L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

L.A. Confidential—WOW entertainment for the police story fan—runs along a mature audience theme with strong 1950s movie correlations. Great acting, portrayal, and script move this film into a class of its own. This is a great watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Three Los Angeles police officers execute their idea of justice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Curtis Hanson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Dan Kolsrud and David L. Wolper for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey), Bud White (Russell Crowe), Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), Dudley Smith (James Cromwell), Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger), Sid Hudgens (Danny DeVito), Pierce Patchett (David Strathairn), D.A. Ellis Loew (Ron Rifkin), Badge of Honor Star Brett Chase (Matt McCoy), and Mickey Cohen (Paul Guilfoyle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Built for a mature audience, the movie has spunk and grit. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BREAKDOWN (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Breakdown works itself into a ‘don’t miss this movie’ status from its opening scenes. The film is so well done that it literally lures the audience into each succeeding scene. This is one of Kurt Russell’s great films. It rolls well. A WOW storyline that is almost re-watchable. It’s a classic B-grade movie due to the nature of the story, but runs like an A-grade film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

While traveling cross country, Jeff (Kurt Russell) and Amy Taylor’s (Kathleen Quinlan) new Jeep breaks down near the wrong, small town.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Mostow for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Harry Colomby and Jonathan Fernandez for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Red Barr (J.T. Walsh), Earl (M.C. Gainey), Billy (Jack Noseworthy), Sheriff Boyd (Rex Linn), Al (Ritch Brinkley), Arleen (Moira Sinise), Deputy Len Carver (Kim Robillard), and Calhoun (Thomas Kopache).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth the time and money and performs at much higher levels than Kurt Russell’s Snake Plissken movies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SEVEN POUNDS (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Seven Pounds—powerful performance for Will Smith—explores the subject of organ donation. Smith has an outstanding support cast: Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper, Michael Early and Octavia Spencer. Thought provoking and unique theme make this movie a definite watch.

Film, Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ben (Will Smith) handpicks the people to which he will donate his organs and begins donating.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gabriele Muccino for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David J. Bloomfield, David Crockett, Domenico Procacci, and Ken Stovitz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson), Ezra (Woody Harrelson), Ben’s Brother (Michael Ealy), Dan (Barry Pepper), Connie (Elpidia Carrillo), Sarah (Robinne Lee), Larry (Joe Nunez), George Ristuccia (Bill Smitrovich), and Stewart Goodman (Tim Kelleher).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Emotional drama that allows good conversation after viewing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

From Russia with Love—good show, great script—shows Sean Connery in his second James Bond role. The action, the gadgets, the cars, and the lifestyle maintain the James Bond image. Look for Robert Shaw in the film. Good watch for any James Bond fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Terrorist organization SPECTRE makes elimination of James Bond a top priority.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Terence Young for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Albert R. Broccoli, John Lowry, and Harry Saltzman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Sean Connery), Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi), Kerim Bey (Pedro Armendáriz), Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya), Grant (Robert Shaw), ‘M’ (Bernard Lee), Sylvia Trench (Eunice Gayson), Morzeny (Walter Gotell), Vavra (Francis De Wolff), and Train Conductor (George Pastell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Worth watching. An increasingly suave Sean Connery enlivens every scene.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOLDFINGER (Theatrical Release USA 1964)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Goldfinger delivers the WOW factor in every scene. This film presents Desmond Lewellyn as ‘Q’, the first edition of the Aston Martin DB5 as Bond’s preferred travel vehicle, and features Sean Connery in another outstanding representation of the Bond character. Great work for everyone who worked on this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

James Bond (Sean Connery) becomes involved with Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe), a bullion dealer.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Guy Hamilton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman), Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton), Tilly Masterson (Tania Mallet), Oddjob (Harold Sakata), ‘M’ (Bernard Lee), Solo (Martin Benson), Felix Leiter (Cec Linder), and Simmons (Austin Willis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sean Connery at his best since he started the James Bond series in 1962 with Dr. No. Great watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FLASHBACK (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Flashback casts Dennis Hopper and Kiefer Sutherland together to recapture a bit of the sixties in a structurally solid film that thoroughly tells its story. Well done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

FBI Agent John Buckner (Kiefer Sutherland) has the assignment of transporting former hippie Huey Walker (Dennis Hopper) back to stand trial in Spokane, Washington.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Franco Amurri for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Richard Stenta for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Maggie (Carol Kane), Stark (Paul Dooley), Sheriff Hightower (Cliff De Young), Barry (Richard Mmasur), Hal (Michael McKean), Sparkle (Kathleen York), Phil Prager (Tom O’Brien), and Prison Guard (Eric Lorentz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is an unusually good watch.

Video Critique Available Here

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Ben Meyers

MARATHON MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Marathon Man has so much happening in its opening scenes that it becomes almost confusing and then suddenly mellows out as two men run their cars into a small oil truck. Dustin Hoffman and Roy Scheider play strong parts in this film. The suspense turns on and off throughout the film. The movie serves a mature audience and has some of the best acting that can be seen on the big screen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Babe (Dustin Hoffman) finds himself involved in his brother’s investigation of a Nazi war criminal.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Schlesinger for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sidney Beckerman and Robert Evans for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Szell (Laurence Olivier), Doc (Roy Scheider), Janeway (William Devane), Elsa (Marthe Keller), Professor Blesenthal (Fritz Weaver), Karl (Richard Bright), Erhard (Marc Lawrence), Babe’s Father (Allen Joseph), and Melendez (Tito Goya).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good thriller. Great Work for Director John Schlesinger.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THUNDERBALL (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Thunderball—Sean Connery’s fourth James Bond movie—does not flag in its presentation of the James Bond character, but it does not work in the same class as Goldfinger and Die Another Day. There are slow spots in the storyline that are unusual to a James Bond story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

James Bond (Sean Connery) goes to the Bahamas for another dangerous encounter with SPECTRE.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Terence Young for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin McClory, Albert R. Broccoli, and Harry Saltzman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Sean Connery), Domino (Claudine Auger), Largo (Adolfo Celi), Fiona (Luciana Paluzzi), Felix Leiter (Rik Van Nutter), Count Lippe (Guy Doleman), Patricia (Molly Peters), Paula (Martine Beswick), ‘M’ (Bernard Lee), and ‘Q’ (Desmond Llewelyn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This story is not one of the best of the Bond series, but it satisfies the James Bond fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BODY OF LIES (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Body of Lies—riveting, inspiring, fully developed, WOW entertainment—takes its audience to a place where few can go without a movie to carry them there. Another Director Ridley Scott masterpiece that capably capitalizes on the acting skills of Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe in its portrayal of Middle East politics. BRAVO for a terrific film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

CIA Officer Roger Ferris (Leonardo Di Caprio) tracks terrorist Al-Saleem (Alon Abutbul).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Costigan and Charles J.D. Schlissel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe), Hani (Mark Strong), Aisha (Golshifteh Farahani), Bassam (Oscar Isaac), Omar Sadiki (Ali Suliman), Skip (Vince Colosimo), Garland (Simon McBurney), and Nizar (Mehdi Nebbou).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Nearly anything directed by Ridley Scott becomes an immediate winner in entertainment and this movie is no exception to that rule. Very well done. Thank you for a quality piece of entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROCKY (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 5.0|5.0 Starsììììì

Rocky becomes the first movie to receive a 5.0 out of 5.0-star rating from Ben Meyers International Movie Critics. The film is a standalone masterpiece that completely deserves its standing ovation. The realism is beyond perfect. Sylvester Stallone knows he is Rocky Balboa. Grand Kudos to Director John G. Avildsen for bringing writer Sylvester Stallone’s master script to life. Thank you for showing us there is such a thing as a film worthy of a perfect star rating.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) gets serious about his boxing career.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John G. Avildsen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Gene Kirkwood for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rocky (Sylvester Stallone), Adrian (Talia Shire), Paulie (Burt Young), Apollo (Carl Weathers), Mickey (Burgess Meredith), Jergens (Thayer David), Gazzo (Joe Spinell), Mike (Jimmy Gambina), Fight Announcer (Bill Baldwin), and Cut Man (Al Silvani).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Absolutely nothing lacking here. Pure entertainment that captures the human spirit. Sylvester Stallone IS Rocky Balboa. A visual work of art.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROCKY II (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Rocky II lacks the force and spirit of the first Rocky film. Director John G. Avildsen is replaced by Sylvester Stallone as director. Sylvester Stallone does not have the same forcefulness and does not seem as relaxed and natural as he did in the first film. But besides all that, it’s a great show and deserves a high mark for entertainment value. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After falling into financial difficulty, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) agrees to a re-match with Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sylvester Stallone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adrian (Talia Shire), Paulie (Burt Young), Mickey (Burgess Meredith), Apollo’s Trainer (Tony Burton), Gazzo (Joe Spinell), Agent (Leonard Gaines), Mary Anne Creed (Sylvia Meals), and Meat Foreman (Frank McRae).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a very good sequel to Rocky and is a perfect transition to the next movie in the series. Good fight scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HENRY POOLE IS HERE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Henry Poole Is Here—unusual story, but likable—investigates the miraculous without preaching or trying to drive home a point which makes the movie not only palatable but leaves it in the comfortable to investigate zone. Main actors include Luke Wilson, Adrianna Barraza, and George Lopez. The film has human heart factor strongly interwoven throughout and becomes a small treasure that is worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The face of Jesus shows in a water stain on the side of Henry Poole’s (Luke Wilson) house and causes an unwanted influx of visitors.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mark Pellington for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Aguilar, Mark Pellington, Eric Reid, and Norman Reiss for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dawn Stupek (Radha Mitchell), Esperanza Martinez (Adriana Barraza), Father Salazar (George Lopez), Meg Wyatt (Cheryl Hines), Dr. Francher (Richard Benjamin), Millie Stupek (Morgan Lily), Patience (Rachel Seiferth), Josie (Beth Grant), and Hospital Young Doctor (Dan Callahan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s different, but interesting. No highly electrical field here to amuse or entertain, but a quiet story with a quiet conclusion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DUEL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Duel presents Liam Hemsworth in a western film that finally achieves and deserves its classification of western movie. Hemsworth has the presence, the look, and the strength to carry the western character role that has been lacking in Hollywood western productions for over twenty years. He has more Clint Eastwood ‘cool’ than Clint Eastwood, lets the John Wayne swagger go in favor of the more thoughtful approach, and achieves a male toughness that even Charles Bronson didn’t completely master. Hemsworth absolutely fits this genre while possessing the ability to easily transition into other multi-faceted roles. Looks like this actor is on his way with no need to ever look back. Terrific work by cinematographer Jules O’Loughlin. Above average level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During the late 1800s a Texas Ranger investigates a series of murders in a small Texas town.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Kieran Darcy Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Cloth, Matt Cook, Aaron L. Gilbert, Nathalie Marciano, and Brian Pitt for for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Abraham (Woody Harrelson), David Kingston (Liam Hemsworth), Marisol (Alice Braga), Isaac Brant (Emory Cohen), Naomi (Felicity Price), Governor Lawrence Sullivan Ross (William Sadler), Monte (Christopher James Baker), Dale (Christopher Berry), George (Benedict Samuel), and John (Giles Matthey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s above average in Western entertainment with strong acting by Liam Hemsworth. Finally, a new western that works. Nothing soft here, but not so harsh that it is difficult to deal with. Real entertainment value packed into every scene. Hemsworth can be the new John Wayne/Clint Eastwood should he desire it. Great casting experiment that completely succeeded

Video Critique Available Here.

Ben Meyers

THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Brady Bunch Movie seems to lose the ‘niceness’ of the original Brady family television series. But, the chosen cast play their assigned parts well. The movie works more for a teen audience than an adult audience. Look for Anne B. Davis (who played Alice in the original TV series) in the role of a trucker named Shultzy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Brady family work together to save their home from tax foreclosure.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Betty Thomas for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alan Ladd Jr. for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Carol Brady (Shelley Long), Mike Brady (Gary Cole), Marcia Brady (Christine Taylor), Greg Brady (Christopher Daniel Barnes), Jan Brady (Jennifer Elise Cox), Peter Brady (Paul Sutera), Cindy Brady (Olivia Hack), Bobby Brady (Jesse Lee Soffer), Alice Nelson (Henriette Mantel), Sam Franklin (David Graf), and Grandma (Florence Henderson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good watch and pretty well put together.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPACE JAM (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Space Jam—made for the viewer who loves movies that use live action characters with animated characters—couples Looney Tunes characters with Michael Jordan to tell its story. The concept works very well in this sports-themed movie. Look for Bill Murray and Wayne Knight in this film and a wave motion that features famous sports players.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Bugs Bunny team enlist the help of Michael Jordan (Michael Jordan) to avoid becoming enslaved as entertainers in an intergalactic amusement park.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Joe Pytka for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Falk and Ken Ross for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stan Podolak (Wayne Knight), Juanita Jordan (Theresa Randle), Jeffrey Jordan (Manner Washington), Marcus Jordan (Eric Gordon), Jasmine Jordan (Penny Bae Bridges), Michael Jordan at 10 years of age (Brandon Hammond), Larry Bird (Larry Bird), and Bill Murray (Bill Murray).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works as a cute watch while eating lunch.

Video Critique Available Here:

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Ben Meyers

THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Ghost and the Darkness seems to work in a spiritual realm more than a realm of reality. Two lions target a bridge building project in Africa and seem to kill certain persons selectively. Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas team to solve the problem in order to keep the bridge construction on schedule. Despite the lack of really well-defined characters, the film is fresh and worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two lions wreak havoc on a bridge construction project in Africa.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Stephen Hawkins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Douglas and Steven Reuther for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charles Remington (Michael Douglas), Colonel John Henry Patterson (Val Kilmer), Robert Beaumont (Tom Wilkinson), Samuel (John Kani), Dr. David Hawthorne (Bernard Hill), Angus Starling (Brian McCardie), Helena Patterson (Emily Mortimer), Abdullah (Om Puri), and Mahina (Henry Cele).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a film that shouldn’t be missed. It has a strong African flavor that appeals.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers