BATMAN AND HARLEY QUINN (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Batman and Harley Quinn places emphasis on Nightwing (formally Robin) and Harley Quinn. This animated feature has its own cool and serves the teen audience well. The voices are well-chosen. Thank you for all involved in producing a Batman animated story that holds attention and follows the format of modernizing the series with more realism.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Batman (voice of Kevin Conroy) assigns the job of finding Harley Quinn (voice of Melissa Rauch) to Nightwing (voice of Loren Lester).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sam Liu for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker, Sam Register, Bruce Timm, and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harleen Quinzel (voice of Melissa Rauch), Poison Ivy/Pamela Isley (voice of Paget Brewster), Floronic Man/Jason Woodrue/Additional Voices (voice of Kevin Michael Richardson), Wesley/Additional Voices (voice of Eric Bauza), Bobby Liebowitz/Additional Voices (voice of Trevor Devall), Swamp Thing/Sarge Steel/Additional Voices (voice of John DiMaggio), Rhino/Additional Voices (voice of Robin Atkin Downes), Harold Goldblum/Min/Max/Anderson/Additional Voices (voice of Rob Paulsen), Project Supervisor/Additional Voices (voice of Mindy Sterling), and Booster Gold (voice of Bruce Timm).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is worth a watch. The conclusion comes as somewhat of a surprise.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SHOOTIST (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Shootist—John Wayne’s final film—is as good as it gets for western film. It’s classic John Wayne and a final farewell gift to all his fans. Lauren Bacall and Ron Howard support Wayne in this story. Both actress and actor are beyond reproach. Look for Jimmy Stewart, Richard Boone, Harry Morgan, and John Carradine in this fabulous send off.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

J.B. Books (John Wayne) rents a Carson City, Nevada boarding house room as a place to die.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Siegel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers M.J. Frankovich and William Self for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall), Gillom Rogers (Ron Howard), Dr. Hostetler (James Stewart), Sweeney (Richard Boone), Pulford (Hugh O’Brian), Cobb (Bill McKinney), Marshall Thibido (Harry Morgan), Beckum (John Carradine), Serepta (Sheree North), Dobkins (Rick Lenz), Moses (Scatman Crothers), and Burly Man (Gregg Palmer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a classic and ‘not to be missed’ film for all western and possibly non-western film fans. Director Don Siegel did an outstanding job in moving this film along toward a terrific conclusion.

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Ben Meyers

THE GOLDEN COMPASS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Golden Compass—inspired by novelist Philip Pullman’s stories—shows great imagination working within a parallel universe where working with personal daemons, powerful armor-shielded bears, and rescuing orphans becomes the common place. The movie is a WOW! piece of entertainment that features the voices of actors like Ian McShane, Freddie Highmore, and Ian McKellen. Dakota Blue Richards, who plays Lyra, does an outstanding job.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) takes a trip with Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman) and finds Mrs. Coulter has a serious agenda that affects orphans, Gyptian children, and children from poor families.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Weitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Toby Emmerich, Michael Lynne, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, and Paul Weitz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), Roger (Ben Walker), Pantalaimon (voice of Freddie Highmore), Iorek Byrnison (voice of Ian McKellen), Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green), John Faa (Jim Carter), Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay), Ragnar Sturlusson (voice of Ian McShane), Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), and First High Councilor (Christopher Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is complicated and rich in symbolism. The film deserves a sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Harley Davidson and The Marlboro Man works for the adult audience while it examines lifestyles of the not so rich and not so famous. The acting is good and the script has a style of its own. The film is worth one viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An armored car heist goes wrong when the robbers find it carries drugs, not money.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jere Henshaw for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harley Davidson (Mickey Rourke), Marlboro (Don Johnson), Virginia Slim (Chelsea Field), Alexander (Daniel Baldwin), Jimmy Jiles (Giancarlo Esposito), Lulu Daniels (Vanessa Williams), Thom (Robert Ginty), Kimiko (Tia Carrere), Old Man (Julius Harris), Jose (Eloy Casados), and Jack Daniels (Big John Studd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worthy of a watch. Director Simon Wincer pulls this story together with Mickey Rourke, Don Johnson, Daniel Baldwin, and Vanessa Williams. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEOWULF (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Beowulf—perfect example of motion capture animation—presents some the best of Robert Zemeckis’ efforts to develop new animation technologies that are so realistic it seems one is watching live acting. This film shows what Zemeckis (Polar Express) does best in special effects. While the script and storyline may not be the best, the special effects are outstanding. The all-star voice casting adds to the quality of the entertainment. The film becomes a worthy watch to stay abreast of technology and the changing face of the entertainment industry.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Beowulf becomes involved with a Water Demon and finds there are some battles that are neither won or lost. They repeat themselves over and over again with different protagonists yearning for and receiving ruling rights over others with resulting disastrous consequences for those ruled and those who rule.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Zemeckis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Roger Avary, Neil Gaiman, and Martin Shafer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wealthow (Robin Wright),Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins), Musician #1 (Paul Baker), Musician #2 (John Bilezikjian), Musician #3 (Rod D. Harbour), Musician #4 (Brice Martin), Gitte (Sonja Fortag), Hild (Sharisse Baker Bernard), Estrith (Charlotte Salt), Cille (Julene Renee), Garmund (Greg Ellis), Eofor (Rik Young), Wulfgar (Sebastian Roché), and Yrsa (Leslie Zemeckis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This experimental, animated film with its special effects becomes a wonder to watch...a milestone in the entertainment industry brought to you by Robert Zemeckis.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SLEEPERS (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 5.0|5.0 Starsììììì

Sleepers—a WOW, Bravo, masterpiece—tells a bitter, difficult story with finesse. The storyline, script, portrayal, cast are superb. It deserves a standing ovation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Four grown men find a way to avenge injustices faced in youth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Levinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Giuliano for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nokes (Kevin Bacon), Tommy (Billy Crudup), Father Bobby (Robert De Niro), John (Ron Eldard), Carol (Minnie Driver), King Benny (Vittorio Gassman), Danny Snyder (Dustin Hoffman), Ferguson (Terry Kinney), Shakes’ Father (Bruno Kirby), Fat Mancho (Frank Medrano), Shakes (Jason Patric), Young Shakes (Joe Perrino), and Michael (Brad Pitt).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie does not preach, but still manages to teach a heavy lesson. It serves a late teen/adult viewing audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DAYBREAKERS (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Daybreakers’ interesting concept drives this movie so that it becomes like a great novel—one can’t stop watching/reading due to tremendous desire to see what will happen next. Even though the movie contains some very average acting scenes, these scenes are spiced up with some very good acting performances. Sam Neill seems a little out of character in this movie, but still gives his usual professional performance. Watch for Willem Dafoe.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

When the world becomes populated with more vampires than humans, a need for a solution arises.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block and Jason Constantine for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lisa Barrett (Harriet Minto-Day), Senator Turner (Jay Laga’aia), Senator Westlake (Damien Garvey), Homeless Vampire (Sahaj Dumpleton), Businessman (Allan Todd), Businesswoman (Gabriella Di Labio), Police Officer (Ben Siemer), Police Officer (Peter Welman), Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke),  Vampire School Kids (Callum McLean, Jarrad Pon, Victoria Williams, and Zoe White).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Spierig brothers take the age-old vampire story to the next level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHEELMAN (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Wheelman creates a desire to see more of Director Jeremy Rush’s work. The film is good and the cast choices are good. The movie is produced for the mature audience with a lot of language and a little gore.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Getaway driver Wheelman (Frank Grillo) takes a job for the mob and gets more than he bargained for.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jeremy Rush for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gianni Altobelli Anders Erden, J. Todd Harris, Philip Krepela, Chady Eli Mattar, George Parra, Art Robinson, Scott C. Silver, and Lisa Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Katie (Caitlin Carmichael), Clayton (Garret Dillahunt), Jessica (Wendy Moniz), Motherfucker (Shea Whigham), Real Handler (John Cenatiempo), Jazz Handler (Slaine), Mechanic (William Xifaras), Vinnie (Seth Ayott), Real Handler’s Man #3 (Keenen Bray), Motorcycle Driver (Joe Dryden), Hip Hop Guy (Eddie J. Fernandez Jr.), and Cop Car Driver (James Fierro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jeremy Rush is a good director for this film. This movie is interesting to watch in full.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LITTLE WOMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Little Women—a classic winner—shows Kirsten Dunst as a child actor. Her outstanding performance proves that talent can be a lifelong gift. Great work for Director Gillian Armstrong for pulling the magic out of the story without missing a single piece of its heart.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The four March sisters grow up and choose their individual life paths.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gillian Armstrong for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Denise Di Novi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jo March (Winona Ryder), Friedrich Bhaer (Gabriel Byrne), Meg March (Trini Alvarado), Older Amy March (Samantha Mathis), Younger Amy March (Kirsten Dunst), Beth March (Claire Danes), Laurie (Christian Bale), John Brooke (Eric Stoltz), Mr. Laurence (John Neville), Aunt March (Mary Wickes), Mrs. March (Susan Sarandon), Hannah (Florence Paterson), and Carriage Boy (Robin Collins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film has heart. Wonderfully written.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MR. CHURCH (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Church performs as an award-winning film due to the efforts of Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, Natascha McElhone, Xavier Samuels, Lucy Fry, and the rest of the cast. Kudos to Director Bruce Beresford for directing a film with heart woven into its fabric.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) cares for three successive generations within a family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bruce Beresford for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Anspaugh, Fredy Bush, Brad Kaplan, Lawrence M. Kopeikin, Dennis L. Pelino, David Tish, and Wei Cheng for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie (Britt Robertson), Marie (Natascha McElhone), Owen (Xavier Samuel), Poppy (Lucy Fry), Eddie Larson (Christian Madsen), Izzy (Mckenna Grace), Young Charlie (Natalie Coughlin), Young Poppy (Madison Wolfe), Young Owen (Lincoln Melcher), Mrs. Dickerman (Kathleen McMartin), Gibby (Sara Shearer), and Doctor (Kelly Lester).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This offbeat film carries itself from the beginning to the end. Great work for the actors and all support crew.

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Ben Meyers

PELE: BIRTH OF A LEGEND (Theatrcal Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Pelé: Birth of a Legend—documentary about one of soccer’s greats—has WOW and Encore! written all over it. Cameraman Matthew Libatique’s terrific cinematography and camera angles define this work. The story is well-written, the portrayal is excellent and serves the soccer game and the athlete, Pele, with a high level of integrity and skill. Directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist have Ben Meyers International’s ticket for talent in biographical movie direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This film shows the biographical story of Brazil’s soccer player, Pelé.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jeff and Michael Zimbalist for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Guy East, Paul Kemsley, Benjamin Mathes, and Pelé for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pele (Kevin de Paula), Younger Pele (Leonardo Lima Carvalho), Dondinho (Seu Jorge), Celeste Arantes (Mariana Nunes), Waldemar de Brito (Milton Gonçalves), Mario Zagallo (Seth Michaels), Feola (Vincent D’Onofrio), Santos Club Coach (André Mattos), Narrator (voice of Phil Miler), Yuri (Rafael Henriques), Garrincha (Felipe Simas), French Announcer (voice of Adriano Aragon), and Lucia (Mariana Balsa).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is worth several tickets—one for you and the rest for the many in the party. Thank you to all who were involved in the film’s production and release. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KINGDOM (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Kingdom—despite generally poor reviews—completely succeeds in action scenes and portrayal of story. Action scenes score 95/100 and portrayal scores 90/100. The movie may not have a large storyline, but it goes down well—completely palatable and manageable. Jennifer Garner pulls off a completely realistic and refreshing action scene fighting brutal hand-to-hand combat female to male that is memorable—above criticism. The movie’s timing works as well as the Clint Eastwood directed timing in Million Dollar Baby except it works on a larger scale notably suited to big screen presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In response to a bitter terrorist attack, the United States launches a special task force to investigate.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Aubrey, John Cameron, Ryan Kavanaugh, Mary Parent, and Steven P. Saeta for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx), Grant Sykes (Chris Cooper), Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman), Colonel Faris Al Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom), Sergeant Haytham (Ali Suliman), Damon Schmidt (Jeremy Piven), Robert Grace (Richard Jenkins), Aaron Jackson (Tim McGraw), Francis Manner (Kyle Chandler), Elaine Flowers (Frances Fisher), Gideon Young (Danny Huston), Ellis Leach (Kelly AuCoin), and Maricella Canavesio (Anna Deavere Smith).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has its place and exceeds the viewing quality of 13 Hours. Director Peter Berg has got the Ben Meyers’ ticket for a job well done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MYSTIC RIVER (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Mystic River—excellently directed by Clint Eastwood—stands as one of his best movies since the 2014 release of Jersey Boys. This movie won Sean Penn the 76^th Academy award for Best Actor and Tim Robbins the Best Supporting Actor award. The film is well written and well told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tragic childhood events follow three men into adulthood for a final resolution.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Bruce Berman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn), Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins), Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon), Whitey Powers (Laurence Fishburne), Celeste Boyle (Marcia Gay Harden), Annabeth Markum (Laura Linney), Val Savage (Kevin Chapman), Brendan Harris (Tom Guiry), Katie Markum (Emmy Rossum), Silent Ray Harris (Spencer Treat Clark), John O’Shea (Andrew Mackin), Nick Savage (Adam Nelson), Kevin Savage (Robert Wahlberg), and Esther Harris (Jenny O’Hara).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film does not play down its subject matter. It’s a classic tale worth both your time and money. The acting stands as among the best. It serves the late teen/adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOUSE HUNT * (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Mouse Hunt—lovable, sweet, comical—couples DreamWorks with Director Gore Verbinski in his directing debut and takes the big screen by storm. The story is flat out wonderful. The script so well-written that it deserves re-watch status. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Brothers Lars (Lee Evans) and Ernie (Nathan Lane) attempt to live in an inherited mansion, but find themselves competing with a skillful, long-term resident mouse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gore Verbinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bruce Cohen, Tony Ludwig, and Alan Riche for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: April Smuntz (Vicki Lewis), Alexander Falko (Maury Chaykin), Ernie and Lars’ Lawyer (Eric Christmas), Quincy Thorpe (Michael Jeter), Ingrid (Debra Christofferson), Hilde (Camilla Søeberg), Auctioneer (Ian Abercrombie), Roxanne Atkins (Annabelle Gurwitch), The Banker (Eric Poppick), Maury (Ernie Sabella), and Rudolph Smuntz (William Hickey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a ‘not to be missed’ film. Worth the ticket and the time. 

*Also Known as: Mousehunt

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1978)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Revenge of the Pink Panther does not falter in the panther lineup. Peter Sellers has the charisma and a voice that won’t quit for entertainment value. This movie is Peter Sellers’ last panther film. Well done by all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) becomes the target of the French Connection.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tony Adams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom),Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), Simone Legree (Dyan Cannon), Philippe Douvier (Robert Webber), Guy Algo (Tony Beckley), Al Marchione (Robert Loggia), Julio Scallini (Paul Stewart), Sergeant François Chevalier (André Maranne), Dr. Auguste Balls (Graham Stark), Fernet (Alfie Bass), Claude Russo (Sue Lloyd), and Cunny (Danny Schiller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth a ticket.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers