BLACKBERRY (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

BlackBerry—fictional treatment of a factual story—earns its watch as it tells about the rise and fall of the company that built the BlackBerry mobile phone. It details the processes involved in empire building, endeavoring to keep cherished ethical mores in place while trying to balance work and pressures of the market with serious technical competition. The movie works for its audience and expands an audience’s understanding behind the scenes when a new piece of tech is released to the public. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This drama film is about the rise and fall of the company that built the BlackBerry phone. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matt Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Fraser Ash, Niv Fichman, Kevin Krikst, and Matthew Miller for making the film possible. Cast includes Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, Martin Donovan, Michelle Giroux, SungWon Cho, Mark Critch, Saul Rubinek, and Cary Elwes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                                                                                      

Yes. The film is not a documentary even though it runs like a reality-based story. The movie is classified as a fictional account. The writing of the story is exceptionally good. The acting interprets several different personality-types very well. Know that the dialogue does contain profanity that precludes it from being a child-adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE (Released to Theaters Germany 1992)

 

 NOTE: This critique is for the 1992 Tom and Jerry: The Movie, not the 2021 Tom and Jerry: The Movie.

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Tom and Jerry: The Movie—suitable—does not place its musical numbers well. It’s almost as if there is an on-going battle: Should this be a musical or just a straight-forward animation movie? The music itself is well-done, just misplaced and leaves its audience asking, “And, why?” Compare the musical placement in the Johann Mouse short film to this movie and see that there is a substantial difference in the workability of the musical scoring. Not every song fails to charm though. The song about the little girl’s dad works quite well as does a few other songs. The talking Tom and Jerry seem a little awkward but improves as the film moves along. The movie, at some points, seems to link to Disney’s The Rescuers with slight variations to make it seem different and new. One particular that adds to viewer interest is a cameo of Droopy the Bassett Hound. It’s original and audiences will love that scene. The drawn animation is great and welcome.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 This movie shows Tom and Jerry as homeless and needing to cooperate to survive.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Phil Roman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Phil Roman for making the film possible. Cast includes Richard Kind, Dana Hill, Anndi McAfee, Tony Jay, Henry Gibson, Michael Bell, Ed Gilbert, David Lander, Howard Morris, and Charlotte Rae

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. Tom and Jerry have been a captivating entertainment staple for adults and children for more than 80 years. This movie has a talking Tom and Jerry which surprises because the chosen voices are different from expectations. It takes a little time to get used to. This movie is additionally different because Tom and Jerry are in a situation where they must partner and cooperate.  It’s a suitable afternoon watch that does not require a great deal of mental involvement.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SAINT RALPH (Released to Theaters Canada 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Saint Ralph has much to say about faith and determination. It becomes a quality story because of that main theme. The script has been solidly built with good timing that moves the story along fluidly. There is a strong underlying theme that addresses a young man’s move into puberty that some audiences may object to while others will accept as a fact of life. But for those who object, be forewarned that this story runs two themes simultaneously. As well as a third theme of a young man’s tremendous desire to see his mother recover from a deadly illness. Adam Butcher performs outstandingly as Ralph Walker, the main character of this story. Watch for Campbell Scott acting the role of Father George Hibbert. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

 This drama film is about a boy who needs his mother to survive and live so he is not an orphan and the steps he takes to work a miracle. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael McGowan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Teza Lawrence, Andrea Mann, and Seaton McLean for making the film possible. Cast includes Adam Butcher and Campbell Scott 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has heart and gives a reality touch of the work required to succeed at an occupation, in this case winning a Marathon run. It is a quality watch despite the preoccupation with puberty-related subject matter. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

GREYHOUND (Released to Theaters USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì 

Greyhound—WOW!—easily becomes that movie that theater audiences leave feeling completely satisfied. It runs the complete gauntlet of tension to complete involvement in the story. The camera work is great. The casting is perfect. Tom Hanks completely fills the role of Captain of his ship. The script is perfect. Timing and sequencing are so professionally done that the film literally flows. This movie is an Apple TV+ Movie and is nearly everything one could hope for in a movie. Excellent quality film for the home video library. Revolutionary work of art. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about a particularly dangerous section of sea crossing during World War II that resulted in many sunken ships due to lack of air cover. 

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Aaron Schneider for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gary Goetzman for making the film possible. Cast includes Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, and Elisabeth Shue. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a must see for the history lesson and for war movie fans. It’s a quality watch and deserves its place in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

FERDINAND (Released to Theaters USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì 

Ferdinand—WOW!— is a sweet, heart-appealing animated film. It’s a Blue Sky quality watch with a 10-minute conclusion that is difficult to exceed in quality. The movie works for a wide, age range and becomes a good child/adult share flick. The Ferdinand character is taken from a 1936 children’s book expanded into a full- length movie. The script for the movie is great. The presentation, portrayal, and voices are good. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The story is about a bull who is raised gently and then ends in a bull fighting ring.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Carlos Saldanha for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Davis, Lisa Marie Stetler, Lori Forte, and Bruce Anderson for making the film possible. Cast includes John Cena, and Kate McKinnon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This gentle movie is a terrific child/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì 

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford—messily organized—has violent scenes that border at the edge of unbearable. Sexual, immoral scenes are mostly presented discreetly. The movie ends strongly with a complete surprise. It lingers too long on the cowardness of Robert Ford. There are some high quality scenes that push the movie forward. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The story runs exactly as the title states: an account of how Jesse James is killed. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andrew Dominik for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Ridley Scott, Jules Daly, and David Valdes for making the film possible. Cast includes Brad Pitt, Casey Afflek, Sam Shepard, Mary Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Zooey Deschanel, and Sam Rockwell 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The violence in the film borders on the edge of unbearable. Casting did an outstanding job of choosing the actors. They are exceptionally believable in their assigned roles. The film works overall and will serve western movie fans well.. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì   

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny does not have the vibrancy of the first four Indiana Jones movies. It’s a B-grade movie at best, but much better than many film critics rated it. Watch for the excellent computer work that de-ages Harrison Ford at the beginning of the story before it launches into the meat of the film’s story. The wise choice of mixing computer enhancement with the real Harrison Ford makes it possible to balance the human spirit with the non-flowing animation. The storyline is good but not noteworthy as it follows a similar pattern of previous Indiana Jones movies . While the other films worked in their presentation and storyline, this film seems to falter here. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Indiana Jones endeavors to retrieve the complete Dial of Destiny. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel for making the film possible. Cast includes Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Ethann Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. If this is the last Indiana Jones film, Harrison Ford is going out strong from the series. The story itself is suitable to good and ‘kind of’ works. The film does have a cliff hanger at the end to indicate there may be more in the future. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

BEVERLY HILLS COP II (Released to Theatrical USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì

Beverly Hills Cop II—ready-made Eddie Murphy-style comedy—starts with a highly professional jewelry store heist and levels out to the quality level of the first Beverly Hills Cop movie. There are several unnecessary, exceptionally graphic nudity scenes that do not add to the story and narrow the audience range to the adult only watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The movie begins with a well-planned jewelry heist and ends with a conclusion that apprehends more than just jewelry thieves. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tony Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer for making the film possible. Cast includes Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Jurgen Prochnow, Ronny Cox, John Ashton, Brigitte Nielsen, Allen Garfield, and Paul Reiser. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has a good storyline and fills the need for comedy. This is not a child’s watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

SANDLOT 2 (Released to DVD USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

 Sandlot 2—cute—fails to add much to the original movie. Samantha Burton’s performance adds levity and some freshness to the story. And, the Great Fear is also a good, simple addition that ‘beefs up’ this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A group of children hone their baseball skills on a raggedy sandlot. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mickey Evans for directing effort. Thank you to Producer David Bixler for making the film possible. Cast includes James Willson, Max Lloyd Jones, Samantha Burton, Brett Kelly, Cole Evan Weiss, Neilen Benvegnu, Sean Berdy, James Earl Jones, McKenzie Freemantle, and Jessica King. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Know that the first Sandlot movie is better than its sequel. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE RIGHT STUFF (Released to Theaters USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Right Stuff—wonderful—combines the story of the men who broke the sound barrier and the men who were first in space. The movie offers full value for the money spent as it gives three hours of movie time. WOW! Casting department made excellent choices. The timing, portrayal, and presentation are unusually well done. The writer, Tom Wolfe, coherently writes the story (see Ben Meyers International Movie Critics for a review of the documentary about Tom Wolfe and his professional life).  Look for appearances of Jeff Goldblum in the movie. This film is great to watch and makes a worthy addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The movie is about the breaking of the sound barrier and the men who were the first United States astronauts. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Philip Kaufman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff for making the film possible. Cast includes Charles Frank, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Lance Henriksen, Scott Paulin, Dennis Quaid, Sam Shepard, Fred Ward, Kim Stanley Veronica Cartright, Pamela Reed, and Barbara Hershey 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Not many movies reach the quality range of this film. It’s a great watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHENANDOAH (Released to Theaters USA 1965)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Shenandoah—perfect movie for fans of James Stewart—investigates the Civil War through the eyes of a man who does not want to participate in the war and the ways the war affects him and his family. The acting is good. The story is solid. The strong moral fiber makes it a classic watch that is an excellent addition to the home video library. Watch for a cameo of George Kennedy as Colonel Fairchild and the performance of John Wayne’s son, Patrick Wayne, in one of the leading roles. Don’t miss this movie. It is a classic watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The head of a large family does not wish to participate in the Civil War of the United States. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andrew McLaglen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Robert Arthur for making the film possible. Cast includes James Stewart, Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett, Patrick Wayne, Rosemary Forsyth, Phillip Alford, and Katharine Ross. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Strong story makes a quality movie watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BABY DRIVER (Released to Theaters USA 2017)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Baby Driver—Actor Ansel Elgott shows deep involvement with his character—turns into an exceptionally violent film. It’s not unbearable, but definitely teeters on the edge of ‘too much’. The driver takes a very long time to reach the conclusion that he is in the wrong profession and needs a good exit plan. This movie  is what it is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A very fast and good driver is pressed into service by criminals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Producers Nira Park, Eric Feliner, and Tim Bevan for making the film possible. Cast includes Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Eiza Gonsalez, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, and Jon Bernthal 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Not a lot about goodness in this movie, but it does show how difficult it can be to extract oneself from bad choices made early on in one’s life. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

JONAH HEX (Released to Theaters USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Jonah Hex shows John Malkovitch in the role of a quite believable villain. Josh Brolin seems oddly cast in this film but performs suitably.  Nearly everything in the movie works at the suitable level but does not reach the desired quality watch level. The story runs on a simple and straight-forward line of thought. Know that there are sexual references in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A soldier refuses to obey a superior’s order and his life takes a disastrous turn. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jimmy Hayward for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Akiva Goldman and Andrew Lazar for making the film possible. Cast includes Josh Brolin, John Malkovich, Megan Fox, Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett, and Michael Shannon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It is not a terrible film but needs some story work to make it more interesting and intriguing. Presentation and portrayal need improvement.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FANTASTIC 4 (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Fantastic 4—better than the last two films—still does not make the grade for a quality watch. It is a remake of the 2005 movie with the main difference being the casting of younger actors. It serves the needs of action hero fans and works to capture the younger audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A large research organization involves itself in a teleporter designed by two young friends. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Josh Trank for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Matthew Vaughn, Simon Kinberg, Gregory Smith, Hutch Parker, and Robert Kulzer for making the film possible. Cast includes Miles Teller, Michael Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Reg E. Cathey, and Tim Blake Nelson. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It improves slightly over the last two films but still fails to achieve the quality watch recommendation.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

WITNESS (Released to Theaters USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Witness gives a look at the Amish lifestyle and thought patterns as the backdrop to the story. It has an exceptionally human and realistic portrayal and presentation. It’s something everyone looks for in entertainment…clean, honest, no unpleasant moral surprises. It’s a movie that begins and ends strongly. WOW! The culture portrayal soars. There is a small nudity scene but the film overall is a high-quality watch. Don’t miss it. 

Film poster courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young Amish boy witnesses a murder. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Weir for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Edward S. Feldman for making the film possible. Cast includes Harrison Ford 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is one film that is very well done. The casting department cast Harrison Ford along with Lucas Haas, Kellie McGillis, and Danny Glover—a move that completely works. Watch for the appearance of Robert Earl Jones who is the father of James Earl Jones (the voice of Darth Vader in Stars Wars series). 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

 

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER (Released to Theaters USA 2022)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Thor: Love and Thunder—Thor is back with a mission—contains some moral/ethical issues that may startle the unsuspecting viewer. The presentation, portrayal, and story are good to suitable. There are plot holes in the movie and at times the acting is weak but overall, it is a suitable watch that catches the ancient gods theme a little better than most films in this genre.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images and Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A decision is made to kill all gods. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Taika Waititi directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum for making the film possible. Cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Jaimie Alexander, Taika Waititi, Russel Crowe, and Natalie Portman 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s interesting to see but contains debatable messages. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers