TALL GIRL (Internet Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Tall Girl—sweet story—shows how unique differences, in this case unusual female height, can be used to move forward despite extreme social anxiety due to group out-casting. Great work for Director Nzingha Stewart for catching the nuances of being different and the journey to overcome the resulting conflict.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A tall girl finds her way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nzingha Stewart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven Bello and Jenny Hinkey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jodi Kreyman (Ava Michelle), Jack Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), Harper Kreyman (Sabrina Carpenter), Liz (Paris Bereic), Stig Mohlin (Luke Eisner), Kimmy Stitcher (Clara Wilsey), Helaine Kreyman (Angela Kinsey), Richie Kreyman (Steve Kahn), Fareeda (Anjelika Washington), Schnipper (Rico Paris), Crystal Spitz (Bria Condon), Bob Brickman (Shane Guilbeau), Nina Dunkleman (Christina Moses), Will (Andrew Brodeur), Dr. Sager (Jason Rogel), Principal O’Sullivan (Gralen Bryant Banks), and Jodi (Ally Hobbs).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie provides good after viewing discussion for families. Good child/adult share film.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

AQUAMAN (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aquaman—good concept—fails due to a weak storyline and acting that is not as good as it should be. The trailer shows Jason Momoa as casting well for this movie, but within the entire film he seems too high tech to establish realism. For the DC universe better entertainment choices are Batman Begins or The Dark Knight.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two worlds collide and a hybrid goes to save the day.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jon Berg, Walter Hamada, Geoff Johns, Deborah Snyder, and Zack Snyder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arthur (Jason Momoa), Mera (Amber Heard), Vulko (Willem Dafoe), King Orm (Patrick Wilson), Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren), Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), Tom Curry (Temuera Morrison), Captain Murk (Ludi Lin), Jesse (Michael Beach), Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park), King Atlan (Graham McTavish), Cargo Pilot (Leigh Whannell), Young Arthur (Tainui, Tamor Kirkwood and Denzel Quirke), and Young Arthur (Kaan Guldur and Otis Dhanji).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Jason Momoa’s fans, it might work, but for your superhero entertainment time and dollars try Dark Knight.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CITIZEN KANE (Theatrical Release USA 1941)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Citizen Kane—classic watch—tells an outstanding story with style and terrific acting. It seems partially based on the life story of William Randolph Hearst and serves as a great study on the works of actor and director, Orson Welles.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The life story of a newspaper mogul intertwines with childhood memories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Orson Welles for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer George Schaeffer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), Susan Alexander Kane (Dorothy Comingore), Mary Kane (Agnes Moorehead), Emily Monroe Norton Kane (Ruth Warrick), James W. Gettys (Ray Collins), Herbert Carter (Erskind Sanford), Mr. Bernstein (Everett Sloane), Jerry Thompson (William Alland), Raymond (Paul Stewart), Walter Parks Thatcher (George Coulouris), Matiste (Fortunio Bonanova), The Headwaiter (Gus Schilling), Mr. Rawlston (Philip Van Zandt), Miss Anderson (Georgia Backus), Kane’s Father (Harry Shannon), Kane III (Sony  Bupp), and Kane (Orson Welles).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Nothing boring in this drama film. It’s worth a watch and an addition to the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MEN IN BLACK II (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Men in Black II—not as good as the first Men in Black—manages to serve up a good entertainment piece. Will Smith serves as an excellent offset to Tommy Lee Jones. Great work for Director Barry Sonnenfeld. The movie easily deserves its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Agent K’s mind restores to resolve a problem from the past.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Sonnenfeld for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), Jay (Will Smith), Zed (Rip Torn), Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle), Scrad/Charlie (Johnny Knoxville), Laura Vasquez (Rosario Dawson), Jeebs (Tony Shalhoub), Agent Tee (Patrick Warburton), Ben (Jack Kehler), Newton (David Cross), and Hailey (Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie completely satisfies the MIB fan.

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Ben Meyers

FREAKY FRIDAY (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Freaky Friday—remake of a 1976 theatrical released film and a 1995 television release— makes a strong statement for good entertainment due to the casting of Jamie Lee Curtis with Lindsay Lohan and Mark Harmon. Great storyline and concept make it a good family share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A mother and daughter wake from a night's sleep and find their souls have switched each other's physical bodies.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Waters for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mario Iscovich for for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis), Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan), Ryan (Mark Harmon), Grandpa (Harold Gould), Jake (Chad Michael Murray), Mr. Bates (Stephen Tobolowsky), Maddie (Christina Vidal), Harry Coleman (Ryan Malgarini), Peg (Haley Hudson), Pei-Pei (Rosalind Chao), Pei-Pei’s Mom (Lucille Soong), and Evan (Willie Garson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Disney made an entertaining movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NORM OF THE NORTH: KING SIZED ADVENTURE (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Norm of the North: King Sized Adventure—not the best children’s film, but better than the first two Norm of the North movies—serves average fare with noticeably weak character development that outweighs the fairly good animation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Norm travels the world to recover a Chinese artifact.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Finn and Tim Maltby for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mike Bundlie, Anne Parducci, and Audrey Xu for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vera/Chase/Goose #1 (voice of Jennifer Cameron), Grandpa/Student #2 (voice of Brian Dobson), Dexter/Mayhem/Bird (voice of Michael Dobson), Maria/Student #4 (voice of Lisa Durupt), Jin (voice of Simon Hayama), Socrates/Polar Bear #1 (voice of Jonathan Holmes), Quinn/Chaos (voice of Cole Howard), Olympia (voice of Maya Kay), Stan (voice of Alan Marriott), Fong/Student #3 (voice of Lee Tockar), Chen/Polar Bear #2 (voice of Vincent Tong), and Norm (voice of Andrew Toth).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Children may like this film. Adults may not want to choose this as a share night movie.

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Ben Meyers

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Unaccompanied Minors—Christmas watch—serves up a good portion of generous Home Alone-style holiday comedy. One of the best children’s films for 2006, the movie delivers a bushel basket full of good will and heartfelt chuckles. Great work for Director Paul Feig. Overall, this film works as a good child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A snowstorm lands a handful of minors into an airport holding area.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul Feig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Ira Glass, Michael Lambert, Carrie Morrow, and Julie Snyder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Oliver Porter (Lewis Black), Zach Van Bourke (Wilmer Valderrama), Charlie Goldfinch (Tyler James Williams), Spencer Davenport (Dyllan Christopher), Timothy Wellington (Brett Kelly), Grace Conrad (Gia Mantegna), Donna Malone (Quinn Shephard), Valerie Davenport (Paget Brewster), Sam Davenport (Rob Corddry), Katherine Davenport (Dominique Saldaña), Cindi (Jessica Walter), and Head Guard Hoffman (Rob Riggle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It deserves its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVERSING ROE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Reversing Roe—comprehensive documentary—presents a long-term look at the Roe VS Wade case. Audiences will appreciate more in-depth coverage on this sensitive issue and the wider range of facts concerning government requirements for doctors who handle patients asking for an abortion. Very good review that fosters deeper understanding.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The documentary follows the history of American abortion politics.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Christine Connor and Eva Longoria for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herself (Donna Howard), Himself (John Seago), Herself (Brigitte Amiri), Himself (Troy Newman), Herself (Colleen McNicholas), Herself (Linda Greenhouse), Himself (Tom Davis), Herself (Gloria Steinem), Herself (Faye Wattleton), Herself (Eleanor Holmes Norton), Herself (Tanya Melich), and Himself (Curtis Boyd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is interesting and informative. It’s a good teen/adult watch that provides great opportunity for after watching discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALPHA AND OMEGA 2: A HOWL-IDAY ADVENTURE (Video Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 1.7|5.0 Starsì

Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure—suffers from a lack of continuity in its storyline and, as a result, logical sequencing becomes skewed. There is no rhyme or reason. ‘Things’ just seem to ‘happen’. The film ends with no real explanation. Unfortunately, despite the tremendous effort, the film misses the mark for good entertainment that appeals to an international audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two wolves, who are preparing for the holidays, find their pup missing and go to find it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Anthony Bell and Richard Rich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Noah Fogelson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Humphrey (voice of Ben Diskin), Kate/Stinky/Lilly (voice of Kate Higgins), Claudette (voice of Marieve Herington), Runt (voice of Debi Derryberry), Eve (voice of Tracy Pfau), Tony/Rogue #2 (voice of R. Martin Klein), Princess (voice of Meryl Leigh), Rogue Wolf #1 (voice of Shaun Gerardo), Garth/King (voice of Blackie Rose), and Winston (voice of John Eric Bentley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This not the best film for your time or money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STARSKY AND HUTCH (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Starsky and Hutch works because of exceptionally good casting decisions that paired the unlikely team of Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller together. The well-written story holds its own throughout the movie. This turns into a good, comedy/action police show that is easy to follow and entertains.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An unconventional police car, a police informer, and two policemen using unconventional means to solve crime do a good job of tracking and intimidating criminals.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Todd Phillips for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gilbert Adler and Ben Stiller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Starsky (Ben Stiller), Ken Hutchinson (Owen Wilson), Huggy Bear (Snoop Dogg), Captain Doby (Fred Williamson), Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn), Kitty (Juliette Lewis), Kevin (Jason Bateman), Holly (Amy Smart), Staci (Carmen Electra), Chau (George Cheung), Manetti (Chris Penn), and Heather (Brande Roderick).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie did an outstanding job of commemorating the original television series. It serves good entertainment and satisfies the charisma needed to put it into the good watch category.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEGALLY BLONDE (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Legally Blonde—refreshingly new—gives the most delightful dip into the ‘power within’ to completely change one defined future for another and does it with such aplomb. No preaching, a great deal of exceptionally sweet comedy, and a lot of heart mark this film. Actress Reese Witherspoon gives her audience a study in ‘real’. She plays her part with honesty, complete believability, and generousness of heart. It’s a terrific movie that gives a great peek-a-boo into a life outside the norm while leaving respect in its wake. The movie could have so easily been relegated to ‘chick flick’ status and becomes everything but that.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sorority girl gets dumped and proves her mettle in a fight to change perceptions about her basic character.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Luketic for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ric Kidney and Marc Platt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), Emmett (Luke Wilson), Vivian Kensington (Selma Blair), Warner (Mattthew Davis), Professor Callahan (Victor Garber), Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge), Professor Stromwell (Holland Taylor), Brooke Taylor Windham (Ali Larter), Margot (Jessica Cauffiel), Serena (Alanna Ubach), Dorky David Kidney (Oz Perkins), and Chutney (Linda Cardellini).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works for its money and succeeds.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUPITER ASCENDING (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Jupiter Ascending screams ‘I want to be another Wachowksi bust-it-over-the top film’ and ends as a ‘I am delivering the introduction to a fair television series.’ The story runs on the verge of unclear and the acting borders on weak partially due to poor casting choices that lack that cohesive magical-ness that other Wachowski films have, think Matrix. Eddie Redmayne is great, just not in this movie. Hopefully, Matrix 4 will pull its own weight and not resemble this film’s output.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Power and inheritance rights along with the responsibility that goes with those rights become the focus of a woman who becomes aware of her true identity.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lana and Lily Wachowski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman and Roberto Malerba for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), Stinger Apini (Sean Bean), Balem Abrasax (Eddie Redmayne), Titus Abrasax (Douglas Booth), Kalique Abrasax (Tuppence Middleton), Diomika Tsing (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Gemma Charrerjee (Christina Cole), Nesh (Nicholas A. Newman), Phylo Percadium (Ramon Tikaram), Greeghan (Ariyon Bakare), and Aleksa (Maria Doyle Kennedy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There’s plenty of creativity in the special effects, but there’s a disconnect between special effects and storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUCK SOUP (Theatrical Release USA 1933)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Duck Soup—classic Marx Brothers—highlights Groucho’s unique flair for comedy. It also provides fine study material for the culture of an era’s costuming, architectural design, and general settings. The dialogue is quick, witty and requires attention to catch the richness of the entendre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The ruler of a country decides to solve its financial crises by declaring war on another country over the favors of a wealthy woman.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leo McCarey for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Herman J. Mankiewicz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Marx Brothers (The Marx Brothers), Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx), Pinky (Harpo Marx), Chicolini (Chico Marx), Bob Roland (Zeppo Marx), Mrs. Gloria Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), Vera Marcal (Raquel Torres), Ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern), Zander (Edmund Breese), Sylvanian Agitator (Leonid Kinskey), Prosecutor (Charles Middleton), and Lemonade Vendor (Edgar Kennedy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Despite its age, it still entertains. For the younger set, it needs a plotline read before they go to understand the thread of the story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

COLDPLAY: A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS (Theatrical Release Philippines 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams—documentary about the band Coldplay—becomes a Bravo! presentation due to its coverage of the formation of the band, its ethereal music scores, and display of long term dedication to strong work ethic. It’s an inspiring story that concentrates on the positive move forward. Great work for Mat Whitecross.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of Coldplay, a British rock band, comes alive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mat Whitecross for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Arlene Moon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Guy Berryman), Herself (Beyoncé), Himself (Jon Buckland), Himself (Will Champion), Himself (Brian Eno), Himself (Noel Gallagher),  Himself (Phil Harvey), Himself (Bruno Mars), Himself (Chris Martin), Herself (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Himself (Mat Whitecross).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s likable, almost lovable from the opening to ending scene. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this 20-year filming effort.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RONIN (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ronin—hard-hitting, exciting action film—holds its own twenty years after its original release date partly due to the terrific casting choices of Robert DeNiro, Jean Reno, Stellan Skarsgård, and Sean Bean. Definitely worth a watch for all action movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Irish and the Russians vie for a package. An intelligence agent puts his formidable skills to work to find the package.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Frankenheimer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Paul Kelmenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sam (Robert De Niro), Vincent (Jean Reno), Deirdre (Natascha McElhone), Gregor (Stellan Skarsgård), Spence (Sean Bean), Larry (Skipp Sudduth), Jean-Pierre (Michael Lonsdale), Dapper Gent (Jan Triska), Seamus O’Rourke (Jonathan Pryce), Man With Newspaper (Ron Perkins), and Mikhi (Féodor Atkine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s one of the better Robert DeNiro films on the market. Great work for Director John Frankenheimer.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers