THE FAMILY MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Family Man fails when it contrasts a single, professional male living an exceptionally sophisticated, high-end lifestyle with that of a family man living a routine, let’s have a barbecue and go bowling lifestyle. The severe contrast between the two lifestyles plagues the movie despite the attempted launch to the old lifestyle toward the end of the movie. It’s difficult to make sense of the ending scenes of the movie because it seems an open invitation to a single, professional female living an exceptionally sophisticated, high-end lifestyle to share a routine, let’s have a barbecue, and go bowling lifestyle. The movie does not follow a Cinderella format and replaces that ‘feel good’ ending with a feeling of uncertain future. Despite this, the film works as a teen/adult film and seems to support family values over money and sophisticated lifestyle, but raises the question of why must one go down the bowling alley with the ball to have a decent marriage with children?

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) gets a view into what his life would have been like if he had made a different decision about marrying his college girlfriend, Kate Reynolds (Téa Leoni).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brett Ratner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Armyan Bernstein, Thomas A. Bliss, and Andrew Z. Davis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cash (Don Cheadle), Arnie (Jeremy Piven), Alan Mintz (Saul Rubinek), Peter Lassiter (Josef Sommer), Annie Campbell (Makenzie Vega), Josh Campbell (Jake Milkovich), Josh Campbell (Ryan Milkovich), and Evelyn Thompson (Lisa Thornhill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Nicholas Cage fans, the film works and sports a digestible, simple romance/drama storyline that doesn’t quite classify itself as a chick flick.

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Ben Meyers

THE RUNNING MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Running Man has a solid, intriguing, and charismatic storyline with a slight Hunger Games feel. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a bit out of his usual character from his The Terminator, Commando, and True Lies films, plays his character well with a good support cast of Yaphet Kotto, Jim Brown, Jesse Ventura, and Richard Dawson. It’s worth viewing when in the mood for a futuristic action film and is most likely a Schwarzenegger film many audiences may have missed.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Criminals are assigned to an arena where professional killers hunt them.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Paul Michael Glaser for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Keith Barish and Rob Cohen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), William Laughlin (Yaphet Kotto), Fireball (Jim Brown), Captain Freedom (Jesse Ventura), Dynamo (Erland van Lidth), Harold Weiss (Marvin J. McIntyre), Buzzsaw (Gus Rethwisch), Subzero (Professor Toru Tanaka), and Mic (Mick Fleetwood).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s Arnold Schwarzenegger mixing some sci-fi with a lot of action.

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Ben Meyers

PRANCER (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Prancer is sweet, but weak without much thought put into its storyline. While Sam Elliott superbly casts as the western hero, he is a little too rough as supporting character for Rebecca Harrell Tickell  in this movie. There is one scene in the film where Sam Elliott, while reading a newspaper, becomes distracted by outdoor sounds that works well; but he does not convey enough emotion to carry the majority of the scenes for this particular story well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Jessica Riggs (Rebecca Harrell Tickell) nurses a reindeer back to health. She believes she is caring for Prancer, a Santa Claus sleigh reindeer.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John D. Hancock for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Raffaella De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Riggs (Sam Elliott), Mrs. McFarland (Cloris Leachman), Aunt Sarah (Rutanya Alda), Orel Benton (Abe Vigoda), Mr. Stewart/Santa (Michael Constantine), Steve Riggs (John Duda), Carol Wetherby (Ariana Richards), Herb Drier (Mark Rolston), and Billy Quinn (Johnny Galecki).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Better Christmas watches are: A Christmas Story, Polar Express, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

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Ben Meyers

THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Forbidden Kingdom—good Chinese culture fantasy film—involves the Monkey King myth. For full enjoyment of this movie, do a little research on the significance of the Monkey King in Chinese lore before you invest time and money in this entertainment. The special effects behind the action scenes lack realism and need a reboot; but, the overall story flows smoothly partially due to the choice of Jackie Chan and Michael Angarano as backup to Jet Li, who acts the part of the Monkey King. Michael Angarano shows good onscreen charisma in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Teenager Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano) finds a magical staff that involves him in an adventure far beyond what he would have expected.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Rob Minkoff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Raffaella De Laurentiis, Ryan Kavanaugh, Michael Paseornek, Lynwood Spinks, Zhongjun Wang, and Woo-Ping Yuen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Monkey King/The Silent Monk (Jet Li), Lu Yan/Old Hop (Jackie Chan), Southie Girl (Juana Collignon), Lupo (Morgan Benoit), Southie (Jack Posobiec), Young Southie (Thomas McDonell), Old Woman (Zhi Ma Gui), Farmer (Shen Shou He), and Young Village Man (Bin Jiang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It stands as an interesting dip into Chinese fantasy.

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Ben Meyers

SPACEBALLS (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Spaceballs—a spoof on Star Wars and other sci-fi/fantasy films—delivers a fun, rib-tickling movie via the talents of John Candy, Bill Pullman, Rick Moranis, and Mel Brooks. Watch for Dick Van Patten and John Hurt. Listen for the voice of Joan Rivers. This is one of those rare films that lives completely due to its highly intelligent script dialogue. Best work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Planet Spaceball needs air and President Skroob (Mel Brooks) develops a plan to steal the needed air.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mel Brooks for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mel Brooks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Yogurt (Mel Brooks), Barf (John Candy), Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis), Lone Starr (Bill Pullman), Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga), King Roland (Dick Van Patten), Colonel Sandurz (George Wyner), Radar Technician (Michael Winslow), and Dot Matrix (voice of Joan Rivers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Especially designed for the sci fi fan, comedic elements appeal to audiences highly knowledgeable within that entertainment genre. The movie is worth a second viewing due to a sensational, amorphic structured script richly laced with metaphor and simile.

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Ben Meyers

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (Theatrical Release Italy 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Life is Beautiful—an Italian film treasure with terrific English subtitles—presents a classic, heart-touching tale. Director Roberto Benigni tops the charts with this Bravo! Encore! work. The movie is not-to-be-missed with a timeless message for viewers of all ages. It’s an excellent addition to the permanent home entertainment library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Guido Orifice (Roberto Benigni) develops an elaborate game to keep his son, Giosué (Giorgio Cantarini), alive during concentration camp internment.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Roberto Benigni for directing effort. Thank you to Agnès Mentre and John Rogers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Guido (Roberto Benigni), Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), Glosué (Giorgio Cantarini), Zio (Giustino Durano), Ferrucio (Sergio Bini Bustric), Madre di Dora (Marisa Paredes), Dottor Lessing (Horst Buchholz), Guicciardini (Lidia Alfonsi), Direttrice Didattica (Giuliana Lojodice), and Rodolfo (Amerigo Fontani).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a cherished treasure to be enjoyed across all generations. Thank you to all involved in bringing the story into reality.

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Ben Meyers

HOSTAGE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Hostage—superb police story—presents a Bravo!, WOW! piece of thriller entertainment that relies on the talents of Bruce Willis, Ben Foster, Jonathan Tucker, and Marshall Allman. Watch for Art LaFleur and Rumer Willis in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

L.A. hostage negotiator Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis) finds himself deeply involved in a situation calling for far more than hostage negotiation skills.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Florent Emilio Siri for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Hawk Koch, Josef Lautenschlaer, Andreas Thiesmeyer, David J. Wally for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis), Walter Smith (Kevin Pollak), Tommy Smith (Jimmy Bennett), Jennifer Smith (Michelle Horn), Mars Krupcheck (Ben Foster), Dennis Kelly (Jonathan Tucker), Jane Talley (Serena Scott Thomas), Kevin Kelly (Marshall Allman), Amanda Talley (Rumer Willis), and The Watchman (Kim Coates).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie presents maximized thriller/action that involves edge-of-the-seat value entertainment. It’s a best work for Director Florent-Emilio Siri.

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Ben Meyers

PROJECT NIM (Newport Beach Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Project Nim—explores differences and similarities between animals and humans while examining closing the barriers for communication between the two. The documentary delivers more than expected. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Research project examines the possibility of primates learning to communicate via sign language and the changes that occur when these primates are completely immersed into human culture and environment.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Marsh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Battsek, Nick Fraser, Hugo Grumbar, Jamie Laurenson, and Andrew Ruhemann for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Nim Chimpsky), Herself (Stephanie LaFarge), Himself (Herbert Terrace, Himself (Wer LaFarge), Herself (Jenny Lee), Herself (Laura Ann Petitto), Himself (Bill Tynan), Herself (Joyce Butler), Herself (Renne Falitz), and Himself (Bob Ingersoll).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary is insightful.

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Ben Meyers

SHREK (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Shrek—original, creative, witty, fun—thrives on comedy and outstandingly defined characters that rely on the voicing talents of Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. The movie becomes an overnight classic for animated family entertainment that earns every dime spent on its ticket.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Privacy-loving ogre Shrek (voice of Mike Myers) becomes inundated with fairy tale creatures and is promised relief if he will bring a princess to the evil Lord Farquaard (voice of John Lithgow).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson for directing effort. Thank you to:

Executive Producers Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Donkey (voice of Eddie Murphy), Princess Fiona (voice of Cameron Diaz), Monsieur Hood (voice of Vincent Cassel), Ogre Hunter (voice of Peter Dennis), Ogre Hunter (voice of Clive Pearse), Captain of Guards (voice of Jim Cummings), Baby Bear (voice of Bobby Block), and Geppetto/Magic Mirror (voice of Chris Miller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a Bravo! DreamWorks entertainment piece that the family can love time and time again. Excellent work for Directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson.

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Ben Meyers

THE WILD THORNBERRY'S MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Wild Thornberry's Movie sets Eliza Thornberry on a personal African adventure. Lots of charismatic appeal in this animated story that relies on a solidly good script and terrific voice casting. It’s a fun watch for the whole family.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eliza Thornberry (voice of Lacey Chabert) attempts to rescue a baby Cheetah cub from poachers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Cathy Malkasian and Jeff McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eryk Casemiro, Albie Hecht, Han-young Kang, Julia Pistorand Hal Waite making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darwin (voice of Tom Kane), Phaedra (voice of Cree Summer), Nigel Thornberry/Colonel Radcliff Thornberry (voice of Tim Curry), Cordelia Thornberry (Lynn Redgrave), Marianne Thornberry (voice of Jodi Carlisle), Debbie Thornberry (voice of Danielle Harris), Donnie Thornberry (voice of Flea), Cheetah Cubs (voice of Crystal Scales), and Tally (voice of Kimberly Brooks).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s typical Thornberry fun for the whole family.

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Ben Meyers

THE BROTHERS GRIMM (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Brothers Grimm has so much potential not realized that it hurts to watch it meander into mediocrity after its fairly good introductory scenes. The movie relies on a good special effects department to carry the story, but needs more than special effects to carry it. Several scenes, not related to the actual story, made it past editing and actually confuse rather than contribute to the strength of the script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Con-Artists Wilhelm Grimm (Matt Damon) and Jacob Grimm (Heath Ledger) are assigned a supernatural task that will require more than con-artistry to resolve.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Terry Gilliam for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Gordon, Chris McGurk, Andrew Rona, John D. Schofield, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Will (Petr Ratimec), Mother Grimm (Barbora Lukesová), Sister Grimm (Anna Rust), Young Jacob (Jeremy Robson), Gendarme (Radim Kalvoda), Gendarme (Martin Hofmann), German War Veteran (Josef Pepa Nos), and Stable Boy (Harry Gilliam).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There are better movies relating to childhood fairy tales like Mirror, Mirror  that serve a higher entertainment value.

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Ben Meyers

SPEED RACER (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Speed Racer—great animation with live action—immediately catches the viewer off guard with dazzling colors quite out of the norm for movies. The story is concise, almost short, with very little scripting. There is no backstory to make sense of what is happening. Watch for John Goodman in the film. For full appreciation of the movie, read a plotline before you go. The film is one of those movies released before its time and will gather its value in future years.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Speed (Emile Hirsch) receives a series of opportunities to reveal the valuable qualities of integrity, honesty, loyalty to family, courage, and diligence to task when all chips are down.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Michael Lambert, and David Lane Seltzer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Speed Racer (Nicholas Elia), MomSpeed (Susan Sarandon), Speed’s Teacher (Melissa Holroyd), Young Trixie (Ariel Winter), Rex Racer (Scott Porter), Everyman Announcer (Giancarlo Ganziano), Local Announcer (Peter Fernandez), and Harold Ledermann Announcer (Harvey Friedman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film has substance, but despite the added benefit of wonderful cinematography, the movie just doesn’t POP like it should. It’s an interesting dive into speed racing, small companies versus large companies, and interaction between family members trying to keep small, family-owned businesses alive and well in well-funded, highly competitive markets. Watch for Paulie Litt as Spritle Racer. He has great future in creative acting if he chooses.

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Ben Meyers

MY MAN GODFREY (Theatrical Release USA 1936)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

My Man Godfrey—1936 black and white version—has a completely captivating story that plays with terrific dialogue coupled with superb acting. This movie, a real treasure, serves up liberal portions of William Powell (from The Thin Man series) and Carole Lombard in one spectacular scene after another. The film was released in color in 2005 for home video with the original black and white release still available. Kudos to everyone involved in the original production. Thank you to Director Gregory La Cava for a KUDOS! BRAVO! family movie that easily moves into the re-watchable classification for future years.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Socialite Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard), in a moment of compassion, hires homeless Godfrey (William Powell) to be the family’s butler.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gregory La Cava for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Charles R. Rogers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Godfrey (William Powell), Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard), Angelica Bullock (Alice Brady), Cornelia Bullock (Gail Patrick), Alexander Bullock (Eugene Pallette), Molly (Jean Dixon), Tommy Gray (Alan Mowbray), Carlo (Mischa Auer), Mike Flaherty (Pat Flaherty), and Faithful George (Robert Light).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story quickly becomes a BRAVO! ENCORE! film from its first scene to its last scene. It’s a classic watch for the whole family.

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Ben Meyers

MOON (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Moon—unusual, well-thought out, imaginative psychological sci fi drama—starts with a bang and plays out nicely as it settles in to tell its story. Sam Rockwell plays his character well with only two small scenes which could have been stronger: the scene where he bumps his hand against Robot Gerty and when he burns his hand on the hot water faucet. The film on the whole is well-done and very entertaining.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) finds that his company, Lunar Industries, has been cloning him for years and devises a plan to escape additional cloning.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Duncan Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Trevor Beattie, Bill Zysblat, Michael Henry, and Bil Bungay for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: GERTY (voice of Kevin Spacey), Tess Bell (Dominique McElligott), Little Eve (Rosie Shaw), Nanny (Adrienne Shaw), Eve (Kaya Scodelario), Thompson (Benedict Wong), Overmeyers (Matt Berry), Technician (Malcolm Stewart), and Sam Bell Clone (Robin Chalk).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth watching and especially serves the Sam Rockwell fan well.

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Ben Meyers

3:10 TO YUMA (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

3:10 to Yuma—2007 remake of the 1957 film with Van Heflin and Glenn Ford—has spunk partially due to the casting of New Zealand Actor Russell Crowe and Wales Actor Christian Bale. The film ends with a surprisingly unexpected twist. Excellent work by Director James Mangold. Watch for Peter Fonda in the film as well as some good performances by Logan Lerman, Kevin Durand, and Luke Wilson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dan Evans (Christian Bale) attempts to deliver outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stuart M. Besser, Ryan Kavanaugh, and Lynwood Spinks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Evans (Logan Lerman), Grayson Butterfield (Dallas Roberts), Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), McElroy (Peter Fonda), Emma Nelson (Vinessa Shaw), Doc Potter (Alan Tudyk), Marshal Weathers (Luce Rains), and Alice Evans (Gretchen Mol).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a surprisingly good movie for the western movie fan.

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Ben Meyers

CROCODILE DUNDEE (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Crocodile Dundee—unforgettable, rewatchable, and sweet—flavors itself with Australia from its beginning to its end. It reveals unforgettable glimpses into Australian interaction with wildlife, both human and animal. A classic BRAVO! film that works for its money at every level. Kudos to Director Peter Faiman for his outstanding direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Journalist Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) travels to Australia to cover a story on Crocodile Dundee (Paul Hogan). After the news coverage, she invites him on an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Faiman for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Cornell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael J. ‘Crocodile’ Dundee (Paul Hogan), Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), Walter Reilly (John Meillon), Neville Bell (David Gulpilil), Cinco), Con (Ritchie Singer), Ida (Maggie Blinco), Donk (Steve Rackman), Nugget (Gerry Skilton), Duffy (Terry Gill), and Trevor (Peter Turnbull).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is as watchable today as it was thirty years ago. A classic movie that deserves its place in the home movie library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers