LINCOLN (American Film Institute Film Festival Hollywood California USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Lincoln—very smartly written political script—portrays American President Abraham Lincoln as a more than astute politician deeply committed to ensuring future generations of African slaves their personal rights to freedom while defining American destiny. The film becomes another Steven Spielberg classic that not only entertains, but teaches and inspires. Daniel Day-Lewis (My Left Foot and Last of the Mohicans) is, as usual, at the top of his form, as he interprets the character of Abraham Lincoln. Sally Fields, brilliantly cast as Mrs. Lincoln, creates an absolutely perfect male/female tension between herself and Daniel Day-Lewis. The movie deserves an A+ rating across the board. The script, deeply thoughtful, makes its audience feel like we purchased insider seats on the actions that changed the course of a nation’s conscience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan King, Daniel Lupi, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Seward (David Strathairn), Robert Lincoln (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), W. N. Bilbo (James Spader), Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), and Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is a class act. Good watch.

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Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S ELEVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ocean’s Eleven is a little slow getting started, but doesn’t flag after that. George Clooney and cast pull this story off magnificently. This movie is a remake of the 1960s Ocean’s Eleven with more flash and dash. There is no lack in quality, dialogue, timing, action, or scripting. Every piece of the film works for entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) develops a plan to rob The Bellagio, The Mirage, and the MGM Grand casinos all at the same time.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Susan Ekins, and John Hardy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Saul Bloom (Carl Reiner), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), "The Amazing" Yen (Shaobo Qin), Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), and Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth your time and your dollar.

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Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S TWELVE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ocean’s Twelve—sassy, smart, and fun—uses an all-star cast to tell its story. It follows the Ocean’s series format and doesn’t fail to deliver its usual action-packed formula.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) demands the return of the $150,000,000 stolen from him. Ocean’s gang travels to Europe to steal a Faberge Egg for payback. But this story does not follow a predictably straight path as doublecross follows doublecross between professional thieves and liars.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Susan Ekins, and John Hardy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), and Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is a great continuation story to Ocean’s Eleven.

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Ben Meyers

I AM ALI (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

I Am Ali works on an entirely different level than Will Smith’s 2001 Ali movie. I Am Ali rounds out Muhammad Ali’s story with a profound look at his familial relationships. The documentary becomes a winner from its opening scenes with a wonderful format that does not follow a bulleted, boring chronological storyline. Director Clare Lewins retells Ali’s story with freshness and skill.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This documentary details Muhammad Ali’s story through taped conversations and archival film footage with heavy focus on personal family relationships.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Clare Lewins for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers John Battsek and Simon Chinn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Muhammad Ali Jr.), Herself (Hana Ali), Herself (Maryum Ali), Himself (Muhammad Ali), Himself (Rahman Ali), Himself (Jim Brown), and Himself (Carl Fischer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film has emotional depth accompanied with unanticipated glimpses into Muhammad Ali’s tremendous desire to succeed.

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Ben Meyers

THE GODFATHER: PART II (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Godfather: Part II—even better than the first Godfather due to backstory additions and continued outstanding casting choices—makes the story untouchable for criticism. It’s perfection at every juncture with unbelievably smooth transitions between past, present, and predictable future scenes. Director Francis Ford Coppola capitalizes on the talents of Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert DeNiro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, and Michael V. Gazzo to create a BRAVO! BRAVO! film that literally walks away with six Oscar Awards. This movie holds nothing back. Heavy on violence with some language, the film shows for an adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Corleone Family’s story continues with Michael Corleone as the new Don.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Evans and Producer Francis Ford Coppola for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael (Al Pacino), Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Kay (Diane Keaton), Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), Fredo Corleone (John Cazale), Connie Corleone (Talia Shire), Hyman Roth (Lee Strasberg), and Frankie Pentangeli (Michael V. Gazzo).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Don’t miss it.

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Ben Meyers

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION* (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Shawshank Redemption delivers an unbeatable Stephen King story via Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and an excellent supporting cast. This ‘stand up and cheer for excellence’ movie, directed by Frank Darabont, quickly establishes itself as a one-of-a-kind classic film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) insists he has been wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced with two back-to-back life sentences, he must find a way to re-establish a life.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Frank Darabont for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Liz Glotzer and David V. Lester for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman), Warden Norton (Bob Gunton), Heywood (William Sadler), Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown), Tommy (Gil Bellows), and Bogs Diamond (Mark Rolston).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a ‘must see’ for the late teen/adult audience.

*Also Known as: The Shawshank Redemption

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Ben Meyers

OWD BOB (Released to VHS Argentina 1998)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Owd Bob—James Cromwell—runs slower as British entertainment often does. But, even though it is not the best of films it tells an honest story that makes a suitable family share piece and serves as an education into shepherding dogs and their value to the farming/stock raising life. The story is based on an 1898 novel and has been remade into the film format several times.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A boy's parents die in a car accident and he is sent to his grandfather by Social Services.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Rodney Gibbons for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Christian and Harry Alan Towers for making the film possible. Cast includes James Cromwell, Colm Meaney, Jemima Rooper, John Benfield, Anthony Booth, Dermot Keaney, and Moira Brooker.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. Beautiful Isle of Man scenery serves as the backdrop for the movie. The film accurately portrays the slower pace of country life due to its revolution around animals' needs and schedules. If the audience looks for the lighter, no razzle dazzle or bright lights, this is a suitable pick for entertainment. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ARABESQUE (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Arabesque—potential not realized—cannot hold the initial interest generated in the first scenes throughout the movie.  It tries to be like a 007 James Bond story but doesn't quite get there. While Gregory Peck's professionalism carries the story, Sophia Loren's lack of maturity makes her struggle in her initial scenes. She stabilizes during the latter half of the movie. The movie earns a watch as light afternoon entertainment.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Decoding hieroglyphics and unraveling the meaning of the words against a spy background while endeavoring to know who is good and who is bad is the major theme of this movie.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Stanley Donen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Stanley Donen for making the film possible, Cast includes Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, Alan Badel, and Kieron Moore.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable espionage thriller but needs improvement in portrayal and storyline.

 

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Ben Meyers

RENT (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Rent—controversial—introduces viewers to New York’s East Village slum life. Well-acted by six of the original Broadway musical theatre performers, the film begins its theme of ‘needing love’ with emphasis on love in the moment without thought to later consequences. Lasting love seems to be the last thing served up in this depressingly sad film. Rent defines a lifestyle, a mindset, and a philosophical approach to life without dumbing down the reality of those choices.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Bohemian lifestyles, where anything goes, stand up under the limelight and allow a completely thorough investigation.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Chris Columbus for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Allan S. Gordon, Kevin McCollum, Lata Ryan, and Jeffrey Seller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mark Cohen (Anthony Rapp), Roger Davis (Adam Pascal), Mimi Marquez (Rosario Dawson), Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin), Angel Dumott Schunard (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), Maureen Johnson (Idina Menzel), and Joanne Jefferson (Tracie Thoms).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Without the music, this story becomes a tragedy hard to bear. 

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Ben Meyers

AS I LAY DYING (Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

As I Lay Dying—derived from William Faulkner’s novel—uses great cinematography with unusual, simultaneous two-screen display, perfectly timed slow-motion scenes, and unique camera angles that greatly amplify the portrayal of this eerily, dark drama. The actors, superbly cast, portray this story with great attention to detail. Tim Blake Nelson displays great skill in every scene while Brady Permenter shows great promise in this movie, his first theatrical film and acting debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Addie Bundren (Beth Grant) lies dying and requests her family bury her in Jefferson, Mississippi. The journey complicates itself after a bad rain storm.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Franco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Heidi Jo Markel, Trevor Short, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darl Bundren (James Franco), Anse (Tim Blake Nelson), Cash (Jim Parrack), Dewey Dell (Ahna O’Reilly), Jewel (Logan Marshall-Green), Vardaman Bundren (Brady Permenter), Vernon Tull (Danny McBride), Dr. Peabody (Brian Lally), Cora Tull (Jennifer Kristen Howell), Eula Tull (Anna Kooris), Kate Tull (Natalie Minton), and Reverend Whitfield (Steve Nabors).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a dive into a world of poverty and ignorance. It’s not a good movie if you’re looking for a light and happy story.

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Ben Meyers

THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Game of Their Lives—beginning of the professional American soccer team —has both suitable presentation and portrayal. Watch for Gerard Butler in one of his earlier works and John Rhys-Davies in one of his mid career works. Watch and listen for some very good dialogue and suitable/good acting.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline The newly formed American Soccer team plays against the long established British team.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director David Anspaugh for directing effort.  Thank you to Producers Howard  Baldwin, Karen Baldwin, Ginger Perkins, Peter Newman for making the film possible. Cast includes Peter Newman, Gerard Butler, Wes Bentley, Jay Rodan, Galvin Rossdale, Patrick Stewart, TerryKinney, and John Rhys-Davies. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable watch. Video Critique Available Ben Meyers

UNDEFEATED (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Undefeated—well worth your money and viewing time—shows what heart and hard work can do to change lives. This WOW! Encore! Bravo! documentary takes Dream Maker Coach Bill Courtney into a world where dreams have difficulty birthing and materializing due to long standing losses that have entrenched a losing, poverty-stricken mindset. This film, a WONDERFUL piece of work, details a process of completely changing lives through consistent, persistent struggle under the guidance of a good coach who never gives up. This film stands as one of the best documentaries of 2011.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Memphis Manassas Tigers follow the coaching of Bill Courtney to change years of high school football losses into wins.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Combs, Paolo Coppola, Michele Farinola, Neeraj Kohli, Jillian Longnecker, Chris Miller, Nigel Sinclair, and Ralph Zipper for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Montrail ‘Money’ Brown), Himself (O.C. Brown), Himself (Bill Courtney), Himself (Chavis Daniels), and Himself (Jeff Germany).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is an absolute, award-winning ‘must see’ for families and anyone involved in struggles against all odds of achieving dreams.

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Ben Meyers

A BOY CALLED PO (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

A Boy Called Po—sensational as well as educational—increases awareness of parental difficulties when balancing income and work responsibilities with care of autistic children.  Excellent teamwork by Actors Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder. Feder performs outstandingly in his role as Po.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Widower David Wilson (Christopher Gorham) struggles to make a decent living while working with his autistic son, Po, (Julian Feder).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John Asher for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Darby Parker and Steve C. Roberts for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Amy (Kaitlin Doubleday), Jack (Andrew Bowen), Ben (Sean Gunn), Amelia Carr (Caitlin Carmichael), Randall Bane (Bryan Batt), Valerie (Fay Masterson), Bill (Brian George), and Taylor Martz (Tristian Chase).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film increases compassion for autistic children and their caregivers. The movie serves as a good study for the necessity of consistent parenting to maximize child success. This film performs as a great show with a great deal of spirit.

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Ben Meyers

ELLA ENCHANTED (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Ella Enchanted—live action fairy tale—presents a great creative story for ages 10 and up. Anne Hathaway completely captures the movie’s concept with excellent support from Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Aidan McArdle, Minnie Driver, and the voice of Steve Coogan. This Miramax film has a strong Disney-like family friendly approach that serves all audiences.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

At birth a fairy gives Ella (Anne Hathaway) the gift of obedience which becomes a challenge as she progresses into adulthood.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tommy O’Haver for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Su Armstrong, Julie Goldstein, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Char (Hugh Dancy), Edgar (Cary Elwes), Slannen (Aidan McArdle), Dame Olga (Joanna Lumley), Hattie (Lucy Punch), Olive (Jennifer Higham), Mandy (Minnie Driver), Narrator (Eric Idle), Heston (voice of Steve Coogan), Benny (Jimi Mistry), and Lucinda (Vivica A. Fox).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Tommy O’Haver did a great job in directing a fun adventure, worth watching.

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Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S THIRTEEN (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ocean’s Thirteen serves up another classic Ocean’s movie with no decrease in entertainment value. The film requires closer attention to plotline as this movie’s series of cons increase in their complication from previous Ocean films. The great all-star cast continue to deliver unbeatable, on-the-spot professionalism in every scene and dialogue line. Unfortunately, this appears to be the last Ocean’s movie after the passing of Bernie Mac, but there appears to be an upcoming 2018 all-girl spinoff—Ocean’s Eight—starring Sandra Bullock.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) cons his partner, Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), out of his part of the casino ownership. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) sets out to right the wrong with a complicated series of events meant to bankrupt Willy Bank’s reputation and casino.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Frederic W. Brost, and Susan Ekins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell/Lenny Pepperidge (Matt Damon), Dr. Stan (Michael Mantell), Reuben’s Butler (Ray Xifo), Bank’s Junior Executive (Adam Lazarre-White), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Yen (Shaobo Qin), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), and Turk Malloy (Scott Caan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as good brain exercise while delivering the usual excellence expected from the Ocean’s series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers