THE AERONAUTS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Aeronauts—based on a true story set in 1862 London—is an example of the advertising trailer being better than the film itself. Acting and action scenes are not believable nor are they particularly exciting.  So, the overall film is not a blockbuster; but it tells its story and is watchable to see what happens to James Glaisher, an early meteorologist who has a theory and is trying to prove his theory amidst cries of impossible.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man believes the weather can be predicted.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tom Harper for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Hewitt and Jack Thorne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones), Pierre Rennes (Vincent Perez), Antonia (Phoebe Fox), Charlie (Lewin Lloyd), John Trew (Himesh Patel), James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne), Ned Chambers (Robert Glenister), Airy (Tim McInnerny), Charles Green (Thomas Arnold), Arthur Glaisher (Tom Courtenay), and Ethel Glaisher (Anne Reid).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s an armchair way to quickly gather some information about the terrific efforts that were necessary to establish weather prediction as a reality.

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Ben Meyers

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Catch Me If You Can—classic Leonardo DiCaprio—takes the gold cup for entertainment. This fast moving, incredible story is one of DiCaprio’s best works, captures the imagination, and keeps its audience on the edge of its seats throughout its 141 minutes. Great work for Director Steven Spielberg as he skillfully brings to full bloom the acting abilities of Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Josh Brolin, and Jennifer Garner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man lives as a Pan Am pilot, a lawyer, and a doctor before his 19^th birthday.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Kemp, Laurie MacDonald, Anthony Romano, and Michel Shane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Abagnale, Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), Frank Abagnale (Christopher Walken), Roger Strong (Martin Sheen), Paula Abagnale (Nathalie Baye), Brenda Strong (Amy Adams), Jack Barnes (James Brolin), Earl Amdursky (Brian Howe), Tom Fox (Frank John Hughes), Paul Morgan (Steve Eastin), Special Agent Witkins (Chris Ellis), and Assistant Director March (John Finn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This biopic presents an incredibly fresh series of scenarios that peak and keep interest throughout. This is a ‘make the popcorn before the movie’ as the audience will not want to miss a single fast-moving segment.

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Ben Meyers

THE TOURIST (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Tourist—features an unusual teaming of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie—has a wonderfully unexpected twist in its conclusion. It’s got a few dragging scenes such as the two boat scenes where everyone takes just a bit too long to shoot character Elise Clifton-Ward (Jolie). But, other than that, the film is more than a worthy watch. It reminds one of mystery, action, dramas of the earlier days of movie making and presents a welcome storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A tourist gets entangled with a woman who is under constant law enforcement watch.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck for directing effot. Thank you to Executive Producers Olivier Courson, Ron Halpern, Bahman Naraghi, and Lloyd Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Tupelo (Johnny Depp), Elise Clifton-Ward (Angelina Jolie), Inspector John Acheson (Paul Bettany), Chief Inspector Jones (Timothy Dalton), Reginald Shaw (Steven Berkoff),  The Englishman (Rufus Sewell), and Colonnello Lombardi (Christian De Sica).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The audience is presented with an eyeful of Angelina Jolie, who is paired with male lead, Johnny Depp. It is difficult to pair Jolie due to her overwhelming stage presence, but Depp manages to hold his own without an obvious struggle in this quite entertaining movie.

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Ben Meyers

LA BAMBA (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

La Bamba—well-done review of Ritchie Valens rise to musical stardom—is highly entertaining and gives good insight into the migrant worker’s lifestyle as well as an incredibly fast rise to musical stardom.  Worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Insight into Ritchie Valens’ musical career and his personal life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Luis Valdez for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stewart Benjamin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips), Bob Morales (Esai Morales), Connie Valenzuela (Rosanna DeSoto), Rosie Morales (Elizabeth Peña), Donna Ludwig (Danielle von Zerneck), Bob Keane (Joe Pantoliano), Ted Quillin (Rick Dees), Buddy Holly (Marshall Crenshaw), and Jackie Wilson (Howard Huntsberry).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Beautiful music laces this biopic.

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Ben Meyers

BEAUTIFUL BOY (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Beautiful Boy—educational—works the serious side of Steve Carrell to good effect. The film provides an early look at the acting talents of Timothée Chalamet. This film works on the somber, serious side of storytelling and will likely ring very strong emotional response for anyone involved in this same struggle. Great work for Director Felix van Goeningen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man gets caught up in drug addiction and his family works through the pain of trying to help him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Felix van Groeningen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Esberg and Nan Morales for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Sheff (Steve Carell), Karen Barbour (Maura Tierney), Young Nic Sheff (Jack Dylan Grazer), Daisy Sheff (Oakley Bull), Jasper Sheff (Christian Convery), Nic Sheff (Timothée Chalamet),  Annie Goldblum (Amy Aquino), Vince (Carlton Wilborn), Julia (Stefanie Scott), Julia’s Mother (Marypat Farrell), and Dr. Brown (Timothy Hutton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth a non-judgmental watch.

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Ben Meyers

CREED II (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Creed II—almost as good as the first Creed (2015)—has the pump and feel of some of the training scenes from the Rocky films. The difference is the Rocky movies had incredible, unforgettable music that accompanied the scenes which served to intensify the realistic, grueling training. Despite this, don’t miss this film. Director Steven Caple, Jr. timed the scenes well with terrific camera work that caught the emotion of the moment. Terrific conclusion is worth waiting for.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Ivan Drago wants his son to fight Donnie Creed.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Caple, Jr. for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, and Guy Riedel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Bianca (Tessa Thompson), Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), Buddy Marcelle (Russell Hornsby), Tony ‘Little Duke’ Burton (Wood Harris), Robert Balboa (Milo Ventimiglia), Logan Balboa (Robbie Johns), and Danny ‘Stuntman’ Wheeler (Andre Ward).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This finishes the series and compliments the first film very well. Worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEONARD COHEN: I'M YOUR MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man does not do what documentaries are meant to do…shed a little light on the subject. The audience will see a few of Mr. Cohen’s performances as performed through other musicians and will leave with a somber, un-enlightened feeling. No real information is given…no real meaning to a life is expressed or applauded…there’s just an impression that asks: And, why was this documentary made? Did Cohen miss his real calling in life? Who was he?

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A documentary on the songwriter and performer, Leonard Cohen.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Lian Lunson for directing effort. Thank you to Kevin L. Beggs, Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Sarah Greenberg, Erik Nelson, Tim Palen, and Sandra Stern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Leonard Cohen), Herself (Martha Wainwright), Herself (Beth Orton), Himself (Jarvis Cocker), Himself (Rufus Wainwright), Himself (Nick Cave), Herself (Perla Batalla), Herself (Julie Christensen), Himself (Anohni), Herself (Linda Thompson), Himself (Teddy Thompson), and Herself (Kate McGarrigle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film does little to bring light to Leonard Cohen and does not show what he was all about. It's almost as if he never found his way and was lost somewhere along his way, not only to himself but to anyone who could have known him.

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Ben Meyers

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Star Trek The Motion Picture starts fairly well, but after Captain Kirk gets into the Enterprise and begins flight, the movie is watchable, but boring. It seems they fly over a second ship for a very long period of time and then after a series of events, the film ends weakly. It’s almost like, “Let’s throw a bunch of patchwork quilt pieces into a box, shake vigorously, and see what comes out.” What came out was what went in because there wasn’t a good seamstress to make it into a beautifully patterned quilt.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Enterprise’s mission is to intercept an alien spacecraft.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Wise for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David C. Fein and Gene Roddenberry for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Scotty (James Doohan), Sulu (George Takei), Dr. Chapel (Majel Barrett), Chekov (Walter Koenig), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Ilia (Persis Khambatta), Decker (Stephen Collins), Janice Rand (Grace Lee Whitney), and Klingon Captain (Mark Lenard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Star Wars is much better.

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Ben Meyers

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Arthur Christmas—computer animated film—plays on a new story that completely works. It presents a retired Santa, a reigning Santa, and the next in line to inherit the occupation all in one setting. The occupation passes down from Father to Son for generations. This movie is entertaining and makes a great child/adult share film for holiday season. The writing is well-done, dialogue well executed, has well-timed sequences. It entertains with well-drawn characters. This is a worthy watch for both time and money investment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

One girl did not get her from Santa gift present and Santa’s son, Arthur, sets out to rectify the error.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Sarah Smith and Barry Cook for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Cheryl Abood and Peter Baynham for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arthur (voice of James McAvoy), Steve (voice of Hugh Laurie), Grandsanta (voice of Bill Nighy), Santa (voice of Jim Broadbent), Mrs. Santa (voice of Imelda Staunton), Bryony (voice of Ashley Jensen), Peter (voice of Marc Wootton), North Pole Computer (voice of Laura Linney), Chief De Silva (voice of Eva Longoria), Gwen (voice of Ramona Marquez), and Ernie Clicker (voice of Michael Palin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film deserves its place in the family home video library. It’s quality entertainment for the whole family.

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Ben Meyers

LEGION (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Legion—gritty and bloody—launches its audience into the world of fighting angels with earth picking up the pieces. Great acting and surprise scenes with spiritual overtones mark this film as unusual and worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A woman’s unborn child will save people from demons.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Scott Stewart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Rothbart, Scott Stewart, and Gary Michael Walters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael (Paul Bettany), Jeep Hanson (Lucas Black), Kyle Williams (Tyrese Gibson), Charlie (Adrianne Palicki), Percy Walker (Charles S. Dutton), Howard Anderson (Jon Tenney), Gabriel (Kevin Durand), Audrey Anderson (Willa Holland), Sandra Anderson (Kate Walsh), Bob Hanson (Dennis Quaid), and Gladys Foster (Jeanette Miller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is different and highly imaginative. It’s worth a watch.

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Ben Meyers

DRAGONHEART: A NEW BEGINNING (VHS Release Finland 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Dragonheart: A New Beginning—an improvement over the first film—still lacks that pizzazz that makes great entertainment.  Christopher Masterson (Malcolm in the Middle) works in this film. It is watchable, but not the best in the dragon films. There are two prequel films, one to be produced in 2020.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A stable boy makes friends with a dragon.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Doug Lefler for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Hester Hargett for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Geoff (Christopher Masterson), Lord Osric of Crossley (Harry Van Gorkum), Lian (Rona Figueroa), Novice Monk Mansel (Matt Hickey), Master Kwan (Henry O), Roland (Tom Burke), Drake (voice of Robby Benson), The King (Ken Shorter), Friar Peter (John Woodnutt), Lubo (Lubomir Misak), King’s Attendant (Karin Haydu), Sir Stefan (Peter Hric), and Miller (Imrich Strunar).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If one is intent on finishing the series, then this is the watch. But, Pete’s Dragon, the remake, is a much better entertainment piece than both Dragonhearts combined.

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Ben Meyers

SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Seven Days in Utopia, not a great film, but a good film with good ethical standards backing its storyline. Good work for Director Matthew Dean Russell. A nicely put together lunch watch that gives good reflection on principles to live by.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A professional golfer learns how to get his game on in a small Texas town.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Matthew Dean Russell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rob Carliner, David L. Cook, Joe Coors, Ray Davis, Ken Herfurth, Bob Innamorati, Phil Myers, and Jess Stainbrook for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall), Luke Chisholm (Lucas Black), Lily (Melissa Leo), Sarah (Deborah Ann Woll), Jacke (Brian Geraghty), Mabel (Kathy Baker), Martin Chislom (Joseph Lyle Taylor), Joe Buckner (Jerry Ferrara), Tae Kwon Oh (K.J. Choi), Chuck (Robert Bear), Duane (Josh Painting), and Himself (Brandel Chamblee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a feel-good film. But for better entertainment, watch Come Sunday.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The House With A Clock in Its Walls showcases the acting talents of Jack Black, Owen Vaccaro, and Cate Blanchett. It is a movie easily missed that serves at the quality level of the Harry Potter series of films in its tremendous imagination, creativity, and freshness in presentation and in storyline. This movie highlights the directing skill of Director Eli Roth. It’s a WOW! Bravo! movie that has enough depth to deserve a second viewing to see what may have been missed in the first viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man helps his uncle find a clock that can end the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eli Roth for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Laeta Kalogridis, W. Mark McNair, Tracey Nyberg, and William Sherak for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jonathan Barnavelt (Jack Black), Florence Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett), Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro), Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan), Selena Izard (Renee Elise Goldsberry), Mrs. Hanchett (Colleen Camp), Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic), Mother (Lorenza Izzo), Woody Mingo (Braxton Bjerken), Rose Rita Pottinger (Vanessa Anne Williams), and Bus Driver (Ricky Muse).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is one of the best in the entertainment business. It’s worth both time and money.

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Ben Meyers

THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER (Theatrical Release USA 1965)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Sons of Katie Elder—classic western, John Wayne-style—is pretty well done. It’s not the best in the rank of high-end westerns, but it serves above the usual B-grade western flick. Good work for Director Henry Hathaway in working with this casting group. He caught and pulled the character out of the four boys well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Four sons come home to bury their mother.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harry Hathaway for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Joseph H. Hazen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Elder (John Wayne), Tom Elder (Dean Martin), Mary Gordon (Martha Hyer), Bud Elder (Michael Anderson, Jr.), Matt Elder (Earl Holliman), Ben Latta (Jeremy Slate), Morgan Hastings (James Gregory), Sheriff Billy Wilson (Paul Fix), Curley (George Kennedy), Dave Hastings (Dennis Hopper), Harry Evers (Sheldon Allman), and Minister (John Litel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the western movie fan, this movie will serve at an above average level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LOST TREASURE OF THE GRAND CANYON (Television Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.4|5.0 Starsìì

The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon—could have been a good story—runs on a linear, get-to-the-point  storyline and seems built to make a ‘buck or two and skedaddle.’ The film is plagued with unprofessional acting, low quality, thin story line, and general un-clarity in scripting. It seems to want to reproduce an Indiana Jones-style movie without the personality of Indiana Jones.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Researchers find a lost city in the Grand Canyon.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Farhad Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Harvey Kahn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jacob Thain (Michael Shanks), Susan Jordan (Shannen Doherty), Marco Langford (JR Bourne), Stewart Dunbar (Toby Berner), Hildy Wainwright (Heather Doerksen), Dr. Samuel Jordan (Duncan Fraser), Isaac Preston (Peter New), Aztec Priest (Byron Chief-Moon), and Dr. Gilmore (A.C. Peterson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Altogether, this is a poor production. Hopefully, Director Farhad Mann will do better in the future.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers