THE MONKEY KING (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.5|5.0 Starsìì

The Monkey King relies heavily on special effects to tell its story. Chow Yun Fat and Donnie Yen (IP Man) play lead roles in this artistic interpretation of an old Chinese myth.  While the costuming department completely wins the prize for beauty and originality, the writing department’s script is complicated and needs background story to appreciate the complexity of the story. Without research into the meaning of the plot before going to the movie, the relevancy and sense becomes lost in cultural differences. Donnie Yen interprets the Monkey King using laughter that seems, at times, a little annoying.  The movie needs much improvement to meet the higher standards that mark good entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Demons wage war on heaven incurring significant damage which a goddess repairs by sacrificing herself. One piece of herself falls to earth and creates the Monkey King.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Pou-Soi Cheang for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Clarence Yiu-leung Fok, Robert Harris, Kiefer Liu, and Michael Wehrhahn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sun Wukong/Monkey King (Donnie Yen), Jade Emperor (Yun-Fat Chow), Bull Demon King (Aaron Kwok), Master Puti (Yitian Hai), Erlangshen (Peter Ho), Princess Iron Fan (Joe Chen), and Ruxue (Zitong Xia).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This movie requires much Chinese cultural knowledge. Without that background, it makes it exceptionally difficult to get the impact and the meaning of the story.

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Ben Meyers

STRONG ISLAND (Sundance Film Festival Park City, Provo City, Sundance Resort in Uinta National Forest Utah County Utah USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Strong Island takes its audience on a well-balanced review of the disturbing 1992 murder of William Ford Jr. His sister and the director of the film, Yance Ford, make an investigation of her brother’s death with a review of how they came to live on Long Island through the evening he was killed and then, examine the days that follow her brother’s murder. Yance Ford interviews family, friends, and investigators as a means of understanding this shocking and emotionally disturbing event. This documentary stands as one of the best in the business. Sensitively written, the film examines the entire spectrum of events from multiple viewpoints. It deserves high praise for camera use and professional, sensitive interviews that thoroughly explore hurtful, shocking events. Great work for Director Yance Ford.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Yance Ford’s brother, William Ford, Jr., is murdered by a man who claims he felt intimidated by Williams’ presence in an auto shop.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Yance Ford for directing efforts. Additional characters/cast include: Barbara Dunmore, William Ford, and Yance Ford.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth every minute of its 107-minute length.

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Ben Meyers

CUBE (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Cube has the word creepy written all over it. The actors acquit themselves well and more than establish themselves in the entertainment industry with their interpretation of this thriller/horror film. The suspense in this film relies on a bit of a surprise—not everyone makes it to the end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A cube has escape hatches positioned on each of its faces. Each hatch leads to another cube. Many of the cubes are booby-trapped with devices designed to kill persons entering them. Five people need to reach freedom.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Vincenzo Natali and to Executive Producers Colin Brunton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leaven (Nicole de Boer), Holloway (Nicky Guadagni), Worth (David Hewlett), Kazan (Andrew Miller), Alderson (Julian Richings), Rennes (Wayne Robson), and Quentin (Maurice Dean Wint).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If a viewer is looking for 90 minutes of suspense, this film completely supplies that emotion.

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Ben Meyers

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl—unforgettable and rewatchable—This first film displays superb cinematography with such realistic special effects that, fifteen years later, still stand as great examples of the best effects the entertainment industry affords. Especially watch for the skeletons and decomposing pirate bodies. Johnny Depp, at his typical Johnny Depp best, pushes this storyline into outstanding. No wonder Disneyland specifically used this movie's theme to create one of its famous park rides. Great work for all involved in producing the film. Special mention to the terrific talents of Director Gore Verbinski. Outstanding work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Governor Swann (Jonathan Pryce) and his daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) become involved with the Pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), the crew of a ghost ship, the son of famous pirate Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), an old curse, and a special medallion.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gore Verbinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Deason, Bruce Hendricks, Chad Oman, and Mike Stenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Norrington (Jack Davenport), Pintel (Lee Arenberg), Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook), Lieutenant Gillette (Damian O’Hare), Murtogg (Giles New), Mullroy (Angus Barnett), Cotton (David Bailie), and Twigg (Michael Berry, Jr.).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a family-friendly film with all-encompassing entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THAT’S WHAT I AM (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

That’s What I Am—Disney high school movie ambience—turns into a great teen flick. It’s worth watching and provides a good platform for the acting talents of Ed Harris, Chase Ellison, Alexander Walters, Daniel Yelsky, Mia Rose Frampton, and Amy Madigan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Twelve-year-old Andy Nichol’s (Chase Ellison) teacher Mr. Simon (Ed Harris) teaches human dignity plus compassion equals world peace. Andy gets a firsthand demonstration how that formula works when he is paired, for completion of a school project, with Big G (Alexander Walters), a boy exiled from the mainstream school crowd since grade school. He watches Big G courageously stand up to school bully Jason Freel (Camille E. Bourgeois III). Then, he observes how Mr. Simon deals with a community that supports a rumor that Mr. Simon is homosexual.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Pavone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Denise Chamian and Michael Pavone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sherri Nichol (Molly Parker), Jim Nichol (Daniel Roebuck), Norman Grunmeyer (Daniel Yelsky), Mary Clear (Mia Rose Frampton), Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan), Dan Rainier (Renwick D. Scott II), and Irene Freel (Vanessa Cloke).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good, well-written film that makes the strong statement that it takes courage to be compassionate.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

While We’re Young takes its time to get into its story. The viewer repeatedly finds itself sitting on the sidelines waiting for the characters that Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts portray to ‘get it’ and move on. At the same time, the sweet taste of the underlying story theme becomes difficult to ignore and by the middle of the movie gathers its own force as the main characters race toward a seemingly inevitable conclusion. Casting creates an interesting dichotomy with the placement of Ben Stiller with Adam Driver. They work together like salt around the rim of a good Margarita. Adam Driver (J. Edgar, Lincoln, Llewelyn Davis, Tracks) shows exceptional talent and is worth keeping an eye on for future films. Watch for Amanda Seyfried from Les Misérables.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Josh (Ben Stiller) and his wife Cornelia (Naomi Watts) do not make the approach to middle age and the transition into family life in the usual straight forward fashion. They take a detour that involves returning to youth by developing a relationship with Jamie (Adam Driver) and his wife Darby (Amanda Seyfried), a much younger couple.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Noah Baumbach for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Noah Baumbach, Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, and Lila Yacoub for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marina (Maria Dizzia), Fletcher (Adam Horovitz), Tim (Matthew Maher), Ira Mandelstam (Peter Yarrow), Ira’s Wife (Bonnie Kaufman), Frank (Hector Otero), New School Woman (Deborah Eisenberg), Tipper (Dree Hemingway), Benny (Matthew Shear), Elise (Annie Baker), Pepper (Quincy Tyler Bernstine), and Music Class Band (James Manzello).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Ben Stiller has an irresistible screen presence that carries every film in which he stars. This film is no exception to that rule. However, the story runs slowly, seems quite boring at times, and lacks the usual Ben Stiller comedic effect. 

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Ben Meyers

TWILIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight—craftily made—completely wins due to the casting choice of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. That onscreen duo combine to form a uniquely electrifying effect that surpasses Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor in Gone With The Wind and Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen.  This romance completely defies the ordinary and runs to prove its originality. It’s a BRAVO for Director Catherine Hardwicke’s directorial debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) finds Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) electrifying.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Catherine Hardwicke for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Michele Imperato, Guy Oseary, and Karen Rosenfelt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Renée (Sarah Clarke), Phil (Matt Bushell), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Billy Black (Gil Birmingham), Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Tyler (Gregory Tyree Boyce), Eric (Justin Chon), Mike Newton (Michael Welch), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Angela (Christian Serratos), Rosalie (Nikki Reed), Emmet Cullen (Kellan Lutz), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), and Jasper (Jackson Rathbone).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It compliments and enhances author Stephanie Meyers’ novel in ways that films can rarely accomplish.

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Ben Meyers

THE NEWTON BOYS (South by Southwest Film Festival, Austin Texas USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Newton Boys—based on a true story—can be a little slow, but has enough comedy in it to push it into the ‘good watch’ category.  The film uses the talents of Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Skeet Ulrich to tell its story. It doesn’t have the flare that O Brother Where Art Thou (set roughly within the same time period) has, but it’s interesting to see another film that operates within that time frame and gives additional information of years when Charlie Chaplin was at the peak of his career, the Three Stooges were just coming on the screen, and Walt Disney, in about 5-7 years, was about to be the biggest name in children and family cartoons. This film is a little piece of history that is worth catching. Watch for the live interview of one of the Newton boys at the end of the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Willis Newton (Matthew McConaughey) finds robbing banks becomes much easier when one stays up-to-date and one step ahead of current technology.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Richard Linklater for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer John Sloss for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joe Newton (Skeet Ulrich), Jess Newton (Ethan Hawke), Ma Newton (Gail Cronauer), Orphan Singer (Jena Karam), Orphan Singer (Casey McAuliffe), Orphan Fiddler (Regina Mae Matthews), Waiter (Lew Temple), Brentwood Glasscock (Dwight Yoakam), Slim (Charles Gunning), Farmer Williams (Glynn Williams), Bank Teller (Charles Bray), Tailor (Robert Iannaccone), Avis Glasscock (Chloe Webb), Crooked Banker (Gary Moody), and Louise Brown (Julianna Margulies).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes.  It sets a piece of American history, in an entertaining way, into a worth watching film.

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Ben Meyers

IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

In Search of Israeli Cuisine contains terrific interviews with a wide variety of persons operating within Israel’s food industry. However, the film fails to capitalize on current strengths and seems to search for some future definition that has not yet materialized when, in fact, there seems to be a wide range of already completely defined food types that this country’s rich and long interaction with an entire world of food cultures offers. Perhaps the best definition of Israeli cuisine is: Israel has it all. This fact seems to be ignored as if there is confusion between precisely what is Jewish cuisine versus Israel’s terrifically diverse food offerings. This situation seems to negatively impact the value of this film’s ability to promote Israel as a viable player within the high art of cuisine on an international level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Michael Solomonov takes his audience on a journey to search for a complete definition of Israeli cuisine while explaining that Israeli cuisine is still in its process of definition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roger Sherman for directing efforts.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While the general conclusion seems to be that Israeli cuisine has not completely defined itself yet, the search for that definition is worth watching as the documentary contains terrific backdrop scenery of Israel as well as a rich offering of Jewish history.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

42 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

42 concentrates so much on the problem of segregation that it loses some of the power of the Jackie Robinson story.  On the other hand, it more finely highlights the terrific, raw courage it takes to break new ground within a culture determined to stand its ground against plowing. It also shows why Jackie Robinson and his family were such terrific choices to break barriers. It’s great to see Harrison Ford in something more subtle than many of his previous works as he takes on the character of Branch Rickey, baseball executive. All in all, the film is a very good sports film that delivers at its own level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) is a hard hitting, hardworking, all-heart baseball player. Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) recognizes and needs that talent. He relies on Jackie Robinson’s personal strength to take the abuse and still deliver as he breaks the all-white barrier at national level. Robinson goes from the Kansas City Monarchs to the Montreal Royals and then to the Brooklyn Dodgers. He becomes known as the first African American to play baseball for the Major Leagues.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brian Helgeland for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Clark, Dick Cook, and Jon Jashni for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rachel Robinson (Nicole Beharie), Leo Durocher (Christopher Meloni), Dixie Walker (Ryan Merriman), Pee Wee Reese (Lucas Black), Wendell Smith (André Holland), Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk), Ralph Branca (Hamish Linklater), Harold Parrott (T.R. Knight), Red Barber (John C. McGinley), Clyde Sukeforth (Toby Huss), Burt Shotton (Max Gail), Kirby Higbe (Brad Beyer), Mr. Brock (James Pickens, Jr.), and Joe Garagiola (Gino Anthony Pesi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a good sports film that shows the courage that is needed by an entire family to break through outdated cultural patterns.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE (Theatrical Release UK 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Christmas Candle has potential to hit the 'bull's eye' as a Christmas classic. It’s sweet storyline deeply tries but fails to place in the classic status as the movie It’s A Wonderful Life. This film has a little Christmas spirit, but becomes a story mostly about a town whose minister is more involved in 'people power' than in 'God power'. Watch for Susan Boyle in her first film appearance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Candlemakers Edward Haddington (Sylvester McCoy) and his wife Bea (Lesley Manville) make candles for their village. Every 25 years an angel comes to bless one of the candles and the candlemakers give that candle to a special person in need, tell the person to light the candle, and instruct the person to pray. On this 25^th year, the rack of candles accidentally tips over and the candlemakers do not know which candle is the ‘special’ candle. So, they hand every candle to various needy villagers with the instruction to light the candle and pray.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Stephenson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Christian, Ivan Dunleavy, Huw Penallt Jones, Brian Lockhart, and Shail Shah for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Richmond (Hans Matheson), Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks), Herbert Hopewell (James Cosmo), Eleanor Hopewell (Susan Boyle), Lady Camdon (Barbara Flynn), William Barstow (John Hanna), Charlie Barstow (Jude Wright), Phineas Barber (Morgan Jones), Delilah Barber (Alice Bonifacio), Oliver Barber (Tim Barlow), Agnes Chumley (Beatrice Curnew), Mrs. Chumley (Patricia England), Widow Leonard (Tessa Bell-Briggs), and Mr. Finch (Edward Gower).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The best part of this movie is hearing Susan Boyle sing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SECURITY (Theatrical Release United States 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Security needs script rework for flow. The storyline is jerky and falls flat at several critical junctures in its story. While it places Lillian Blankenship in a favorable light that shows her talent, it does not do the same for Ben Kingsley due to his sophistication that is far beyond what this role requires. Kingsley’s character requires a Jean Reno, Robert Knepper, or Don Johnson casting. Kingsley operates more on the level of an Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, or Joe Pesci. This film has potential not fully realized; it doesn’t have everything in place that makes it a box office hit.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

United States Marine Captain Eduardo ‘Eddie’ Deacon (Antonio Banderas) needs a job, any job, to provide for his family. He finally lands a security position at a local mall. The adventure is on after he permits after-hour mall access to a young girl pleading for haven from unknown assailants.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Alain Desrochers for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Shi Jianxiang, Avi Lerner, and Steven Paul for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie (Ben Kingsley), Vance (Liam McIntyre), Dead Eyes (Cung Le), Jamie (Katherine de la Rocha), Mason (Chad Li), Johnny Wei (Jiro Wang), Ruby (Gabriella Wright), Administrator (Shari Watson), Lead Official (John Strong), Uncle Will (Andrew De La Rocha), SUV Agrent #1 (Mark Basnight), SUV Agent #2 (Atanas Srebrev), SUV Agent #3 (Steven Baduske), Patrol Car Cop (Ivailo Dimitrov), and Agent Rodriguez (Anurag Biswas).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. An Antonio Banderas fan will get an eyeful of Banderas, but it is not his best film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HORSEMEN (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Horsemen—gore, blood, and disturbing imagery—mark this film as a fair-to-middling horror film based on the concept of tracking and bringing to justice a deranged serial killer. While this movie is not in the class of Silence of the Lambs, it provides a solid format that tests Dennis Quaid’s ability to act within the horror genre. This is not one of his best performances.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Forensic Dentist Aiden Breslin (Dennis Quaid) investigates a murder that is soon followed by a series of murders with common links. He believes he sees a connection to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and attempts to solve the case based on commonalities in that theme.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jonas Åkerlund for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Drake, Ted Field, Nathan Kahane, and Joe Rosenburg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kristin (Ziyi Zhang), Alex Breslin (Lou Taylor Pucci), Stingray (Clifton Collins, Jr.), Tuck (Barry Shabaka Henley), Corey (Patrick Fugit), Taylor (Eric Balfour), Father Whiteleather (Paul Dooley), Thug (Thomas Mitchell), Sean Breslin (Liam James), Police Chief Krupa (Chelcie Ross), Bob (Manfred Maretzki), Navratil (Arne MacPherson), Terrence (David Dastmalchian), David Spitz (Peter Stormare), and Control Room Guy (Darren Felbel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                 

Maybe. The movie redundantly returns to a single shocking imagery which minimizes its ability to work well within its horror genre.

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Ben Meyers

FIELD OF DREAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Field of Dreams—superb concept—takes its audience on a connect-the-dots adventure that is worth its weight in gold. Kudos to Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan for giving this film its life and vibrancy. Thank you to James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and the late Burt Lancaster for showing us once again what great acting is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears a divine voice that instructs him to build a baseball field where his corn crop is growing and ‘he will come.’ Kinsella immediately complies and, despite one setback after another, unfolds a unique purpose for the baseball diamond that reveals itself bit by bit as he follows mysterious links that seem unrelated.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Phil Alden Robinson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Brian E. Frankish for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Annie Kinsella (Amy Madigan), Karin Kinsella ( Gaby Hoffmann), Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta), Mark (Timothy Busfield), Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), Dr. Archibald Graham (Burt Lancaster), Archie Graham (Frank Whaley), John Kinsella (Dwier Brown), Feed Store Farmer (James Andelin), Feed Store Lady (Mary Anne Kean), Annie’s Mother (Fern Persons), Dee (Kelly Coffield Park), Buck Weaver (Michael Milhoan), Eddie Cicotte (Steve Eastin), and Swede Risberg (Charles Hoyes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. This is an outstanding piece of entertainment. It is particularly refreshing to see the support the husband and wife give each other.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNDERCOVER GRANDPA (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.3|5.0 Starsìì

Undercover Grandpa inadvertently downgrades and disgraces veteran warriors of the last generation with its poorly written script and its less-than-B-grade story line. The only thing that partially redeems this film is the pleasure of seeing James Caan and Louis Gosset, Jr. cast together on the big screen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War II veteran Grandpa (James Caan) and his buddies help his grandson, Jake Bouchard (Dylan Everett), find a missing girlfriend, Angie Wagner (Greta Onieogou).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Erik Canuel for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Arnie Zipursky for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Maddy Harcourt (Jessica Walter), Giovanni (Paul Sorvino), Jake’s Mom (Jennifer Robertson), Mother (Louis Gossett, Jr.) Harry (Kenneth Welsh), Rocky (Rob Archer), General Komenkho (Paul Braunstein), Field Reporter (Amy Matysio), Aspic Agent 2 (Brendan Murray), Mechanic (Michael Boisvert), Krak Guard 1 (Christian Bako), and Wolf (Lawrence Dane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. A similar concept with higher entertainment value is the 2010 Bruce Willis film, Red.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

xXx (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

xXx—one of the best 2002 action flicks—stars Vin Diesel in one of his top performances. The movie did well at box office and created two sequels, xXx State of the Union and xXx The Return of Xander Cage, with a 2017 announcement of a fourth sequel. There are some very good, original stunts that mark this film as outstanding; some nudity places it more in the late teen to adult range. It’s a quality action film, well worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) is recruited to retrieve a biochemical weapon from a Russian terrorist group.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Rob Cohen for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Vin Diesel, Todd Garner, Arne Schmidt, and George Zakk for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Yelena (Asia Argento), Yorgi (Marton Csokas), Agent Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), Toby Lee Shavers (Michael Roof), Mila Sova (Richy Müller), Kirill (Werner Daehn), Kolya (Petr Jákl), Viktor (Jan Filipenský),  Senator Dick Hotchkiss (Tom Everett), El Jefe (Danny Trejo), Agent Jim McGrath (Thomas Ian Griffith), and J.J. (Eve).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of Vin Diesel’s best action flicks. Don’t miss it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CASPER (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Casper—magical and loveable­—brings the Harvey Comics character, Casper, to life. While not outstandingly done, it turns into a good, fill-in-some-time movie for the young teen/adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) and his daughter, Kathleen Harvey (Christina Ricci), take up residence in Whipstaff Manor with the assigned position of ridding the mansion of four ghosts.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brad Silberling for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Gerald R. Molen, Jeffrey A. Montgomery, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nicky (Chauncey Leopardi), Andreas (Spencer Vrooman), Casper (voice of Malachi Pearson), Carrigan Crittenden (Cathy Moriarty), Paul ‘Dibbs’ Plutzker (Eric Idle), Mr. Rugg (Ben Stein), Father Guido Sarducci (Don Novello), Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers), Herself (Terry Murphy), Harvey Patient (Ernestine Mercer), Reporter (voice of Doug Bruckner), Stretch (voice of Joe Nipote), and Stinkie (voice of Joe Alaskey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Young teens and adults will love Casper from its beginning to its end.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers