THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse sets the stage for its sequel. Watch for some terrific fighting scenes to include an epic battle between a vampire and werewolf. Great work for Director David Slade. The final scenes of the movie are exceptionally intriguing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vampire Victoria Sutherland (Bryce Dallas Howard) builds a newborn vampire army to avenge her husband.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Slade for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Riley (Xavier Samuel), Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Eric (Justin Chon), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Mike (Michael Welch), Angela (Christian Serratos), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Mr. Biers (Paul Jarrett), Mrs. Biers (Iris Quinn), Renee (Sarah Clarke), Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli), and Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse stands as a great sequel to The Twilight Saga: New Moon. This series of drama/action romances are some of the best out there.

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Ben Meyers

A MAN CALLED HORSE (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

A Man Called Horse reminds us of why Richard Harris is considered one of the best actors of our times. The native American actors and actresses perform very well. The costuming and staging departments outdid themselves in quality. Outstanding direction by Director Elliot Silverstein shows heart and brings to life an exceptionally well-written and well-timed script that illustrates Native American ritual and life in a worthy manner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

English noble-born John Morgan (Richard Harris), after capture by a Native American tribe, integrates and becomes both a warrior and a leader.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elliot Silverstein for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Sandy Howard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buffalo Cow Head (Judith Anderson), Batise (Jean Gascon), Yellow Hand (Manu Tupou), Running Deer (Corinna Tsopei), Joe (Dub Taylor), Ed (James Gammon), Bent (William Jordan), Black Eagle (Eddie Little Sky), Longfoot (Michael Baseleon), Thorn Rose (Lina Marin), Elk Woman (Tamara Garina), Striking Bear (Terry Leonard), Medicine Man (Iron Eyes Cody), Medicine Man (Tom Tyon), and Medicine Man (Jackson Tail).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Excellent acting makes this movie POP! Thank you to all involved in making it a reality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NUMBERED (Television Release Israel 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Numbered—Holocaust documentary film—interviews survivors and, via the media of film, makes a living memorial of this traumatic event in their lives.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Jewish Holocaust survivors show their tattooed arm numbers and tell their stories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Dana Doron and Uriel Sinai for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s important to document and record the Holocaust survivors’ memories, reactions, and life lived after the event.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE 4TH COMPANY (Guadalajara International Film Festival Jarlisco Mexico 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The 4^th Company—brutal, gruesome Mexican prison realism—bases itself on real life events. This film serves the mature adult audience and completely deserves a 5.0-star rating for acting, portrayal of storyline, and realistic interpretation of Mexican prison life.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Mexican penal system sports its own football team.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Mitzi Vanessa Arreola and Amir Galván Cervera for directing effort. Thank you to

Executive Producers Erwin Neumaier and Sandra Paredes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zambrano (Adrian Ladron), Combate (Andoni Gracia), Palafox (Hernan Mendoza), Quinto (Gabino Rodriguez), Florecita (Dario T. Pie), Chaparro (Manuel Ojeda), El Tripas (Carlos Valencia), Burrero (Raymundo Reyes Morena), Sigueiros (Juan Carlos Flores), Marrón (Horacio Garcia Rojas), Entrenador Patino (Guillermo Rios), Antollin (Erando González), El Negro (Josepho Rodriguez), Memo López Jose Sefami), and Custodio Bartolo (Julio Casado).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is a rough watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FACE/OFF (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Face/Off casts Nicolas Cage with John Travolta to produce an unusual flick based upon revenge. The film stands overall as a good movie with its fair share of action. The movie does not require a great deal of energy to work out the story line and quickly becomes a ‘sit back and enjoy the show’ piece of entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Sean Archer (John Travolta), an FBI agent, engages terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) in a series of confrontations.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Woo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Douglas, Jonathan D. Krane, and Steven Reuther for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eve Archer (Joan Allen), Pollux Troy (Alessandro Nivola), Sasha Hassler (Gina Gershon), Jamie Archer (Dominique Swain), Dietrich Hassler (Nick Cassavetes), Victor Lazarro (Harve Presnell), Dr. Malcolm Walsh (Colm Feore), Prison Guard Walton (John Carroll Lynch), Hollis Miller (CCH Pounder), Tito Biondi (Robert Wisdom), Wanda (Margaret Cho), Buzz (James Denton), Loomis (Matt Ross), and Dubov (Chris Bauer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It performs a little above the status of a ‘B’ grade action film and is worth the watch. Great work for Director John Woo.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HAPPY GILMORE (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Happy Gilmore—while not Adam Sandler’s best film—is well written and well-acted. The film is worth adding to the home library. It uses the talents of Cristopher McDonald, Francis Bay, Julie Bowen, Carl Weathers, Bob Barker, Richard Kiel, Kevin Nealon, Will Sasso, and tucks in Ben Stiller as Hal, an orderly in a nursing home.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Hockey-player Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) finds his true sport in golf.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dennis Dugan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bernie Brillstein, Brad Grey, and Sandy Wernick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), Grandma (Frances Bay), Chubbs (Carl Weathers), Otto (Allen Covert), IRS Agent (Robert Smigel), Bob Barker (Bob Barker), Mr. Larson (Richard Kiel), Doug Thompson (Dennis Dugan), Jeering Fan (Joe Flaherty), Himself (Lee Trevino), Potter (Kevin Nealon), Announcer (Verne Lundquist), and Happy’s Waterbury Caddy (Jared Van Snellenberg).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth a re-watch and over the years will be one you’ll enjoy seeing again. Great work for Director Dennis Dugan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Journey to the Center of the Earth is a good show and worth watching. While Brendan Fraser does not seem to fit his assigned character well, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem are well cast for their parts. The story is great and the concept is well thought out. Like the original Journey to the Center of the Earth, there is not much storyline here. But, there are bits and pieces of the film that stand out (like the dinosaur chase).

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

An uncle, Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), and his nephew, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson), look for Sean’s missing Father and find the center of the earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eric Brevig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Toby Emmerich, Brendan Fraser, W. Mark McNair, and Tripp Vinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannah Ásgeirsson (Anita Briem), Professor Alan Kitzens (Seth Meyers), Max Anderson (Jean Michel Paré), Elizabeth (Jane Wheeler), Old Man (Frank Fontaine), Leonard (Giancarlo Caltabiano), Sigurbjörn Ásgeirsson (Garth Gilker), and Gum-chewing Girl (Kaniehtiio Horn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is well-made and has some creatively different scenery (like the raft in the ocean) that is quite good.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Magnificent Seven is an example of a re-make film that actually improves on the original film. Great acting from Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent O’Onofrio, Peter Sarsgaard and some new names Byung Hung Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, and Haley Bennett under the direction of Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Tears of the Sun, and Southpaw) pull together a truly outstanding western. This is a Wow! film for the western movie fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The western town of Rose Creek needs liberation and widow, Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), gathers a team of liberators.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Antoine Fuqua, Walter Mirisch, and Ben Waisbren for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier), Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), Teddy Q (Luke Grimes), Matthew Cullen (Matt Bomer), Denali (Jonathan Joss), McCann (Cam Gigandet), Maxwell (Emil Beheshti), Preacher (Mark Ashworth), Josiah (Billy Slaughter), and Anthony (Dodge Prince).

                                                                

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a classic re-make that wins and has great action scenes that are very well done. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight Saga: New Moon has a terrific story underlined by a good script. The special effects in the film are very good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) attempts to protect Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) by breaking off their romantic relationship.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Weitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gran (Christina Jastrzembska), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Mike (Michael Welch), Eric (Justin Chon), Angela (Christian Serratos), Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Mr. Berty (Russell Roberts), James (Cam Gigandet), Aro (Michael Sheen), Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower), and Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie stands as an excellent effort for Director Chris Weitz and prepares Twilight fans for the next film in the Twilight series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PRINCESS DIARIES (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Princess Diaries carries its story well. It’s a great film for Anne Hathaway fans and, with the wise choice of Julie Andrews to round out the cast, becomes an almost classic family movie. The storyline’s concept and the resulting script are great. Special thanks goes to Director Garry Marshall for using his broad directing skills to great advantage. The 2004 sequel is Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) reveals to her grand-daughter, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathway), that she is the princess of a small country named Genovia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garry Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Debra Martin Chase, Whitney Houston, and Mario Iscovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) Joe (Hector Elizondo), Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo), Lana Thomas (Mandy Moore), Mia’s Mom (Caroline Goodall), Michael Moscovitz (Robert Schwartzman), Student Josh Bryant (Erik von Detten), Student Jeremiah Hart (Patrick John Flueger), Teacher Mr. O’Connell (Sean O’Bryan), Vice Principal Gupta (Sandra Oh), Charlotte Kutaway (Kathleen Marshall), Gym Teacher Harbula (Mindy Burbano), Music Teacher Wells (Kimleigh Smith), Cheerleader Anna (Elizabeth Gudenrath), Cheerleader Fontana (Bianca Lopez), and Cheerleader Lupe (Tamara Levinson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is clean, worth a sequel, and serves the whole family well. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Murder on the Orient Express presents a classic story in grand style under the good direction of Director Sidney Lumet. This is a great watch for the teen/adult.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hercule Poirot endeavors to solve a murder case on the Orient Express.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sidney Lumet for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Brabourne and Richard B. Goodwin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney), Mrs. Hubbard (Lauren Bacall), Bianchi (Martin Balsam), Greta (Ingrid Bergman), Countess Andrenyi (Jacqueline Bisset), Pierre (Jean-Pierre Cassel), Colonel Arbuthnot (Sean Connery), Beddoes (John Gielgud), Princess Dragomiroff (Wendy Hiller), McQueen (Anthony Perkins), Mary Debenham (Vanessa Redgrave), Hildegarde (Rachel Roberts), Ratchett (Richard Widmark), Count Andrenyi (Michael York), Hardman (Colin Blakely), and Doctor (George Coulouris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a worthy watch that features an all-star cast.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AFTERMATH (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Aftermath—suspense drama—places Arnold Schwarzenegger in more of a dramatic role than in an action role. This film requires more emotion from him as did his movie Maggie. Schwarzenegger easily proves that he will handle anything Hollywood wants to throw at him. Likewise, this film works as a terrific credit for Scoot McNairy and for Director Elliott Lester.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two planes crash mid-air and completely change the lives of an air traffic control officer, Jake (Scoot McNairy), and  construction worker, Roman (Arnold Schwarzenegger).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elliott Lester for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Martin Blencowe, Barry Brooker, Ted Fox, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Javier Gullón, Ari Handel, Anthony Jabre, Robert Jones, Vance Owen, Steven Saxton, Josh Stern, Mark Stewart, and Stan Wertlieb for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Christina (Maggie Grace), Samuel (Judah Nelson), James Gullick (Larry Sullivan), Thomas (Jason McCune), Matt (Glenn Morshower), Eve (Mariana Klaveno), Robert (Martin Donovan), Tessa (Hannah Ware), Andrew/Corpulent Man (Christopher Darga), Airline Supervisor (Teri Clark), Nadiya (Danielle Sherrick), and Airport Employee (Jeff Panzarella).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It sits among Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best films. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE NATURAL (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Natural—a great baseball film—compares to the quality of the sports movie, Field of Dreams, while outclassing the sports movie, 42. The film has heart; that heart makes it a worthy watch. Terrific casting includes Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duval, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, and Joe Don Baker. Great work for Director Barry Levinson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

At 19-years-of-age Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) sets out to play baseball, gets sidetracked, and doesn’t return to the game until he is 35 years old.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Levinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Philip M. Breen and Roger Towne for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), Iris Gaines (Glenn Close), Memo Paris (Kim Basinger), Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley), Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey), The Judge (Robert Prosky), Red Blow (Richard Farnsworth), The Whammer (Joe Don Baker), Sam Simpson (John Finnegan), Ed Hobbs (Alan Fudge), Young Roy (Paul Sullivan Jr.), Young Iris (Rachel Hall), and Ted Hobbs (Robert Rich III).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Completely inspiring watch; a story that fits Robert Redford from its beginning to its end.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Phantom of the Opera—excellent remake of a classic—introduces Emmy Rossum as the lead vocalist who blows her role over the top with a voice that will not be ignored. Possibly one of the best classic films of this decade, it capitalizes on the talents of Gerard Butler and Patrick Wilson. The movie defines the word finesse for actors’ performance. The movie deserves more than one viewing and, in fact, begs for its re-watch due to the symbolism laced throughout the film. Read a plotline before you go to enhance viewer appreciation. Great work for Director Joel Schumacher.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Madame Giry (Miranda Richardson) helps a child raised in a circus freak show escape and hides him underneath an opera house. He grows up alone and unloved until he meets Christine (Emmy Rossum).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joel Schumacher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeff Abberley, Julia Blackman, Keith Cousins, Louise Goodsill, Paul Hitchcock, Ralph Kamp, and Austin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Phantom (Gerard Butler), Christine (Emmy Rossum), Raoul (Patrick Wilson), Carlotta (Minnie Driver), Firmin (Ciarán Hinds), Andre (Simon Callow), Piangi (Victor McGuire), Meg Giry (Jennifer Ellison), Reyer (Murray Melvin), Buquet (Kevin McNally), Lefevre (James Fleet), Carlotta’s Maid (Imogen Bain), Carlotta’s seamstress (Judith Paris), and Carlotta’s Wigmaker (Miles Western).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a classic. Outstanding music.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers