HURRICANE SEASON (DVD Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Hurricane Season—impactful movie—shows a great performance by Forest Whitaker. The story, well-written and put together well, completely earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A New Orleans coach rebuilds a sports team after Hurricane Katrina.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Raymond Brothers and Scott Glassgold for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Al Collins (Forest Whitaker), JJ Coleman (Jackie Long), Dayna Collins (Taraji Henson), Alana Collins (China Anne McClain), Coach Buddy Simmons (Isaiah Washington), Principal Durant (avid Willis (Khleo Thomas), Brian Randolph (Robbie Jones), Lamont Johnson (Lil Wayne), Coach Frank Landon (Michael Gaston), Mr. Randolph (Courtney Vance), Grandma Rose (Irma Hall), and Spencer’s Father (Marcus L. Brown).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie works through the emotions that engender tenacity, loyalty to community, and team effort to rebuild when all is lost. The movie provides excellent after viewing discussion between family members.

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Ben Meyers

WATCH OUT, WE’RE MAD * (Theatrical Release Spain 1974)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Watch Out, We’re Mad—classic Terence Hill and Bud Spencer Italian film—serves sequences of light comedy and action mixed into a great, original storyline. The movie serves the whole family with clean, likable, and fresh entertainment. The film is just right in almost every way. This simple movie has spunk. Don’t miss it. It deserves investment of entertainment time and money. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Two rally racers tie for the prize of a single dune buggy and the adventure begins as they vie for who should own it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marcello Fondato for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mario Cecchi Gori for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Kid (Terence Hill), Ben (Bud Spencer), Boss (John Sharp), DonaldPleasence (Doctor), Attila (Deogracias Huerta), Jeremias (LuisBarbero), Liza (Patty Shepard), Paganini (Mauel de Blas), Choir Director (Emilio Laguna), Rafael Albaicin, Giancarlo Bastianoni), RobertoAlessandri, Pretty Girl 1(Ada Pometti), Jose Yepes, Pretty Girl 2(Ines Morales), JoseLuis Lizalde, Thug (Omero Capanna), Boxer (Giovanni Cianfriglia), and Thug 2 (Rémy Julienne). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great watch, very likeable characters. Wonderful, simple movie. 

* Also Known As: Pazi da ne bude guzve 

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Ben Meyers

HARD LESSONS * (Television Release USA 1986)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Hard Lessons—Denzel Washington’s early work—serves informative and meaningful entertainment. Strong ethical values, willingness to help others, and successful motivation of all those within one's environment becomes the wonderful focus of this entertainment piece. Uplifting. The  overall story tells a good tale as it builds on positive character development through education. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A principal walks into a school in need of discipline. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Eric Laneuville for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Howard Lipstone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George McKenna (Denzel Washington), Bobbie Maxwell (Lynn Whitfield), Mr. Rogers (Earl Billings), Alan Keith (Ray Buktenica), Cynthia Byers (Akosua Busia), and Ben Proctor (Richard Masur), and Brimm Leader (Michael Milburn). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is a television movie so be aware that it is cut to be televised entertainment fare rather than theatrical release fare. 

* Also Known As: The George McKenna Story

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Ben Meyers

A DOG’S COURAGE * (Bucheon international Fantastic Film Festival, Bucheon, South Korea 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

A Dog’s Courage—good concept, unique animation—needs a stronger storyline. Worth a watch to see Korean animation output, which can be surprisingly good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Owner-abandoned dogs look for freedom and a home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Chun-Baek Lee and Seong-yun Oh for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Seong-yun Oh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Moonchi (Voice of Kyung-soo Do, Bamyi (Voice of So-dam Park), and Jjangah (Voice of Cheol-min Park). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This animated feature can serve as a teen/adult share film.

* Also Known As: The Underdog

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Ben Meyers

REXY AND THE VOLCANO (YouTube Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsììì 

Rexy and the Volcano—short film—has terrific detailed animation especially with background work. The character development of Rexy needs improvement, but if this series of films are linked together to produce a full length film, then that issue will automatically be resolved. The end of this film, like the last film, concludes with the parent saving the day for an under-intelligent, or perhaps a better choice of words…an unsophisticated baby Rex.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A further adventure for Rexy in the Pangea series. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Adam Magyar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Adam Magyar and Aenimax Innovation for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adam Magyar.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a progression from the last film in this series as the baby Rexy explores its world. The movie becomes beautiful as it highlights the role a parent plays in preserving the life of the child until it comes to adult understanding.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins—Korean martial arts movie—sets itself for a sequel with Fred Ward, Wilford Brimley, and Joel Grey. It’s a good, afternoon watch with some very good martial arts moves.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A dead police officer is enlivened to become a special protector. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Guy Hamilton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Larry Spiegel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Officer Samuel Makin (Fred Ward), Master Chiun (Joel Grey), CURE Director (Wilford Brimley), CURE Agent (J>A> Preston), General Scott Watson (George Coe), George Grove (Charles Cioffi), Major Rayner Fleming (Kate Mulgrew), Jim Wilson (Michael Pataki), Ambulance Driver (Reginald VelJohnson), Zack (Jon Polito), Red (Gene LeBell), Sebastian Ligarde), Jim (Tom McBride), Nurse (Suzanne Snyder), Barker (William Hickey), Stone (Patrick Kilpatrick), and Captain Young (Roger Cudney). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has great stunt work and shows Fred Ward as a good choice for action movies. Unfortunately, he did not reprise the role for the 2017 Remo Williams 2: The Adventure Continues. That role went to Joe Goljan,

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Ben Meyers

BEETHOVEN (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Beethoven—nothing new here—presents a simple, clean family share night type of entertainment. The movie drew its characters well and casting did a terrific job in mixing Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, David Duchovny, Patricia Heaton, and Stanley Tucci. Watch for a good performance by Dean Jones (The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit (1968)) in this movie.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A puppy grows into a very large dog and earns a respectable place in his chosen home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brian Levant for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joe Mediuck, Michael Gross, and Ivan Reitman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George Newton (Charles Grodin), Alice Newton (Bonnie Hunt), Ryce Newton (Nicholle Tom), Dr.Varnick (Dean Jones),Ted Newton (Christopher Castile), Emily Newton (Sarah Rose Karr), Brad Wilson (David Duchovny), Brie Wilson (Patricia Heaton), Devonia Peet (Laurel Cronin), Miss Grundel (Nancy Fish), Student (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and Ammo Gun Salesman (Richard Portnow).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie perfectly serves the audience looking for good, clean entertainment for  their family.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REXY GOES TO MAMA (YouTube Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Rexy Goes to Mama—short film—has great animation, almost as realistic as the remake of The Lion King. The background scenery is exceptionally interesting, detailed, and creative. The main character, Rexy, begins with no real personality because he does not know where he belongs. The mama dinosaur performs at a much more likeable and intelligent level because she knows exactly what she is and where she belongs....very interesting portrayal here. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube images

Storyline 

The adventures of Rexy, a young Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Adam Magyar for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Adam Magyar and Aenimax Innovation for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adam Magyar. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The background scenery is a good study due to its creative freshness. Other than that, this short film may need some explanation so the young child can understand what is happening with the baby dinosaur, Rexy. 

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FUNNY FACE (Theatrical Release USA 1957)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Funny Face needs an overhaul in its storyline. The story begins with a prudish bookstore worker who is immediately hired as an haute couture fashion model and, wthout training or background, is immediately whisked off to Paris. In Paris the next scene shows this quiet bookstore worker performing a ballet-type dance that is anything but prudish. There is no setup for any of the above scenes, just one unlikely out-of-character scene after another. The message throughout the film becomes a convoluted mess that follows no practical storyline. There may be a desire to see Audrey Hepburn dancing with Fred Astaire, but that’s about it for this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Young girl becomes an instant success as a high fashion model. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stanley Donen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Roger Edens for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn), Dick Avery (Fred Astair), Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson), Professor Émile Flostre (Michel Auclair), Paul Duval (Robert Flemyng), Marion (Dovima), Hairdresser (Jean Del Val), Babs (Virginia Gibson), Laura (Sue England), Lettie (Ruta Lee), Dovitch (Alex Gerry), Specialty Dancer (Sunny Harnett). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For the audience who academically reviews movies or may be studying Fred Astaire and/or Audrey Hepburn, then this film provides ample opportunity to do that. Otherwise, its jaundiced, chaotic storyline simply does not work. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 Ben Meyers

ONLY THE BRAVE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Only The Brave—biopic—thoroughly tells its exceptionally sad story through the talents of Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, and Jennifer Connally with a little Jeff Bridges thrown in to strengthen the mix. The rest of the cast performs as background commentary to make the film work. Informative and non-complicated.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An Arizona firefighting crew begin the fight of the 2013 Yarnell Hill fire.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joseph Kosinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill, Michael Menchel, Dawn Ostroff, and Jeremy Steckler. Additional characters/cast include: Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin), Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller), Duane Steinbrink (Jeff Bridges), Amanda Marsh (Jennifer Connelly), Marvel Steinbeck (Andie MacDowell), Andrew Ashcraft (Alex Russell), Robert Caldwell (Dylan Kenin), Travis Carter (Scott Foxx), Dustin DeFord (Ryan Busch), Christopher MacKenzie (Taylor Kitsch), Grant McKee (Sam Quinn), Sean Misner (Kenny Miller), Scott Norris (Thad Luckinbill), Wade Prker (Ben Hardy), John Percin Jr. (John Nicholas Jenks), Jesse Steed (James Badge Dale), Joe Thurston (Matthew Van Wettering), and Travis Turbyfill (Geoff Stultz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This tells an important story and should be watched on that level. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE THREE STOOGES (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Three Stooges—good replication of the original acting team—uses similar slapstick routines to deliver a fair to middling entertainment piece. While the slapstick does not have the same spontaneity and timing of the original team, it still works to produce comedy. The casting department did a good job choosing look-alikes of the original comedy team. Watch for Larry David playing Catholic Sister Mary Mengele.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

The three stooges try to save an orphanage. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Bradley Thomas, nd Charles B. Wessler. Additional characters/cast include: Moe (Chris Diamantopoulos and Skyler Gisondo), Larry (Sean Hayes and Lance Chantiles-Wertz), Curly (Will Sasso and Robert Capron), Mother Superior (Jane Lynch), Lydia Harter (Sofia Vergara), Sister Rosemary (Jennifer Hudson), Mac Mioski (Craig Bierko), Mr. Harter (Stephen Collins), Sister Mary-Mengele (Larry David), Theodore Harter (Kirby Heyborne), Ling Harter (Emy Coligado), Murph Harter (Avalon Robbins), and Peezer Harter (Max Charles). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie works as a light afternoon, easy-on-the-mind film. The storyline is not new, but always welcome.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MISSION OF HONOR * (Theatrical Release Ireland 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mission of Honor—great dogfight scenes—tells a unique story of integration of another country’s fighting airmen into Britain’s air command and the need for discipline as well as the following of military order and protocol. The movie needs more uniformity to really work. The characters are not memorable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Polish airmen join British airmen to fight during the second world war. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Blair for directing effort. Thank you to Krystian Kozlowski and Matthew Whyte for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jan Zumbach (Iwan Rheon), JohnA.Kent(MiloGibson), Phyllis Lambert (Stefanie Martini), Josef František (Kryštof Hádek), Witold Urbanowicz (Marcin Dorociński), Zdzislaw Henneberg (Christopher Jaclow), Sir Hugh Dowding (Nicholas Farrell), and Keith Park (Robert Portal). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The war movie fan may enjoy the ride, but most audiences may find this movie indistinguishable from other war movies.

* Also Known As: Hurricane: 303 Squadron

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

COMPANY OF HEROES (DVD Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Company of Heroes—exceptionally realistic fight scenes—presents such quickly moving scenes that audience ability to absorb the story becomes hindered. The last 30 to 40 minutes of this movie weaken the entire story which runs more on a video game presentation than a movie presentation. The characters seem ‘clumped’ together without any real distinguishable features that make the audience care about them. It’s difficult to relate to what should have been an outstanding fight for justice.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Soldiers attempt to help a scientist leave a country during World War II. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Don Michael Paul for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Cherise Honey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dean Ranson (Tom Sizemore), Nate (Chad Michael Collins), Brent Willoughby (Vinnie Jones), Ivan Puzharski (Dimitri Diatchenko), Lieutenant Joe Conti (Neal McDongough), Luca Gruenewald (Jurgen Prochnow), Kestrel (Melia Krelling), Beimier (Richard Sammel), Lieutenant Schott (Philip Rham), and Chambliss (Alastair Mackenzie). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The realistic fight scenes serve the war movie fan well but better watches for storyline and fighting action can be found in the Band of Brothers mini-series.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LØVEKVINNEN * (Theatrical Release Germany/Norway 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Løvekvinnen—darkly themed—explores parental reaction and attempts to find best ways to help both themselves and their child when offspring is born with differences outside of the norm. This movie’s storyline orders itself on a simple, straight forward presentation but it does not fully explore the life choices available and seems bound to the only viable option as public display in a ‘freak’ show. Shallow exploration offsets itself with the conclusion and its twist. Watch for a very sweet scene as this little girl gets a new pair of white boots.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A female child is born with a natural difference from her peers. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Vibeke Idsoe for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Geir Henning Eikeland, Stig Hierkinn Haug, Vibeke Idsoe, Peter Aalbæk Jensen, and Lone Korslund for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eva (Ida Ursin-Holm, Mathilde Thormine Storm, Aurora Lindseth-Løkka), Gustav (Rolf Lassgård), Sparky (Rolf Kristian Larsen), Hannah (Kjersti Tveterås), Professor Stroem (Lrs Knutzon), Jahnn (Kare Conradi), Ruth (LisaLoven Kongsli), Mrs. Grjothornet (Connie Nielsen), Swammerdamm (Henrik Mestad), and Andrej (Ken Duken). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Overall the movie serves as a good family watch due to its great after-viewing discussion potential. It provides an opportunity to explore the different ways humans can be born and how to positively support differences. The conversation can be moved to best ways to support, not only physical differences, but differences of opinion, religious views, political stances, emotional reactions, and social positioning. Be aware that the English voice dubbing does not always match the mouth movement and has some significant lagging from scene to scene. 

*Also Known As: The Lion Woman

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAWN SACRIFICE (Toronto International Film Festival Toronto Canada 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Pawn Sacrifice may have had a stronger presentation with a different choice of casting. Toby McGuire generally presents himself well especially during the chess tournaments, but the acting on the beach when he thinks Boris Spassky/Russia/competitors spy on him does not express itself powerfully enough. Perhaps Jesse Eisenberg or Eddie Redmayne may have portrayed the main character at a higher level of expression. The archival footage presented at the end of the movie strengthen its presentation. Due to topic choice, the movie serves a special interest audience. Not much to get excited about here. Watch for an interesting presentation of the drivers behind something as seemingly trivial as an international chess competition.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Chess Player Bobby Fischer challenges the best chess players in the world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Edward Zwick for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Kevin Scott Frakes, Arni Bjorn Helgason, Michael Ilitch Jr., Dale Armin Johnson, Julie B. May, Glenn Murray, Josette Perrotta, Stephen J. Rivele, Raj Brinder Singh, and Christopher Wilkinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire), Boris Spassky (Liev Schreiber), Paul Marshall (Michael Stuhlbarg), Father Bill Lombardy (Peter Sarsgaard), Efim Geller (Edward Zinoviev), Tivo Nei (Alexandre Gorchkov), Joan Fischer (Lily Rabe), Regina Fischer (Robin Weigert), Teenage Bobby Fischer (Seamus Davey Fitzpatrick), and Young Bobby Fischer (Aiden Lovekamp). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie will be appreciated by adults who love the game of chess.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

MANIFEST DESTINY: THE LEWIS AND CLARK MUSICAL ADVENTURE (Macon Film Festival, Macon, Georgia USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Manifest Destiny: The Lewis and Clark Musical Adventure taints itself with a little Monty Python (fake horses), Muppets (Bald Eagle Puppet), and its general silliness that incorporates numerous classic comedic personalities and styles. The choice of topic, Manifest Destiny, pits the main topic against the drivers of destiny. The movie, if there is no other choice for entertainment, can be appreciated by unique audiences with time to explore alternative forms of entertainment. Be aware that this presentation works at a high level of artistic presentation.

 Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images

Storyline 

A quick review of the Lewis Clark expedition across continent to the Pacific Ocean. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Anthony Parisi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Joshua Sikora for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Clark (Jeremy Hoffman), Meriwether Lewis (Kev Abrams), Thomas Jefferson (Jesse Olson), Sacajawea (Krissy Terry), Eagle (Voice of Matt Bittner), Abigail (Kerri Hellmuth), and Narrator (Voice of Chuck Neighbors). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is worth watching for a study of unusual formatting, a different musical presentation, and its interpretation of motivations for actions taken by those in power and those who undertake dangerous and difficult ventures. For a general audience, the movie will not be appreciated.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PAL JOEY (Theatrical Release USA 1957)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Pal Joey—Frank Sinatra, Rita Haworth, and Kim Novak—explores club life with an exceptionally well-written script developed for the adult audience. The story, cleverly written, has good portrayal and well-developed characters.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A club singer finds a wealthy woman who has ability to promote him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Sidney for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Fred Kohlmar for making the work possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vera Prentice-Simpson (Rita Hayworth), Joey Evans (Frank Sinatra), Linda English (Kim Novak), Gladys (Barbara Nichols), Ned Galvin (Bobby Sherwood), Hat Check Girl (Judy Dan), and Mike Miggins (Hank Henry). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A good watch that explores club life and funding for entertainers.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers