RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage—another terrific music group documentary—details the life and events of the Rush band. This film particularly gives insight into the closeness and deep friendship that holds this group together. The documentary presents itself well, gives a good review of this band’s creative endeavors, and easily becomes worth both time and monetary investment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Documentary about the beginning and continued success of the Rush musical group.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pegi Cecconi, Shelley Nott, Noah Segal, John Virant, and Paul Zimic for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Geddy Lee), Himself (Alex Lifeson), Himself (Neil Peart), Himself (Trent Reznor), Himself (Mike Portnoy), Himself (Kirk Hammett), Himself (Tim Commerford), Himself (Sebastian Bach), and Himself (Jack Black).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It tells the Rush story well and reminds us that long-term creativity happens. There’s an underlying story for an audience who watches carefully...that when life deals horridly unbearable events, there is a universal force that provides healing over time and, despite long lapses in creative output, this force can overcome that and push one to even greater heights of performance than before.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KUNG FU PANDA: SECRETS OF THE SCROLL (Video Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll—cute short film—has a great storyline, recruits the original voicing cast, and uses the same fun, animated characters of previous Kung Fu Panda movies. It’s a short, worthy watch for child/adult share night.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tigress accidentally recruits the incorrect martial artists.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rodolphe Guenoden for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Melissa Cobb for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Po (voice of Jack Black), Young Bunny/Young Pig (voice of Eliott Guenoden), Mr. Ping (voice of James Hong), Shifu/Warrior (voice of Dustin Hoffman), Young Tigress (voice of Tara Macri), Oogway (voice of Randall Duk Kim), Master Mongrel (voice of Stephen Kearin), Boar (voice of Jayden Lund), and Palace Goose/Sheep (voice of Joseph Izzo).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works. Great work for Director Rodulphe Guenoden.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MARY POPPINS (Theatrical Release USA 1964)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Mary Poppins has an unmatched whimsicalness rarely seen in musicals. The innocence and tremendous vocal talent of Julie Andrews coupled with the fluidness of Dick Van Dyke’s dancing make for an unparalleled entertainment experience. This film easily earns its permanent place in the home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mary Poppins saves the Banks’ family relationships.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Walt Disney and Bill Walsh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), Bert/Mr. Dawes Senior (Dick Van Dyke), Mr. George W. Banks (David Tomlinson), Mrs. Winnifred Banks (Glynis Johns), Ellen (Hermione Baddeley), Mrs. Brill (Reta Shaw), Jane Banks (Karen Dotrice), Michael Banks (Matthew Garber), and Katie Nanna (Elsa Lanchester).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The vivid colors, highly imaginative imagery, and gentle life lessons make this film go down sweetly.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MADELINE (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Madeline—live action treatment of the Madeline books—presents an excellent entertainment choice for children. The well-written script does justice to the original intent of the stories.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Madeline, the orphanage’s youngest orphan, works through a series of daily life events.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Daisy von Scherler Mayer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stanley R. Jaffe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand), Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne), Madeline (Hatty Jones), Leopold the Tutor (Ben Daniels), Mr. Spanish Ambassador (Arturo Venegas), Lady Covington (Stéphane Audran), Mrs. Spanish Ambassador (Katia Caballero), Helene the Cook (Chantal Neuwirth), and Pepito (Kristian de la Osa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great entertainment for the whole family. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MARY POPPINS RETURNS (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mary Poppins Returns presents itself well across the board. Casting, makeup, costuming, stage design, script writing, dialogue...all good. However, this movie did not catch the innocence and whimsical carefreeness that was present in the original Mary Poppins show. The use of lamp lighters rather than chimney sweeps is brilliant. Lin Manuel Miranda has a terrific voice and deserves kudos for singing ability. Don’t miss it. It’s definitely worth time and money for a family share film and will interest all age groups, but be sure and watch the first Mary Poppins before viewing the second.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mary Poppins returns to help the adult Michael Banks and his family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rob Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Callum McDougall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw), Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer), Annabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh), Georgie (Joel Dawson), Ellen (Julie Walters), and Cousin Topsy (Meryl Streep).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. To continue the Banks’ family story, this movie serves as a good watch; but, the best film of the two Mary Poppins films is the first Mary Poppins movie.

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Ben Meyers

HOME: FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Television Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Home: For the Holidays—cute 45-minute short film—throws jolly Christmas fun in with a little Hanukkah cheer and creates a likable holiday watch. The characters, Gratuity ‘Tip’ Tucci and ‘Oh’ The Boov, present well. The singing and dancing make a great, upbeat treat for the whole family. Great work for Director Jodie Foster.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A boov alien and a human girl share the joy of Christmas.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jodie Foster for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stuart Kleinman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter), Tommy Larson (Robert Downey Jr.), Adele Larson (Anne Bancroft) Henry Larson (Charles Durning), Leo Fish (Dylan McDermott), Aunt Glady (Geraldine Chaplin), Walter Wedman (Steve Guttenberg), Joanne Wedman (Cynthia Stevenson), and Kitt (Claire Danes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It takes a small amount of time and works for audience enjoyment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INKHEART (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Inkheart begins well, blandly flags in the middle of its story, and then ends well. The story itself is original and tells itself well. Definitely not a re-watch except for the intellectual looking for a deeper meaning.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man brings characters to life when he reads books.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Iain Softley for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Toby Emmerich, Andrew Licht, Ileen Maisel, and Mark Ordesky for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mo (Brendan Fraser), Resa (Sienna Guillory), Meggie (Eliza Bennett), Bookshop Proprietor (Richard Strange), Dustfinger (Paul Bettany), Elinor (Helen Mirren), Cockerell (Matt King), Flatnose (Steve Speirs), and Basta (Jamie Foreman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie ‘kinda’ works, but not to its greatest potential.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE INCREDIBLES (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Incredibles—a BRAVO! animated film—has a concept that completely works to entertain across multiple age groups. Excellent addition to the already terrific Pixar animated library. Outstanding casting of voices adds to the quality of the animation. This movie adds to Director Brad Bird’s growing list of best films (Iron Giant).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Superheroes lose their reputation and legal ability to defend those who need help.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr (voice of Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl/Helen Parr (voice of Holly Hunter), Lucius Best/Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson), Syndrome/Buddy Pine (voice of Jason Lee), Bomb Voyage (voice of Dominique Louis), Newsreel Narrator (voice of Teddy Newton), Mrs. Hogenson (voice of Jean Sincere), Jack-Jack Parr (voice of Eli Fucile), and Jack-Jack Parr (voice of Maeve Andrews).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific movie choice for the entire family. Great story that entertains from its opening to its closing scenes. Nothing lost in entertainment value here. Worth your time and your money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Race to Witch Mountain—terrific work by AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, and Cerián Hinds—turns into a great remake of the original Escape to Witch Mountain. Dwayne Johnson serves as the taxi cab driver helping the children get home. His performance is well-received. More magic, more excitement, and more going on in this rewrite. The film provides a welcome entertainment evening for the whole family.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A taxi driver has a life-changing experience when two alien children enter his cab.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Fickman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mario Iscovich and Ann Marie Sanderlin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson), Sara (AnnaSophia Robb), Seth (Alexander Ludwig), Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), Burke (Ciarán Hinds), Matheson (Tom Everett Scott), Pope (Chris Marquette), Carson (Billy Brown), and Dr. Donald Harlan (Garry Marshall).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A well done action/adventure for the WHOLE family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INCREDIBLES 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Incredibles 2—as much of a BRAVO! film as its prequel—presents itself as another terrific Pixar film. The original Incredibles’ team adds Dash, the latest addition to the family, who has his own tool box of impressive skills. Great work for Director Brad Bird. Terrific watch for whole family appeals to all age groups.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Incredibles find a way to re-enter the crime fighting scene.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr (voice of Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl/Helen Parr (Holly Hunter), Violet Parr (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dashiell Parr (voice of Huck Milner), Evelyn Deavor (voice of Catherine Keener), Jack-Jack Parr (voice of Eli Fucile), Winston Deavor (voice of Bob Odenkirk), Lucius Best/Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson), and Tony Rydinger (voice of Michael Bird).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great concept, great story line, and great watch for all age groups.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FLYING DEUCES (Theatrical Release USA 1939)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Flying Deuces—cute show—plays the original Laurel and Hardy comedy duo in a great script. This film works like a charm to right afternoon doldrums. Great work for Director A. Edward Sutherland.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two fish mongers go to France on vacation.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director A. Edward Sutherland for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Boris Morros for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stan (Stan Laurel), Ollie (Oliver Hardy), Georgette (Jean Parker), Francois (Reginald Gardiner), Commandant (Charles Middleton), Sergeant (Jean Del Val), Corporal (Crane Whitley), and Jailor (.James Finlayson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Clean comedy delivered to your home deserves its place in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOOD SAM (Television Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Good Sam—feel good film—delivers a simple and straight forward story backed with some very good acting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A news reporter endeavors to discover the identity of a community good Samaritan.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kate Melville for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David McFadzean), Michael Prupas, Joel S. Rice, and Matt Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kate Bradley (Tiva Sircar), Eric Hayes (Chad Connell), Jack Hansen (Marco Grazzini), Josh (Jesse Camacho), David Dyal (Mark Camacho), Lauren (Elana Dunkelman), Susan Andrews (Kelly Hope Taylor), Ed (Kenny Wong), and Alex (Daniela Sandiford).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie serves as a good afternoon lunch watch as it is easy to view over multiple days without loss of storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BIG MIRACLE (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Big Miracle—based on a true story—uses the talents of Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Tim Blake Nelson, and Ted Danson to tell its story. The well-written script allows a pleasing look into native Alaskan culture and values, political maneuvering, media politics, and environmentalist demands. The film provides good after viewing discussion for parents and their children. Good work for Director Ken Kwapis.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

America becomes involved in the rescue of three whales caught under the ice and isolated from free passage to the ocean.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ken Kwapis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stuart M. Besser and Paul Green for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Malik (John Pingayak), Nathan (Ahmaogak Sweeney), Roy (John Chase), Bud (Ishmael Angalook Hope), Inupiat Whaler (Othniel Oomittuk Jr.), Adam Carlson (John Krasinski), Don Davis (Andrew Daly), Frank (Thomas R. Daly), Dana (Maliag Kairaiuak), and Arnold (Jeffrey Evan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Simple, family friendly movie serves its share of comedy, irony, romance, and drama in an easy-on-the-mind film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WALT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH (VHS Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Walt: The Man Behind the Myth—real entertainment value—tells a more thorough story than Walt Before Mickey. Good to see increased archival footage of Walt Disney and his brother Roy than some documentaries show. Using Dick Van Dyke to narrate absolutely enhances the pleasing delivery of the biographical information. This film was exclusively featured on the Wonderful World of Disney TV Show in 2001.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Walt Disney’s life more thoroughly documented.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jean Pierre Isbouts for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Walter Elias Disney Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself/Narrator (Dick Van Dyke), Himself/Founder (Walt Disney), Herself/Daughter (Diane Disney), Himself/Nephew (Roy Edward Disney), Himself/Disney Company Archivist (Dave Smith), Himself/Walt Disney Biographer (Bob Thomas), Herself/Niece (Dorothy Puder), Himself/Author & Historian (J.B. Kaufman), and Herself/Actress/Alice (Virginia Davis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary delivers a cohesive story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

48 CHRISTMAS WISHES (Television Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

48 Christmas Wishes—one of those movies that gets better as it progresses, but never really ‘gets there’—lacks sincerity and realism. The concept, under better script writing and movie direction, could have been an over-the-top film. The story, as it stands, finishes as low-grade, easy-on-the-mind entertainment fare.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Elves accidentally dispose of the last 48 Christmas wishes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Marco Deufemia and Justin G. Dyck for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Vanessa Shapiro for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Laura (Madeline Leon), Blake (Liam MacDonald), Mindy (Clara Kushnir), Cam (Ethan Yang), Emma (Elizabeth Ellsworth), Sammy (Maya Franzoi), Santa (Paul Dick), Benny (Bruce Gram), and Greorge (Raise Muoi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film works for children, but The Christmas Chronicles serves as a better choice for time and money spent.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GENERATION IRON 3 (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Generation Iron 3—spunk and dedication to disciplined goals define every scene in this film that more clearly shows the progression of body building and the various levels at which a person may compete. The Men’s Physique (stress places on upper body while lower body stays about the same, think male models) may seem a more doable goal for the average person. The Classic Physique (where both the upper and lower body builds, think Charles Atlas or Joe Weider) may also appeal to the average person. The universally accepted body builder look (think Arnold Schwarzenegger) evolves into an Extreme Body Building classification (think Lou Ferrigno’s latest look). The documentary refreshingly shows that the Golden Era of bodybuilding has not died out and completely given way to the increasingly massive bodies that are seen in extreme body building today and also shows increasing international interest in this activity. It’s a good watch and allows a profound look into this sport as a life activity.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This documentary more clearly defines different types of body building competitions and shows what international competitors contribute to body building. It also shows that some countries produce better competitors due to initial physique proportions and better suitability for the sport.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Vlad Yudin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Nirojan J. Yamunarajan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Sheru Aangrish), Himself (Rafael Brandao), Himself (Chris Bumstead), Hadi Choopan, Himself (Felipe Franco), Himself (Kai Greene), Himself (Regan Grimes), Himself (Brandon Hendrickson), and Herself (Whitney Jones).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This informative movie compliments the first two films in the series by increasing depth of understanding about competition levels, natural predisposition for the activity, and different ways international competitors train.

Video Critique Available :Here

Ben Meyers