PROJECT NIM (Newport Beach Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Project Nim—explores differences and similarities between animals and humans while examining closing the barriers for communication between the two. The documentary delivers more than expected. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Research project examines the possibility of primates learning to communicate via sign language and the changes that occur when these primates are completely immersed into human culture and environment.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Marsh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Battsek, Nick Fraser, Hugo Grumbar, Jamie Laurenson, and Andrew Ruhemann for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Nim Chimpsky), Herself (Stephanie LaFarge), Himself (Herbert Terrace, Himself (Wer LaFarge), Herself (Jenny Lee), Herself (Laura Ann Petitto), Himself (Bill Tynan), Herself (Joyce Butler), Herself (Renne Falitz), and Himself (Bob Ingersoll).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary is insightful.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked—okay, suitable watch—has a cliched, stale storyline that borrows significantly from other marooned on an island films. Despite that, it still manages to keep its cute chipmunk charm.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Dave and the chipmunks go on vacation.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Mike Mitchell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Slate, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Anna Faris, and Christina Applegate.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It may work well for hard core Alvin and the Chipmunks fans. It runs on a stale, cliched storyline. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HOSTAGE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Hostage—superb police story—presents a Bravo!, WOW! piece of thriller entertainment that relies on the talents of Bruce Willis, Ben Foster, Jonathan Tucker, and Marshall Allman. Watch for Art LaFleur and Rumer Willis in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

L.A. hostage negotiator Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis) finds himself deeply involved in a situation calling for far more than hostage negotiation skills.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Florent Emilio Siri for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Hawk Koch, Josef Lautenschlaer, Andreas Thiesmeyer, David J. Wally for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis), Walter Smith (Kevin Pollak), Tommy Smith (Jimmy Bennett), Jennifer Smith (Michelle Horn), Mars Krupcheck (Ben Foster), Dennis Kelly (Jonathan Tucker), Jane Talley (Serena Scott Thomas), Kevin Kelly (Marshall Allman), Amanda Talley (Rumer Willis), and The Watchman (Kim Coates).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie presents maximized thriller/action that involves edge-of-the-seat value entertainment. It’s a best work for Director Florent-Emilio Siri.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (Theatrical Release Italy 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Life is Beautiful—an Italian film treasure with terrific English subtitles—presents a classic, heart-touching tale. Director Roberto Benigni tops the charts with this Bravo! Encore! work. The movie is not-to-be-missed with a timeless message for viewers of all ages. It’s an excellent addition to the permanent home entertainment library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Guido Orifice (Roberto Benigni) develops an elaborate game to keep his son, Giosué (Giorgio Cantarini), alive during concentration camp internment.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Roberto Benigni for directing effort. Thank you to Agnès Mentre and John Rogers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Guido (Roberto Benigni), Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), Glosué (Giorgio Cantarini), Zio (Giustino Durano), Ferrucio (Sergio Bini Bustric), Madre di Dora (Marisa Paredes), Dottor Lessing (Horst Buchholz), Guicciardini (Lidia Alfonsi), Direttrice Didattica (Giuliana Lojodice), and Rodolfo (Amerigo Fontani).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a cherished treasure to be enjoyed across all generations. Thank you to all involved in bringing the story into reality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RUNNING MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Running Man has a solid, intriguing, and charismatic storyline with a slight Hunger Games feel. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a bit out of his usual character from his The Terminator, Commando, and True Lies films, plays his character well with a good support cast of Yaphet Kotto, Jim Brown, Jesse Ventura, and Richard Dawson. It’s worth viewing when in the mood for a futuristic action film and is most likely a Schwarzenegger film many audiences may have missed.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Criminals are assigned to an arena where professional killers hunt them.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Paul Michael Glaser for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Keith Barish and Rob Cohen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), William Laughlin (Yaphet Kotto), Fireball (Jim Brown), Captain Freedom (Jesse Ventura), Dynamo (Erland van Lidth), Harold Weiss (Marvin J. McIntyre), Buzzsaw (Gus Rethwisch), Subzero (Professor Toru Tanaka), and Mic (Mick Fleetwood).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s Arnold Schwarzenegger mixing some sci-fi with a lot of action.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FAMILY MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Family Man fails when it contrasts a single, professional male living an exceptionally sophisticated, high-end lifestyle with that of a family man living a routine, let’s have a barbecue and go bowling lifestyle. The severe contrast between the two lifestyles plagues the movie despite the attempted launch to the old lifestyle toward the end of the movie. It’s difficult to make sense of the ending scenes of the movie because it seems an open invitation to a single, professional female living an exceptionally sophisticated, high-end lifestyle to share a routine, let’s have a barbecue, and go bowling lifestyle. The movie does not follow a Cinderella format and replaces that ‘feel good’ ending with a feeling of uncertain future. Despite this, the film works as a teen/adult film and seems to support family values over money and sophisticated lifestyle, but raises the question of why must one go down the bowling alley with the ball to have a decent marriage with children?

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) gets a view into what his life would have been like if he had made a different decision about marrying his college girlfriend, Kate Reynolds (Téa Leoni).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brett Ratner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Armyan Bernstein, Thomas A. Bliss, and Andrew Z. Davis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cash (Don Cheadle), Arnie (Jeremy Piven), Alan Mintz (Saul Rubinek), Peter Lassiter (Josef Sommer), Annie Campbell (Makenzie Vega), Josh Campbell (Jake Milkovich), Josh Campbell (Ryan Milkovich), and Evelyn Thompson (Lisa Thornhill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Nicholas Cage fans, the film works and sports a digestible, simple romance/drama storyline that doesn’t quite classify itself as a chick flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUPLEX (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

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Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Duplex—simple comedy—has a redeeming small twist at the end. The acting is quite good. Watch for a great performance by Eileen Essell as Mrs. Connelly. The stage settings are very well done.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A New York man and his wife want to find a new home. The couple are not satisfied with any of the homes they see until they are shown a roomy duplex that they will share with an elderly lady. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Danny DeVito for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stuart Cornfeld, Ben Stiller, Nancy Juvonen, Drew Barrymore, and Jeremy Kramer for making the film possible. Cast includes Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore, Eileen Essell, Harvey Fierstein, Justin Theroux, and James Remar.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, it's a fun watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

PADDINGTON IN PERU (Released to Theaters UK 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Paddington in Peru—family friendly—makes a great sequel to the first two Paddington Bear movies. The movie is full of good will and lovability. It is sweet from beginning to end. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline Paddington gets a letter from the Reverend Mother that he needs to check on his "aunt." He takes a trip to visit his Aunt Lucy. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Dougal Wilson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Rosie Alison for making the film possible. Cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Carla Tous, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, and Ben Whishaw.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. The movie runs on good values and has love written into every line. It is a good addition to the family home video library. WOW! Bravo! A quality, family watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TIMEPIECE (Released to the Internet 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Timepiece does not show its quality until the latter part of the story when the girl misses her bus. There is love and care from this point forward that is noticeable.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline On exam day, a girl sleeps late and misses her bus to school.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Noah Berridge and Yuli Freed for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Noah Berridge for making the film possible. Cast includes Immie Symons, Robin Hawdon, and Nikki Berridge.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?   Yes. Halfway through the film, the story begins. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE HURT LOCKER (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Hurt Locker—in 131 short minutes—sets the higher defining mark for war movie production. The inside of the warrior’s mind, the way wars are fought, and the dedication of soldiers during conflict—the movie quickly moves itself into a film that may be watched more than once as a great war movie. The Hurt Locker hits the jackpot for great acting with Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie. The great script by Mark Boal and outstanding direction by Kathryn Bigelow turn out a unique film that will be well appreciated by hardcore war movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner), the new explosive ordinance disposal team leader, causes concern within the ranks due to his seemingly reckless behavior.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Kathryn Bigelow for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Tony Mark for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie), Specialist Owen Eldrige (Brian Geraghty), Sergeant Matt Thompson (Guy Pearce), Contractor Team Leader (Ralph Fiennes), Colonel Reed (David Morse), Connie James (Evangeline Lilly), Colonel John Cambridge (Christian Camargo), and Black Suit Man (Suhail Aldabbach).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While war movies often run as B-grade entertainment, this movie pushes itself into higher level story telling.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LINCOLN (American Film Institute Film Festival Hollywood California USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Lincoln—very smartly written political script—portrays American President Abraham Lincoln as a more than astute politician deeply committed to ensuring future generations of African slaves their personal rights to freedom while defining American destiny. The film becomes another Steven Spielberg classic that not only entertains, but teaches and inspires. Daniel Day-Lewis (My Left Foot and Last of the Mohicans) is, as usual, at the top of his form, as he interprets the character of Abraham Lincoln. Sally Fields, brilliantly cast as Mrs. Lincoln, creates an absolutely perfect male/female tension between herself and Daniel Day-Lewis. The movie deserves an A+ rating across the board. The script, deeply thoughtful, makes its audience feel like we purchased insider seats on the actions that changed the course of a nation’s conscience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan King, Daniel Lupi, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Seward (David Strathairn), Robert Lincoln (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), W. N. Bilbo (James Spader), Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), and Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is a class act. Good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S ELEVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ocean’s Eleven is a little slow getting started, but doesn’t flag after that. George Clooney and cast pull this story off magnificently. This movie is a remake of the 1960s Ocean’s Eleven with more flash and dash. There is no lack in quality, dialogue, timing, action, or scripting. Every piece of the film works for entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) develops a plan to rob The Bellagio, The Mirage, and the MGM Grand casinos all at the same time.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Susan Ekins, and John Hardy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Saul Bloom (Carl Reiner), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), "The Amazing" Yen (Shaobo Qin), Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), and Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth your time and your dollar.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S TWELVE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ocean’s Twelve—sassy, smart, and fun—uses an all-star cast to tell its story. It follows the Ocean’s series format and doesn’t fail to deliver its usual action-packed formula.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) demands the return of the $150,000,000 stolen from him. Ocean’s gang travels to Europe to steal a Faberge Egg for payback. But this story does not follow a predictably straight path as doublecross follows doublecross between professional thieves and liars.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Susan Ekins, and John Hardy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), and Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is a great continuation story to Ocean’s Eleven.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

I AM ALI (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

I Am Ali works on an entirely different level than Will Smith’s 2001 Ali movie. I Am Ali rounds out Muhammad Ali’s story with a profound look at his familial relationships. The documentary becomes a winner from its opening scenes with a wonderful format that does not follow a bulleted, boring chronological storyline. Director Clare Lewins retells Ali’s story with freshness and skill.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This documentary details Muhammad Ali’s story through taped conversations and archival film footage with heavy focus on personal family relationships.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Clare Lewins for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers John Battsek and Simon Chinn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Muhammad Ali Jr.), Herself (Hana Ali), Herself (Maryum Ali), Himself (Muhammad Ali), Himself (Rahman Ali), Himself (Jim Brown), and Himself (Carl Fischer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film has emotional depth accompanied with unanticipated glimpses into Muhammad Ali’s tremendous desire to succeed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers