DAYBREAKERS (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Daybreakers’ interesting concept drives this movie so that it becomes like a great novel—one can’t stop watching/reading due to tremendous desire to see what will happen next. Even though the movie contains some very average acting scenes, these scenes are spiced up with some very good acting performances. Sam Neill seems a little out of character in this movie, but still gives his usual professional performance. Watch for Willem Dafoe.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

When the world becomes populated with more vampires than humans, a need for a solution arises.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block and Jason Constantine for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lisa Barrett (Harriet Minto-Day), Senator Turner (Jay Laga’aia), Senator Westlake (Damien Garvey), Homeless Vampire (Sahaj Dumpleton), Businessman (Allan Todd), Businesswoman (Gabriella Di Labio), Police Officer (Ben Siemer), Police Officer (Peter Welman), Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke),  Vampire School Kids (Callum McLean, Jarrad Pon, Victoria Williams, and Zoe White).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Spierig brothers take the age-old vampire story to the next level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JOSEPH: KING OF DREAMS (Video Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Joseph: King of Dreams—animated version of the Joseph story—covers the basic Biblical Joseph story adequately, but is not the best in its class. It serves as a child’s fill-in-some-spare-time movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Joseph is sold into Egypt and the family soon follows.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Rob LaDuca and Robert C. Ramirez for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Penney Finkelman Cox, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Steve Hickner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joseph (voice of Ben Affleck), Judah (voice of Mark Hamill), Jacob (Richard Herd), Rachel (voice of Maureen McGovern), Asenath (voice of Jodi Benson), Zuleika (voice of Judith Light), Potiphar (voice of James Eckhouse), Pharoah (voice of Richard McGonagle), Joseph (singing voice of David Campbell), Simeon/Slave Trader (voice of Steven Weber), Auctioneer/Horse Trader (voice of Dan Castellaneta), and Butler (voice of Rene Auberjonois).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good review of the life events of the Biblical Joseph, but a better view is Prince of Egypt.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHEELMAN (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Wheelman creates a desire to see more of Director Jeremy Rush’s work. The film is good and the cast choices are good. The movie is produced for the mature audience with a lot of language and a little gore.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Getaway driver Wheelman (Frank Grillo) takes a job for the mob and gets more than he bargained for.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jeremy Rush for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gianni Altobelli Anders Erden, J. Todd Harris, Philip Krepela, Chady Eli Mattar, George Parra, Art Robinson, Scott C. Silver, and Lisa Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Katie (Caitlin Carmichael), Clayton (Garret Dillahunt), Jessica (Wendy Moniz), Motherfucker (Shea Whigham), Real Handler (John Cenatiempo), Jazz Handler (Slaine), Mechanic (William Xifaras), Vinnie (Seth Ayott), Real Handler’s Man #3 (Keenen Bray), Motorcycle Driver (Joe Dryden), Hip Hop Guy (Eddie J. Fernandez Jr.), and Cop Car Driver (James Fierro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jeremy Rush is a good director for this film. This movie is interesting to watch in full.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LITTLE WOMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Little Women—a classic winner—shows Kirsten Dunst as a child actor. Her outstanding performance proves that talent can be a lifelong gift. Great work for Director Gillian Armstrong for pulling the magic out of the story without missing a single piece of its heart.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The four March sisters grow up and choose their individual life paths.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gillian Armstrong for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Denise Di Novi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jo March (Winona Ryder), Friedrich Bhaer (Gabriel Byrne), Meg March (Trini Alvarado), Older Amy March (Samantha Mathis), Younger Amy March (Kirsten Dunst), Beth March (Claire Danes), Laurie (Christian Bale), John Brooke (Eric Stoltz), Mr. Laurence (John Neville), Aunt March (Mary Wickes), Mrs. March (Susan Sarandon), Hannah (Florence Paterson), and Carriage Boy (Robin Collins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film has heart. Wonderfully written.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MR. CHURCH (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Church performs as an award-winning film due to the efforts of Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, Natascha McElhone, Xavier Samuels, Lucy Fry, and the rest of the cast. Kudos to Director Bruce Beresford for directing a film with heart woven into its fabric.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Church (Eddie Murphy) cares for three successive generations within a family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bruce Beresford for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Anspaugh, Fredy Bush, Brad Kaplan, Lawrence M. Kopeikin, Dennis L. Pelino, David Tish, and Wei Cheng for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie (Britt Robertson), Marie (Natascha McElhone), Owen (Xavier Samuel), Poppy (Lucy Fry), Eddie Larson (Christian Madsen), Izzy (Mckenna Grace), Young Charlie (Natalie Coughlin), Young Poppy (Madison Wolfe), Young Owen (Lincoln Melcher), Mrs. Dickerman (Kathleen McMartin), Gibby (Sara Shearer), and Doctor (Kelly Lester).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This offbeat film carries itself from the beginning to the end. Great work for the actors and all support crew.

Video Critiques Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KINGDOM (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Kingdom—despite generally poor reviews—completely succeeds in action scenes and portrayal of story. Action scenes score 95/100 and portrayal scores 90/100. The movie may not have a large storyline, but it goes down well—completely palatable and manageable. Jennifer Garner pulls off a completely realistic and refreshing action scene fighting brutal hand-to-hand combat female to male that is memorable—above criticism. The movie’s timing works as well as the Clint Eastwood directed timing in Million Dollar Baby except it works on a larger scale notably suited to big screen presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In response to a bitter terrorist attack, the United States launches a special task force to investigate.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Aubrey, John Cameron, Ryan Kavanaugh, Mary Parent, and Steven P. Saeta for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx), Grant Sykes (Chris Cooper), Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman), Colonel Faris Al Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom), Sergeant Haytham (Ali Suliman), Damon Schmidt (Jeremy Piven), Robert Grace (Richard Jenkins), Aaron Jackson (Tim McGraw), Francis Manner (Kyle Chandler), Elaine Flowers (Frances Fisher), Gideon Young (Danny Huston), Ellis Leach (Kelly AuCoin), and Maricella Canavesio (Anna Deavere Smith).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has its place and exceeds the viewing quality of 13 Hours. Director Peter Berg has got the Ben Meyers’ ticket for a job well done.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MIRACLE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Miracle needs to replace Kurt Russell with a more forceful character like Kris Kristofferson or move the assistant coach, Noah Emmerich, into the head coach position. That single casting move would greatly improve the entire presentation into higher rating and quality viewing. This film works for the teen/adult audience and survives due to its tenacious desire to replicate events at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ice hockey Coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) takes a personally selected hockey team and wins the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gavin O’ Connor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ross Greenburg and Justis Greene for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Patti Brooks (Patricia Clarkson), Craig Patrick (Noah Emmerich), Walter Bush (Sean McCann), Doc Nagobads (Kenneth Welsh), Jim Craig (Eddie Cahill), Mike Eruzione (Patrick O’Brien Demsey), Jack O’Callahan (Michael Mantenuto), Rob McClanahan (Nathan West), Ralph Cox (Kenneth Mitchell), Mark Johnson (Eric Peter-Kaiser), Dave Silk (Bobby Hanson), Mike Ramsey (Joseph Cure), and Buzz Schneider (Billy Schneider).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie serves hockey fans well with inspirational scenes and good hockey plays.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

POWER RANGERS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Power Rangers features young actors who possibly will be the next big names in action flicks, but at this point in time are still developing acting skills. Average performance and mediocre action scenes place this film in the teen flick entertainment range. Perhaps Director Dean Israelite, in future Power Ranger films, will be able to morph presentation of Power Rangers into quality entertainment just as Director Christopher Nolan took the hokey Batman stories and morphed them into the outstanding Batman Begins movie. When that morphing happens, these superheroes will shoot over the top in entertainment value. Watch for Bryan Cranston in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Six superheroes, purposed to safeguard earth, experience derailment of purpose when one superhero becomes power hungry and forsakes its original purpose.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dean Israelite for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joel Andryc, John Gatins, Qiuyun Long, Brent O’Connor, Allison Shearmur, and Takeyuki Suzuki for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jason/Red Ranger (Dacre Montgomery), Kimberly/Pink Ranger (Naomi Scott), Billy/Blue Ranger (RJ Cyler), Zack/Black Ranger (Ludi Lin), Trini/Yellow Ranger (Becky G), Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks), Zordon (Bryan Cranston), Alpha 5 (voice of Bill Hader) Damo (Matt Shively), Hawkeye (Cody Kearsley), Sam Scott (David Denman), Ted Hart (Robert Moloney), and Maddy Hart (Anjali Jay).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie works as a teen flick. It does not perform as a top-of-the-game superhero movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DESCENT (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Descent beginning scenes introduce, independent, over-the-top, ‘I don’t make an apology for my life', ego-driven, masculine-oriented, testosterone-popping, young women who, by the end of the movie, are crying for help like the best of any dependent, ‘damsel in distress’, estrogen-loaded female ever depicted on big screen. This dramatic change in character makes the film wobble and creates instability for the viewing audience. It’s almost as if these six men-type women had sex change operations while spelunking. Less masculinity at the beginning of the film and less femininity at the end of the film will create realistic balance that contributes to understanding the basic character of the six protagonists. The film also troubles itself with a very late introduction of horror via alien-type creatures, surprisingly like the gollum in the Lord of the Rings series, that comes as a complete shock as, up to this point, one is led to believe this movie follows an ordinary caving story that works on the level of Sanctum, a superb spelunking movie.  This ill-timed twist in the storyline creates derailment, surprise, and strong need to reconcile the thought, ‘Oh, this isn’t a spelunking movie highlighting the thrills of caving.’ This not-for-children movie serves the late teen/adult audience and serves up its share of gore and language.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Six girls enter a cave and find an unexpected surprise at the exit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Neil Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Paul Smith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sarah (Shauna Macdonald), Juno (Natalie Mendoza), Beth (Alex Reid), Rebecca (Saskia Mulder), Sam (MyAnna Buring), Holly (Nora Jane Noone), Paul (Oliver Milburn), Jessica (Molly Kayll), Crawler (Craig Conway), Crawler (Leslie Simpson), Crawler (Mark Cronfield), Crawler (Steven Lamb), and Crawler (Catherine Dyson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film fails in timing, performs on the amateur level in characterization, and borrows horror from a classic film so that audience anticipation experiences sharp let-down into the ‘we’ve seen that before’ mode. It’s a chick-flick horror film, not the best in its class.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A VERY BRADY SEQUEL (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

A Very Brady Sequel adds Zsa Zsa Gabor, John Hillerman, Rosie O’Donnell, Barbara Eden, and David Spade to its cast. However, despite terrific actors and actresses, this film comes off as if determined to dispose of the best of the Brady stories, enhance the worst of the series, put that on the big screen, and call it a movie. There’s no ‘cool’ in this sequel.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Carol Brady’s (Shelley Long) first husband shows up after a long absence.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Arlene Sanford for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alan Ladd Jr., Lloyd J. Schwartz, and Sherwood Schwartz for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mike Brady (Gary Cole), Greg Brady (Christopher Daniel Barnes), Marcia Brady (Christine Taylor), Peter Brady (Paul Sutera), Jan Brady (Jennifer Elise Cox), Bobby Brady (Jesse Lee Soffer), Cindy Brady (Olivia Hack), Alice Nelson (Henriette Mantel), Roy Martin/Trevor Thomas (Tim Matheson), Explorer/Dead Husband (Whip Hubley), Auctioneer (Whitney Rydbeck), Art Patron #1 (Sue Casey), and Art Patron #2 (Gregory White).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If one is determined to finish the series, then this is part of the package; but, it is not the best of the Brady stories.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOUSE HUNT * (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Mouse Hunt—lovable, sweet, comical—couples DreamWorks with Director Gore Verbinski in his directing debut and takes the big screen by storm. The story is flat out wonderful. The script so well-written that it deserves re-watch status. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Brothers Lars (Lee Evans) and Ernie (Nathan Lane) attempt to live in an inherited mansion, but find themselves competing with a skillful, long-term resident mouse.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gore Verbinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bruce Cohen, Tony Ludwig, and Alan Riche for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: April Smuntz (Vicki Lewis), Alexander Falko (Maury Chaykin), Ernie and Lars’ Lawyer (Eric Christmas), Quincy Thorpe (Michael Jeter), Ingrid (Debra Christofferson), Hilde (Camilla Søeberg), Auctioneer (Ian Abercrombie), Roxanne Atkins (Annabelle Gurwitch), The Banker (Eric Poppick), Maury (Ernie Sabella), and Rudolph Smuntz (William Hickey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a ‘not to be missed’ film. Worth the ticket and the time. 

*Also Known as: Mousehunt

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1978)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Revenge of the Pink Panther does not falter in the panther lineup. Peter Sellers has the charisma and a voice that won’t quit for entertainment value. This movie is Peter Sellers’ last panther film. Well done by all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) becomes the target of the French Connection.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Tony Adams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom),Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), Simone Legree (Dyan Cannon), Philippe Douvier (Robert Webber), Guy Algo (Tony Beckley), Al Marchione (Robert Loggia), Julio Scallini (Paul Stewart), Sergeant François Chevalier (André Maranne), Dr. Auguste Balls (Graham Stark), Fernet (Alfie Bass), Claude Russo (Sue Lloyd), and Cunny (Danny Schiller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth a ticket.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

COCO (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Coco—culturally significant with universal appeal—has the unmistakable quality of Pixar animation stamped all over it. Full of heart and lovability, this excellent and creative film serves the whole family’s entertainment needs, a good child/adult share. It stands at the level of Toy Story, Monster Inc., and Finding Nemo, but wisely brings itself to the entertainment party without copycatting previously made animated movies. It’s a movie worth collecting in the home library. Research and have a little family discussion about the Hispanic folklore surrounding the Day of the Dead celebration before going. Watch for the unexpected twist in the story. WOW! Encore! Bravo for Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) desires a musical career, but experiences a long detour toward his goal first.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt), Mamá Imelda (voice of Alanna Ubach), Abuelita (voice of Renee Viictor), Papá (voice of Jaime Camil), Papá Julio (voice of Alfonso Arau), Tío Oscar/Tío Felipe (voice of Herbert Siguenza), Clerk (voice of Gabriel Iglesias), Plaza Mariachi/Gustavo (voice of Lombardo Boyar), Mamá Coco (voice of Ana Ofelia Murguía), Frida Kahlo (voice of Natalia Cordova-Buckley), and Tía Rosita (voice of Selene Luna).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film requires buying three tickets. One for you today, one for you tomorrow, and one to share with a friend. This movie is a winner from the opening to the final scene.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

REVOLT (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Revolt—solid thriller set against a sci fi script—features an extremely charismatic actor, Lee Pace. The film, as entertainment, works for a home or lunch watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Aliens attack Kenya and seriously injure Special Forces Operative Bo (Lee Pace).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Miale for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan Deckter and Joshua Horsfield for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nadia (Bérénice Marlohe), Stander (Jason Flemyng), Kara (Sibulele Gcilitshana), Roderick (Wandile Molebatsi), Juma (Sekoati Sk Tsubane), Jeandre (Leroy Gopal), Cedric (Welile Nzunza), Kenyan Captain (Patrick Bakoba), Lieutenant Smalls (Tom Fairfoot), Lookout (Ben Tjibe), Female Medic (Chantal Herman), Young Soldier (Barileng Malebye), and Poacher 1 (Jabulani Mthembu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works as a background party flick as you meet friends and settle in around the grill. For higher entertainment value, watch the 2005 remake of War of the Worlds.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LADYBUGS (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Ladybugs—features Rodney Dangerfield—comes as a simple, good story that revolves around a soccer theme. It’s not outstanding in any way, but leaves audiences with a good feeling that there’s a happy ending to stories where the characters try to do the right thing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chester Lee (Rodney Dangerfield) finds that a move-up in lifestyle sometimes requires involvement in other activities like working with an all-girl soccer team.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sidney J. Furie for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Gray Frederickson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Julie Benson (Jackée Harry), Matthew/Martha (Jonathan Brandis), Bess (Ilene Graff), Kimberly Mullen (Vinessa Shaw), Dave Mullen (Tom Parks), Glynnis Mullen (Jeannetta Arnette), Nancy Larimer (Crystal Cooke), Carmelita Chu (Jennifer Frances Lee), Tina Velez (Vanessa Monique Rossel), Sally Anne Welfelt (Johna Stewart Bowden), Penny Pester (Jandi Swanson), and Coach Annie (Nancy Parsons).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is a little ‘edgy’, but Rodney Dangerfield fans should enjoy the film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers