credentials, no references, nothing to back this ‘documentary’—makes its audience wonder why is this significant? The documentary sets up from its beginning to its end as a completely fictional work. The camera work is very good. The movie borders on the level of entertainment rather than actual science. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

In a poorly referenced South African ‘documentary’ Lee Berger claims to have found a graveyard full of non-human bones.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Mannucci for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jon Bardin, Mala Chapple, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jonathan Halperin, and Malvina Martin. Cast includes: Lee Berger, Keneiloe Molopyane, Agusin Fuentes, John Hawks,  Paul Tafforeau, and Maropeng Mpete. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The film is okay and has some comparisons of artifacts at the end of the film that are interesting but lack that feeling of a ‘real’ find. 

Video Critique Available Here:   

                                                                                                                                 

Ben Meyers

PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Playmobil: The Movie—animation—does not meet the same quality standards of movies like The Lego Movie (2014) or The Lego Movie: Part Two (2019). Playmobil: The Movie is weak in acting and presentation. The story is not original or particularly creative. Listen for the voice of Jim Gaffigan in the movie as well as Daniel Radcliffe. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl and her younger brother accidentally transport into a Playmobil world.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Lino DiSalvo for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Aton Soumache, Dimitri Rassam, Moritz Borman, Alexis Vonarb, Axel Von Maydell, Timothy Burrill, and Bina Wu for making the film possible. Cast includes: Anya Taylor-Joy, Jim Gaffigan,  Gabriel Bateman, Adam Lambert, Kenan Thompson, Meghan Trainor, and Daniel Radcliffe. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie has not been formulated to entertain its audience. It forgot the real purpose of making a film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HIDDEN STRIKE (Theatrical Release Turkey 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hidden Strike—Jackie Chan and John Cena—gives a WOW! performance with its mutual casting of these two outstanding action figures. This movie is better than one may think it would be. The acting is good and the presentation relies on a solid, well-written story. Much of the action scenes have been moved to machinery and outstanding explosions, but Jackie Chan still gives a few scenes where he does his unique stunts. The movie is more than worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Man involved in evacuation of people runs into challenges. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Scott Waugh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Esmond Ren, Hans Canosa, Jackie Chan, and Joe Tam for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan,  John Cena, Pilou Asbaek, and Ma Chunrui.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good film and better than one would think. The acting is good, the presentation is good, and the storyline is well written. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

APACHE (Theatrical Release USA 1954)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Apache—good film for western fans and fans of Burt Lancaster—has a well put together storyline that tells in a most poignant way about life events that touch us in the most significant ways. Very solid, well-written story. Worth watching over seventy years after release. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Apache man finds a reason to move from one lifestyle to another. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Aldrich for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Harold Hecht for making the film possible. Cast includes: Burt Lancaster, Jean Peters, and John McIntire. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Good movie with a great storyline. Burt Lancaster serves well in creating a strong character for this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Ben Meyers

WING IT (YouTube Release Cape Town Johannesburg South Africa 2012)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Wing It—cute, simple, animated 2012 short film—tells about an attempt to make an airplane fly. The plotline is good. A good child/adult share.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Man gets an idea to build an airplane and successfully builds an airplane with the help of otherworldly beings. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you for efforts in creating this short film: Jeanelize de Nys, Shani Campbell, Shane Marks, Kelly Walker, Thea de Klerk, Barry de Jager. Thank you to the  Animation School located in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. Thank you to YouTube for providing distribution for these short films.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a simple, imaginative watch that serves a wide audience range. Short and sweet…a good bedtime choice for the child/adult share. Good work for all involved in making this story happen. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

FOX FIRES (Internet Release UK 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Fox Fires—nice conclusion—provides an encouragement to look up at the night sky and know how to name the constellations. Sweet and charming, Good work for all involved in production of this short film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

Different animals are given their permanent places in the starry sky and the fox did not find his place. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Keilidh Bradley for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lin Sharklie for making the film possible. Thank you to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Scotland. Thank you to YouTube for giving a platform to distribution. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This short film works as a good bedtime share for the child/adult. It is a simple and imaginative story that works for all audiences.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOY AND THE JAZZ (YouTube Release Brazil 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Boy and the Jazz—animated short film—has a well-formulated storyline and provides a good watch. This short film is about the importance of following dreams. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Boy gets trumpet, goes to music school, has a life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to the CG Brothers for making a place for animators to learn a trade. Thank you to Producer Flavio dos Santos for making the film possible. Thank you to YouTube for making a distribution platform possible for creative artists. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a terrific story to show how each person needs to find their purpose and rhythm. Good storyline and well put together short film. Nice bedtime share for the child and adult. Sweet conclusion. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

REGGIE (Internet Release USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Reggie—good film—has great presentation and portrayal. While it may not be as complete as the Bill Russell television documentary, it still allows good insight into the life of baseball player Reggie Jackson via archival footage. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This sports documentary film is about baseball player, Reggie Jackson. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Alex Stapleton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Daniel Crown, Chris Leggett, Yoni Liebling, Rafael Marmor, and Alex Stapleton for making the film possible. Cast includes: Reggie Jackson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is well done and serves as a wonderful watch for the sports documentary fan club. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

COMMANDO (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Commando—Arnold Schwarzenegger—may be a bit campy at times which adds some comedy to the basic storyline but it's always great to see Arnold showing the bad guys what happens when one strays too far from the straight path. This film, as usual, has good scenes of Arnold taking down the bad guy moments. It is great to see a film like this that is well done in its own way. This film is great for the adult audience and the presentation is good and the portrayal is good. It is an all around fun watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action movie is about a government agent who wants to retire and raise his daughter, but his past won’t let him go. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark L. Lester for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Joel Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong,  and Alyssa Milano.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a film that is campy but still a fun watch to see his unique style in taking out the bad guys.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WOMAN KING (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Woman King—Viola Davis—has a unique storyline and matter-of-fact way of dealing with tough life situations, moving through them, and getting on with practical solutions. The writing has no fault and delivers a surprising twist in the middle of its story. The portrayal is very well done. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A woman general of a African Kingdom. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gina Prince-Bythewood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, and Maria Belio for making the film possible. Cast includes: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Worthy watch with a very good storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RAMS (Theatrical Release Australia 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rams—Sam Neill and Michael Caton—delivers a movie that cannot be outclassed. It is an Australian remake of the (2015) Icelandic film of the same name. It perfectly mixes life as it is with some comedic elements nestled into a very good and well-written drama. The film deserves a watch and serves as a good choice for entertainment when guests visit. The movie provides scene after scene of a well-defined culture revolving around the small-scale sheep industry. It is very watchable for the teen/adult audience. Great watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This drama film is about two brothers, raised on a sheep ranch, who no longer speak to each other, and who need to find a way to build new bridges to save the ranch. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jeremy Sims for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Janelle Landers and Aidan O’Bryan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sam Neill, Michael Caton, and Miranda Richardson.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Good, down-to-earth film deeply shows a certain lifestyle, culture, difference in family members and does it with flare, good acting, and presentation. The movie is highly watchable with strong human elements that can much be appreciated. Excellent film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ROCK DOG 2: ROCK AROUND THE PARK (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Rock Dog 2: Rock Around the Park—okay film—has a weak storyline but good voicing. The animation is good, but the writing is not as good as the first movie. This movie falters in presentation compared to the first movie in the series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Bodi finds that fame is not easy. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Baldo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ken Katsumoto, Steve Rosen, and Mike Young for making the film possible. Cast includes: Michael Adamthwaite, Ashleigh Ball, Kathleen Barr, Brian Dobson, Brian Drummond, Andrew Francis, and Graham Hamilton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The film may work for younger children, but adults will desire a higher-level watch. The film industry rolled out a Rock Dog 3: Battle the Beat in 2022.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers