ALMOST AN ANGEL (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Almost an Angel—Paul Hogan—presents a kindly, easy-on-the-mind entertainment piece that is not a Crocodile Dundee film but still shows creativity and originality. It’s not the best of films but there is no lack in acting skill and the script has been straight forwardly written.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A small-time crook meets God. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Cornell for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Cornell for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Terry Dean (Paul Hogan), Steve Garner (Elias Koteas), Rose Garner (Linda Kozlowski), Mrs. Garner (Doreen Lang), Father (Douglas Seale), Irene Bealeman (Ruth Warshawsky), George Bealeman (Parley Baer), and Detective Sergeant Freebody (Michael Alldredge). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good flick for adults. Be aware that the movie does contain some sexual references.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GAMERA VS BARUGON (Theatrical Release USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Gamera Vs Barugon—second installment of the Japanese Gamera movie series—does not have the well thought out orderliness and presents many concluding scenes weakly as compared to the first Gamera movie. The Barugon shows what Japan had to offer in 1966 special effects. Overall, the film provides a fair watch for monster movie fans.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The Gamera conflicts with the Barugon. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Shigeo Tanaka for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Masaichi Nagata and Hidemasa Nagata for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Keisuke Hirata (Kojiro Hongo), Karen (Kyōko Enami), Kawajiri (Yuzō Hayakawa), Dr. Satō (Takuya Fujioka), Onodera (Koji Fujiyama), Ichirō Hirata (Akira Natsuki), Dr.Matsushita (Ichirō Sugai), Self Defense Force General (Bontarō Miake), and (Self-defense Force Commander (Jutarō Hōjō). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. If one likes to watch series movies, this one is the next to watch in the Gamera series.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED JOAN (Theatrical Release UK 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Red Joan—interesting but not the best of stories—tells a fictional account of a woman found guilty of espionage in passing atomic bomb development secrets to Russia post WW II. Judi Dench once again shows her outstanding acting abilities in the scenes in which she appears. The story is a rough watch that revolves around her romantic involvements more than her educational accomplishments. It seems rather demeaning for educated females as it demotes the female mind to romance rather than real academic accomplishment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A young Cambridge physics major works on an atomic bomb project and becomes involved in intrigue.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Trevor Nunn for directing effort. Thank you to David Parfitt for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Joan Elizabeth Stanley (Judi Dench), Ms. Hart (Nina Sosanya), Leo Galich (Tom Hughes), Sonya (Tereza Srbova), Professor Max Davis (Stephen Campbell Moore), Attoryney Nick Stanley (Ben Miles), Freddie Gaminara, Patrick Adams (Laurence Spellman), and Peter Kjeri (Stephen Boxer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This a somewhat a good watch despite numerous sexual references and scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY NAME IS THOMAS (Theatrical Release Germany 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

My Name is Thomas—maximizes the emotion of sadness—turns into an okay film with its artistic commentary on the emotional state of a young girl on the road. This is, as of this date (2021), Terence Hill’s latest full-length film. The movie does not run comedy but runs on a depressive storyline that will not relieve any audience dealing with the problems presented onscreen with its unrelenting investigation of heart ache.  

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A man on his way to a desert helps a young girl. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Terence Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jess Hill, Paolo Luvisotti, Anselmo Parrinello, and Anna Vita for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dottoressa (Eva Basteiro-Bertoli), Maria (Francesca Beggio), Lucia (Veronica Bitto), Thomas (Terence Hill), Zia Rosario (Guia Jelo), Priore (Andy Luotto), Cameriere (Giovanni Malafronte), Max (Matt Patresi), and Dottoressa (Cinzia Susino). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film does not entertain or relieve or provide welcome relief from life challenges an audience may be facing.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

MAJOR PAYNE (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Major Payne—actor Damon Wayans—portrays the difficulty in moving from being a combat soldier into a less stressful occupation stateside teaching boys military discipline. The movie serves up a nice platter of comedy with originality and good acting. While this storyline has been investigated from several different angles through the years, this movie reaches a genuine chuckle zone more often than other movies within this storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

An active battle soldier becomes assigned to a group of boys to teach military discipline. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nick Castle for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Eric L. Gold and Michael Rachmil for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Major Payne (Damon Wayans), Emily Walburn (Karyn Parsons), Dr.Phillips (William Hickey), Cadet Alex Stone (Steven Martini), Lieutenant Colonel Stone (Michael Ironside), Cadet Dunn (Orlando Brown), General Decker (Albert Hall), Cadet Dotson (Andrew Leeds), Cadet Dwight Williams (Damien Wayans), Cadet Wuliger (Chris Owen), Cadet Fox (Mark Madison), Cadet Sergeant Johnson (Peyton Chesson-Fohl). and Cadet Leland (Stephen Coleman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie puts discipline on a different level while incorporating comedic elements into its very fiber.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

VIVO (Internet Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Vivo works in an on/off pendulum movement as it swings from a bit boring to almost okay, falters, and swings back to a bit boring. This animated entertainment piece classifies itself as a musical. Listen for some great singing by Lin Manuel Miranda as the voice/singing for Vivo.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Kinkajou determines to ensure that his master’s most important song receives its proper recognition.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kirk DeMicco for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lisa Stewart, Michelle Wong, and Rich Moore for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kinkajou (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Gabi (Ynairaly), Simo), Rosa (Zoe Saldana), Andres (Juan de Marcos Gonzalez), Dancarino and Valentina (Brian Tyree Henry and Nicole Byer), Lutador (Michael Rooker), Marta (Gloria Estefan), and Bus Driver (Leslie David Baker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film might be chosen for children who may like the razzle dazzle and singing. Adults will most likely find the movie boring.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THEY CALL ME RENEGADE (Theatrical Release Greece 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

They Call Me Renegade—fun, light comedy—gets the job done for entertainment. Terence Hill serves up original action scenes as well as creative ways to consistently dodge trouble.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A drifter makes a promise to settle down for a while and takes care of a friend’s son and learns a few tricks for survival from the streetwise kid. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director E.B. Clucher for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lucio Bompant for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Luke (Terence Hill), Lawson (Robert Vaughn), Matt (Ross Hill), Moose (Norman Bowler), Ely (Donald Hodson), Tallulah (Beatrice Palme), Melody (Lisa Ann Rubin), Rachel (Valeria Sabel), Trucker (Cole McKay), and Petula (Luisa Maneri). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is an afternoon adult watch. Fun and easy-on-the-mind.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN'S 2ND (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Beethoven's 2^nd reprises the entire cast for the Newton family in their respective roles. The sequel film has a nicely themed family air while showing a family growing up. It’s fair to middling entertainment for the teen/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Beethoven acquires a ‘girlfriend’ and replicates himself X 4. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rod Daniel for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Michael Gross and Joe Mediuck for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: George Newton (Charles Grodin), Alice Newton (Bonnie Hunt), Ryce Newton (Nicholle Tom), Ted Newton (Christopher Castile), Emily Newton (Sarah Rose Karr), Regina (Debi Mazar), Floyd (Chris Penn), Taylor Devereaux (Ashley Hamilton), Seth (Danny Masterson), Janie (Catherine Reitman), Cliff Klamath (Maury Chaykin), Michelle (Heather McComb), Banker (Scott Waara), Gus (Jeff Corey), Linda Anderson (Virginia Capers), Jordan (Jordan Bond), Artur Lewis (Pat Jankiewicz), and Brillo (Kevin Dunn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film serves a teen/adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

XICO’S JOURNEY (Theatrical Release Mexico 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Xico’s Journey—animation—relies on lovely authentic scene settings that one may find in smaller Mexican villages. Read a plotline before going to increase understanding of the movie. A child may need explanation of the concept of fracking. The adult environmental/land development theme may need explication for the younger child. The movie title seems manipulative as it does not adequately represent this movie's intent and main theme. The movie has three main storyline drivers that create discord and confusion. It is not so much an entertainment animation as a message film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Fracking, business entrepreneurs, and magical events combine to establish justice for a small Mexican village. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Eric Cabello Diaz for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Cristina Pinedar, Fernando de Fuentes, and José Garcia de Letona for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Xico (Pablo Gama Iturrarán), Copi (Verónica Alva), Carmen (Verónica Castro), Nana Petra (Lila Downs), Señor Caradura (Randy Ebright), Don Viejo (Enrique Guzmán), Don Manuel (Daniel Habif), Tlacuache (Alex Lora), Lupita (Carla Medina), Cuca (Elena Poniatowska), Previer (José Miguel Pérez-Porrúa Suárez), Tochtli (Marco Antonio Solis), and Venado Azul (Victor Trujillo). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Adults may find this a good anthropological study as it mirrors an underlying cultural view that can easily be followed despite the heavy overlay of messaging from sources outside of that culture. Adults may find it mildly charming due to the quite authentic scene settings.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

HORTON HEARS A WHO! (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Horton Hears a Who!—computer animated—creates WOW! entertainment for nearly any audience. Exceptionally talented people took this simple children’s story and, unbelievably, made it into a full-length film that does not flag nor does it ‘stuff and fluff’ itself to create a movie that should have been a short film. Every minute of this full-length movie relies on the best story-telling techniques, fully developed characters, and a wonderful conclusion that completely satisfies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Horton, the elephant, hears a Who and the story is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you for Directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bob Gordon and Bruce Anderson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Horton the Elephant (Jim Carrey), Mayor McDodd (Steve Carel), Sour Kangaroo (Carol Burnett), The Chairman (Dan Fogler), Dr. Mary Lou LaRue (Isla Fisher), Tommy (Jonah Hill), Sally (Amy Poehler), Mrs. Quilligan (Jaime Pressly), JoJo (Jesse McCartney), and Helga (Selena Gomez). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie easily earns its watch. The perfect child/adult share. Don’t make a mistake and pass this one by. It is sophisticated, beautifully done entertainment that sits at the high end of the movie spectrum.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AT ETERNITY’S GATE (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

At Eternity’s Gate—a WOW! film—distinguishes itself as an artistic work within itself as it slowly and quietly paints the life of Vincent van Gogh. Willem Defoe delivers an outstanding performance in his interpretation of van Gogh’s life. Just as van Gogh’s paintings uniquely capture a view of our world, this movie endeavors to match that unique view through its artistic delivery. Be aware that the movie progresses rather slowly and shows many, many scenes of van Gogh walking through landscapes looking for that which he will paint for the day. The film is complicated as was the artist’s life and often leaves the audience unsure of the path that will be chosen, but the flow on its canvas’ is so nicely done that it is as if one is strolling through life with the artist. Watch for a cameo appearance of Mads Mikkelsen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Artist Van Gogh’s inspiration, life purpose, and life path receives thorough examination and explication.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Julian Schnabel for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jon Kilik for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Vincent van Gogh (Willem Dafoe), Theo van Gogh (Rupert Friend), The Priest (Mads Mikkelsen), Dr. Paul Gachet (Mathieu Amalric), The Woman (Emmanuelle Seigner), Paul Gauguin (Oscar Isaac), Madman(Niels Arestrup), Doctor Felix Ray (Vladimir Consigny), Gaby (Stella Schnabel), Johanna van Gogh-Bonger (Amira Casar), The Director (Vincent Perez), Teacher (Anne Consigny), Artist Tambourin (Alexis Michalik), Girl on the Road (Lolita Chammah), Asylum Guard (Didier Jarre), and Aurier’s Article (Voice of Louis Garrel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie moves as many artists paint…with its own deliberateness that demands attention for its artistic presentation, definition of a life, and waits for the audience’s interpretation. An artistic effort that can be well received. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER (Theatrical Release Japan 1965)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Gamera: The Giant Monster—first movie in the Japanese Gamera series—delivers a nicely done monster tale. Note that the special effects compared to 2021 standards are amateurish and stilted but the idea of a monster turtle is quite original. The actors draw interest. The movie serves as an excellent academic study of 1960s Japanese entertainment. The film, put together well, still causes an audience to fantasize about the outcome of dealing with gigantic, fire-breathing monsters.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Arctic unleashes a huge turtle bent on venting wrath against Tokyo.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Noriaki Yuasa for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Masaichi Nagata and Hidemasa Nagata for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dr. Hidaka (Eiji Funakoshi), Nobuyo Sakurai (Michiko Sugata), Kyoko Yamamoto (Harumi Kiritachi), Aoyagi (Junichiro Yamashita), Toshio Sakurai (Yoshiro Uchida), Mr. Sakurai (Yoshiro Kitahara), Dr. Murase (Jun Hamamura), Eskimo Chief (Yoshio Yoshido), and Japanese Ambassador (George Hirose).

Buy a ticket Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie continues the idea of Godzilla except in turtle form with the rage happening in Tokyo rather than other countries of the world. It’s a good dip into Japanese fantasy and storytelling.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HURRICANE SEASON (DVD Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hurricane Season—impactful movie—shows a great performance by Forest Whitaker. The story, well-written and put together well, completely earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A New Orleans coach rebuilds a sports team after Hurricane Katrina.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Raymond Brothers and Scott Glassgold for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Al Collins (Forest Whitaker), JJ Coleman (Jackie Long), Dayna Collins (Taraji Henson), Alana Collins (China Anne McClain), Coach Buddy Simmons (Isaiah Washington), Principal Durant (avid Willis (Khleo Thomas), Brian Randolph (Robbie Jones), Lamont Johnson (Lil Wayne), Coach Frank Landon (Michael Gaston), Mr. Randolph (Courtney Vance), Grandma Rose (Irma Hall), and Spencer’s Father (Marcus L. Brown).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie works through the emotions that engender tenacity, loyalty to community, and team effort to rebuild when all is lost. The movie provides excellent after viewing discussion between family members.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WATCH OUT, WE’RE MAD * (Theatrical Release Spain 1974)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Watch Out, We’re Mad—classic Terence Hill and Bud Spencer Italian film—serves sequences of light comedy and action mixed into a great, original storyline. The movie serves the whole family with clean, likable, and fresh entertainment. The film is just right in almost every way. This simple movie has spunk. Don’t miss it. It deserves investment of entertainment time and money. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Two rally racers tie for the prize of a single dune buggy and the adventure begins as they vie for who should own it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marcello Fondato for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mario Cecchi Gori for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kid (Terence Hill), Ben (Bud Spencer), Boss (John Sharp), DonaldPleasence (Doctor), Attila (Deogracias Huerta), Jeremias (LuisBarbero), Liza (Patty Shepard), Paganini (Mauel de Blas), Choir Director (Emilio Laguna), Rafael Albaicin, Giancarlo Bastianoni), RobertoAlessandri, Pretty Girl 1(Ada Pometti), Jose Yepes, Pretty Girl 2(Ines Morales), JoseLuis Lizalde, Thug (Omero Capanna), Boxer (Giovanni Cianfriglia), and Thug 2 (Rémy Julienne). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great watch, very likeable characters. Wonderful, simple movie. 

* Also Known As: Pazi da ne bude guzve 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HARD LESSONS * (Television Release USA 1986)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Hard Lessons—Denzel Washington’s early work—serves informative and meaningful entertainment. Strong ethical values, willingness to help others, and successful motivation of all those within one's environment becomes the wonderful focus of this entertainment piece. Uplifting. The  overall story tells a good tale as it builds on positive character development through education. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A principal walks into a school in need of discipline. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Eric Laneuville for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Howard Lipstone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George McKenna (Denzel Washington), Bobbie Maxwell (Lynn Whitfield), Mr. Rogers (Earl Billings), Alan Keith (Ray Buktenica), Cynthia Byers (Akosua Busia), and Ben Proctor (Richard Masur), and Brimm Leader (Michael Milburn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is a television movie so be aware that it is cut to be televised entertainment fare rather than theatrical release fare. 

* Also Known As: The George McKenna Story

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

A DOG’S COURAGE * (Bucheon international Fantastic Film Festival, Bucheon, South Korea 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

A Dog’s Courage—good concept, unique animation—needs a stronger storyline. Worth a watch to see Korean animation output, which can be surprisingly good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Owner-abandoned dogs look for freedom and a home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Chun-Baek Lee and Seong-yun Oh for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Seong-yun Oh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Moonchi (Voice of Kyung-soo Do, Bamyi (Voice of So-dam Park), and Jjangah (Voice of Cheol-min Park). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This animated feature can serve as a teen/adult share film.

* Also Known As: The Underdog

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REXY AND THE VOLCANO (YouTube Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsììì 

Rexy and the Volcano—short film—has terrific detailed animation especially with background work. The character development of Rexy needs improvement, but if this series of films are linked together to produce a full length film, then that issue will automatically be resolved. The end of this film, like the last film, concludes with the parent saving the day for an under-intelligent, or perhaps a better choice of words…an unsophisticated baby Rex.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A further adventure for Rexy in the Pangea series. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Adam Magyar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Adam Magyar and Aenimax Innovation for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adam Magyar.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a progression from the last film in this series as the baby Rexy explores its world. The movie becomes beautiful as it highlights the role a parent plays in preserving the life of the child until it comes to adult understanding.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers