HEAVEN IS FOR REAL (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Heaven is for Real puts into movie format Colton Burpo’s vision of heaven. The casting choice of Conner Corum for Colton works very well. The information causes wonder and establishes another example of the life after death experience. The movie also includes the story of Akiane Kramerik and her painting of Jesus. The overall film needs boosting for effect, but the message is strong and well-supported. The acting and portrayal are good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A boy has an otherworldly experience which his parents must understand in a real-world context.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Randall Wallace for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sue Baden-Powell, Sam Mercer, and Derrik Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Todd Burpo (Greg Kinnear), Sonja Burpo (Kelly Reilly), Jay Wilkins (Thomas Haden Church), Colton Burpo (Connor Corum), Cassie Burpo (Lane Styles), Nancy Rawling (Margo Martindale), Michael (Jacob Vargas), Rosa (Thanya Romero), Ray (Danso Gordon), Dr. O’Holleran (Rob Moran), Dr. Charlotte Slater (Nancy Sorel), Lee Watson (Darcy Fehr), Katherine Watson (Vivian Winther), Old Man Watson (Pete Hudson), Painting Girl (Ursula Clark), Jesus (Mike Mohrhardt), Turce (Bryan Terrell Clark), and Slim Forrest (Randy Apostle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This becomes a must watch for awareness and information. Other films that may be explored are: Victor or Come Sunday.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP (Theatrical Release USA 1958)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Run Silent, Run Deep casts two classic actors, Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable, together. These are two solid, strong actors who allow the rest of the cast little participation in the story. This failure to spread the glory thinner and over a broader range noticeably affects the quality of the overall movie so that it does not reach that prized classic status that establishes itself with value that withstands time. There are noticeable cinematography failures for submarine shots that show swimming pool light reflection at the top of the water and at the bottom of the pool. The movie plays as a period study piece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A submarine commander makes independent decisions that conflict with directions given by his superior officers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Wise for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Harold Hecht and James Hill for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Commander Rich Richardson (Clark Gable), Lieutenant Jim Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster), Yeoman First Class Mueller (Jack Warden), Ensign Gerald Cartwright (Brad Dexter), Quartermaster First Class Ruby (Don Rickles), Russo (Nick Cravat), Chief Kohler (Joe Maross), Laura Richardson (Mary LaRoche), Larto (Eddie Foy III), and Sonarman First Class Cullen (Rudy Bond).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The script needs re-writing for flow and some work needs to be done on scene flow so that clarity becomes firmly established for the training of the submariners, the purpose of the training, and why this mission has importance in the overall war mission.

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Ben Meyers

ARCTIC DOGS * (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Arctic Dogs needs a more playful approach to its storyline to engage its audience. The initial concept is good, but nothing new is added to make this a good watch. It quickly becomes just another story that uses dogs to confront the evil genius rather than bears, birds, deer, or any other animal to save the world. It’s not big league entertainment.

Storyline

A fox starts out in the mail room, but has the desire to be a mail delivery fox.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Aaron Woodley for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Barner, Chris Charalambous, Grant Cramer, Chad Doher, Danielle Maloni, Sergio Navarretta, Francesca Silvani, and Stephen Zadrick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Swifty (Voice of Jeremy Renner), Jade/Bertha (Voice of Heidi Klum), Lemmy (Voice of James Franco), Otto Von Walrus (Voice of John Cleese), Leopold (Voice of Omar Sy), Dakota (Voice of Laurie Holden), Magda (Voice of Anjelica Huston), PB (Voice of Alec Baldwin), Dusty (Voice of Donny Falsetti), Alma (Voice of Soraya Azzabi), Mary (Voice of Susan Spano), Naz (Voice of Jason Deline), and Marta (Voice of Nicolette Bonafede).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. When high quality entertainment is not a priority, then this movie works as fill-in time for children (as a lunch watch, for instance).

* Also known as Arctic Justice

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNDERWORLD (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Underworld—good action flick—earns it watch by engaging the audience fully both on the intellectual and emotional levels. This movie cast Bill Nighy as Viktor, Kate Beckinsale as Selene, and Martin Sheen as Lucien. These two actors and actress engage their character personalities well and greatly add to the entertainment value of the film. It’s good movie fare for vampire movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A female vampire warrior wants to eliminate werewolves.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Len Wiseman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Bernacchi, Terry McKay, James McQuaide, Skip Williamson, and Henry Winterstern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Selene (Kate Beckingsale), Michael (Scott Speedman), Lucian (Michael Sheen), Kraven (Shane Brolly), Viktor (Bill Nighy), Singe (Erwin Leder), Erika (Sophia Myles), Kahn (Robbie Gee), Dr. Adam (Wentworth Miller), Raze (Kevin Grevioux), Amelia (Zita Görög), Dignitary (Dennis J. Kozeluh), Soren (Scott McElroy), Trix (Todd Schneider), Rigel (Sándor Bolla), Nathaniel (Hank Amos), Gunshot Girl (Zsuzsa Barsi), Pierce (Richard Cetrone), and Taylor (Mike Mukatis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Len Wiseman draws the most out of the script and his cast.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland—average children’s fare—does not work as adult/child share entertainment. Unfortunately, Mandy Patinkin’s work does not stand out in this film as it usually does in his other works.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Elmo loses his blanket and goes in search of it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gary Halvorson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stephanie Allain, Martin G. Baker, and Brian Henson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:

Elmo/Pestie/Grouch Jailer/Grouch Cab Driver (Voice of Kevin Clash), Huxley (Mandy Patinkin), Queen of Trash (Vanessa Williams), Maria (Sonia Manzano), Gordon (Roscoe Orman), Zoe/Pestie/Prairie Dawn (voice of Fran Brill), Grizzy/Pestie (Voice of Stephanie D’Abruzzo), Humongous Chicken (voice of Dave Goelz), Bug (Voice of Joey Mazzarino), Count/Pestie/Grouch Mayor/Grouch Cop (Voice of Jerry Nelson), and Rosita (Voice of Carmen Osbahr).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie can serve as fill-in time fare for children, but if the parent looks for higher quality entertainment, this film does not fit that description.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHANGING LANES (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Changing Lanes—interesting exploration movie—takes a look at how something small can escalate into something large. The movie is worth a watch if only for the reason of watching how that process can work and shedding light on this particular human behavior. Good acting by Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck lets the storyline unfold in a natural way so that a revealing of human behavior happens. The movie becomes good conversation after watching. Director Roger Michelle did a lot with a small incident’s unfolding process. It works as a thriller, drama piece. Worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rage, revenge, and payback in New York City after a car accident occurs.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roger Michelle for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ron Bozman and Adam Schroeder for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:

Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck), Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson), Valerie Gipson (Kim Staunton), Michelle (Toni Collette), Stephen Delano (Sydney Pollack), Mrs. Delano (Tina Sloan), Walter Arnell (Richard Jenkins), Stephen Gipson (Akil Walker), Danny Gipson (Cole Hawkins), Ellen (Ileen Getz), Mina Dunne (Jennifer Dundas), Ron Cabot (Matt Malloy), and Cynthia Delano Banek (Amanda Peet).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It becomes a thriller with just the right amount of suspense that keeps the question of ‘What’s going to happen next’ alive and well. Be aware it is not, however, a ‘nail biter’ film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BREATHE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Breathe—thoughtfully written—surprises as it tells its true story of how a young couple deals with polio. The film, if evaluated on the level of artistic endeavor would fail, but it does not miss a beat in telling a great story. Good work for Director Andy Serkis, who began his directing career on a high note with this unique story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A husband and a wife decide life is not an option after the husband suffers a disease that causes lungs to fail. Their choice to live results in a revolution within disabled communities and within the medical profession.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Serkis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Claudia Bluemhuber, Florian Dargel, Tara Finegan, Irene Gall, Hugo Grumbar, Tim Haslam, Ian Hutchinson, Joe Oppenheimer, Phil Robertson, James Spring, and Larry Taube for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield), Diana Cavendish (Claire Foy), Colin Campbell (Ed Speleers), Bloggs Blacker/David Blacker (Tom Hollander) Estate Manager (David Butler), Dr. Don McQueen (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), Mary Dawney (Miranda Raison), Katherine Robertson (Camillia Rutherford), Governor (Andre Jacobs), Governor’s Wife (Terry Norton), RAF Lyneham Medic (Charles Streeter), and Tid (Penny Downie.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Love in action. The film demonstrates how to live well despite serious life issues, has WOW! written all over it, and allows an audience to take away something good.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHEN TRUMPETS FADE (Television Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

When Trumpets Fade works action scenes realistically and notably; but, unfortunately, operates on a thin storyline and fails to catch its WOW! factor. After watching, the audience may wonder ‘what was that all about?’, ‘why was it important?’, and ‘what was I supposed to take away from this film?’

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man rises from private to second lieutenant due to a series of incidents during the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Irvin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Ginsburg, Judy Hofflund, and Gavin Polone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:

Manning (Ron Eldard), Private Warren Sanderson (Zak Orth), Chamberlain (Frank Whaley), Sergeant Talbot (Dylan Bruno), Lonnie (Devon Gummersall), Despin (Dan Futterman), Baxter (Steven Petrarca), Lieutenant Colonel (Dwight Yoakam), Captain Pritchett (Martin Donovan), Lieutenant Lukas (Timothy Olyphant), Bobby (Jeffrey Donovan), and Captain Zenek (Bobby Cannavale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Read a plotline before you go to understand how this important battle fits into the war effort to enhance appreciation of the action scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CORE (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Core stands above other disaster films like The Poseidon Adventure and Vertical Limit in both entertainment value and structural strength. It’s an above average movie that sports a workable casting group who perform well within the story’s entertainment boundaries. It’s great work for Director Jon Amiel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Problems at the Earth’s core need resolution.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jon Amiel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Bailey, David Foster, and Cooper Layne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dave Perry (Christopher Shyer), Paul (Ray Galletti), Lynne (Eileen Pedde), Danni (Rekha Sharma), Acker (Tom Scholte), Josh (Aaron Eckhart), FBI Agent (Glenn Morshower), FBI Agent (Anthony Harrison), Serge (Tchéky Karyo), General Purcell (Richard Jenkins), Dad (Bart Anderson), Mom (Nicole Leroux), Little Boy (Justin Callan), GBTV Reporter (Chris Humphreys), Beck (Hilary Swank), and Flight Engineer Timmins (Dion Johnstone).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It may be a B-grade movie, but it has a classy script and good entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GATHERING STORM (Television Release UK 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Gathering Storm undulates between almost average to good to average throughout its 96 minutes of viewing time. Albert Finny seems to lack the toughness that belongs to Churchill and that lack leads to a distinct breach of believability. The supporting cast does not adjust itself to enhance his personality as a stronger, more forceful character. Interestingly, the sequel to this movie changes the lead role to actor, Brendon Gleeson, who may be able to capture Churchill’s personality. The story’s timeline does not prepare the audience well enough to place where Churchill precisely is in his political career so that the initial assumption that it begins with him established in the role of England’s Prime Minister creates confusion when an audience backtracks mentally to previous scenes to retell the timeline properly. A better movie about English Prime Ministers is the movie, The Iron Lady.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Winston Churchill’s vision of Germany’s potential to greatly change Europe before World War II is addressed in this film.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Loncraine for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Julie Payne, Tracey Scoffield, Ridley Scott, and Tony Scott for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Winston Churchill (Albert Finney), Clemmie Churchill (Vanessa Redgrave), Desmond Morton (Jim Broadbent), Ralph Wigram (Linus Roache), Ava Wigram (Lena Headey), Stanley Baldwin (Derek Jacobi), David Inches (Ronnie Barker), Sir Robert Vansittart (Tom Wilkinson), Violet Pearman (Celia Imrie), Ivo Pettifer (Hugh Bonneville), Friedrich von Schroder (Gottfried John), and Brendan Bracken (Anthony Brophy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Better story is found in the movie Special Relationship about Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and how he worked with President Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid).

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SANDS OF IWO JIMA (Theatrical Release USA 1949)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Sands of Iwo Jima—serves the John Wayne fan club fairly well—tells its story at a higher level than Flags of Our Fathers, but does not reach the entertainment quality level of Letters of Iwo Jima. John Wayne seems miscast for this movie while the supporting cast seem to be trying to make the film work the best that they can. The archival footage works very well in the movie and strategically places itself in the film as a horrific reminder of what soldiers suffered in order to establish control of the Island of Iwo Jima Japan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This movie tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Allan Dwan for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Edmund Grainger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant John Stryker (John Wayne), Private First Class Peter Conway (John Agar), Allison Bromley (Adele Mara), Private First Class Al Thomas (Forrest Tucker), Private First Class Benny Regazzi (Wally Cassell), Private First Class Charlie Bass (James Brown), Private First Class Dan Shipley (Richard Webb), Chaplain Robert Dunne/Narrator (Arthur Franz), Mary (Julie Bishop), Private First Class Soames (James Holden), Private First Class Soames (James Holden), Private First Class George Hellenpolis (Peter Coe), Private First Class Eddie Flynn (William Murphy), and Private First Class Frank Flynn (Richard Jaeckel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It serves its purpose and is historically worthy, but the movie needs increased realism in the acting department to make it a good war flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPARE PARTS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Spare Parts—WOW! WOW! BRAVO! The movie is a terrific reminder that David still faces Goliath and continues to win the kingdom. This theme is particularly attractive for many audiences, but when one expects a B- to C-grade movie and then gets a presentation that completely surprises and shoots into the A-grade category, it is beyond pleasing. Some of George Lopez’s best acting comes with the well-received presence of Jamie Lee Curtis and backs itself with superior acting from Carlos PenaVega, Alexa PenaVega, Jose Julian, and Oscar Javier Gutierrez. No lack in the skill level of this casting set. Marisa Tomei adds weight to the movie as a great supporting actress. Excellent film release with a terrific storyline that earns re-watch value. Well done directing by Director Sean McNamara.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Four unlikely students, using spare parts, pit their engineering skills against Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sean McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers James McNamara, Sean McNamara, Lawrence Mattis, Fernando Peréz Galiván, Paul Presburger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fredi Cameron (George Lopez), Gwen Kolinsky (Marisa Tomei), Ms. Karen Lowry (Jamie Lee Curtis), Oscar Vazquez (Carlos PenaVega), Lorenzo Santillan (José Julián), Cristian Arcega (David Del Rio), Luis Aranda (Oscar Javier Gutierrez II), Mrs. Vazquez (Alessandra Rosaldo), Hector (J.R. Villarreal), and Maddy Kolinsky (Aubrey K. Miller).

  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a don’t miss, educational, and inspirational bio-flick of high caliber.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LOOKING FOR JACKIE * (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Looking for Jackie focuses on the young boy’s view of Jackie Chan to the point that the movie gets a bit boring and slow. The whole movie proceeds in this manner so that it becomes difficult to finish. There is little screen time given to Jackie Chan and that creates a disappointment for this movie’s audience. The acting and portrayal in the film is good. It just seems that Jackie is missing throughout the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young boy wants to learn how to fight from Jackie Chan.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Gangliang Fang and Ping Jiang for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Zhongqian Jin and Weijian Wu for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zhang Yi-shan (Yishan Zhang), Jackie Chan (Jackie Chan), Self (Bing Bai), Policewoman (Hongbo Jiang), Nurse (Lan Qin), Grandmother (Hua Tian), Self (Jing-wei Tu), Taxi Driver (Xuebing Wang), Thief (Jun Wu), Self (Di Yao),

Female Director (Nan Yu), Lixia (Ting Yuan), Policeman (Shan Zhang), Director (Yibai Zhang), Grandfather (Yongshou Zhang), Gatekeeper (Xiaobin Zhou), and Zhang’s Grandma (Xijuan Zhu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The acting is good, but a better film is The Foreigner.

* Also known as: Kung Fu Master, Xun zhao Cheng Long, В поисках Джеки.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Nutty Professor allows Jerry Lewis to play two different roles. One role as a suave, sophisticated entertainer is not how we usually saw him in film and is a treat to see. There is not much storyline to this film. It serves more as a teen watch at the grade level of some of the earlier 1960s beach party movies without the beach. Great work for Director Jerry Lewis in coordinating acting and directing in the same film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A nerdy professor desires to be the envy of the social set and creates a chemical concoction that changes him into a suave socializer.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jerry Lewis for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ernest D. Glucksman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:

Professor Julius Kelp/Buddy Love (Jerry Lewis), Stella Purdy (Stella Stevens), Dr. Mortimer S. Warfield (Del Moore), Millie Lemmon (Kathleen Freeman), Warzewski (Med Flory), Football Player/Student (Norman Alden), Elmer Kelp (Howard Morris), Edwina Kelp (Elvia Allman), Dr. M. Sheppard Leevee (Milton Frome), Bartender (Buddy Lester), and English Student (Marvin Kaplan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie can serve as background for a house party/barbecue, a light lunch watch, or academic study of Lewis’ career in comedy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OPEN SEASON 3 (Theatrical Release Mexico 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Open Season 3—small story—that serves as a run-of-the-mill movie…adds nothing new or particularly creative. Do not expect that this film will entertain as well as the first Open Season movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Boog the Bear needs rescue from his involvement with a Russian Circus.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Cody Cameron for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David I. Stern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Boog/Doug (voice of Matthew J. Munn), Rosie (Voice of Nika Futterman), Ian/Reilly/Buddy/Deni/Elliott/Additional Voices (Maddie Taylor), McSquizzy (Voice of Andre Sogliuzzo), Serge (Voice of Danny Mann), Gisela (Voice of Karley Scott Collins), Giselita (Voice of Clara Bravo), Elvis (Voice of Harrison Fahn), Giselle/Ursa/Additional Voices (Melissa Sturm), Earl (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Alistair (Voice of Dana Snyder), and Bobbie (Voice of Georgia Engel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The best entertainment value in this series still belongs to the first Open Season movie. This movie, Open Season 3, is worth a watch if one is intent on finishing the series, but better watches for entertainment time and money still belong to animated movies like Zootopia or the 2002 Ice Age.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers