A PERFECT DAY (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

A Perfect Day, even though it has a small story, somehow works itself from ‘so wrong’ to ‘likable’ to ‘so right’. It’s a small peek into challenges faced by humanitarian causes. Thank you to Benicio Del Toro, Tim Robbins, Mélanie Thierry, Olga Kurylenko, and Eldar Rasidovic under the direction of Director Fernando Leon de Aranoa for their involvement in making this subject matter a priority.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Humanitarians try to remove a corpse from a well and find more than they bargained for when their rope breaks and they have to search for another one in terrorist-ruled Yugoslavia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jenni Ivers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jason Campbell for directing effort. Thank you for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Soup (Jason Redman), Thomas (Tim Brown), Carlene (Kera O’Bryon), Luis (Enrico Ravenna), Micky (Micky Quinn), Kamal (Deven Bromme), Paul (Don Brooks), Guard (Jeffrey Conley), Manager (Rosaleen Daros), Tara (Erika Edwards), and Ken (Richie Evers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a very good discussion film about humanitarian efforts and the challenges faced by people who wish to do good in places deeply divided. This film encourages extension of thought into other areas and the challenges good willed persons face to solve very real human challenges. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAST FLAG FLYING (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Last Flag Flying uses the talents of Steve Carrell, Bryan Cranston, and Lawrence Fishburne to tell its well-crafted tale. Excellent watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Three Vietnam veterans re-bond on a road trip. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Richard Linklater for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Karen Ruth Getchell, Harry Gittes, and Thomas Lee Wright for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston), Reverend Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne), Larry ‘Doc’ Shepherd (Steve Carrell), J. Quinton Johnson, Ruth (Deanna Reed-Foster), Colonel Wilits (Yul Vazquez), John Redman (Graham Wolfe), O’Toole (Jeff Monahan), DAFB Guard (Dontez James), Mother (Tammy Tsai), and Richard Barlow (Richard Barlow). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sometimes the only word that can be used to describe a film is: Beautiful. Outstanding work by Director Richard Linklater. This movie is worth both time and monetary investment. Thank you to all involved in making this picture work. 

Video Critique Available  Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FIFTH ESTATE (Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago, Illinois USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Fifth Estate—Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Brühl tell the story of WikiLeaks. Read a plotline before you go and perhaps a good encyclopedic article on WikiLeaks to fully appreciate the story. The film provides good family discussion on topics that interplay: ethics, morality, security, openness, secrecy, traitorous acts, loyalty to country and cause, side effects of releasing information without proper approval.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A journalist and a computer hacker team to form WikiLeaks. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bill Condon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Green, Jonathan King, Jim Shamoon, Richard Sharkey, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alan Rusbridger (Peter Capaldi), Nick Davies (David Thewlis), Holger Stark (Anatole Taubman), Marcel Rosenbach (Alexander Beyer), Bill Keller (Philip Bretherton), Ian Katz (Dan Stevens), Daniel Berg (Daniel Brühl), Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Ziggy (Jamie Blackley), Supervisor (Ludger Pistor), and Anke Domscheit (Alicia Vikander). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie provides good after movie family discussion material.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RECOVERY BOYS (Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Recovery Boys—documentary for Jacob’s Ladder, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation farm—tells its story well. The film relies on interviews and follows its path through several long-term drug- and alcohol-addicted  lives to outcome. Great work for Director Elaine McMillion Sheldon. It’s an “I can feel it” film. Thank you to all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Young people attempt to clear their lives of drug and alcohol addiction through higher spiritual alignment. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Elaine McMillion Sheldon for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. While the movie moves slowly, it is informative and worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SECRET SCRIPTURE (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Secret Scripture—classic film—tells its story across time and ends with a twist. This is the best of Eric Bana who deserves kudos for believable and realistic portrayal of character. Great work for Director Jim Sheridan for directing an unusual and informative story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A woman, an infant, a mental asylum, a Catholic priest, and a deceased father form the structure of this story of a life lost. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jim Sheridan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Nicolas Chartier, Eoin Colfer, Cormac Crawford, Jonathan Deckter, Jere Harris, Gavin Poolman, Michael Robinson, and Andrea Scarso for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rose (Rooney Mara), Jack Conroy (Aidan Turner), Father Gaunt (Theo James), Nurse (Susan Lynch), Dr. Grene (Eric Bana), Dr.Lady Rose (Vanessa Redgrave), Michael McNulty (Jack Reynor), McCabe (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), Dr. Hart (Adrian Dunbar), Anne McCartney (Pauline McLynn), and Joe Brady (John Connors).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This film’s story needs to be told and needs to be watched. Thank you to all involved in the movie’s production and distribution. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STEALTH FIGHTER (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Stealth Fighter—low-grade, run-of-the-mill cookie cutter film—has the perks of a real terrorist movie but fails. Watch for Ernie Hudson, Ice T, and William Sadler. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

After a stealth fighter and a military satellite have become compromised, a naval officer attempts to right the situation. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jim Wynorski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Hertzberg, Ice-T, and Gary Rubin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen Turner (Ice-T), Ryan Mitchell (Costas Mandylor), and Erin Mitchell (Erika Eleniak), J.P. Mitchell (Sarah Dampf), Adm. Frank Peterson (William Sadler), President Westwood (Ernie Hudson), Roberto Menendez (Andrew Divoff), Harry Goldberg (William G. Schilling), Larry Ramsey (John Enos III), Roberto’s Young Lady Desidea (Alex Meneses), Berg (Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister), and Brett Kelly (Steve J. Hennessy). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. While it’s fun to see Ice-T and Ernie Hudson working together on the screen, a better terrorist story is: Pearl Harbor.

Video Critique Available at:

 Ben Meyers

MR. BEAN’S HOLIDAY (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Bean’s Holiday—classic Bean—sports a quirky, fun, and loveable storyline that’s almost worth a second watch. Watch for Willem Defoe. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

London resident Mr. Bean wins a trip to Cannes, France. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steve Bendelack for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Curtis and Simon McBurney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson), Vicar (Steve Pemberton), Lily at the Stereo (Lily Atkinson), Boy With Train (Preston Nyman), Buffet Attendant (Sharlit Deyzac), Busker Accordion (Francois Touch), Sabine (Emma de Caunes), Traffic Controller (Arsène Mosca), Traffic Controller (Stéphane Debac), Carson Clay (Willem Dafoe), French Journalist (Philippe Spall), and Maitre’D (Jean Rochefort). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s one of the best Bean movies released yet.

Video Critique Available at:

 Ben Meyers

UNFORGIVEN (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Unforgiven works its unique story with Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Richard Harris, and Saul Rubinek. Great work for Director Clint Eastwood for telling a rough story with finesse.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a brothel prostitute is disfigured by a customer, her friends hire revenge for the price of $1,000.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer David Valdes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bill Munny (Clint Eastwood), Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman), Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman), English Bob (Richard Harris), The Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett), W.W. Beauchamp (Saul Rubinek), Strawberry Alice (Frances Fisher), Delilah Fitzgerald (Anna Levine), Quick Mike (David Mucci), Davey Bunting (Rob Campbell), and Skinny Dubois (Anthony James). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Hard story, worth seeing, supported by a terrific all-star cast.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREQUENCY (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Frequency—average film—has a great concept but lacks the spirit of a great sci-fi film. Unfortunately, even after character John Sullivan, played by Jim Caviezel, gets his radio working, the movie continues to falter in presentation.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A deceased father and his son communicate via the frequency of a ham radio across 30 years of lapsed time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gregory Hoblit for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Saperstein and Robert Shaye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Sullivan (Dennis Quaid), John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel), Jack Shepard (Shawn Doyle), Julia Sullivan (Elizabeth Mitchell), Satch DeLeon (Andre Braugher), Gordo Hersch (Noah Emmerich), Samantha Thomas (Melissa Errico), Six-year-old Johnny Sullivan (Daniel Henson), Graham Gibson (Jordan Bridges), Eight-year-old Gordo Hersch (Stephen Joffe), and Commander Butch O’Connell (Jack McCormack). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie may work as a background movie for a party, but it does not serve the sit and watch effort.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CROCODILE DUNDEE IN LOS ANGELES (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Crocodile Dundee In Los Angeles—one last chance to experience that Paul Hogan Australian charisma that caught everyone off guard with the release of the first movie in the series—turns into a decent watch, but definitely lacks the original spirit of the first film. It seems almost as if Paul Hogan is a little out of character as a family man with a son.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Australian Crocodile Dundee and his son Mikey travel to Los Angeles and experience a new way of living on the west coast of America. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathy Morgan, Jim Reeve, Steve Robbins, Kathy Morgan, Jim Reeve, and Steve Robbins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael J. Crocodile Dundee (Paul Hogan), Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), Arnan Rothman (Jere Burns), Milos Drubnik (Jonathan Banks), Jacko (Alec Wilson), Nugget O’Cass (Gerry Skilton), Donk (Steve Rackman), Mikey Dundee (Serge Cockburn), Jean Ferraro (Aida Turturro), Diego (Paul Rodriguez) and Miss Mathis (Kaitlin Hopkins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  

Yes. It’s good to finish the series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FEARLESS* (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fearless—WOW! entertainment—turns into one of those unknown jewels that no one wants to miss! The movie features Jet Li at his best with fight scenes that are some of the best in the business. The film’s story is one of those ‘needs to be told’ tales that has that added zing of terrific visual effects. Great educational value here about Kung Fu Masters. Outstanding work for Director Ronnie Yu.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A young martial arts fighter must move from arrogance to compassion.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Ronny Yu for directing effort. Thank you to Producers William Kong, Jet Li, Buting Yang, and Ronny Yu for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li), Moon (Li Sun), Nong Jinsun (Yong Dong), Grandma (Yun Qu), Jade (Ailing Xu), Yuanjia’s Father (Collin Chou), Yuanjia’s Mother (Hee Ching Paw), Hercules O’Brien (Nathan Jones), Anno Tanaka (Shidô Nakamura), Belgian Fighter (Brandon Rhea), and Spanish Swordman (Anthony De Longis). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a treasure that is worth re-watching, if just for the fight scenes.
* Also known as Huo yuanjia

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

PINK PANTHER 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Pink Panther 2—classic Pink Panther, much better than the last two films—has Steve Martin taking on the Clouseau persona; he does a marvelous job of interpreting the character. Great work for Director Harald Zwart as he coordinates the talents of Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer, Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, John Cleese, Lily Tomlin, and Jeremy Irons to create a film worth a watch and deserving of recognition. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Inspector Clouseau takes on the recovery of the Pink Panther diamond ring. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Harald Zwart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Shawn Levy and Ira Shuman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Clouseau (Steve Martin), Ponton (Jean Reno), Nicole (Emily Mortimer), Vicenzo (Andy Garcia), Pepperidge (Alfred Molina), Kenji (Yuki Matsuzaki), Sonia (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), Dreyfus (John Cleese), Mrs. Berenger (Lily Tomlin), Avellaneda (Jeremy Irons), and Milliken (Johnny Hallyday).


Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Steve Martin adds something extra to the Clouseau character that makes this worth a watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TALES FROM THE CRYPT (Theatrical Release Canada 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Tales From the Crypt examines how sin and punishment play with each other in an entertaining, albeit horrifying, story that not only has a good concept, but provides good acting and portrayal of storyline. It is worth viewing with its presentation of the bad things that people did and how those actions catch up with them. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Crypt Keeper suggests how five persons could die. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Freddie Francis for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Charles W. Fries for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Crypt Keeper (Ralph Richardson), Guide (Geoffrey Bayldon), Joanne Clayton (Joan Collins), Husband (Martin Boddey), Daughter (Chloe Franks), Maniac (Oliver MacGreevy), Carl Maitland (Ian Hendry), Wife (Susan Denny), Susan (Angela Grant), Grimsdyke (Peter Cushing), and Elliot (Robin Phillips).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For the horror movie fan, this story suits nicely. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SAINT (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Saint documents a complicated storyline that completely engages its audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A professional thief steals a microchip which leads to an assignment to steal cold fusion secrets.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Phillip Noyce for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert S. Baker and Paul Hitchcock for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Simon Templar (Val Kilmer), Dr. Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue), Ivan Tretiak (Rade Serbedzija), Ilya Tretiak (Valeriy Nikolaev), Dr. Lev Botvin (Henry Goodman), Inspector Teal (Alun Armstrong), Vereshagin (Michael Byrne), President Karpov (Evgeniy Lazarev), Frankie (Irina Apeksimova), General Sklarov (Lev Prygunov), and Inspector Rabineau (Charlotte Cornwell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Worth watching due to great direction by Director Phillip Noyce. The good concept is supported by a terrific script.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

BATMAN UNLIMITED: ANIMAL INSTINCTS (DVD Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts—good, animated children’s watch—may not be one of the best of the tributes to superhero comics but makes up for its predictable storyline by combining a serious pool of superheroes against a diverse grouping of evil villains. The Penguin teams with Killer Croc, Silver Back, Cheetah Woman, and Man-Bat to do what he does best while Batman teams with Flash, Night Wing, Red Robin, Green Arrow, and Flash to flex a few muscles at evil genius.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Five superheroes band together to save Gotham City from evil.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Butch Lukic for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker, Sam Register, and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Batman (voice of Roger Craig Smith), Green Arrow (voice of Chris Diamantopoulos), Nightwing (voice of Will Friedle), The Flash (voice of Charlie Schlatter), Red Robin (voice of Yuri Lowenthal), The Penguin (voice of Dana Snyder), Killer Croc (voice of John DiMaggio), Silverback (voice of Keith Szarabajka), Cheetah/Newscaster (voice of Laura Bailey), Man-Bat (voice of Phil LaMarr), and Commissioner Gordon (voice of Richard Epcar).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This animated movie, too childish for adults, has just enough splash, flash, and dash for children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHUTTER ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Shutter Island—terrific film directed by Martin Scorsese—showcases the talents of Actor Leonardo DiCaprio in one of the best dramas of the year.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Teddy Daniels thoroughly searches a mental institution to discover the identity of patient number 67.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Brigham, Laeta Kalogridis, Dennis Lehane, Gianni Nunnari, and Louis Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), Chuck Ale (Mark Ruffalo), Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley), Dr. Naehring (Max von Sydow), Dolores (Michelle Williams), Rachel 1 (Emily Mortimer), Rachel 2 (Patricia Clarkson), George Noyce (Jackie Earle Haley), Warden (Ted Levine), Deputy Warden McPherson (John Carroll Lynch), and Laeddis (Elias Koteas).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie requires complete attention to detail and total mental involvement to follow the storyline. Sophisticated storytelling techniques shoot it through the roof for entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang wants, so badly, to be an A-grade film. The music, costuming, background and foreground scenery, dialogue, great conclusion, and interaction between all characters is there. It is a classic that stands on its tippy toes for its award and somehow just misses it. The story is great until the introduction of the pirates’ scenes. This bit of nonsense completely derails the story. It would have been better if the car takes the family on an outing that includes the king who loves toys along with a series of other small adventures that ‘educate’ the children about a larger world of which they are not aware while bringing the main actors into a closer relationship.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two children request their father to save a dilapidated car from the crushing facility. He endeavors to raise the money to keep his promise to them.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ken Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Albert R. Broccoli for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke), Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), Grandpa Potts (Lionel Jeffries), Baron Bomburst (Gert Fröbe), Baroness Bomburst (Anna Qualye), Toymaker (Benny Hill), Lord Scrumptious (James Robertson Justice), Child Catcher (Robert Helpmann), Jemima (Heather Ripley), Jeremy (Adrian Hall), and Blonde (Barbara Windsor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s always a treat to see a Dick Van Dyke performance. This is a clean, decent children’s film with good, imaginative special effects.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CROCODILE HUNTER: COLLISION COURSE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course works like the 1960s Saturday morning television lineup of Sky King, Lone Ranger, My Friend Flicka, or Lassie series in its simplicity and innocence. However, it lacks the realism of Steve and Terri Irwin’s presence on Animal Planet and therefore seems to disserve the Irwins’ cause despite its sweetness and lovability. The movie comes off as a low-budget effort, but has a $12 million budget with a $33.4 million box office return which goes to show that a little charisma and charm, that the Irwins brim to overflow, can pull profit despite all else.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Steve and Terri Irwin unknowingly become involved with United States agents seeking to recover a displaced satellite beacon.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Stainton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Bruce Willis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Steve Irwin), Herself (Terri Irwin), Brozzie Drewitt (Magda Szubanski), Sam Flynn (David Wenham), Robert Wheeler (Lachy Hulme), Ron Buckwhiler (Aden Young), Vaughan Archer (Kenneth Ransom), Jo Buckley (Kate Beahan), Deputy Director Reynolds (Steve Bastoni), Deputy Director Ansell (Steven Vidler), and Anne Milking (Alyson Standen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The televised series has higher entertainment value; but for Steve and Terri Irwin fans, the movie will suffice.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers