ON A WING AND A PRAYER (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

On a Wing and a Prayer, while not great, has likeableness that underlies its story despite its average presentation. Dennis Quaid performs his role well and the rest of the cast plays excellently as supporting cast. Know this runs on a typical theme of bad events cause person to lose faith in God. Person finds himself in dire situation, prays, survives, and regains trust in God. This film serves as a suitable afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A  private plane pilot dies inflight and it is up to a pharmacist to land the plane safely at the nearest airport. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sean McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roma Downey Autumn Bailey-Ford, and Karl Horstmann for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dennis Quaid, Heather Graham, Tonglan Qui, Abigail Rhyne, Jessi Case, Brett Rice, Rocky Myers, Selena Anduze, E. Roger Mitchell, Joe Knezevich, Brandan Quinn, Roger Anthony, Raina Grey, and Trayce Malachi. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a suitable, mind-healthy, afternoon watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Scorpion King—Dwayne Johnson—has action backed with a well-written story, good acting, and good presentation. The movie moves along well. Watch for the late Michael Clark Duncan. He’s a class act for films within this genre. Good watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This is the story of how an Akkadian became the Scorpion king. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chuck Russell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Daniel, James Jacks, Vince McMahon, Kevin Misher, and Stephen Sommers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Steven Brand, Michael Clark Duncan, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill, Grant Heslov, Peter Facinelli, Ralf Moeller, Brandcombe Richmond, Roger Rees, Sherri Howard, Conrad Roberts, Joseph Ruskin, Esteban Cueto, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good movie and worth watching…good acting by Dwayne Johnson and the rest of the cast. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

IRON WILL (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Iron Will—all around good watch—almost becomes a classic movie story. It is interesting to see the different racers’ well-defined personalities, the organized system that backs them, as well as how a third page newspaper story can be raised to front page news that inspires readers to track. It’s wonderful to see a good story not ruined by a bad presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man enters a sled dog race in hopes of winning enough money to free the family property from repossession. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Charles Haid for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Patrick Palmer and Robert Schwartz for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mackenzie Astin, Kevin Spacey, David Ogden Stiers, August Schellenberg, Brian Cox, George Gerdes, John Terry, Penelope Windust, Jeffery Alan Chandler, Michael Laskin, James Cada, Rex Linn, Allan R.J. Joseph, Alvin William 'Dutch' Lunak. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This watch is a good family share movie. It sends a good message about finishing what one starts and deserves its place in the family home video library. It serves at a little higher plane of entertainment than White Fang. It has good presentation, good storyline, and educates about dog races…especially the cooperation needed between animals and humans when work needs to be done. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE CURRENT WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Current War—important story—runs on the fuel of originality. It’s a complicated story, but not unintelligible. This movie is a good example of an outstanding script. The movie is a very good, intellectual watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The war between using AC or DC power to light up the United States when the electric light bulb was on the tipping point of becoming a reality gets an exploration. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Timur Bekmambetov and Basil Iwanyk for making the film possible. Cast includes: Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Katherine Waterston, Tom Holland, Tuppence Middleton, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nicholas Hoult. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon play off each other well. Great story. Don’t miss it.

 Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TAKEN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Taken 2—cool action—can be a bit cliched compared to the first film, but its organized presentation cannot be faulted. The scenes involving how to find someone with sound are exceptionally interesting. Liam Neeson is such a good casting choice for this story. The movie is worth watching and does not serve a single boring scene to the audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Albanian mafia lord seeks revenge for the death of his son. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Olivier Megaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Luc Besson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Rade Šerbedžija, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, D.B. Sweeney, and Luke Grimes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves needs of the action film fan and is an overall good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

WHITE FANG (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

White Fang—good movie—has adventure, moves along well, and easily becomes a good watch. The writing is solid and the actors chosen well. This movie shows Ethan Hawke in one of his early works and his potential to build a career in acting is visible. The story runs on a Disney format that ends on a good note and tells a good story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A teenage boy befriends a wolf/dog and finds a steady friend. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Randal Kleiser for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Markay Powell for making the film possible. Cast includes: Klaus Maria Brandauer, Ethan Hawke, Seymour Cassel, James Remar, and Susan Hogan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is simple and easy to follow with a good presentation. This movie is excellent for a family share night and makes a wonderful addition to the family home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Space Jam: A New Legacy—okay, not great—primarily suffers from writing failures. The discord between the father figure, LeBron James, and his son played by Cedric Joe does not work well. Don Cheadle as the antagonist does not come off well. The movie, overall, seems out of step with its audience and completely unrelatable. Even though it is nice to see the Looney Tune characters, it seems odd to throw so many Warner Brother characters up on the screen without a verifiable reference to the why question and the reason, purpose, question. There isn’t even time to think about the missing Pepe Le Pew and the movie comes off more as a 90% promotion of Warner Brothers rather than a movie meant to entertain the audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

LeBron James desires his son to follow in his footsteps and the son has other plans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Malcolm D. Lee for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ryan Coogler, LeBraon James, Maverick Carter, and Duncan Henderson for making the film possible. Cast includes: LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Khris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green, Zendaya, Jeff Bergman, and Eric Bauza. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie could almost be skipped unless following the Space Jam film story. Listen for a Michael Jordan gag.  The movie does provide a conclusion that ends on the happy note and the concept for the movie is creative.   

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

MURDER MYSTERY 2 (Video on Demand (VOD) Release World-Wide 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Murder Mystery 2—suitable/okay—accesses the talents of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston to produce a second Murder Mystery movie. This sequel film is not as fresh as the first Murder Mystery movie and has a conclusion that seems a bit cliched. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Friends of the bridegroom get invited to an all-expense paid trip to a friend’s wedding only to find the bridegroom is on a hit list. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jeremy Garelick for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Adam Sandler, Allen Covert, Tripp Vinson, Jennifer Aniston, James Vanderbilt, and James D. Stern for making the film possible. Cast includes: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Strong, Melanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, and John Kant. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie serves as a light afternoon watch or a background movie to run at a party. The costuming department outdid itself and the stage settings are very nice. The movie, itself though, does not run as a high-quality watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

APPALOOSA (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Appaloosa is a good show and worth watching especially for the storyline. The presentation is good; the portrayal is okay. The acting is good. The movie quickly becomes an immersive watch that drives a strong need to finish it. It is not predictable and ends on an unexpected note. Viggo Mortensen plays the western genre very well. Know there is suggestive dialog, some nudity from a distance, but it is not over-the-top and it does not serve as the main, repetitive, scene after scene purpose of the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A smalltown marshal becomes interested in the arrival of a prospective female resident while simultaneously working to clean up the town. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ed Harris for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ed Harris, Robert Knott, and Ginger Sledge for making the film possible. Cast includes: Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Timothy Spall, and Lance Henriksen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This worth-watching western teams Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris to portray the story. The story makes this movie. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FAST & FURIOUS 6 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fast & Furious 6 sequels movies 4 and 5 and prequels 3 in its mid-credit scene. The mid-credit scene introduces a new character to the series. While the presentation is good and the acting great, this movie does not have the likableness of the previous movies in this series.  It still receives a higher rating based on the acting and presentation of storyline. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about street racers who get into trouble with the law, flee to countries outside the United States, and are given an assignment as a team to bring a criminal to justice in exchange for amnesty. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, and Clayton Townsend for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Sung Kang, Luke Evans, Gina Carano, and John Ortiz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie with its great acting and good storyline serves as a good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE KID (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Kid—interesting story—accesses the acting skills of Spencer Breslin and Bruce Willis to make a watchable movie that plays well. It serves as a suitable watch for a light afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A kid teaches an adult something that allows the adult to move forward with his life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hunt Lowry,  Christina Steinberg, and Jon Turteltaub for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lily Tomlin, and Chi McBride. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie earns its watch with good acting and a good presentation of its storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN'S 3RD (DVD Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven's 3rd—simple and somewhat predictable—tells a sweet story that is suitable for a family share night. It’s a treat to see Judge Reinhold in this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family leases a motorhome for a family vacation and they take a large St. Bernard dog along. 

Additional Thanks 

^{Thank you to Director Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Bixler and Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Michaela Gallo, Joe Pichler, Michael Ciccolini, Jamie Marsh, Frank Gorshin, and Danielle Keaton.} 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This family-friendly movie is both a good and suitable film for the afternoon watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

28 WEEKS LATER (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

28 Weeks Later—over-the-top violence and some gore—serves highly cringeworthy entertainment with an interesting storyline that basically is just another ‘zombie-type’ movie. Nothing new here. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The military have made a safe zone from the Rage Virus within London’s Isle of Dogs. A boy and his sister compromise the zone. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Enrique Lopez-Lavigne, Andrew Macdonald, and Allon Reich for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne,  Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Catherine McCormack, Makintosh Muggleton, Imogen Poots, and Idris Elba. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie is very violent and gory to the point of difficult to watch at times. The characters are not fleshed out well and no real attempt is made to make the audience care a great deal about them. It uses shock and awe to keep its audience in its seat. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE LAST SONG (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

The Last Song—weird story—is not well-written nor is it well-cast. Miley Cyrus does not cast well with Liam Hemsworth and does not play the wild child well. There is no adult theme here and the storyline completely lacks cohesive presentation almost as if written by a very young, immature child. The story is a downer with no redemptive factor to save it. It is supposed to offer a good, teen love flick but completely fails to deliver that type of story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young woman reacts poorly to her parents’ marital breakup. When her mother drops the girl and her brother off at her father’s house, she responds rebelliously. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Julie Anne Robinson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers

Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot for making the film possible. Cast includes: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Robby Coleman, Kelly Preston, and Greg Kinnear.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. It is what it is—a downer movie that lacks real heart and ends on a sad note. The script has no rhyme, reason, or sensibleness. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SUMMER RENTAL (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Summer Rental—original and fun beach movie—shows John Candy in good comedic form. WOW! This is such a simple story but it earns its watch. It has been put together well and deserves its resurrection from the 1980s. Look for the late Rip Torn in one of his earlier works. The downside of the movie is the completely blunt conclusion as if the writers could not come up with an easier conclusion rather than this rock hard ending  The film serves as a good watch for the teen/adult share. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A family runs into difficulty with their vacation rental home. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Carl Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Producer George Shapiro for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Candy and Richard Crenna. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has an original storyline and is a great, easy-on-the-mind watch. Thank you to everyone involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes—good action film—has a good story and plays well. The presentation is okay, but the film is not as good as Rise of the Planet of the Apes or as likeable as the last film of the old series Battle of the Planet of the Apes. This film, as a whole, is a suitable watch and does serve the Planet of the Apes fan club well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about a group of apes who rebel against human dominance.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Reeves for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Ken Russell, Toby Kebbell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The animation of the apes is phenomenal with total blending of the interaction from ape to ape as well as from ape to human. The movie particularly serves the audience who loves the Planet of the Apes stories.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers