INN OF THE SIXTH HAPPINESS (Released to Theaters USA 1958)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Inn of the Sixth Happiness—a true story that you can’t miss to love. It stands as one of the cleanest, morally friendly films on the Hollywood movie shelf, the epitome of heart, goodness, and well-being. Ingrid Bergman superlatively plays Gladys Aylward, a female missionary serving China before World War II. It’s a classic from the word go and stands as a lasting testimony to the goodness of the human spirit.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman) feels she has a mission in life, follows her instincts, goes to China, and valiantly saves 100 Chinese orphans’ lives.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Robson, and to Executive Producer Buddy Adler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Lin Nan (Curd Jurgens), The Mandarin of Yang Chen (Robert Donat), Hok-A (Michael David), Jeannie Lawson (Athene Seyler), Sir Francis Jamison (Ronald Squire), Dr. Robinson (Moultrie Kelsall), Mr. Murfin (Richard Wattis), Yang (Peter Chong), Sui-Lan (Tsai Chin), and Secretary at China Inland Mission (Edith Sharpe).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is an award-winning game changer about the value of humans in the cosmos and their ability to do very much good.

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Ben Meyers

CHOCOLAT (Released to Theaters USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Chocolat—high entertainment value—demands its kudos for good acting and storyline. Alfred Molina is made up so well that he is nearly unrecognizable until the credit roll. He plays Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2 and does a terrific job as the Comte de Reynaud in this film. Judi Dench plays a superlative Armande Voizin. She first caught many viewers eyes in GoldenEye with Pierce Brosnan and has been a favorite ever since. Peter Stormare from The Last Stand with Arnold Schwarzenegger also performs outstandingly in this film. It seems Johnny Depp could never have a viable part in this kind of film. He is admired for his contributions to Pirates of the Caribbean: Deadman Chest, Edward Scissorhands, Alice in Wonderland, and Alice Through the Looking Glass. But, now he must be acclaimed for his role as the love interest, Roux, in Chocolat.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) opens a chocolate shop in a small, traditional French, Catholic village. Her friendliness and natural love for people builds a steady business clientele and establishes healthier relationships within families while helping troubled individuals break free from impossible circumstances.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Lasse Halström for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Alan C. Blomquist, Maeryl Poster, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), Caroline Clairmont (Carrie Anne Moss), Luc Clairmont (Aurelien Parent Koenig), Jean-Marc Drou (Antonio Gil), Francoise ‘Fuffi’ Drou (Hélène Cardona), Dedou Drou (Harrison Pratt), Didi Drou (Gaelan Connell), Yvette Marceau (Élisabeth Commelin), Alphonse Marceau (Ron Cook), and Baptiste Marceau (Guillaume Tardieu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s got classic potential.

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Ben Meyers

THE HOUSE OF SMALL CUBES (Released to the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival Los Angeles California USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The House of Small Cubes, a completely inspiring, better-quality, animated short film,  reminds one of the montage of Carl Frederickson’s marital life in Pixar’s film, UP. This short movie presents 12 minutes of  exquisite, award-winning entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An elderly man endeavors to save his home from flooding while reliving his past memories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kunio Kato for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Masanori Kusakabe and Yuko Shin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator Masami Nagasawa.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Kunio Kato’s fifth short film shows great talent. Kudos for his efforts.

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Ben Meyers

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Midnight Special—Sci-Fi action/drama—borders on creepy and performs slowly. While the cast is outstanding, Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Jaeden Lieberher, and Adam Driver, the story doesn’t quite make it. Watch for Sam Shepard.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Roy Tomlin (Michael Shannon) has a special son, Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), who claims to come from a parallel universe. The FBI becomes involved in their lives and the action begins as they seek safe haven from the United States government.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jeff Nichols for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Glen Basner, Hans Graffunder, Christos V. Knstantakopoulos, and Steven Mnuchin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lucas (Joel Edgerton), Sarah (Kirsten Dunst), Sevier (Adam Driver), Doak (Bill Camp), Levi (Scott Haze), Calvin Meyer (Sam Shepard), and Agent Miller (Paul Sparks).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Despite the low rating, this is a timeless cult classic. 

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Ben Meyers

THE AVIATOR (Released to Theaters New York, New York, USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Aviator uses Leonardo DiCaprio to tell its version of the life and times of Howard Hughes—engineer, inventor, and film maker. It accomplishes its task well while completely entertaining its audience with wide views into the lifestyle of a bigger-than-life American.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Schwartz, Colin Cotter, Leonardo DiCaprio, Volker Schauz, Rick Yorn, Chris Brigham, Aslan Nadery, and Bob and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Thank you to Music Composer Howard Shore and Script Writer John Logan. Cast includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani, and Jude Law.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Leonardo DiCaprio does a wonderful job in his portrayal of Howard Hughes.

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Ben Meyers

NOAH (Released to Theaters USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Noah stands among the best of movies for cinematic themes, wonderfully picturesque camera shots, and good story lines. The script elaborates on the Biblical story of Noah using a combination of longstanding written and oral traditions that intertwine Biblical characters in a provocative way that holds audience interest from beginning to end. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Noah (Russell Crowe), after being informed in a dream that there will be a flood, goes to Grandfather Methuselah (Anthony Hopkins) to ask advice. Methuselah has had the same vision and gives Noah a seed for the lumber that Noah will need to use for building the ark. Noah plants the seed and grows a forest. The building of the ark, as with any endeavor, has its opponents. Tubal-cain (Ray Winstone) wars on Noah, breaches the ark, and enters it as the waters are flooding the land around him. The rest of the story involves Tubal-cain’s attempt to divide Noah’s family, the leaving of the ark, and a resolution for finding a mate for one of Noah’s sons.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Darren Aronofsky. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Brigham and Ari Handel for making the movie possible. Additional character/cast include: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winston, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Anthony Hopkins.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is a good resource for accessing 'the rest of the story'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (Released to the Sundance Film Festival Park City Utah USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Beasts of the Southern Wild deserves every accolade it has ever received. It’s a not-to-be missed film that tells the story of Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis), a six-year-old girl, living outside a Louisiana levee with her alcoholic father, Wink (Dwight Henry), in a destitute area named The Bathtub. Brutally honest and realistic, the film does not apologize for real life situations, desperate solutions, love and loyalty within marginalized communities, the importance of free will in lifestyle, and the value of choice in place of living. Courageous and engulfing, the film supports itself on exceptional acting, wonderful metaphors, and an outstanding script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Benh Zeitlin. Thank you to Executive Producer Philipp Engelhorn, Paul Mezey, and Michael Raisler for making this movie possible. Additional character/cast include: Jean Battiste (Levy Easterly), Walrus (Lowell Landes), Little Jo (Pamela Harper), and Miss Bathsheba (Gina Montana).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Brutally honest, realistic film for the 10+ age group.

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Ben Meyers

WAR HORSE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

War Horse—a film classic—once again proves Steven Spielberg takes the throne chair among the greatest directors and story tellers of our time. No frowns here. The movie is based on a 1982 novel of the same name. The graphics and coloring technique are the best the industry affords, a quality effort all the way. Yes, it is a horse story, but so skillfully weaves the human tale into its fabric, that, even if you are not a horse story lover, you’ll love the human element of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War I gets a retelling through the eyes of a thoroughbred horse purchased for use in the British Army’s invasion of Flanders (modern-day Belgium). It’s a story of courage, compassion, endurance, and survival as the horse separates from its beloved owner, Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine), a boy who has followed the horse from birth to auction to training for farm use to army induction.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Executive Producers Revel Guest and Frank Marshall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Grandfather (Niels Arestrup), Lyons (David Thewlis), Ted Narracott (Peter Mullan), Rose Narracott (Emily Watson), Captain Nicholls (Tom Hiddleston), Major Jamie Stewart (Benedict Cumberbatch), and Emilie (Celine Buckens).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film shoots it over the top for story telling.

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Ben Meyers

THE JUDGE (Toronto International Film Festival Toronto Canada 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Judge creates an outstanding casting team with its choices of Robert Downey, Jr. (acting as Criminal Lawyer Hank Palmer) and Robert Duvall (acting as Judge Joseph Palmer) in this intriguing drama of professional lives overlapping deeply complicated family relationships. Superb acting by both Downey and Duvall are more than enough to carry the story, but the addition of small town politics and past relationships provide additional depth to the story to increase its dramatic value. Old and new family secrets, disappointments, and final resolution make this a very good flick when looking for drama.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Highly successful criminal lawyer Hank Palmer finds himself needing to provide legal defense for his father, Judge Joseph Palmer, who has been charged with murder.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director David Dobkin. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Kleeman, and Herb Gains for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Samantha Powell (Vera Farmiga), Dwight Dickham (Billy Bob Thornton), C. P. Kennedy (Dax Shepard), Carla Powell (Leighton Meester), Judge Warren (Ken Howard), and Lauren Palmer (Emma Tremblay).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an excellent, multi-layered, skillfully written story that provides complete attention to watch. Great work for Director David Dobkin.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WALT BEFORE MICKEY (Released to Theater USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì

Walt Before Mickey—a biopic almost as good as Saving Mr. Banks, a documentary about Disney’s making of the Mary Poppins film. While some critics have complained that this movie does not portray Disney’s personality well and have rated it low, Ben Meyers International gives it a solid 4-star rating for its complete entertainment and educational value. The film provides a wide range view of Disney’s life from his youth to his final success. The movie can be appreciated for the frankness of detailing the difficulties of his climb through the ranks to become one of the best animators in the business. The documentary spares none of the brutal reality of not being able to pay bills, meet payroll, eating from garbage cans, sleeping on the floor of his animation room after breaking in because the front door has been barred to prevent his entry. It is a story of courage and daring and family and disappointment and hardship that lends all the credence in the world to the song, “If You Wish Upon A Star.” Today the Disney legacy continues with Disney’s ABC Television Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, acquisition of Lucas Films, and with its distribution of Japan’s Studio Ghibli films. Disney’s continual dedication to advances in computer animation and its persistent courageous voyages into live action film with movies like Tron: Legacy, John Carter, The Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Star Wars' sequels continue to build the Disney dream. If Walt Disney were here today, he would be proud of the advancements that his company continues to make. Thank you, Walt, for making the world a better place to live, for reminding us that dreams really do come true, and that the world belongs to the dreamer. In this documentary, Thomas Ian Nicholas acts the part of Disney and does an outstanding job. The movie takes the audience from Disney’s youth, when he could not stop drawing on anything and everything he could find; his young manhood when he works as a studio artist; and then, with newly found friend, Ub Iwerks (Armando Gutierrez), starts his own business with a barn as a studio. This film documents his failures; his recruitment of his older brother, Roy Disney (Jon Heder), to join him as a financing manager; to his ‘new’ story of Mortimer Mouse who becomes Mickey Mouse—and the rest is, of course, Disney history.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Khoa Le. Thank you to Executive Producers Arthur L. Bernstein, Christopher Dosen, Armando Gutierrez, Ben McConley, Jim Nichols, Michele Alexanne Packer, Jeff Rice, Peter K. Scaturro, and Robert Spiegel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlotte Disney (Jodie Sweetin), Rudy Ising (David Henrie), Lillian Disney (Kate Katzman), Bridgit (Ayla Kell), Friz Freleng (Taylor Gray), Frank L. Newman (Arthur L. Bernstein), Hugh Harman (Hunter Gomez), and Young Walt (Owen Teague).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The director, executive producers, and cast make a wonderful screen presentation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil—fun take on Hansel and Gretel—gives us a little espionage/Mission Impossible feel with a bit of karate mixed in. The animated film uses 3D technology to appeal visually. It’s definitely a ‘worth watching’ comedy feature that attends to the child and is smart enough for the adult.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hansel (voice of Bill Hader) and Gretel (voice of Amy Poehler) need to be rescued. Granny Puckett (voice of Glenn Close) steps up to help.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mike Disa for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Russell D. Pollock, Eric Robinson, and Rachel Warren for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Red Riding Hood (voice of Hayden Panettiere), The Big Bad Wolf (voice of Patrick Warburton), Twitchy (voice of Cory Edwards), Nicky Flippers (voice of David Ogden Stiers), Verushka the Witch (voice of Joan Cusack), and Kirk the Woodsman (voice of Martin Short).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a well-done elevation of an old story theme that provides excellent child/adult share entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CAIRO TIME (Released to Theaters USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Cairo Time—has a presentation that is so real that you forget you are watching a movie. It seems no director is present nor is one needed. This film examines extramarital attraction, but refreshingly shows restraint, desire to do the right thing, and a preserved marriage. No fault found in acting, directing, or portrayal. The film becomes the definition of subtle presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Juliette Grant (Patricia Clarkson) is stranded in Cairo while waiting for her husband, meets native Egyptian Tareq Khalifa (Alexander Siddig), and finds their growing mutual attraction a challenge.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ruba Nadda for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Charles Pugliese and Christine Vachon for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kathryn (Elena Anaya), Yasmeen (Amina Annabi), Mark (Tom McCamus), Jameelah (Mona Hala), Hanan (Fadia Nadda), Customs Officer (Mohamed Abdel Fatah), and Porter (Hossam Abdulla).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film is for adult audiences due to its unusually subtle approach to its romantic theme. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ON GOLDEN POND (Released to Theaters USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

On Golden Pond—neo-realistic—plays off the talents of Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn who team as an elderly couple hoping to reconcile and solidify an under-developed relationship with their only daughter, Jane Fonda. The movie relies on bona fide acting talent throughout the film, but may leave an audience wondering at the ending credits what they were to take from the film. When one buys entertainment, usually one expects a bit of an escape from the mundane into the extraordinaire; but, this film builds its entire story on the mundane and most ordinary of life events. The film borders on the experimental artistic endeavor more reminiscent of an indie film with release to a limited theater audience who appreciates highly stylized and innovative vision for film story telling rather than the general theater-going crowd. The movie was a smashing box office success and won many significant film awards. However, some audiences may feel 'let down' by the almost despairingly realistic portrayal of family life during this particular decade in America—almost a testimony to family life splintered and gone somehow badly wrong. Some sexual dialog.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Retired Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda) arrives at the family’s Golden Pond summer home with his wife Ethel Thayer (Katherine Hepburn). Norman Thayer, through a series of film scenes, shows declining mental abilities while Ethel Thayer valiantly maintains a positive attitude. Later, their only daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda) arrives for her father’s 80^th birthday with a new fiancé and the fiancé’s thirteen-year-old son, Billy (Doug McKeon).

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Mark Rydell. Thank you to Producer Bruce Gilbert for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bill Ray (Dabney Coleman), Charlie Martin (William Lanteau), and Sumner Todd (Christopher Rydell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is not much of a story despite its awards. It’s just a little clip, a snapshot, of continuation of life without a nuance of freshness or relief from life’s boredoms nor from its heartaches.

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Ben Meyers

BABIES * (Released to Theaters USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Stars ìììì

Babies—a French documentary—defines itself as the reality of the word ‘lovable’. It’s a not-to-be-missed film that tells its story so well that one does not realize there is no narration throughout the film. No interpretation, no judgment, no comparisons. This is s 'feel good' documentary that delivers  a knowing that the world has very high chances for survival due to the hardiness of its offspring. Thank you to Director Thomas Balmè who caught the beauty of the many ways that we survive on this planet and the reality that it’s all okay. Well done. Thank you.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story follows the lives of four babies through their first year of life. Two babies are from more civilized countries and two are from less civilized countries. The marvel of human life in its first year is thoroughly explored.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Co-executive Producer Thomas Balmés for his directing efforts and making the film possible. Cast include: Bayar, Hattie, Mari, and Ponijao.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Absolutely do not miss this documentary.

* Also known as: Baby (ies) and Bébé (s)

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Ben Meyers

JERSEY BOYS (Released to the Sydney Film Festival, Sydney, Australia 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Jersey Boys—a Clint Eastwood-directed biopic about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons—can be watched again and again for its perfect and abundant placement of music and terrific storyline. Well-written, well-cast, and just...well, it's just perfect.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons tell their story through music and words.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Clint Eastwood. Thank you to Executive Producers James Packer, Bob Gaudio, Tim Moore, Brett Ratner, and Frankie Valli for making the film possible. Cast include: Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Steve Schirripa, Christopher Walken, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Lomenda, and Erich Bergen.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a great look at the value of persevering in the face of trials, following life’s passion, and bending into difficult situations with honesty and grace.

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Ben Meyers

JUNIOR BONNER (Released to Theaters USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Junior Bonner—a classic rodeo movie—excels in realism, presentation, and outstanding acting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Junior Bonner (Steve McQueen), whose specialty is riding broncs and bulls, is in the last days of his rodeo career. He has just failed riding a tough bull named Sunshine. He moves on to Prescott, Arizona, his familial home, to get ready for the Prescott rodeo. His arrogant brother, Curly Bonner (Joe Don Baker), is in mobile home real estate. Junior Bonner’s father, Ace Bonner (Robert Preston), is in the hospital for drunk driving. His mother, Elvira Bonner (Ida Lupino), is separated from her husband. Junior Bonner finds that his father wants to go to Australia. Junior Bonner bribes his manager, Buck Roan (Ben Johnson), to allow him to ride the bull, Sunshine, one more time.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Sam Peckinpah. Thank you to Producer Joe Wizan and Associate Producer Mickey Borofsky for making the film possible. Cast include: Steve McQueen, Robert Preston, Ida Lupino, Joe Don Baker, Barbara Leigh, Ben Johnson,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Be aware that this film works on a rather depressing storyline, but completely works as an exceptionally realistic portrayal of rodeo life without the support of a family and children. Excellent drama.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers