LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider—a great film for Lara Croft gaming fans and action movie fans everywhere—begins smashingly with Lara walking into a tomb, seeing an artifact, and quickly being attacked by an evil robot. Be aware of an approximately ten-minute slow spot in the story; but, hang tight because the story picks up the pace when Lara starts a one-of-a-kind bungee exercise to a finely performed classical music selection. From this point forward, the movie holds its action-packed delivery to the end of its story. American Angelina Jolie performs well as a casting choice for her British counterparts—Daniel Craig, Chris Barrie, Iain Glen, and Juilan Rind-Tutt. Watch for Jon Voight, Jolie’s real-life father, playing Lara Croft’s movie father, Lord Richard Croft.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Illuminati search for the key to rejoin two ancient triangles.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon West for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Stuart Baird and Jeremy Heath-Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie), Lord Richard Croft (Jon Voight), Manfred Powell (Iain Glen), Bryce (Noah Taylor), Alex West (Daniel Craig), Distinguished Gentleman (Richard Johnson), Hillary (Chris Barrie), Mr. Pimms (Julian Rhind-Tutt), and Wilson (Leslie Phillips).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is perfectly done from its start to its finish.

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Ben Meyers

GOODFELLAS (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Goodfellas irrefutably stands as testimony to Martin Scorsese’s directing ability. This high quality, gangster film—reminiscent of The Godfather series—does not falter in telling its story. Directed toward the adult audience, its script absorbs, entertains, and educates. The film contains nudity, language, violence, and sexual scenes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Henry Hill (Christopher Serrone) develops a desire to become a gangster. He begins nurturing that desire by running errands for the mob and moves on to more serious gang ‘services’.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for his directing skills. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara De Fina for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), James Conway (Robert De Niro),Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco), Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino), Frankie Carbone (Frank Sivero), Sonny Bunz (Tony Darrow), Frenchy (Mike Starr), Billy Batts (Frank Vincent), Morris Kessler (Chuck Low), Tuddy Cicero (Frank DiLeo), Henny Youngman (Henny Youngman), Janice Rossi (Gina Mastrogiacomo), Tommy’s Mother (Catherine Scorsese), Vinnie (Charles Scorsese), and Karen’s Mother (Suzanne Shepherd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is not for the faint of heart. While The Godfather rates as the classic mob movie, Goodfellas doesn’t have to tip its hat or give up its place in front of any one of the Godfather movies. 

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Ben Meyers

AEON FLUX (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.4|5.0 Starsìì

Æon Flux—good concept, great actors, innovative stunts and action scenes—fails in depth, warmth, and reason for telling its story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Æon Flux (Charlize Theron), ordered by an underground group to rid the city of its corrupt government, finds her city of Bregna’s entire population has an unbelievable secret.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Karyn Kusama for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom Rosenberg and Van Toffler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Oren Goodchild (Jonny Lee Miller), Sithandra (Sophie Okonedo),Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas), Handler (Frances McDormand), Keeper (Pete Postlethwaite), Una Flux (Amelia Warner), Freya (Caroline Chikezie), and Claudius (Nikolai Kinski). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Better choices for female-driven sci-fi films are Resident Evil or Underworld.

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Ben Meyers

WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Theatrical Release USA 1971)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory—one of the BEST classic films made—perfectly blends the acting talents of legendary Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson with the directing talents of Mel Stuart.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Poverty-stricken Charlie (Peter Ostrum) desperately desires a Wonka Golden Ticket that will allow him a coveted private tour of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. His chances are slim to nothing for getting a ticket and he finally gives up hope when the last golden ticket goes to a Willy Wonka fan in South America. But sometimes appearances are deceiving as Charlie and his bedridden Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) discover.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mel Stuart for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder), Mr. Salt (Roy Kinnear), Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole), Mr. Beauregarde (Leonard Stone), Violet Beauregarde (Denise Nickerson), Mrs. Teevee (Nora Denney), Mike Teevee (Paris Themmen), Mrs. Gloop (Ursela Reit), and Augustus Gloop (Michael Bollner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a ‘not to be missed’ classic—superbly acted, timed, and written.

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Ben Meyers

NACHO LIBRE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Nacho Libre—the best of Jack Black since School of Rock—is funny, unique, offbeat, and worth a viewing. Director Jared Hess’ work deserves study.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ignacio (Jack Black), an orphan, has grown up in one of Mexico’s Catholic monasteries where he eventually becomes the cook for other orphans who live there. He wants to provide better food for the orphans and realizes, even though wrestling is forbidden by the church, that he can earn money and serve better food to the orphans through wrestling because, win or lose, every wrestler shares a part of the prize money. He names himself Nacho Libre and works secretly as a wrestler in the evenings. A homeless man, Esqueleto (Héctor Jiménez), helps him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Executive Producer Steve Nicolaides for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sister Encarnación (Ana de la Reguera), Chancho (Darius Rose), Juan Pablo (Moises Arias), Chuy (Diego Eduardo Gomez), Segundo Nuñez (Carlos Maycotte), Guillermo (Richard Montoya), Ramses (Cesar Gonzales), Elderly Monk (Rafael Montalvo), Snaggle Tooth Monk (Julio Sandoval), Arena Referee #1 (Ventura ‘Tigre Hispano’ Lahoz), Snaggle Tooth Monk (Julio Sandoval), Arena Referee #1 (Ventura ‘Tigre Hispano’ Lahoz), and Arena Referee #2 (Felipe Jesus ‘Terror Chino’ Hernandez).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This simple story has an offbeat charm that makes it worth every dollar.

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Ben Meyers

MEN IN BLACK (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Men in Black—unforgettable film that establishes classic status within the first five minutes—doesn’t flag in its deliverance of originality, creativity, and novelty in every scene and dialogue line. Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are a great casting combination. Tony Shalhoub, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn, and Siobhan Fallon Hogan are terrific choices for supporting cast. This film is award winning entertainment. Great storyline, script, and portrayal. The imaginative rendering of a variety of alien life forms makes this movie outstanding.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) serves as an enforcer for aliens who live on earth under a variety of disguises.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Barry Sonnenfeld for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jay (Will Smith), Laurel Weaver (Linda Fiorentino), Edgar (Vincent D’Onofiro), Zed (Rip Torn), Jeebs (Tony Shalhoub), Beatrice (Siobhan Fallon Hogan), Gentle Rosenburg (Mike Nussbaum), Van Driver (Jon Gries), José (Sergio Calderón), Arquillian (Carel Struycken), INS Agent Janus (Fredric Lehne), Dee (Richard Hamilton), First Lieutenant Jake Jensen (Kent Faulcon), Mikey (John Alexander), and Perp (Keith Campbell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Once in a while a movie is produced that stands alone as completely unique—a one and only. This film is it. It’s winning entertainment.

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Ben Meyers

TRAINING DAY (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Training Day—one of Denzel Washington’s best performances—allows him to show great skill in portraying the character of Alonzo Harris, a corrupt Los Angeles Narcotics Police Officer. Perfectly supported by Actor Ethan Hawke, the film does not flinch in its portrayal of corruption within a law enforcement’s narcotics department. The film’s violence, language, and overall toughness place it in the mature adult category; but its level of realism puts it in a class of its own.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Los Angeles Narcotics Officer Alonzo (Denzel Washington) introduces fellow officer Jake (Ethan Hawke) to murder and theft during duty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman and Davis Guggenheim for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Roger (Scott Glenn), Stan Gursky (Tom Berenger), Doug Rosselli (Harris Yulin), Lou Jacobs (Raymond J. Barry), Smiley (Cliff Curtis), Paul (Dr. Dre), Blue (Snoop Dog), and Sandman’s Wife (Macy Gray).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. While this adult film shows enough violence to place it in the ‘no desire to see it twice’ class, it deserves its rating due to its realism and refusal to step down from Director Antoine Fuqua’s vision and skill in directing a tough story to tell. The movie’s overall perfection in flow and acting cannot be ignored.

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Ben Meyers

NATIONAL TREASURE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

National Treasure is, as Ed Sullivan says, ‘a really big show’ to which can be added, ‘and honestly  earns its dollars for entertainment value.’ The innovative script allows Nicolas Cage one of the best performances of his movie career. The supporting cast, composed of Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, and Christopher Plummer, create the perfect charisma that make a film believable. Director Jon Turteltaub times the movement through each clue in this story well. The film has a satisfying conclusion that supports morality and good ethical standards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Benjamin Franklin Gates’ (Nicolas Cage) grandfather tells him a story about a fabulous treasure hidden in America and he sets off to follow a series of clues to find it.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Oren Aviv, Chad Oman, Charles Segars, Christina Steinberg, Mike Stenson, and Barry H. Waldman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast includes: Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), Ian Howe (Sean Bean), Patrick Gates (Jon Voight), Sadusky (Harvey Keitel), John Adams Gates (Christopher Plummer), Shaw (David Dayan Fisher), Powell (Stewart Finlay-McLennan), and Shippen (Oleg Taktarov).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film moves along nicely, seems fresh and new with its simple plot of following one series of clues after another while staying just ahead of the ‘bad guys’.

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Ben Meyers

APOLLO 13 (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Apollo 13—a meat and potatoes entertainment piece directed by Ron Howard—bases itself on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission. Absolutely, do not miss this movie. Every single thing, from the timing, the script, the casting, works in this movie. KUDOS to Director Ron Howard for creating an outstanding film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Apollo 13, America’s third planned Moon landing, enters failure mode when a liquid oxygen tank explodes and the second one begins leaking. The crew work frantically to create a plan that will allow them to return home.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Ron Howard for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Todd Hallowell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon), Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), Gene Kranz (Ed Harris), Marilyn Lovell (Kathleen Quinlan), Barbara Lovell (Mary Kate Schellhardt), Susan Lovell (Emily Ann Lloyd), Jeffrey Lovell (Miko Hughes), and Jay Lovell (Max Elliott Slade).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director Ron Howard directs an outstanding film that underscores itself with the terrific cast composed of Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Clint Howard.

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Ben Meyers

KING KONG (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

King Kong—second live action remake of the story since 1976 with a third upcoming 2017 remake: Kong: Skull Island—this 2005 film has Director Peter Jackson interpreting Kong through the efforts of Jack Black, Adrien Brody, and Naomi Watts. Combining terrific footage of natives dressed in outstandingly realistic costuming and makeup artistry with very good background scenery set this movie up to far surpass audience expectations for a King Kong movie. The only small criticism that can be made concerns the special effects of the brontosauruses and their pileup scene. There needs to be a tad more work put into the special effects to push those scenes over the top, but the creativity of the dinosaur pileup pushes that concern to the sidelines. Kudos to Peter Jackson for producing a good Kong movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

King Kong (Andy Serkis) falls in love with the girl, Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), and makes his journey to the United States to terrorize an entire city.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Jan Blenkin, Carolynne Cunningham, Peter Jackson, and Fran Walsh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Carl Denham (Jack Black), Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), Captain Englehorn (Thomas Kretschmann), Preston (Colin Hanks), Lumpy (Andy Serkis), Hayes (Evan Parke), Jimmy (Jamie Bell), Choy (Lobo Chan), Herb (John Sumner), and Mike (Craig Hall).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

  

Yes. The story’s well done and makes one highly anticipate what Peter Jackson has in store for audiences with his 2006 production of Lovely Bones. Special thanks to Peter Jackson for all his effort and hard work in productions like Lord of the Rings and the vast improvement on the Kong stories.

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Ben Meyers

BATMAN & ROBIN (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Batman & Robin—one of the best in the Batman movie remake series—adds George Clooney to the stable of actors who interpret the Batman/Bruce Wayne character. Clooney renders the Bruce Wayne half of Batman with a sophistication and solidness that differs entirely from Val Kilmer's more youthful, brash and rash vision of Bruce Wayne in his Batman Forever film. While the movie fails in the scenes detailing petty arguments between Batman and Robin over Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) as they are in transit to fight the evil Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), the evil laughs of Arnold Schwarzenegger spill ‘chill’ more than all the evil laughs of Two Face and the Riddler combined in previous versions of Batman. The acting? More realistic than previous Batman movies. The script has more strength than the previous three Batman films combined. While Batman and Robin ‘suiting up’ for action works on the comically lame side, Uma Thurman, considering her scripted dialogue, plays an interesting Poison Ivy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O’Donnell) fight the evil Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) with some interesting interaction with Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Joel Schumacher for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Victor Fries (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Bruce Wayne (George Clooney), Dick Grayson (Chris O’Donnell), Dr. Pamela Isley (Uma Thurman), Batgirl/Barbara Wilson (Alicia Silverstone), Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), Commissioner James Gordon (Pat Hingle), Dr. Jason Woodrue (John Glover), Julie Madison (Elle Macpherson), Ms. B. Haven (Vivica A. Fox), and Nora Fries (Vendela Kirsebom Thomessen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The provocative casting mix of Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, and Uma Thurman creates a worthy watch.

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Ben Meyers

FALLEN (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Fallen—grim, dark, sad reality documentary—concerns itself with men and women of law enforcement killed in the line of duty. Written and directed by Mark Marchese, a former police officer forced to retire due to injuries sustained while on duty, the film honors these men and women by bringing attention to their exceptionally dangerous job. Actor Michael Chicklis from the television show, “The Shield” (2002-2008), narrates the film. Kudos to Director Mark Marchese for pursuing the project with diligence.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The documentary explores the alarming number of American police officers killed in the line of duty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Thomas Marchese for directing efforts. Thank you to Darkroom Studios for its part in making production possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Michael Chiklis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film, a ‘must see’ educational 75 minutes, serves the larger need to cultivate deeper inquiry into the criminal element of our world and how to eliminate police officer death and injury. Thank you to every person involved in making this moving documentary.

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Ben Meyers

THE GODFATHER (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Godfather—masterpiece of the great movie collection—depicts the gruesome reality of gangster life when large egos are stepped on and when interpretation of personal intent goes awry. The Godfather performs very well for the mature adult audience and marks itself as a terrific study film for academia.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) attempts stability between the five major mob families during the 1940s and 1950s.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Evans for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), Sonny Corleone (James Caan), Clemenza (Richard S. Castellano), Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Captain McCluskey (Sterling Hayden), Jack Woltz (John Marley), Barzini (Richard Conte), Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), Kay Adams (Diane Keaton), and Tessio (Abe Vigoda).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film becomes the classic definition standard for all mafia/mob movies, the best of the best. 

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Ben Meyers

THE TRUMAN SHOW (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Truman Show—an inspiring display of originality and creativity—becomes one of Jim Carrey’s better films. One of those ‘sit back and enjoy’ movies, due to its premium script, earns its WOW! KUDOS! as good entertainment for the whole family. Outstanding direction by Director Peter Weir. Watch for Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti in this movie as well as the legendary Composer Philip Glass (who acts as the keyboard artist).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Adopted by a movie company, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) becomes a star of reality television from birth to his early thirties until he discovers something is not quite right in his world.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Weir for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Lynn Pleshette for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Meryl Burbank/Hannah Gill (Laura Linney), Marlon (Noah Emmerich), Lauren/Sylvia (Natascha McElhone), Truman’s Mother (Holland Taylor), Truman’s Father (Brian Delate), Young Truman (Blair Slater), Lawrence (Peter Krause), Vivien (Heidi Schanz), Ron (Ron Taylor), and Don (Don Taylor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Classic comedy/drama that easily obtains ‘re-watchable’ status.

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Ben Meyers

BATMAN RETURNS (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Batman Returns—slightly better than the Batman movie—starts with a bang that creates high expectations and then settles out to a mediocre level. The film casts Danny DeVito as The Penguin and adds Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, and Pat Hingle to the cast. The costuming and makeup are quite good. The special effects perform at about the same level as the movie’s prequel.  Because the script consistently places Batman precisely at scenes of danger, the movie quickly positions itself within the ‘corny/comedic’ category. Whereas Director Christopher Nolan in Batman Begins elevates Batman's character to a realistic fighter of crime, the director of this film, Tim Burton, uses some of the old Adam West techniques when eradicating ‘bad guys’ except it does the audience the favor of disposing of the zap and bang power words splattered across action scenes to describe what a punch sounds like. This film has Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman with Michael Gough serving as character Alfred Pennyworth.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Batman (Michael Keaton) fights The Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Tim Burton for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Guber, Benjamin Melniker, Jon Peters, and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), Oswald Cobblepot (Danny DeVito), Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), Max Shreck (Christopher Walken), Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), The Mayor (Michael Murphy), Ice Princess (Cristi Conaway), Charles ‘Chip’ Shreck (Andrew Bryniarski), Commissioner James Gordon (Pat Hingle), Organ Grinder (Vincent Schiavelli), and Josh (Steve Witting).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is worth watching Danny DeVito’s outstanding performance as the Penguin, but an overall better watch is The Dark Knight.

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Ben Meyers

FURRY VENGEANCE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì

Furry Vengeance—fails at the script level—endeavors to say something good about animal safety and forest protection but does it in a way that disables the cause. The strongest actors/actresses in this film become Brooke Shield and Alice Drummond who both carry their parts well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Animals fight back for their piece of the forest and target Dan Sanders (Brendan Fraser).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Roger Kumble for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouel, Brendan Fraser, Jonathan King, Ira Shuman, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank (Ricky Garcia), Cheese (Eugene Cordero), Gus (Patrice O’Neal), Hank (Jim Norton), Tammy Sanders (Brooke Shields), Tyler Sanders (Matt Prokop), Drill Sergeant (Billy Bush), Neal Lyman (Ken Jeong), Felder (Angela Kinsey), and Principal Baker (Samantha Bee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Mouse Hunt is a better movie if one is looking for a story with human/animal interaction.

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Ben Meyers

BATMAN FOREVER (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

Batman Forever features Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, and Val Kilmer to tell its story. Despite its great cast, the story is difficult to get through due to poor timing and meager reliance on good transitioning between scenes. This creates a distinct ‘jittery, mixed-up feeling’ that steadily builds a desire to stop the film and watch something else. Director Joel Schumacher’s choice of Tommy Lee Jones for the Harvey Dent/Two Face character proves less effective in this movie than Director Christopher Nolan’s use of Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two Face in The Dark Knight film. Interestingly, this lack of effect seems to revolve, not just in the acting, but around the makeup department. Batman Forever retains the original half green face for Two Face while The Dark Knight’s makeup department tosses the half green face in favor of a phenomenal use of rotting flesh that reveals teeth and bone, an amazing improvement over the traditional face. The Riddler, in this film, seems to dominate the scenes which becomes a natural outcome of choosing Jim Carrey to portray this character. It will be interesting to see what Christopher Nolan or Zack Snyder can do with that character in future films.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Batman (Val Kilmer) has opportunity to battle the Riddler (Jim Carrey) and the criminal Two Face (Tommy Lee Jones).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Joel Schumacher for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bruce Wayne (Val Kilmer), Harvey Dent (Tommy Lee Jones), Dr. Edward Nygma (Jim Carrey), Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman), Robin/Dick Grayson (Chris O’Donnell), Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), Commissioner James Gordon (Pat Hingle), Sugar (Drew Barrymore), Spice (Debi Mazar), and Gossip Gerty (Elizabeth Sanders).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie enlarges Robin’s personality as he relates to Batman, which is a rather interesting enhancement of the ongoing Batman story. The film narrowly serves the ‘I love Batman club’ more than the overall movie audience seeking action entertainment.

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Ben Meyers