DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

Dora and the Lost City of Gold does not deliver the same level of entertainment as the television series. This story’s premise is nice and the idea good, but the portrayal fails and it quickly loses audience interest. It’s not the best or the worst, but should be avoided if one looks for the highest quality entertainment for their children. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Dora needs to save parents and solve a lost city mystery. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Bobin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eugenio Derbez, Julia Pistor, and John G. Scotti for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Swiper (Voice of Benicio del Toro), 6-year-old Dora (Madelyn Miranda), Animal Vocalizations (Dee Bradley Baker), 6-year old Diego (Malachi Barton), Backpack (Voice of Sasha Toro), Map (Voice of Marc Weiner), Elena (Eva Longoria), Cole (Michael Peña), Nico (Joey Viera), Sabrina (Pia Miller), Dora (Isabela Merced), Diego (Jeff Wahlberg), Abuelita Valerie (Adriana Barraza), Security Guard (Damien Garvey), and Vegan Student (Anikka Abelita). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. Unfortunately, it fails to match the quality of its television series. 

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Ben Meyers

RIDE LIKE A GIRL (Theatrical Release Australia 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Ride Like A Girl—rough start, but satisfying conclusion—stars Sam Neill who seems to have a tough time assuming his role. But, after awhile one just accepts it and moves along into the movie which turns into a fairly good watch with good exposure for North American audiences into the world of Australian horse racing. The strongest actress in this film is Teresa Palmer who plays the part of Michelle Payne. She does very well. Stevie Payne plays Stevie Payne and adds greatly to the likableness of this film. He has talent. There needs to be more character development as the potential to plumb depth of character is large in this movie. Overall, it turns into a good family watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline 

This movie is based on the true story of the first girl to win the Australian Cup. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rachel Griffiths for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Claudia Bluemhuber, Florian Dargel, Uta Fredebell, Hugo Grumbar, Tim Haslam, Ian Hutchinson, Andrew Mackie, Bryce Menzies, Jesus Manuel Munoz, Richard Payten, and Michael J. Rivette for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paddy Payne (Sam Neill), Michelle Payne (Terese Palmer), Darren Weir (Sullivan Stapleton), Sister Dominique (Magda Szubanski), Therese Payne (Brooke Satchwell), Terry Bailey (Damie Garvey), Patrick Paynes (Aaron Glenane), Cathy Payne (Sophia Forrest), Trevor Smart (Shane Bourne), Andrew Payne (Henry Nixon), and Joan Sadler (Genevieve Morris). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is not the best of the biographical drama films on the entertainment market but it completely works for an afternoon ‘feel good’ flick.

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Ben Meyers

IP MAN 4: THE FINALE (Theatrical Release Singapore 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ip Man 4: The Finale—the fourth and final installment of the Ip Man series—reprises Donnie Yen for the fourth time as the actor for IP Man. This series has been a treat from its beginning to its end. WOW! All four films deserve a place in the home video library collection. Yen, an excellent Chinese actor, wows audiences from the beginning of the series and never fails to deliver excellent entertainment backed with realistic fight scenes. This 'must see' movie has a charming storyline that passes international borders well. It holds its value over time. Watch for Danny Kwok-Kwan Chan as Bruce Lee. The movie is relatable—a great watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

IP Man travels to the United States. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wilson Yip for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edmond Wong and Raymond Pak-Ming Wong for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: IP Man (Donnie Yen), Barton Geddes (Scott Adkins), Bruce Lee (Danny Kwok-Kwan Chan), Hartman Wu (Vanness Wu), Ming (Jim Liu), Bob (Kent Cheng), Wan Zong Hua (Yue Wu), Leung Kan (Ka-nin Ngo), and Mr. Wight (Adrian Wheeler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a film for every action fan and will not disappoint. 

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Ben Meyers

THE HEAD VANISHES (Theatrical Release Ukraine 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

The Head Vanishes—very odd short film—raises more questions about its meaning than it answers. Even a metaphorical analysis becomes difficult. Unfortunately, it is the definition of the typical meanings of the words: weird, unclear, and boring. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A woman makes a journey by herself. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Franck Dion for directing effort. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. One may choose to watch this short film to compare artistic endeavor and animation style among short films. But, overall, the storyline is difficult to follow and is not interesting enough to watch a second time. 

*Also known as: Une tête disparaît.

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Ben Meyers

STICK MAN (Television Release United Kingdom 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Stick Man—short film—has a main character as a stick man that seems to stand in front of its story rather than being a part of its story. The constant repetition of its reminder that it is a stick man is annoying and detracts from the overall likability of the film. The short film lacks enough storyline to make it interesting.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A stickman needs to find its way home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Jeroen Jaspaert and Daniel Snaddon for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stick Man (Voice Martin Freeman), Narrator (Voice of Jennifer Saunders), Snail/Park Keeper/Swan Dad/Frog/Beach Dad/Crab/Cat (Voice of Rob Brydon), Dog (Voice of Russell Tovey), Stick Lady and Others (Voice of Sally Hawkins), Santa (Voice of Hugh Bonneville), Pooh Bridge Girl (Voice of Anouska White), Pooh Bridge Girlfriend/Firewood Girl (Voice of Eve Bentley), Pooh Bridge Boy/Stick Boy (Voice of Ben Jenkinson), Beach Boy/Snowman Boy (Voice of Elliot Kelly), Beach Girl (Voice of Ella Sutton), Stick Girl (Voice of Isabel Ainsworth), and Stick Toddler (Voice of Eden Muckle). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This short film may work for children, but adults would prefer the short film, Piper, instead. 

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Ben Meyers

GONE WITH THE WIND: THE REMARKABLE RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD (Video Release UK 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Gone with The Wind: the Remarkable Rise and Tragic Fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd—3 hour bio-documentary—tells a straightforward story that minces no words about a tough story. This is another good story to remind audiences of the difficulties of being in the entertainment world physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Documentary details Ronnie Van Zant's determination to build the Lynyrd Skynyrd band from its struggling beginning to its tragic ending. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom O’Dell for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Tom O’Dell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bob Burns, Edward King, Al Kooper, and Artimus Pyle. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For fans of this band, this documentary is a ‘must see’. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TRAIN (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1964)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Train—good Burt Lancaster movie—tells a simple, yet intriguing story with great backing of cinematic effects. Very entertaining. It creates a desire to see more of Burt Lancaster’s films as well as movies directed by Directors John Frankenheimer and Arthur Penn. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

During wartime, Germany attempts to move valuable art on display in France across German borders.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors John Frankenheimer and Arthur Penn for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Jules Bricken for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Labiche (Burt Lancaster), Colonel Franz Von Waldheim (Paul Scofield), Christine (Jeanne Moreau), Mlle. Villard (Suzanne Flon), Papa Boule (Michel Simon), Major Herren (Wolfgang Preiss), Didont (Albert Rémy), Pesquet (Charles Millot), General Von Lubitz (Richard Münch), Jacques (Jacques Marin), Spinet (Paul Bonifas), Captain Schmidt (Jean Bouchaud), Sergeant Schwartz (Donald O’Brien), Octave (Jean-Pierre Zola), and Pilzer (Arthur Brauss). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has no 'message to hone', 'no bone to pick'. It just tells its story. That’s refreshing. The cinematography is really well-done. It’s a ‘sit back and enjoy’ movie. Refreshingly, it leaves one with no obligation to change one’s worldview. It does what a movie is supposed to do…entertains with no guilt trip attached.

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Ben Meyers

ENTER THE WARRIORS GATE (Theatrical Release China 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Enter the Warrior’s Gate—slow start with that cliched feeling—picks up interest with the introduction of the antagonist, Dave Bautista. Good screen charisma with some fairly, comical scenes that revolve around Bautista and his professional assassin provide the comic relief for the rest of the story. This movie can easily be a cult classic and serves as a fair to middling entertainment piece.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man hones his computer game playing skills via Chinese wisdom.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Matthias Hoene for directing skills. Thank you to Executive Producers J.C. Cheng, Claude Léger, Gregory Ouanhon, Jonathan Vanger, and Ariel Zeitoun for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zhoo (Mark Chao), Su Lin (Ni Ni), Arun (Dave Bautista), Annie (Sienna Guillory), Jack (Uriah Shelton), Wizard (Francis Ng), Nymph #1 (Ming Xi), Mountain Spirit (Kara Wai), Brutus (Zha Ka), Black Knight (Ron Smoorenburg), Nymph #2 (Tianyi You), Nymph #3 (Lijie Liu), Travis Leigh (Dakota Daulby), Hector (Luke Mac Davis), and Messenger #1 (Yilin Guan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Watch for up and coming actor, Uriah Shelton.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ODDBALL (Theatrical Release Australian 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Oddball serves as good family entertainment. The acting is good. There’s a small twist at the conclusion of the story that’s not expected and perhaps a little awkward, but it still works well enough to entertain. Great work for Director Stuart McDonald.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A dog is trained to protect penguins from predatory attacks. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stuart McDonald for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Frank Dunphy, Jason Koffeman, Seph McKenna, Steve Oemcke, Joel Pearlman, Craig Perry, and Daryl Talbot for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Swampy Marsh (Shane Jacobson), Emily Marsh (Sarah Snook), Bradley Slater (Alan Tudyk), Olivia Marsh (Coco Jack Gillies), Jack Jones (Richard Davies), Mayor Lake/Narrator (Deborah Mailman), Oddball (Kai), Zoe (Tegan Higginbotham), Missy (Meeko), Pocket (Chip), Sergeant Gosch (Dave Lawson), Pocket’s Girlfriend (Edith), Fox (Stinky), Dog Catcher (Frank Woodley), and Judge Burns (Terry Camilleri).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves its watch and serves as a nice introduction to Australian veteran actor, Shane Jacobson, for those not familiar with his work. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA (Television Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Old Man and the Sea—remake of 1958 Spencer Tracy theatrical film of the same name—despite accessing the talents of Anthony Quinn serves average entertainment with an edge of slowness that dips into boredom. The storyline is exceptionally simple without a great deal of depth, almost a small slice of real life where a dangerously poor decision is made and someone luckily survived to do it another day.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 An aging fisherman catches the fish of his dreams.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jud Taylor for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer William F. Storke for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Santiago (Anthony Quinn), Tom Pruitt (Gary Cole), Mary Pruitt (Patricia Clarkson), Lopez (Joe Santos), Angela (Valentina Quinn), Young Santiago (Francesco Quinn), Anderez (Paul Calderon), Maria (Sully Diaz), Manolo (Alexis Cruz), and Gomez (Manuel E. Santiago).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The Anthony Quinn film lineup has a slew of films that are much better entertainment fare than this one.

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Ben Meyers

ORPHANS OF THE STORM (Theatrical Release USA 1921)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Orphans of the Storm—black and white silent film—portrays the why and how behind the rise of the French revolution. Strong story telling technique backed with great actors/actresses push this movie into the ‘definite watch’ category a hundred years after its initial release. Everything transitions well; there is a comprehensible flow to the film that can be much appreciated. The film, overall, is well done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Two adopted girls endeavor to make their way through the French Revolution.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director D.W. Griffith for directing effort. Thank you to Producer D.W. Griffith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henriette Girard (Lillian Gish), Louise Girard (Dorothy Gish), Chevalier de Vaudrey (Joseph Schildkraut), Count de Linieres (Frank Losee), Countess de Linieres (Katherine Emmet), Marquis de Praille (Morgan Wallace), Mother Frochard (Lucille La Verne), Jacques Frochard (Sheldon Lewis), Pierre Frochard (Frank Puglia), Picard (Creighton Hale), Danton (Monte Blue), Robespierre (Sidney Herbert), King Louis XVI (Lee Kohlmar), Henriette’s Landlady (Marcia Harris), and Doctor (Adolph Lestina).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie could almost be watched again because it ably captures human events true to every group of mankind with only the name of the revolution and country and time period being different.

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Ben Meyers

THE FINAL CUT (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Final Cut has a fresh, innovative concept backed with a well-written script and some thoughtful, well-interpreted acting by Robin Williams. Suspenseful and difficult to guess what will happen next mark this film as a very good story. Great work for Director Omar Naim. He understood how to draw the maximum amount of suspense from this story and did it well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A memory cutter becomes troubled over whether some memories should be cut.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Omar Naim for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Burns, Marc Butan, Guymon Casady, Marco Mehlitz, Michael Ohoven, Nancy Paloian, and Michael Paseornek for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alan Hakman (Robin Williams), Delila (Mira Sorvino), Fletcher (Jim Caviezel), Thelma (Mimi Kuzyk), Jennifer Bannister (Stephanie Romanov), Hasan (Tarek Bishara), Isabel Bannister (Genevieve Buechner), Michael (Brendan Fletcher), Simon (Vincent Gale), Young Alan (Casey Dubois), Young Louis (Liam Ranger), Legz the Tattoo Artist (Joely Collins), Charles Bannister (Michael St. John Smith), Jason Monroe (Chris Britton), and Caroline Monroe (Wanda Cannon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Tightly put together with a terrific conclusion makes this film stand out and shout in the suspense thriller movie lineups.

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Ben Meyers

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD (Theatrical Release France/Britain 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Gruffalo’s Child—a short story spin-off of The Gruffalo—has great animation, but fails to surpass or to equal the quality of the first Gruffalo story. This film forgot that many audiences may not have seen the first film and therefore has many story gaps that create discontinuity. Nothing new or highly creative marks this movie. It seems that a sequel-type, spin-off film has been created just to make a movie rather than for fulfillment of artistic endeavor/entertainment’s sake, almost as if a movie was made for the money rather than for a sincere desire to entertain an audience. The reason for the film seems to be ‘let’s ride the success of the first film’ without due process allowed to the work involved in providing excellent entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A parent Gruffalo warns its child about a bad mouse and the child ignores the parent’s advice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Uwe Heidschötter and Johannes Weiland for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mother Squirrel (Voice of Helena Bonham Carter), Gruffalo’s Child (Voice of Shirley Henderson), Gruffalo (Voice of Robbie Coltrane), Snake (Voice of Rob Brydon), Owl (Voice of John Hurt), Fox (Voice of Tom Wilkinson), Mouse (Voice of James Corden), Little Squirrel (Voices of Phoebe Givron-Taylor and Sam Lewis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If one wants to finish the series, watch this film. But, know that the movie ‘plays it safe’ and seems to adhere to a mental process that every film has to have its sequel/spin-off and the ‘let’s make one because we really do not have to put much time, money, or thought into entertainment nor do we need anything fresh to compliment the first film.'

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Ben Meyers

SON OF RAMBOW (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Son of Rambow—simple, but wonderful watch for the teen/adult audience—shows how amateur filmmakers might begin learning the craft by making a sequel film to Rambo*. Bravo! for a great script that has been ably directed by Director Garth Jennings.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two boys make a movie.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garth Jennings for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bristol Baughan, Benjamin Goldhirsh, and Hengameh Panahi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joshua (Neil Dudgeon), Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner), Mary Proudfoot (Jessica Hynes), Grandma (Anna Wing), Lee Carter (Will Poulter), Jess Proudfoot (Tallulah Evans), French Teacher (Emilie Chesnais), Geography Teacher (Paul Ritter), Gail Graham (Finol McMahon), Marie Plante (Rachel Mureatroyd), David Smart (Taylor Richardson), Lucas Dupont (Peter Robinson), Duncan Miller (Charlie Thrift), Didier Revol (Jules Sitruk), and Danny (Sam Kubrick-Finney).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Unexpectedly good cinematographic work shows well onscreen. This movie gets to the core of directing. It’s a fun watch to see young film makers’ first efforts become a reality. Good watch for viewers inside and outside the industry.

*Also known as: First Blood

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Ben Meyers

FUN WITH DICK AND JANE (Theatrical release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Fun With Dick and Jane—a remake of the 1977 movie of the same name uses the talents of Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni to create a remake that is better than the first movie. The movie has fun and craziness worked into every scene as it takes the Dick character to a whole ‘nother level with Jim Carrey as its interpreter. Téa Leoni wisely chooses to follow along with the Carrey ride and ends up being a powerful offset to his character. This is a terrific comedy and serves up plenty of satisfying chuckles. It's a good adult share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dick and Jane design a creative way to ‘make’ money.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dean Parisot for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Bart, Jane Bartelme, and Max Palevsky for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dick (Jim Carrey), Jane (Téa Leoni), Jack McCallister (Alec Baldwin), Frank Bascombe (Richard Jenkins), Veronica Cleeman (Angie Harmon), Garth (John Michael Higgins), Joe Cleeman (Richard Burgi), Oz Peterson (Carlos Jacott), Billy Harper (Aaron Michael Drozin), Blanca (Gloria Garayua), Dick’s Secretary (Michelle Arthur), Jack’s Receptionist (Stacey Travis), Jack’s Assistant (Timm Sharp), Angry Caller (Voice of David Herman), and Production Assistant (Dempsey Pappion).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is fun and highly entertaining. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DEATH WISH (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Death Wish—Charles Bronson classic—keeps its beat and shows well within its genre. While Clint Eastwood dominated this type of storyline and Bruce Willis added his own personal touch to this type of movie, Charles Bronson cannot be faulted for his outstanding interpretation of a very adept vigilante hunter. He comes off as a no-nonsense, exceptionally hardened threat to evil.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After his wife is murdered, a man hunts street persons who break the law.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Winner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hal Landers, Bobby Roberts, and Dino De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson), Joanna Kersey (Hope Lange), Frank Ochoa (Vincent Gardenia), Jack Toby (Steven Keats), Sam Kreutzer (William Redfield), Aimes Jainchill (Stuart Margolin), Police Commissioner (Stephen Elliott), Carol Toby (Kathleen Tolan), Hank (Jack Wallace), District Attorney (Fred J. Scollay), Ives (Chris Gampel), Joe Charles (Robert Kya-Hill), Lieutenant Briggs (Edward Grover), Freaks (Jeff Goldblum and Christopher Logan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a tough story. Be warned that the opening scenes are exceptionally graphic and realistic. The movie works for Charles Bronson fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers