LARRY THE CABLE GUY: HEALTH INSPECTOR (Theatricial Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector—perfect for Larry the Cable Guy fans—has a solid plot that works on the border of ‘edgy’. Styled for the teen/adult audience, there are enough laughs and typical Larry the Cable Guy dialogue and visuals to tickle the funny bone.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Free-wheeling City Health Inspector Larry (Larry the Cable Guy) is assigned disciplined partner Amy Butlin (Iris Bahr). This highly mismatched team become involved in the inspection of a restaurant food poisoning scheme.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Trent Cooper for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Emily Wolfe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Larry (Larry the Cable Guy), Donnie (David Koechner), Diner Manager (Michael Papajohn), Old Woman in Diner (Phyllis Alexion), Jack Dabbs (Tony Hale), Bart Tatlock (Thomas F. Wilson), Amy Butlin (Iris Bahr), Sushi Chef Sakamoto (Eric Esteban), and Brenda (Brooke Dillman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film serves Larry the Cable Guy fans well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CREED (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Creed does justice to the Rocky series. The script is a spinoff of the rest of the Apollo Creed (the boxer who died in Rocky 4) story. Sylvester Stallone is back and once again completely takes us by storm in his role as the seasoned trainer, Rocky Balboa, who coaches and trains Apollo Creed’s son. This is one of the best spinoff films you’ll ever see. Director Ryan Cooglar really struts his stuff in this top-of-the-line boxing film. The final fighting scene, fast-paced and realistic, totally enters the ‘WOW! What a fight!’ category. Exceptionally well-done, the film completely absorbs that old Rocky feel that no boxing film achieved since the first release of the Rocky films. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The illegitimate son, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), of Apollo Creed, the fighter who fought in the Rocky 1 through 3 films and was killed in the Rocky 4 film, decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and looks up Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to train him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ryan Coogler for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Nicolas Stern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bianca (Tessa Thompson), Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), Danny ‘Stuntman’ Wheeler (Andre Ward), ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew), Pete Sporino (Ritchie Coster), Stitch (Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran), Tommy Holiday (Graham McTavish), Amir (Malik Bazille), Padman (Ricardo ‘Padman’ McGill), and Leo ‘The Lion’ Sporino (Gabe Rosado).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It lives up to the original Rocky series with an outstanding performance by Sylvester Stallone as a seasoned Rocky Balboa. The film is a complete winner and worth watching more than once. Thank you to everyone involved in the production of this film for giving us one more gourmet taste of Rocky Balboa. WOW! What a film!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom falls into that elite ‘multiple-rewatch-is-absolutely-gonna-happen’ classification that only a few films achieve. The movie captivates its audience with superlative background sets, terrific actors, outstanding script, tense action sequences laced with comedic episodes to break tension, and balances everything with that unique aura that dominates the Indiana Jones series. Watch for the cameo appearance of Dan Aykroyd.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds himself involved in an adventure to rescue children, retrieve Sankara stones, and defeat members of the Thuggee cult.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers George Lucas and Frank Marshall for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan), Mola Ram (Amrish Puri), Chattar Lal (Roshan Seth), Captain Blumburtt (Philip Stone), Lao Che (Roy Chiao), Wu Han (David Yip), Kao Kan (Ric Young), Chen (Chua Kah Joo), Maitre d’ (Rex Ngui), Chief Henchman (Philip Tan), and Weber (Dan Aykroyd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works as a classic study in non-stop action placed in outrageously exotic settings while being completely entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LOVELY BONES (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lovely Bones—another Peter Jackson-directed classic—deals with the serial killer persona and how that can be enabled. The story runs with a strong spiritual background that helps relieve its gruesome reality. A Bravo! Bravo! film that needs to be watched if for nothing else than education concerning this personality type and as a precautionary tale.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) makes a deadly mistake and ends up a victim of serial killer George Harvey (Stanley Tucci).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ken Kamins, Tessa Ross, Steven Spielberg, and James Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg), Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz), Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon), Len Fenerman (Michael Imperioli), Lindsey Salmon (Rose McIver), Buckley Salmon (Christian Ashdale), Ray Singh (Reece Ritchie), Ruth Connors (Carolyn Dando), Holly (Nikki SooHoo), Samuel Heckler (Andrew James Allen), and Brian Nelson (Jake Abel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Hard-to-get-through, unpalatable, but must be told, subject matter serves the late teen/adult audience. It takes an outstanding set of producers and directors to balance earthly savageness with the kindness of heaven, but the right people were involved to perfectly balance this hard-to-be-told story. Kudos to Director Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Pictures, WingNut Films, and Film4 Productions.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Nicholas Nickleby, a story revisited by both British and American studios since 1903, need not bow its head in shame to any of its multiple predecessors. The film relies on the excellence of Christopher Plummer, Jim Broadbent, Nathan Lane, Jamie Bell, Anne Hathaway, Timothy Spall, and Alan Cummings to portray its story. Kudos to Director Douglas McGrath for another outstandingly directed film. Everything works in this Charles Dickens’ classic.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Good faith and justice win over evil scheming and greed as youthful Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) finds his way in the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Douglas McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gail Egan, Michael Hogan, and Robert Kessel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mrs. Nickleby (Stella Gonet), Mr. Nickleby (Andrew Havill), Child Nicholas Nickleby (Henry McGrath), Boy Nicholas Nickleby (Hugh Mitchell), Child Kate Nickleby (Poppy Rogers), Young Kate Nickleby (Jessie Lou Roberts), Kate Nickleby (Romola Garai), Newman Noggs (Tom Courtenay), Ralph Nickleby (Christopher Plummer), Madeline Bray (Anne Hathaway), Mr. Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), Mr. Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), Parent (Angela Curran), Smike (Jamie Bell), and Mrs. Squeers (Juliet Stevenson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The storyline does not lose on the kindness level and runs on a perfectly executed script. Bravo to all involved in the film’s release.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GONE IN 60 SECONDS (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Gone in 60 Seconds bases entertainment value on two elements: the need to steal a Freightliner along with 47 vehicles ranging in class from Cadillacs to Maseratis, Ferraris, and Rolls Royces in 5 days and a final car chase scene between a 1971 yellow Ford Mustang and the police. The final chase takes 40 of the 105 minutes of film time and wrecks over 93 cars. This low-budget film, written, produced, and directed by a California junkyard dealer, H.B. Halicki, needs a substantial overhaul and does get that in the 2000 movie Gone in Sixty Seconds starring Nicolas Cage. The movie suffers, during its first scenes, from poor audio due to background noise degrading the quality of actors’ voices; however, the subtitles are well done and serve to fill in the dialogue gaps.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A drug lord gives a list of 48 vehicles and $400,000 cash to insurance investigator, junkyard owner, and professional car thief Maindrian Pace (H.B. Halicki) with an order that the specified vehicles be delivered in 5 days.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director and Producer H.B. Halicki for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vicinski (H.B. Halicki), Pumpkin Chase (Marion Busia), Eugene Chase (Jerry Daugirda), Stanley Chase (James McIntyre), Atlee Jackson (George Cole), Corlis Pace (Ronald Halicki), Uncle Joe Chase (Markos Kotsikos), 1-Baker-11 detective driver (Butch Stockton), and 1-Baker-11 detective passenger (Phil Woods).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. As a study for how a low budget film ($150,000) can deliver an entertaining story and make a whole lotta money ($40,000,000+), it serves a high purpose. But the 2000 remake Gone in Sixty Seconds with Nicholas Cage performs at a much higher entertainment level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DADDY’S HOME (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Daddy’s Home does something rare in a comedy script—it keeps its comedic pace evenly distributed throughout the movie without a drop, dip, or single flag in style. The dialogue and scenes deliver a beautiful understanding of the nuances that play out between men of opposite character trying to work through and establish common meeting ground in a situation that seems to predict complete failure. The storyline is a little ‘edgy’ but makes that edginess work for the overall benefit of the film without offending. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg act their assigned characters through perfectly rendered body language, well-timed dialogue, and delightful coordination of choreography. Supporting cast members do not overshadow the lead characters’ roles. The film, from beginning to end, establishes itself as a terrific and thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

New step dad, Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), and ‘real’ dad, Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg), interlock horns over territorial rights.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sean Anders for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Anders, Riza Aziz, Jessica Elbaum, David Koplan, Joey McFarland, Diane Pokorny, and Kevin J. Messick for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell), Dusty Mayron (Mark Wahlberg), Sara (Linda Cardellini), Leo Holt (Thomas Haden Church), Megan (Scarlett Estevez), Dylan (Owen Vaccaro) Dr. Francisco (Bobby Cannavale), Griff (Hannibal Buress), Jerry (Bill Burr), Doris (Jamie Denbo), Dental Hygenist (Mark L. Young), Pete (Matthew Paul Martinez), Panda Singer #1 (Dave Davis), and Panda Singer #2 (James Harlon Palmer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie deserves a sequel and sets itself up for Daddy’s Home 2 that adds John Lithgow, Mel Gibson, and John Cena to the story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters does not sport great English voice-overs, but the subtitles are very good and the combination of the two work to establish dialogue. Despite a few lost words in dialogue, the concept and the manner in which the script flows make an overall good watch for a B-grade movie. It is worth a sequel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Godzilla controls earth. Humans and aliens attempt to regain control.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Hiroyuki and Kôbun Shizuno for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Yoshihiro Furusawa for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Haruo Sakaki (voice of Mamoru Miyano), Metphies (voice of Takahiro Sakurai), Tuko Tani (voice of Kana Hanazawa), Martin Lazzari (voice of Tomokazu Sugita), Adam Bindewald (voice of Yûki Kaji), Mulu-Elu Galu-Gu (voice of Jun’ichi-Suwabe), Eliott Leland (voice of Daisuke Ono), Rilu-Elu Belu-be (voice Kenta Miyake), Unberto Mori (voice of Ken’yû Horiuchi), Halu-Elu Dolu-do (voice of Kazuya Nakai), Endurph (voice of Kazuhiro Yamaji), Takeshi J. Hamamoto (voice of Kanehira Yamamoto), and Jack O’Sullivan (voice of Shinya Takahashi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, it’s worth a watch for the Godzilla fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KILLING GUNTHER (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Killing Gunther—interesting concept, a little out-of-character for Arnold Schwarzenegger—has an off-beat script that somehow works overall. Taran Killam performs quite well in this movie for the teen/adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hitman Blake (Taran Killam) decides to move up to world-class hitman status by eliminating the best hitman in the world, Gunther (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Blake hires a film crew to document his self-assigned hit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Taran Killam for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Charles Auty, Shanan Becker, Maxime Cottray, Liz Destro, Steven Pottash, Arnold Schwarzenegger, D. Todd Shepherd, Joe Simpson, Andrew Xavier Yakub, and Sean Andrew Maurer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lisa McCalla (Cobie Smulders), Sanaa (Hannah Simone), Mia (Allison Tolman), Max (Steve Bacic), Yong (Aaron Yoo), Cheyenne (Scott McNeil), Donnie (Bobby Moynihan), Rahmat (Peter Kelamis), Trish (Rebecca Olson), Izzat (Amir Talai), and Jewel (Alex Duncan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Comical, with a flare toward unusual presentation, the film is worth at least one viewing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MEGAN LEAVEY (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Megan Leavey moves itself out of B-grade status partly due to its choice of subject matter—military canine detection and their handler units, establishment of a female in a male-dominated soldier unit, and the interweaving of a second underlying story that graphically shows a specific type of home-life with which some enlisted personnel must rationalize and come to terms. While the film does not establish itself in the academy award winning class, it does have a certain aura, created by actress Kate Mara, that pushes it into a good, solid watch category. The film firmly broadens education about deployed army canines, their retirement, and usefulness to war efforts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Soldier Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) requests canine duty and deploys with a highly aggressive male dog.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jose Luis Escolar, Scott Holroyd, Robert Huberman, and Nicole Stojkovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jackie (Edie Falco), Barbie (Alisa Harris), Receiving Marine #1 (Nick Madrick), Receiving Marine #2 (Jason Turner), Female Drill Instructor #1 (Sasha Morfaw), Female Drill Instructor #2 (Jennifer Duke), Female Drill Instructor #3 (Megan Leavey), Jim (Will Patton), Master Sergeant (Corey Johnson), Jones (Andrew Moon), Timmins (Alicia Lobo), Lopez (Melina Matthews), and Drunk Guy in Bar (Luka Peros).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This flick has a universal appeal that supersedes its war movie classification.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CIRCLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Circle examines reasons behind citizens’ choice to allow 100 percent audio/video surveillance in their lives. Emma Watson does a terrific job in her role of a young woman who recommends ‘going completely transparent’ in this sci fi drama about personal monitoring. Her supporting cast—Tom Hanks, Patton Oswald, and Bill Paxton—help to establish how decisions, with far reaching impact, happen in small baby steps that move entire worlds toward inevitable outcomes. Great work for Director James Ponsoldt who gives a solid look into a future that is already here. One sex scene and language move this movie into the late teen/adult category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Mae Holland (Emma Watson) helps a real-time audio/video company establish dominance nationally and internationally as good choice for humanity’s safety, health, and crime reduction.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Ponsoldt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stefanie Azpiazu, Peter Cron, Evan Hayes, Russell Levine, Federica Sainte-Rose, Ron Schmidt, Steve Shareshian, Marc Shmuger, and Sally Willcox for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mae (Emma Watson), Mercer (Ellar Coltrane), Bonnie (Glenne Headly), Vinnie (Bill Paxton), Annie (Karen Gillan), Bailey (Tom Hanks), Beck (Beck), Dan (Nate Corddry), and Jared (Mamoudou Athie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves as a reminder of how a single, likable spokesperson can move an entire world through decision-making processes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly—never gets old—spices itself with treacherousness, violence, and a bit of comedy along its path toward becoming one of the best westerns ever conceived and executed. Sergio Leone brands this film and clears the path for additional Spaghetti westerns. This is not for children, but it is for the older teen and up with some violence and language. Kudos for especially powerful, suspenseful ending scenes. Great work for everyone involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Blondie (Clint Eastwood) works to find his share of confederate gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sergio Leone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Grimaldi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tuco (Eli Wallach), Sentenza/Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), Alcoholic Union Captain (Aldo Giuffrè), Father Pablo Ramirez (Luigi Pistilli), Maria (Rada Rassimov), Storekeeper (Enzo Petito), Mexican Peon (Claudio Scarchilli), Sheriff (John Bartha), Baker (Livio Lorenzon), and Jackson/Bill Carson (Antonio Casale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a bona fide, rewatchable classic western.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALL CREATURES BIG AND SMALL * (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.8|5.0 Starsìì

All Creatures Big and Small—an animated disaster—seems related to the duckbill platypus who cannot get wings under itself in order to fly. Its inadequacies flow from a predominantly poor script.

Film Poster courtesy of IMDb

Storyline

Animals who were not on the invite list from Noah’s Ark find their place.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Toby Genkel for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Mark Mertens, Jean-Marie Musique, and Christine Parisse for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dave/Mr. Griffin/Prairie Dog (voice of Dermot Magennis), Finny (voice of Callum Maloney), Hazel (voice of Tara Flynn), Leah (voice of Ava Connolly), Obesey/Stayput/Chimpanzee (voice of Paul Tylak), Lion (voice of Alan Stanford), Mrs. Griffin/Flamingo/Mrs. Guard/Margaret (voice of Aileen Mythen), Tanglefoot/Mr. Guard/Siberian Tiger (voice of Patrick FitzSymons), Rhinoceros (voice of Carla Becker), Baby Hippopotamus #1/Songbird #1 (voice of Franciska Friede), and Baby Hippopotamus #2 (voice of Lotta Doll).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. If the audience does not abandon the film during the first thirty minutes due to thinking it can only get better…well…it doesn’t.

*Also Known as Ooops! Noah is Gone

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Tuskegee Airmen details African American military service during WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen film performs at a similar level as the 2012 film, Red Tails. The movie serves as a great story that educates without preaching. Bravo for a very good military story directed by Robert Markowitz.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War II births the 332 Fighter Group, an all-black fighting group serving the United States Army Air Corp.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Markowitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Frank Price for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne), Walter Peoples (Allen Payne), Leroy Cappy (Malcolm Jamal Warner), Lieutenant Glenn (Courtney B. Vance), Benjamin O. Davis (Andre Braugher), Major Joy (Christopher McDonald), Colonel Rogers (Daniel Hugh Kelly), Senator Conyers (John Lithgow), Billy Roberts (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Lewis Johns (Mekhi Phifer), and Young Hannibal (Christopher Bevins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This well-told and worthy film deserves its kudos for educating as well as entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Raiders of the Lost Ark has mesmerized audiences, as of this 2018 writing, for 37 years and continues to be the definition of action/adventure films based on its unique storyline, well-written script, perfectly timed sequencing, exotic stage settings, casting choices, ‘fresh’ action scenes, and satisfying breaks of unforgettable comedy. Kudos to Director Steven Spielberg and Producer George Lucas for creation of an entirely satisfying saga.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nazis search for the Ark of the Covenant, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds it, and the fight is on to establish control of the priceless archaeological find.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Howard G. Kazanjian and George Lucas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marion (Karen Allen), Bellog (Paul Freeman), Toht (Ronald Lacey), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Brody (Denholm Elliott), Sapito (Alfred Molina), Dietrich (Wolf Kahler), Gobler (Anthony Higgins), Barranca/Monkey Man (Vic Tablian), and Colonel Musgrove (Don Fellows).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film serves the whole family well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LARGER THAN LIFE (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Larger than Life could have been top-of-the-line comedy due to its basically good concept; but the script dialogue does not support the Bill Murray comedy style and the film, without intention, takes on a certain darkness that is almost depressing as the main character attempts to find a circus elephant a good home. The film does not wind down well to its final scenes and seems unbelievable as an elephant loads on an outbound plane without proper health release papers in place. The conclusion seems bluntly cut short as if needing to meet a time or budget restriction or as if rewritten to suit a certain desired aim never originally intended for the story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Motivational speaker Jack Corcoran (Bill Murray) inherits a circus elephant.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Howard Franklin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sue Baden Powell, Guy East, and Wolfgang Glattes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vernon the Human Blockhead (Pat Hingle), Vernon’s Wife, Lulana (Lois Smith), Event Coordinator (Jerry Adler), Richie (Richard Alan Baker), Man in Audience (Richie Allan), Pyramid Woman (Kimberly Thornton), Mom (Anita Gillette), Celeste (Maureen Mueller), Walter (Jeremy Piven), Matthew (Alex Neiwerth), Party Guest (Alfa Betty Olsen), and Receptionist (Carrie Houk).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. A better choice for overall entertainment within the ‘animal interacting with human storyline’ is Paulie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MONSTER TRUCKS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Monster Trucks will remind audiences of one of those 'first choice’ movies one watches when young. While this film may not be a first choice for an adult audience, it serves as ‘cool’ for the younger audience. Barry Pepper seems perfectly cast for his part. Lucas Till gives a strong performance while Danny Glover is always on top of his game.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tripp (Lucas Till) spends most of his time in a junkyard building his own monster truck from the scraps of other vehicles. When Tripp discovers a creature hiding in the junkyard, a bond develops that leads to an oil company working in North Dakota.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Chris Wedge for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Cale Boyter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Meredith (Jane Levy), Jim Dowd (Thomas Lennon), Sheriff Rick (Barry Pepper), Reece Tenneson (Rob Lowe), Mr. Weathers (Danny Glover), Cindy (Amy Ryan), Burke (Holt McCallany), Wade Coley (Frank Whaley), Junior Scientist (Aliyah O’Brien), Technician (Daniel Bacon), and Roughneck (Faustino Di Bauda).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a fun movie for the 10-year old and up.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers