NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS * (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Nanny McPhee Returns—terrific cast—has characters that are not as likable as the similar themed (magical nanny saves the day) movie Mary Poppins. The movie seems a bit rushed in places as if running toward its conclusion with some disjointed scenes between building character and displaying faith. The prequel film focuses on a father who needs household organization while the sequel focuses on a mother who needs household organization. It is what it is. If one enjoyed the first Nanny McPhee, there will be some satisfaction found in its sequel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A nanny magically appears to restore order to a mismanaged household.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Susana White for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward, and Emma Thompson for making the film possible. Thank you to Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), Vincent Green (Oscar Steer), Norman Green (Asa Butterfield), Megsie Green (Lil Woods), Cyril Gray (Eros Vlahos), Celia Gray (Rosie Taylor-Ritson), Blenkinsop (Daniel Mays), Phil Green (Rhys Ifans), and Mrs. Docherty (Maggie Smith).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. The movie is not the best fantasy film on the market.

* Also Known As: Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang

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Ben Meyers

JOHN WAYNE: AMERICA AT ALL COSTS (Lumière Grand Lyon Film Festival, Lyon Territory France 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

John Wayne: America at All Costs—great documentary—tells a general overview of John Wayne’s life. While it may lack the depth that audiences may desire to know about this beloved western/war actor, the outstanding feature of the documentary is that it shows the humble beginnings of this star as it details his early years as a person who set the scenes for movies and his work as an ‘extra’ in silent films. The documentary also reveals some poor health choices that may have led to his contraction of cancer and early death. The film is put together well and follows a well-thought-out presentation of facts that is easy to follow. Simple and completely understandable, this documentary will not let down fans of the late Marion Robert ‘Duke’ Morrison AKA John Wayne, actor.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of John Wayne’s life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jean-Baptiste Péretié for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arte France for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Wayne (archival footage).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie easily earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

HIDALGO (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Hidalgo—BRAVO! Entertainment—accesses the tremendous talent, Viggo Mortensen, for its main protagonist. He figured well in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. It’s good to see Omar Shariff’s onscreen power. J.K. Simmons, as Buffalo Bill, portrays that character with more intensity that did Paul Newman…he gives an authenticity with a good physical representation of his character. The comic relief with Harsh Nayyar has been paced well throughout the film and has an original flavor that is very good, very fresh. The movie is an entertainment delight. Don’t miss it.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A resident of the United States enters himself and his Paint stallion in a prestigious Saudi Arabian horse race.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Johnston for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Don Zepfel for making the film possible. Additional cast/characters include: Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen), Jazira  (Zuleikha), Sheikh Riyadh (Omar Sharif), Lady Anne Davenport (Louise Lombard), Aziz (Adam Alexi-Malle), Prince Bin Al Reeh (Saïid Taghmaoui), Katib (Silas Carson), Yusef (Harsh Nayyar), and Buffalo Bill Cody (J.K. Simmons).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A classic watch that deserves to be in the home video library. It can be watched multiple times through the years. Thank you to Director Joe Johnston (Jumanji, October Sky, Captain America, The First Avenger) for bringing us another wonderful film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SILVER BRUMBY (VHS Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Silver Brumby—simply written horse story—serves as a good watch for the Russell Crowe fan. The story moves along nicely. Some monotony creeps in as the main character redundantly searches for the Silver Brumby over and over throughout the course of the movie, but the Australian scenery and the telling of the story mostly overrides that redundancy. Watch for the acting skills of Caroline Goodall in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A man attempts to tame an Australian wild horse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Tatoulis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer William T. Marshall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elyne Mitchell (Caroline Goodall), The Man (Russell Crowe), Indi Mitchell (Amiel Daemion), Jock (Johnny Raaen), Darcy (Buddy Tyson), Auctioneer (Graeme Fullgrabe), Riders (Gary Amos, Murray Chesson, John Coles, Danny Cook, and Peter Faithfull). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This shows the skill levels of Russell Crowe to good advantage and makes a good Australian movie watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MASK (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Mask—another movie that shows Jim Carrey’s innovative and creative approach to acting—WOW! The movie completely surprises due to its fresh story. It’s difficult to imagine anyone who could have interpreted and drawn the main character so deeply other than Jim Carrey. Much like the Ace Ventura series, Carrey is the only choice casting could make for the movie. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A simple bank clerk becomes a different person when wearing a mask.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chuck Russell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael De Luca, Mike Richardson, and Chuck Russell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey), Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway (Peter Riegert), Dorian (Peter Greene), Peggy Brandt (Amy Yasbeck), Charlie Schumaker (Richard Jeni), Niko (Orestes Matacena), Irv (Tim Bagley), Mrs. Peenman (Nancy Fish), Burt (Johnny Williams), Freeze (Reg Cathey), and Doyle (Jim Doughan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Bravo entertainment piece for the teen/adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEGEND OF ANCIENT BORNEO (Released on YouTube USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Legend of Ancient Borneo—short film—needs a plotline read before watching due to the obscurity of this legend. Without that plotline read, that must include a dip into Borneo’s mythical and mystical past, the film borders on the incomprehensible.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

 A Malaysian legend painted in animation.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Geofrey Sinn Chun Hou for directing effort. Thank you to Boni Mosios for talent-lending to this film.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The movie creates no bridges between cultures to build understanding. The movie needs expansion to explain itself to the international mind. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUMPER (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Jumper—interesting concept—investigates the skill of teleportation…the persons endowed with the skill and those who have vowed to take those persons out. The movie moves fast and has a certain freshness about it that make it worth a single watch.

Film  Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A teleporter discovers his abilities.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Doug Liman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Gardenhour, Vince Gerardis, Stacy Maes, Ralph Vicinanza, and Kim Winther. Additional characters/cast include: David Rice (Hayden Christensen), Griffin (Jamie Bell), Millie (Rachel Bilson), Mary Rice (Diane Lane), Roland (Samuel Jackson), Willliam Rice (Michael Rooker), Young Millie (AnnaSophia Robb), Young David (Max Thieriot), Young Mark (Jesse James), om Hulce), and Sophie (Kristen Stewart).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. An action film that set itself up for a television series based on the concept of teleportation. The action scenes are well done and pace rapidly. Watch for the interesting conclusion.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

A Hologram for the King—Tom Hanks at the top of his game—WOW! BRAVO! film earns its watch. It serves the adult audience with an outstanding story. Worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A salesman attempts to sell product in Saudi Arabia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tom Tykwer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gero Bauknecht, Claudia Bluemhuber, Irene Gall, Bill Johnson, Gastón Pavlovich, Shervin Pishevar, Jim Seibel, and Steve Shareshian. Additional characters/cast include: Alan (Tom Hanks), Yousef (Omar Elba), Zahra (Sarita Choudhury), Hanne (Sidse Babett Knudsen), Kit (Tracey Fairaway), Ruby (Jane Perry), Ron (Tom Skerritt), Young Ron (Michael Baral), Young Alan (Lewis Rainer), Kid Alan (Alexander Molkenthin), and young Kit (Xara Eich).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. Despite the sexual references and some nudity, this is a good adult watch that investigates cultural differences, interaction between cultures, and changes in lifestyle when entering later life.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BIG BULLY (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Big Bully—combines the acting skills of Rick Moranis and Tom Arnold—presents a comedy, suitable for families, that examines bullying, the empowerment of the bully, and the need for friendship. The movie is simple, straightforward and fairly well-written, enough so, that small chuckles can be obtained throughout the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two boys interact to assume two different roles…one becomes a bully while the other suffers the fate of those who can be bullied.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Miner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Barber and Dylan Sellers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Leary (Rick Moranis), Rosco Bigger (Tom Arnold), Victoria (Julianne Phillips), Faith (Carol Kane), Art (Jeffrey Tambor), Clark (Curtis Armstrong), Betty (Faith Prince), Ulf (Tony Pierce), Principal Kokelar (Don Knotts), Ben (Blake Bashoff), and Kirby (Cody McMains).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie delivers average entertainment fare and becomes a ‘fair to middling’ family share night piece of entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LE GOUFFRE (St Louis International Film Festival St. Louis Missouri USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Le Gouffre—short film—does not allow its audience to know where the main characters came from or where they are going. It seems the small village has been sacked and needs a bridge re-established over the canyon or deep gulf. Overall, the animation and movement are good, but the film leaves more questions than answers.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images 

Storyline

Two men endeavor to reconstruct a bridge over a deep canyon.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Thomas Chretien, Earl Beauchemin, and David Forest for making the film. Thank you to Lightning Studio for facilities.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is what it is. Difficult to interpret its conclusion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DREDD (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Dredd is much better than the first film, Judge Dredd, because of its increased uniformity and straightforwardness of story. However, this movie lacks the creativity of the first film. Karl Urban replaces Sylvester Stallone in this remake. Karl Urban plays his part well. The special effects are good as they should be for a futuristic movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Enforcement officers have much wider powers in the future, but officers are still in the business of taking down drug traffickers and users.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Pete Travis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stuart Ford, Deepak Nayar, and Adi Shankar for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Judge Dredd (Karl Urban), Control Operator 1 (Rachel Wood), Passenger (Andile Mngadi), Driver (Porteus Xandau), Zwirner (Jason Cope), Hostage (Emma Breschi), Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), Chief Judge (Rakie Ayola), Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), Ma-Ma Bodyguard (Tamer Burjag), and Caleb (Warrick Grier).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There is no compromise in action or in the grime that accompanies most action films. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ELOISE AT THE PLAZA (DVD Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Eloise at the Plaza—taken from the Wonderful World of Disney television series—serves family-style entertainment needs with its cute and worthy interpretation of the Eloise stories. Sofia Vassilieva does a great job of interpreting Eloise. Julie Andrews (from Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, and The Princess Diaries) again takes a role where she works with children, in this case Eloise. Jeffery Tambor is just perfect as the character Mr. Salomone for this film. It’s a good family share film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

The adventures of Eloise as she accompanies her nanny.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kevin Loma for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Denise Di Novi and Patrick Meehan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nanny (Julie Andrews), Mr. Salomone (Jeffrey Tambor), Sir Wilkes (Kenneth Welsh), Maggie (Debra Monk), Bill (Gavin Creel), Philip (Jonas Chernick), Molly Daniels (Stephanie Anne Mills), Mrs. Daniels (Eve Crawford), Mr. Peabody (Victor A. Young), Mrs. Thornton (Corinne Conley), and Prunella Stickler (Christine Baranski).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A good child/adult share film.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DONOVAN’S REEF (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Donovan’s Reef—good show for everyone—works especially well for John Wayne and Lee Marvin fans. This is not a typical John Wayne film (other than some good fight scenes). Lee Marvin, surprisingly, serves very well cast alongside John Wayne. Watch for a few cameo shots of Patrick Wayne. The movie examines several societal challenges and gives good, after-viewing discussion time for families.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An $18,000,000 inheritance, a daughter from the United States, a long-missing father, children born to a second Polynesian Island wife, a saloon keeper and his friend all interact to form this story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Ford for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Ford for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael Patrick Donovan (John Wayne), Thomas Aloysius Gilhooley (Lee Marvin), Amellia Dedham (Elizabeth Allen), Dr. William Dedham (Jack Warden), Marquis Andre de Lage (Cesar Romero), Sean O’Brien (Dick Foran), Miss Lafleur (Dorothy Lamour), Father Clueot (Marcel Dalio), Sergeant Monk Menkowicz (Mike Mazurki), Lelani Dedham (Jacqueline Malouf), and Sarah Dedham (Cherylene Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie stands as one of John Wayne’s better films. It’s worth a watch despite its age. Interesting interaction between people of multiple classes and backgrounds make for an interesting watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK X: NEMESIS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Star Trek X: Nemesis—as good as the first Patrick Stewart Star Trek: The Next Generation—has a great cast to end the series well. Watch for the buggy scenes where Patrick Stewart enjoys (for real) driving the buggy. The story gives a good send-off for the entire cast. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Captain Picard discovers a threat to Earth.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stuart Baird for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Hornstein and Gene Roddenberry for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Data/B-4 (Brent Spiner), Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Worf (Michael Dorn), Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), Shinzon (Tom Hardy) Viceroy (Ron Perlman), and Senator Tal’aura (Shannon Cochran).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works all the way around. Thank you to all who were involved in producing this movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

LAND BEFORE TIME III: THE TIME OF THE GREAT GIVING (Direct -to-Video Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Land Before Time III: The Time of the Great Giving appeals to the young child audience only but makes the mistake of trying to become a child/adult share. Unfortunately, this particular Land Before Time tries to send messages through its story that are vital to know (like the importance of not being angry), but the messages are not well enough done for them to stick with the child due to poor organization. The child is left with a few scraps of film that border on ‘silly’ to the point of comedy. The bright side of this is that it is a cute film and many children who are involved in the series may want to watch it despite the quality of its story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 The dinosaurs must find a way to rectify their shortage of water.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roy Allen Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Zahra Dowlatabadi, Nelson Shin, and Roy Allen Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Littlefoot (Voice of Scott McAfee), Ducky (Voice of Heather Hogan), Cera (Voice of Candace Hutson), Petrie/Mutt/ Iguanadon (Voice of Jeff Bennett), Spike (Voice of Rob Paulsen), Narrator/Cera’s Dad (Voice of John Ingle), Grandma/Mother Quetzacoatlus (Voice of Linda Gary), Hyp (Voice of Whit Hertford), Hyp’s Father (Voice of Nicholas Guest), and Stegosaurus/Spike and Ducky’s Mother (Voice of Tress MacNeille). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This movie is not the best in the series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANNAPOLIS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Annapolis—James Franco supported by Tyrese Gibson and Donnie Wahlberg—educates about the difficulties of attending prestigious military academies. Well-written, the story adapts itself to movie format well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man, son of a shipbuilder, is accepted into a prestigious naval academy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Steve Nicolaides Additional characters/cast include: Jake Huard (James Franco), Ref (Macka Foley), AJ (Jim Parrack), Lieutenant Burton (Donnie Wahlberg), Bill Huard (Brian Goodman), Kevin (Billy Finnigan), Ali (Jordana Brewster), Risa (Katie Hein), Midshipman Lin (Jimmy Lin), Superintendent Carter (Charles Napier), and Daniels (Heather Henderson).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good movie that examines the realities of integrating different social classes.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (Theatrical Release UK 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies—interesting re-interpretation of the Pride and Prejudice story—works as a parody of the original story while adding interesting features to the sister’s skillsets and plans for marriage. Comical addition of zombies to this straight-laced Victorian drama plays with the mind to rework a rather slow and time-worn British story into something fresh. It even adds zest to the overworn zombie theme that has been the modern rage but is running its course. Be aware that this film is quite gory and violent. It is adult themed and particularly targets audiences who are attracted to zombie movies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Five sisters fight off zombies while laying plans to marry well.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Burr Steers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sue Baden-Powell, Kimberly Fox, Edward Hamm Jr., Phil Hunt, Aleen Keshishian, Nick Meyer, Compton Ross, and Lauren Selig for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James), Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), Jane Bennet (Bella Heathcote), Lydia Bennet (Ellie Bamer), Mary Bennet (Millie Brady), Kitty Bennet (Suki Waterhouse), Mr. Bingley (Douglas Booth), Mrs. Bennet (Sally Phillips), Mr. Bennet (Charles Dance), George Wickham (Jack Huston), and Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Lena Headey). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Plenty of satire here to satisfy movie goers for some time.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Day After Tomorrow—apocalyptic movie—accesses the talents of Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm, Sala Ward, Emmy Roussum, and Glenn Plummer. The visuals from outer space of North America freezing over are a nice touch. There are some dialogue lines that are fresh, creative, and meaningful. The movie is worth a single watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 Earth enters an Ice Age while humans fight to survive.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ute Emmerich, Stephanie Germain, and Kelly Van Horn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid), Sam Hall (Jake Gyllenhaa), Laura Chapman (Emmy Rossum), Jason Evans (Dash Mihok), Frank Harris (Jay O. Sanders), Dr. Lucy Hall (Sela Ward), J.D. (Austin Nichols), Brian Parks (Arjay Smith), Janet Tokada (Tanlyn Tomita), and Parker (Sasha Roiz). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Nothing really new here. It’s a simple, apocalyptic film that works when one is in the mood to see a world destroyed. Good work for all involved in its production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ODD COUPLE (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Odd Couple—highly creative—contains its fair share of comedy with the terrific interactions between Walter Mathau and Jack Lemmon. The story draws and defines its characters deeply and well. The storyline runs along an adult theme and makes a good adult share. It’s worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 Two men share a flat and work to adjust to each other’s personalities and personal habits.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gene Saks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Howard W. Koch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Felix Ungar (Jack Lemmon), Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau), Vinnie (John Fiedler), Murray (Herb Edelman), Roy (David Sheiner), Speed (Larry Haines), Cecily (Monica Evans), Gwendolyn (Carol Shelley), and waitress (Iris Adrian). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film defines its characters so well that one welcomes a sequel. Good work for all involved.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers