MY HEROES WERE COWBOYS (Internet Release USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

My Heroes Were Cowboys—not enough viewing time to make this short film an impact—does not focus on why this horse trainer is unique. What does he do that makes him the best in the business? What did he do that made horse training different than what it always has been? More of his horses and the things they do would have greatly enhanced both the value and the interest level of this documentary. The documentary needed to be ‘fleshed out’ to show the audience the specialness of a horse trainer and how he uniquely serves the horse training industry. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary explores the story of a horse trainer from Australia named Robin Wiltshire. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tyler Greco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Andre Andreev, Dan Covert, Erin Fahey, Ian Gotler, Tyler Greco, Carly Lassegard, Joel M. Litje, Jim Muscarella, and Joe Victor tne for making the film possible. Cast includes Kate Wiltshire, Patrick Wiltshire ,and  Robin Wiltshire. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. At least we know there is a horse trainer named Robin Wiltshire in the world. But that is not enough to create a reason to watch this documentary. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HERCULES (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Hercules—Lou Ferrigno—is one more failed attempt by a film studio to pull off a story of the gods movie. The story is weak and copies so many scenes from  other movies that all chance of a fresh, creative look at this story are immediately lost. It works as a collage of many movies. The story has been weakly written and the presentation is a bit archaic at times. It does not give Lou Ferrigno an opportunity to show off the hard work that went into his body building. It may serve as one more example of how not to produce a story of the gods. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The life and times of Hercules gets an interpretation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Luigi Cozzi for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer John Thompson for making the film possible. Cast includes Lou Ferrigno, Brad Harris, Sybil Danning, Rossana Podesta, Ingrid Anderson, Mirella D’Angelo, William Berger, Bobby Rhodes, Gianni Garko, Yehuda Efroni, Delia Boccardo, Caludio Cassinelli, Franco Garofalo, Gabriella Giorgelli, Raf Baldassarre, Stelio Candelli, Valentina Montanari, Rocco Lerro, and Eva Robins.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It could be classified as a type of cult classic and could be compared academically to other Hercules stories. But, overall, this movie could be skipped.  

Video Critique Available Here:                           

Ben Meyers

GLASS ONION (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Glass Onion—good mystery—uses all the classic mystery story moves to make an entertaining movie. It heavily relies on stage settings to make its story seem more unique than it really is, but still satisfies mystery movie fans. Watch for an eclectic casting mix that includes Daniel Craig with Edward Norton and Dave Bautista. Watch for the cameo appearance of Hugh Grant. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man plans to energize the world with hydrogen power. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rian Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ram Bergman and Rian Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It's more than worth watching for mystery movie fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

JACK L. WARNER: THE LAST MOGUL (Released to the London Film Festival London England 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul—great documentary—accesses the relatives and friends of Jack L. Warner to tell his life story. The documentary is thorough enough to allow good insight to his personality as well as his business philosophies. The story unfolds at a steady pace, is well organized, and an entertaining watch. Great work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This is the life and times of Jack L. Warner of Warner Brothers movie Studios. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gregory Orr for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gregory Orr for making the film possible. Cast includes Shirley Jones, Jack Warner Jr., Debbie Reynolds, Neal Gabler, William T. Orr, Sheila MacRae, Rudy Behimer, Lina Basquette, Rudi Fehr, Owen Crump, Aljean Harmetz, Jacquelyn Park, Gil Perkins, and Jean Howard. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the documentary to tell fans how Warner Brothers’ Movie Studio got started and how it works with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BACKDRAFT (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Backdraft may not be in the A-grade category, but the special effects are rave-able. The movie has an all-star cast and a multi-layered storyline that moves along well.  Watch for a cameo appearance by Clint Howard, Director Ron Howard’s brother. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                   

Storyline 

This disaster-themed movie shows in detail how a rookie firefighter earns his seasoned status and respect from others who share his profession. 

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Richard B. Lewis, John Watson, and Pen Densham for making the film possible. Cast includes Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Donald Sutherland, and Robert De Niro.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is a wonderful watch and more than worth watching. This is a Ron Howard classic. Thank you to everyone who made production and release possible. It is a great addition to the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE BURIAL (Released on Video on Demand (VOD) World-Wide 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Burial—terrific court/lawyer movie—easily wins its place as one of the better 2023 movie watches. The story holds interest and appeals to the intellect. It contains several surprise twists that are well-timed for the story. The film accesses the acting talents of Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx to tell its outstanding story. The movie deserves inclusion in the home video library and can be enjoyed as a re-watch through the years. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A funeral home operator finds himself in financial difficulty and approaches another funeral home operator to sell his assets. He is promised a buyout which turns into a false promise. He needs legal help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Maggie Betts for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bobby Shriver, Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Celine Raltray, and Trudie Styler for making the film possible.  Cast includes Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Jurnee Smollett, Alan Ruck, Mamoudou Athie,  Pamela Reed, and Bill Camp. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great watch and a good achievement for Amazon Studios. Great work for all involved in production and release. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EARTHQUAKE (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Earthquake is beginning to show its age but is still a good watch. The archaic ‘creep’ is easily overshadowed by some terrific earthquake scenes and a completely unexpected conclusion. Watch for Lorne Greene from the Bonanza television series playing a part in this movie. He is accompanied by a terrific cast of Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and George Kennedy. Watch for cameo appearances by Walter Matthau. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Los Angeles experiences an earthquake that creates huge devastation in its downtown area and a release of a dam’s water into main man-built waterways.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Robson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mark Robson for making the film possible. Cast includes Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene, Genevieve Bujold, Richard Roundtree, Marjoe Gortner, Barry Sullivan, Lloyd Nolan, and Victoria Principal.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?               

 Yes. While this film seems a little lagging and overdone in some scenes, it is still a thrilling watch more than 45 years later as of 2023. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard plays comedy through extremism in violence and uses a highly personable female actress as the perpetuator of that violence. The movie is strictly an adult watch but works creatively with its repetitive scenes of ongoing gunfire. Unfortunately, the whole dialogue had to be easy to write because the ‘F’ word, used with great emotion and fire power, is just about the only dialogue spoken. Watch for the completely unexpected conclusion and a very sassy, highly personable, main actress. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A professional bodyguard loses his license and his reputation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Patrick Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matt O’Toole, Les Weldon, Yariv Lerner for making the film possible. Cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, Caroline Goodall, Rebecca Front, Gabriella Wright, Alice McMillan, Kristofer Kamiyasu, Tom Hopper, Blake Ritson, and Richard E. Grant.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It works for the most part and is, overall, a good watch for the storyline, action, and smart comedy. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TEMPLE OF FILM: 100 YEARS OF THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE (Released to Video On Demand USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Temple of Film: 100 Years of The Egyptian Theatre tells a little snippet about the greatness of the Egyptian Theater and how films look better there than almost anywhere else. This short film documentary informs the audience about Los Angeles historical theatre and Netflix's restoration efforts to restore this theatre.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A documentary-style movie about the Los Angeles Egyptian Theatre, its restoration by Netflix, and why it is beloved. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Angus Wall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Anfernee Aguado, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard for making the film possible. Cast includes Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Guillermo del Toro, Peyton Hall, Lynette Howell Taylor, Rian Johnson, Rene Lagler, and Benjamin Tucker. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is especially of interest to persons not familiar with the Egyptian Theatre and its lavish interior. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RAT CATCHER (Television Release World-Wide 2023)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Rat Catcher—interesting storyline—may not have the best of scripts for a short film but it does cause its audience to think. Ralph Fiennes plays the rat catcher and is supported by Richard Ayoade and Rupert Friend. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A rat catcher thinks about an effective means to outwit rats. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Wes Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, and Steven Rales for making the film possible. Cast includes Richard Ayoade, Ralph Fiennes, Rupert Friend, Eliet Ford, Benoit Herlin, and Till Sennhenn

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a suitable 17-minute short film that gets the entertainment job done to some extent. It could serve well on a short lunch break. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

GODZILLA VS. KONG (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Godzilla Vs. Kong is comparable to Godzilla (2014), and better than Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Kong: Skull Island (which are part 1, 2, and 3 of this 4-part series). The storyline is better and the special effects are almost impressive. For Godzilla fans the movie is a suitable watch. Watch for Millie Bobby Brown who plays Enola Holmes in the Enola Holmes movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Godzilla and Kong engage in battle. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Adam Wingard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Brian Rogers, Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, and Eric McLeod for making the film possible. Cast includes Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza Gonzalez, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, Kyle Chandler, and Demian Bichir. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is better than the last two films in the series and works on a comparable level to the first film in the series, Godzilla (2014). 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE RAVEN (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Raven—interesting storyline, not great writing or acting—has terrific stage settings and costuming. This Vincent Price presentation mixes comedy with suspense, horror, and details of magician’s work and lives. This movie is not one of Price’s best and is carried mostly by stage scenery. Vincent Price casts with Peter Lorrie and Boris Karloff. Watch for a very young Jack Nicholson. If one is a horror, suspense fan be prepared for a much watered-down type of horror and suspense compared to contemporary standards. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two magicians compete for dominance in magical power. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Roger Corman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Roger Corman for making the film possible. Cast includes Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Hazel Court, Olive Sturgess, and Jack Nicholson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s a good addition to an academic study list of Vincent Price’s work; but for horror, fantasy, comedy entertainment a better choice is the movie, Gremlins. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BIG GEORGE FOREMAN (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Big George Foreman—WOW—is one of those movies that define the reason behind why we go to the movies. This is what cinema is all about: great stories and presenting and portraying them in the A- to A+ quality range. This movie is one of those rare finds that allow the critic to recommend a film that will allow others to get the most for their entertainment time and entertainment monies.  Khris Davis does a terrific job of interpreting George Foreman. And, Forrest Whitaker is the perfect offset as he plays George’s trainer. Watch for Sullivan Jones playing Muhammad Ali 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This bio-pic tells the story of George Foreman’s life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Tillman Jr. for directing effort. Thank you to Producer David Zelon for making the film possible. Cast includes Khris Davis, Jasmine Mathews, John Magaro,  Sullivan Jones, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Sonja Sohn, and Forest Whitaker. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a classic A grade film and a wonderful watch. This film is one of a kind and one of the best of 2023 releases.  Thank you to everyone who made the production and release of this movie possible. Know that this is a ‘do not miss it’ film and that it deserves to be in the home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DRAGON BLADE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Dragon Blade—Jackie Chan movie—is a good film with good presentation and good acting, but what shines here is the story. The fight scenes are good to suitable and then get kind of impressive as the movie moves along toward the middle and concluding scenes. Jackie Chan plays a more hardened, seasoned, and serious character in his role of a Chinese military officer protecting the Silk Road. It is interesting to see John Cusack as a Roman military officer This movie has English mixed with Mandarin Chinese and has incorporated great English subtitles for the Mandarin Chinese dialogue. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This war film is about a Chinese military officer whose position requires protection of the Silk Road within a defined area. He then becomes embattled by an exhausted Roman military trying to go home.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Daniel Lee for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Jackie Chan and Susanna Tsang for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan, John Cusack, Lin Peng, Mika Wang, Choi Siwon, and Adrien Brody. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a historical film and should be watched for that reason. It is a little snippet of Chinese history and Roman history that needs to be brought to the forefront of understanding of Rome’s involvement in international affairs. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

A MILLION MILES AWAY (Theatrical Release USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì  A Million Miles Away—WOW! Do NOT miss this movie—tells in an easy-to-follow format how large dreams are won. Every single point of winning is covered from persistent, consistent effort, making changes to fit the requirements of particular dreams, starting small and finishing big, and NEVER giving up.  This movie is the true story of Astronaut Jose Hernandez, the man with the dream. The movie hits all the right spots at the right times and is exceptionally human and easily works across international borders. It’s a winner from the opening scenes to the closing scenes. Watch for some outstanding scenes from Rosa Salazar.    Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  A migrant worker has a dream to become an astronaut.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Alejandra Abella for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Ciardi and Campbell McInnes for making the film possible. Cast includes Michael Peña and Garret Dillahunt.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Absolutely do not miss this movie…especially if one is a dreamer and has hopes to make a very large dream come true.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers