X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

X-Men: Days of Future Past—meaningless—has all the bells and whistles of a great movie but the bells aren’t ringing. The movie falls flat and the audience feels empty after watching it. It’s below par and has no redeeming factors to encourage recommendation to watch it. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Robots have been sent to kill mutants and all humans who could become mutant. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bryan Singer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bryan Singer, Lauren Shuler Donner, Simon Kinberg, and Hutch Parker for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Fan Bingbing, Elliot Page, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film is a ‘wanna be great’ and fails to be great due to weak writing and portrayal. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sicario: Days of the Soldado—provocative story—performs at the level of gritty, hard core, and realistic. This is a ‘no shab’ film for the adult audience. WOW! It educates and creates an opportunity for good after-viewing discussion. Exceptionally professional presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The United States decides that drug cartels, if at war with each other, will not have the strength of purpose to loose terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. The United States works to create enough discord between cartels to begin a war between the cartels. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stefano Sollima for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Basil Iwanyk, Edward L. McDonnell, Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill, and Trent Luckinbill. Cast includes: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Isabela Merced, Jeffrey Donovan, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Catherine Keener.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is gritty and makes one appreciate United States protective forces. It is completely worth watching and tells a story that needs to be told. Very realistic film for the adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRON: LEGACY (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Tron: Legacy—better than the first film—has, due to passing of actual time, much better animation and lighting effects than its previous movie. Fans of the original Tron will enjoy the improvements to the original movie.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A computer game company shareholder is digitized and loaded into a computer game. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joseph Kosinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, and Steven Lisberger for making the film possible. Cast includes: Garrett Hedlund, Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, and Michael Sheen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The positioning of lighting effects and the stronger presentation make this a worthy watch especially for persons who enjoyed the original Tron movie. Without the added updated effects, the movie may not have worked.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes—part 4 of the original Planet of the Apes film series—has the same wonderful makeup and costuming of previous films. Especially note the chorographical effects for the revolt toward the end of the film. Roddy McDowell takes on the role of son of his former character, Cornelius. His new character role name is: Caesar. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This movie occurs at a time when humans force apes into slave labor. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur P. Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes: Roddy McDowall,  Don Murray, Ricardo Montalban, Natalie Trundy, and Hari Rhodes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is Part 4 of the original Planet of the Apes films. Watch for Ricardo Montalbán who reprises his role as the circus owner, Armando, from the movie previous to this one. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALPHA (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Alpha—spectacular scenery, WOW!—works for its watch at every turn of every scene. Even though the scenery sometimes seems animated, it is still breath taking. This sweet storyline touches the human chord and serves as a terrific movie overall. Know that this movie is not in English but the subtitles are easy to read. It is best watched in streaming or on video in the event the viewer wishes to stop and review dialogue.  Director Albert Hughes instantly creates a desire to see more of his work. Check out another one of his films The Book of Eli  which he directed with his brother Allen Hughes. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A female wolf becomes attached to a human and that single instance leads to dogs becoming domesticated and becoming humans’ companions. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Albert Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Albert Hughes and Andrew Rona for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Is more than worth watching and the story is written well. It’s a great film.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

FIRST MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

First Man—whole different angle on the Moon landing—takes an old storyline and makes it fresh and original as it begins with Neil Armstrong’s personal family challenges and moves toward the successful conclusion of landing on the Moon. The movie offers an accurate picture of families involved in these activities and does not over-dramatize the events. Great cinematography enhances the enjoyment of the movie especially toward the end of the film. The story is good and the presentation is really good. The acting is good. Ryan Gosling plays his role with believability as does Claire Foy. Strong human element in this film makes it an entirely good watch from opening scenes to concluding scenes. Good family share movie. It’s good to see the portrayal of strong marriages, good friends, and good character with excellent interaction with children. It’s good to see an honest portrayal of how couples work through challenges together without breaking relationships. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Pilot Neil Armstrong, distracted by trying keep a young daughter alive, which seems to be affecting his work performance, applies for acceptance into the NASA program.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Damien Chazelle for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, and Damien Chazelle for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Christopher Abbott, and Ciaran Hinds. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a one-time watch that’s worth time and money investment.  Great work for all involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here

: 

Ben Meyers 

RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rambo: First Blood Part II does not disappoint Sylvester Stallone fans or Rambo story fans. It causes a person to think about rescuing war prisoners and presents that scenario quite well. Sylvester Stallone is in character. The scenery and stage settings do a very good job of depicting jungle living conditions and the courage it takes for American military to operate in those conditions. It is what it is: an honest action thriller with a little romance thrown in as an added feature.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Rambo is offered a pardon for his prison sentence if he will go to Vietnam to see if there are any prisoners of war still detained there. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George P. Cosmatos for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Buzz Feitshans for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Charles Napier, and Steven Berkoff. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Action film fans will enjoy this film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WOLVERINE (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Wolverine—better than the first film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine—gets down to entertaining and begins a welcome shedding of its comic book ‘campiness’.  That comic book feel works in some films while in others it takes away from the quality of presentation. The Wolverine character is an example of that…he’s great as he plays it straight. This movie is a spin-off sequel to X-Men: The Last Stand. The movie earns its right to watch time and monetary investment. It’s an overall great watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

During the war, Wolverine saves a Japanese military officer from an atomic bomb blast. When the officer becomes aged, he asks Wolverine to visit him so the officer can repay his debt. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lauren Shuler Donner and Hutch Parker for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rita Fukushima, Famke Janssen, and Will Yun Lee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The cinematography and presentation work at higher quality levels than the last movie. It’s a good watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along 2—same level of quality as the first Ride Along movie—is a bit ‘campy’ but the comical element overrides most presentation flaws. The movie ends with a good comical scene that is more than worth watching. Kevin Hart, as in the first film, seems a little over-the-top as a casting choice to pair with Ice Cube. But, it’s refreshing to have the comedic element available and to have the easy-on-the-mind presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A policeman desires to become a police detective and hopes for a recommendation from his future brother-in-law. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, and Bruce McGill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has comedy and action that works on the Ice Cube and Kevin Hart-style of interaction. It has enough chuckles to make it worth a watch and serves as an easy-on-the mind watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GREY (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Grey—survival movie—works as a good time-filler. It’s an easy-on-the-mind film that is engaging to watch. It is fairly well-written. The presentation is good, and, overall, this movie is a good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A professional wolf hunter takes a flight for his vacation. The plane goes down and the hunter becomes the hunted. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joe Carnahan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jules Daly, Joe Carnahan, Ridley Scott, and Mickey Liddell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Dallas Roberts, Joe Anderson, James Dale, and Nonso Anozie. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie follows the usual format of a survival film. This movie follows a team of men versus the environment and wild animals. The difference is that the conclusion has a small, unexpected twist  that is worth waiting for. It’s a simple thriller worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MUNICH (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Munich—intellectual watch—takes full audience engagement to follow its story line. The script has been written with depth and excellent tone. Everything in this film works at an above average level. It is not a formula story nor does it follow a trite, genre format of spy, action, thriller movies. It bases in real life events and has been well portrayed. Know that the movie contains full nudity scenes and mature, adult dialogue. It is wise to read a plotline before engaging this film to follow the story with complete comprehension. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Israeli sports team is attacked at the Munich Olympic games. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel, and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciarán Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, and Geoffrey Rush. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie works outside established legal order and becomes a ‘James Bond’- type story in an effort to accomplish justice. It earns its watch time and monetary investment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SULLY (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Sully—very good story—gives its audience a great ‘good news’ from impossible circumstances movie based in true events. The film shows how experience and calmness of mind work hand in hand during critical times when a quick decision must be made. This movie outstandingly shows how well our society functions under duress and how much United States’ culture values human life. Director Clint Eastwood shows his usual high level skills of story telling by  maximizing this story with some background information of Pilot Scully’s childhood and military flying experience. Great script, more than worth watching movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A passenger airliner leaves the airport with 155 passengers. Suddenly birds blow both engines and the pilot lands the aircraft in the Hudson River. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Frank Marshall, Tim Moore, and Allyn Stewart for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Mike O’Malley, Anna Gunn, Autumn Reeser, Holt McCallany, and Jamey Sheridan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Well presented, acted, and worth watching. It's one of Clint Eastwood-produced films that sits among his finer works. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREE GUY (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Free Guy—fresh, creative, and fun—shows Ryan Reynolds in some of his better works as he thoroughly plumbs his role as ‘Guy’. The script is complicated and the conclusion takes some thought to understand what truly happened in this story. The movie more than earns its watch time and monetary investment. Great concept movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic comedy film is about a computer program that seems to go awry when one of the characters in the game becomes aware, appears to become an independent AI character, and then desires to become a part of the ‘real’ world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, Sarah Schechter, Greg Berlanti, and Adam Kolbrenner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Fresh, interesting watch that takes complete involvement to keep up with its complicated storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOONFALL (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Moonfall—intriguing with a highend concept—has good special effects, okay to good acting, and a suitable presentation. It is not well-written but suitable and has a few perks at certain junctures of its story. Some parts of the story were not thought through well. Look for Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, and a nice cameo of Donald Sutherland. 

Film  Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

After an alien micro particle attacks a space ship and causes the death of  an astronaut, the moon later shifts its orbit and heads toward earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser for making the film possible. Cast includes: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Donald Sutherland, and Carolina Bartczak. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is worth watching for its special effects but needs some boosting for that realistic feel in its storyline and presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

RIDE ALONG (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along—better than expected—does not have high comedic appeal but it does have its chuckles along the way. Kevin Hart and Ice Cube do not make an outstanding comedic team. One challenge is Kevin Hart’s overworking of his character against the more comfortable screen presence of Ice Cube. Watch for a guest appearance of Laurence Fishburne toward the end of the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man wants to marry the sister of a detective and wants a recommendation to join the police force. He is invited on a ride-along to prove his worthiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, and Laurence Fishburne. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has been designed as a comedy for the adult audience. The film did not ask for its sequel, but there is one available. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

ASSASSIN’S CREED (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Assassin’s Creed—good/fair story, interesting concept—bases its story on a popular video game of the same name. The acting in the movie is good/fair.  The presentation is fair. The conclusion seems a bit obscure. Read a plotline before going to enhance enjoyment of this movie. The movie raises questions about the value of free will in humans and allows good discussion material after watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Knight’s Templar guard the secret of the apple that contains DNA code that can eliminate free choice so that peace can reign in the world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Kurzel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jean-Julien Baronnet, Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Conor McCaughan, Amon Milchan, and Gerard Guillemot for making the film possible. Cast includes: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling, and Michael Williams. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This film is not clear in its conclusion. Read a plotline before going for better enjoyment. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers