BEETHOVEN’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE (DVD Release World-Wide 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure—fair holiday entertainment—performs slightly higher  than Beethoven’s Big Break (2008), part 6 in the Beethoven movie series. Choosing personable Kyle Massey from the That’s So Raven television series makes this movie work at a higher level. The presentation? Good. The portrayal could improve but is suitable. The interaction between the animals and the elf works well. Watch for Kim Rhodes from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody television series. The movie serves as afternoon holiday entertainment fare that can be shared by the child and adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This family holiday film is about an elf who loses Santa’s magic gift bag. Beethoven comes to the rescue and a stray dog provides additional information to solve the case. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Putch for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lisa Gooding Producer Jeff Feilich Co- Porducer Ellen Rutter and Line Producer Daniel Hank for making the film possible.  Cast includes: John Cleese, Munro Chambers, Kim Rhodes, Jan Skene, Candace Smith, Robert Picardo, Curtis Armstrong, Kyle Massey, John O’Hurley, and Ryan Miller. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as fair holiday entertainment for an afternoon watch.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CATS AND DOGS 3: PAWS UNITE! (Theatrical Release Greece 2020)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì 

Cats and Dogs 3: Paws Unite!—low grade script—does not pack the entertainment value of the second film in the series, Cats and Dogs 2: Revenge of Kitty Galore. The storyline needs major buffing to work at the higher level. Young children may like the concept of animal cooperation, but the adult who is looking for a better movie for their children, choose Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) over Cats and Dogs: Unite!.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Cats and dogs have declared a truce that keeps them from fighting and allows them to cooperate, but someone is intent on disrupting that truce. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director and Executive Sean McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Bindley and Charles Cooper, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Melissa Rauch, Max Greenfield, George Lopez, Callum Seagram Airlie, Sarah Giles, Lauren K. Robek, John Murphy, Paul Dobson, Garry Chalk, and Michael Daingerfield,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This movie can be skipped and replaced with Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021).  The Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! portrayal and storyline need much improvement. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

F9: THE FAST SAGA (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

F9: The Fast Saga—not as good as the previous three films—still consistently holds the expected story and serves action fans well. Casting did a great job of choosing John Cena as Dominic’s younger brother. Neither actor overshadows the other and the power balance is preserved. Good choice to move forward in future releases. A dip into Dominic Toretto's past in the introduction into the story is well done, but after that it seems almost run-of-the-mill until it gains pace as John Cena comes into the picture. The movie has a great conclusion and has already prepared the audience for Fast X  in the  mid-credit scene at the end of the movie. Good watch that revolves around family events in a racing world. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action drama film is about: Dominic and crew are on a mission to save Mr. Nobody. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeffrey Kirshchenbaum, Joe Roth, Clayton Townsend, and Samantha Vincent for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For Fast and Furious fans, this movie provides some background to Dominic’s family story to include his father and his brother. The movie earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

CHARLIE’S ANGELS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Charlie’s Angels—not the best of the Charlie’s Angels movies—does not flow like a usual spy film. But, the story is tighter and well-written. It earns its watch. Watch for a good performance by Patrick Stewart. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about the angels becoming involved with the work of an international embezzler, life-threatening computer software, murder, and espionage in an effort to keep the world safe. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Elizabeth Banks for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Doug Belgrad, Elizabeth Cantillon, Max Handelman, and Elizabeth Banks for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Djimon Hounsou, Sam Claflin, Noah Centineo, and Patrick Stewart. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fun to compare the differences between the Charlie’s Angels storylines chosen from the movies produced in 2000, 2003, and 2019. The 2019 film is much tighter in presentation and not as ‘campy’ as earlier movies. It is not as 'fun' as earlier movies. On the other hand, it has a well-written story and easily becomes a satisfying watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN'S BIG BREAK (DVD Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven's Big Break—cute—is part 6 in the Beethoven movie series. The story is likable and predictable but thin with nothing new or fresh in its story.  The one applaudable asset here is that the movie is staged in Hollywood studios and has an eyeful of different places on the studio lots. Watch for Rhea Perlman in the movie and a host of casting to include: Jonathan Silverman and Stephen Tobolowsky. Watch for Cesar Millan, who appears in the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This family film is about: an animal trainer acquires a Saint Bernard who becomes a star performer in Hollywood. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mike Elliott for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Wayne Morris for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Moises Arias, Eddie Griffin, Rhea Perlman, Stephen Tobolowsky, Oscar Nuñez, Joey Fatone, and Cesar Millan. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is an afternoon watch and has a better story than Part 5 of the series. Watch for a good performance by Moises Arias. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING 3: BATTLE FOR REDEMPTION (Blu-Ray/DVD Release USA 2012)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption—better story than Scorpion King 2: Rise of  a Warrior—has Victor Webster standing in for Dwayne Johnson. Watch for Ron Perlman and Dave Bautista in the cast. The movie is a suitable watch but does come close to the original Scorpion movie. The late Kimbo Slice is an integral part of the story and adds a level of ‘cool’ to the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about: Mathayus loses his kingdom, becomes a mercenary soldier, and is given the opportunity to have a kingdom if he performs a task. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Roel Reiné for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sean Daniel, James Jacks, Kevin Misher, and Stephen Sommers, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dave Bautista ,Bostin Christopher, Tanapol Chuksrida, Kevin 'Kimbo Slice' Ferguson, Geoffrey Giuliano, and J.D. Hall,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is better than Part 2 of this series but has a long way to go to match the first classic film, The Scorpion King. This movie has a fairly good story and is okay to watch overall. It would serve as a good background movie to run during a party.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer—better than the last film—has actors reprising their roles. The movie is watchable, but not recommendable. The animation of the silver surfer on his surfboard is worth mentioning. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A humanoid-type silver surfer appears in earth’s atmosphere. The Fantastic Four Team discovers that planets the surfer has previously visited have all been destroyed. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Kevin Feige, Stan Lee, and Mark Radcliffe, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington, Andre Braugher, Laurence Fishburne, Doug Jones, Beau Garrett, Brian Posehn, Zach Grenier, Dawn Chubai, and Chris Gailus.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie runs on a better storyline than previous series’ films. It has a better storyline and presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN'S 5TH (DVD Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven's 5th is the odd story within the Beethoven franchise. It does not follow the usual Beethoven story format and seems quite amateurish in its presentation. Everything is okay, not good, but low budget. There are some great actors in the movie, but this film does not allow them a gold standard performance.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Beethoven travels to Quicksilver, a town known for its old mercury mine, ghosts, the death of two robbers, and lost stolen goods. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Griffiths for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer/Producer Mike Elliot  and Line Producer Joseph P. Genier, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dave Thomas, Faith Ford, Daveigh Chase, Tom Poston, Katherine Helmond, Sammy Kahn, Richard Riehle, Clint Howard, Kathy Griffin, John Larroquette, Rodman Flender, Tina Illman Tom Musgrave and Joel Hurt Jones. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The story is much different than the usual Beethoven stories. At the end of the movie, the audience may feel they have watched something with little substance to it. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

NEWS OF THE WORLD (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

News of the World—well written and interesting storyline—runs as a simple, straightforward movie but still requires a ‘sit down and watch’ viewing as the movie has several unexpected twists and turns that provide understanding for the conclusion.  Watch for a very good performance by child actress Helena Zengel and notice how Tom Hanks underscores her efforts with a wonderful low-key presentation of his role. The western scenery and the interaction with Native Americans are refreshing and are supported with good camerawork. Helena Zengel’s use of foreign singing as well as her movement between Native American, German, and American culture is well done. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This western film is about: a man whose occupation is to travel to small towns and read the world news to the inhabitants. On his travels he meets an orphan girl. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tore Schmidt, Steve Shareshian for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Tom Astor, Travis Johnson, Andy Kastelic, Ray McKinnon, Mare Winningham, Jeffery Ware, Chris Bylsma, and Justin Tade.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The story is great and Tom Hanks performs at his usual level of professionalism. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

A LIFE OF SPEED: THE JUAN MANUEL FANGIO STORY (Video on Demand (VOD) Release USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

A Life of Speed: Juan Manuel Fangio has a thoughtful presentation of Formula 1 racing in the 1940s/1950s as well as a reason that a professional racer may choose to retire in those years. It is an interesting watch to review the dangers inherent in early Formula 1 racing and the obstacles professional racers could encounter while endeavoring to travel from one country to another to compete. The film is in Spanish, some broken English, and has good English subtitles. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This documentary is about the professional racing career of Juan Manuel Fangio with some terrific footage from his retirement years as he analyzes his career and choice to retire. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Francisco Macri for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alfredo Federico, Dalila Zaritzky for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Stewart, Toto Wolff, Fernando Alonso, Mika Häkkinen, Alain  Prost, Juan Manuel Fangio, Horacio Pagani, and Nico Rosberg.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is worth watching and great for fans and history buffs of Formula 1 racing. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN’S 4TH (Released to DVD USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Beethoven’s 4th—cute, simple family film—is not as good as the predecessor films in the Beethoven series.  This movie serves at the level of an afternoon, fill-in-some-time watch while doing other activities. The presentation is okay and its overall campiness makes the film better than it would have been.  Art Lafleur is an interesting casting choice as the obedience trainer for dogs. Judge Reinhold reprises his role from the last film. It’s interest factor runs around the contrasting personalities of the two Saint Bernard dogs and the two different families they come from. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This story is about a large St. Bernard who goes to obedience school. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kelli Konop for making the film possible. Cast includes: Judge Reinhold, Julia Sweeney, Joe Pichler, Michaela Gallo, Matt McCoy, Veanne Cox, Mark Lindsay Chapman, Nick Meaney, Natalie Marston, and Art Lafleur.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a simple afternoon watch with an easy-on-the-mind storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

UNKNOWN: THE LOST PYRAMID (Video on Demand (VOD) Release World-Wide 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid is a documentary that is not well organized and, unfortunately, ends before its story is complete as the hot season begins and outside labor becomes difficult. The audience is left hanging until the dig begins next year.  Unlike the documentary, The Secrets of Saqqara Tomb, this documentary does not tap into the higher interest factor of good documentaries. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Archaeologists work in Saqqara to unearth another Egyptian pyramid. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Max Salomon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jon Bardin, Mala Chapple, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Leslie Greif, Jonathan Halperin, Peter Isacksen, and Malvina Martin, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Zahi Hawass, Mostafa Waziri, Hamada Shehata Ahmed Mansour, Tori Finlayson, Essam Shehab, Mohamed Youssef, and Ammar El-Amir Sadeq.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For those with an interest in Egyptology and archaeology, this is a good watch to see what Dr. Hawas has found. Hopefully, he will continue documenting his findings and follow with another film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

UNCLE BUCK (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Uncle Buck—little edgy toward the end, but needful story—covers classic teenage/adult subject matter well. John Candy shows very well in this movie, has good presence in a well-written story. The movie is ‘full’ and its message not soon forgotten. The child actors are well-grounded and on-spot with the storyline. Thank you  to all involved in ensuring this 1980s film is still available for viewing. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Image 

Storyline 

An uncle is asked to take care of children while a father and mother go to care for a grandfather who has suffered a heart attack. Although, this uncle may be considered an unlikely candidate, his interest in the children’s welfare makes him the perfect choice at the perfect time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Hughes and Tom Jacobson, Associate Producer William H. Brown and Ramey E. Ward, for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Candy Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffman, Macaulay Culkin, Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, Garret M. Brown, Laurie Metcalf, Jay Underwood, and Brian Tarantina.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is a good teen/adult watch with healthful messages on multiple platforms. The movie is memorable, serious and comical, and an overall good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

RON’S GONE WRONG (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Ron’s Gone Wrong—okay watch—stands on great animation. The story itself will be understood by adults more than children and while the message may be appropriate, the movie has some bland scenes, Audiences will not relate to several parts of this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This film is about a boy who receives a buddy robot as a birthday gift and finds that it is slightly defective. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine for directing effort. and Co-Director Octavio E. Rodriguez, for co-directing efforts, Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Baynham, Elisabeth Murdoch, Sarah Smith, and Producers Lara Breay and Julie Lockhart for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jack Dylan Grazer, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Olivia Colman, Rob Delaney, Justice Smith, Kylie Cantrall, Ricardo Hurtado, Cullen McCarthy, Ava Morse, Marcus Scribner, Thomas Barbusca, Sarah Miller, and Bentley Kalu. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Okay animated film that runs bland in the middle and toward its conclusion, still has a creative idea behind it that is good and makes one think about playing on the young child‘s natural desire for a friend  through mechanical devices.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BLACK AND BLUE (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Black and Blue—WOW! Surprise!—presents a story that leaves an impression. Tyrese Gibson and Naomie Harris work story magic. Watch for Frank Grillo’s performance. Don’t start this one expecting a ho-hum storyline. It is a film many people will miss and wonder how they missed it when they finally view it. The movie paces well and almost defines the word riveting. Terrific conclusion is short and sweet without drag. The film hits all the bells and whistles and certainly earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                                             

Storyline 

A young female police officer becomes involved with a crooked partner and black mafia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Deon Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roxanne Avent, Glenn S. Gainor, and Joshua Throne for making the film possible. Cast includes: Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter, Reid Scott, Beau Knapp, Nafessa Williams, James Moses Black, Carsyn Taylor, Lucky Johnson, Deneen Tyler, Michael Papajohn, Nelson Bonilla, and Frankie Smith. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the right film for a night out with friends. Realistic and engages attention. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

 

Ben Meyers