THE DARK CRYSTAL (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Dark Crystal—defines creativity—shows imagination at its highest levels and credits the levels of artistic ability to which Jim Henson and Frank Oz rise when telling a story. Much hard work and effort show in every scene of the film with excessive attention to detail. Despite its age, it is a tribute to artists as much in the year 2019 as in the year 1982.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The age-old battle between good and evil continues as the Skeksis battle the Mystics.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jim Henson and Frank Oz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lew Grade and David Lazer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jen/High Priest (Jim Henson), Kira (Kathryn Mullen), Aughra/Chamberlain (Frank Oz), Dave Goelz (Fizzgig/General (Dave Goelz), Scientist (voice of Steve Whitmire), Gourmand (Louise Gold), Ornamentalist/Urzah/Dying Master (voice of Brian Muehl), Historian/Scrollkeeper (Bob Payne), Slave Master (Mike Quinn), and Treasurer (Tim Rose).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s incredible that with the equipment they had to work with in 1982 that such a beautiful piece of art could be created. It would be interesting to see if there could be improvements with current equipment. Sometimes perfection whether it is music produced by Beethoven or art produced by Michelangelo/Leonardo da Vinci continues to stand as little pieces of perfection no matter the age or time. It’s called ‘standing the test of time’ and this movie will always do that.

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Ben Meyers

THE MUMMY RETURNS (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Mummy Returns serves at the same or slightly better level as its parent film, The Mummy, due to its fight scenes. The movie cleverly interweaves the theme of Imhotep returning to get his lover back while the Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson) fights for his right to rule Thebes. Add to that the involvement of the modern day O’Connell family and the viewer has a movie that completely involves and entertains. Director Stephen Sommer did it again. It’s worth both time and money investment and gives good tribute to the acting skills of both Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. John Hannah, just as fun as his character demanded in the last Mummy movie, provides the comic relief. Bravo! Encore! for all involved in making this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The son of two adventurers finds himself and his family propelled into an otherworldly escapade involving powerful, ancient Egyptian entities.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Sommers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bob Ducsay and Don Zepfel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), Evelyn Carnahan/Nefertiri (Rachel Weisz), Jonathan (John Hannah), Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), Meela/Anck-Su-Namun (Patricia Velasquez), Alex (Freddie Boath), Mr. Hafez (Alun Armstrong), The Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson), and Lock-Nah (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Mummy and The Mummy Returns are both great flicks that provide terrific action entertainment that can be enjoyed as a family.

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Ben Meyers

BIRD BOX (Video Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Bird Box—different apocalyptic storyline—shows some real acting skill by its entire cast: Sandra Bullock, Julian Edwards, Vivien Lyra Blair, John Malkovitch, BD Wong, Tom Hollander, and Trevante Rhodes. It’s worth a watch for fans who love thriller films.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Supernatural beings cause humans to commit suicide. A young woman and two children must find their way to a safe place.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Susanne Bier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Susanne Bier, Sandra Bullock, Ainsley Davies, Alexa Faigen, Eric Heisserer, and Ryan Lewis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Malorie (Sandra Bullock), Tom (Trevante Rhodes), Douglas (John Malkovich), Jessica (Sarah Paulson), Cheryl (Jacki Weaver), Lucy (Rosa Salazar), Olympia (Danielle Macdonald), Charlie (Lil Rel Howery), and Gary (Tom Hollander).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A thriller film that is worth at least one watch. Good work by Director Suzanne Bier. Looks like she may have potential to do work like Director Kathryn Bigelow did on Zero Dark Thirty.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TARZAN 2 (Video Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Tarzan 2 fleshes out another part of Tarzan’s childhood that sheds light on how his personality would have developed at a critical juncture in his youth. The movie could almost be a message film, but the story has been well-written and accompanies itself with good portrayal. It’s a fair watch for children.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Young Tarzan runs away from his gorilla troupe to find his place in the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brian Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Carolyn Bates for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tarzan (voice of Harrison Chad), Zugor (voice of George Carlin), Uto (voice of Brad Garrett), Kago (voice of Ron Perlman), Mama Gunda (voice of Estelle Harris), Kala (voice of Glenn Close), Kerchak (voice of Lance Henriksen), Terk (voice of Brenda Grate), Tantor (voice of Harrison Fahn), and Additional Voices (voice of Hamilton Camp).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s not adult oriented, but can work as a children’s flick during a lunch or time-out break.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALIENS ATE MY HOMEWORK (Video Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Aliens Ate My Homework—not the best in its class—delivers nothing original, new, or particularly creative and almost runs like a school project submitted for review rather than a professional video presented for audience entertainment. The movie may work for children, but it is not very adult worthy. Watch for Lauren McNamara. She can easily play multiple age groups.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two cousins work with an alien patrol to save planet earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sean McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Harvey Kahn and Sean McNamara for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Eric Allbright (London Cardinal), Billy Becker/B’kr (Ty Consiglio), Eric Allbright (Christian Convery), Principal (Bruce Coville), Rod Allbright (Jayden Greig), Linda Allbright (Carmela Nossa Guizzo), Mrs. Nesbitt (Lanein Harrison), Ms. Maloney (Christine Lee), Elspeth McMasters (Lauren McNamara), and Plink (Sean McNamara).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It serves more as a time killing machine rather than an entertainment piece.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

YOURS, MINE & OURS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Yours, Mine and Ours—good family watch—does a great job as a remake of the 1968 film of the same name. It’s a ‘sit back and enjoy’ its romp through the perils of holding onto romance, blending relationships, and placing value in marriage, love, and family. Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo play off each other with surprisingly good charismatic effect and easily set the stage for a sequel. Great work for Director Raja Gosnell for directing a basic storyline in a far from boring way. It’s a soft romance told well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An Admiral with eight children and a handbag designer with ten children decide to combine their families into one household.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Raja Gosnell for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Ira Shuman, Richard Suckle, and Tracey Trench for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid), Helen North (Rene Russo), William Beardsley (Sean Faris), Christina Beardsley (Katija Pevec), Harry Beardsley (Dean Collins), Michael Beardsley (Tyler Patrick Jones), Kelly Beardsley (Haley Ramm), Ely Beardsley (Brecken Palmer), Otter Beardsley (Bridger Palmer), and Ethan Beardsley (Ty Panitz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It shows a very appealing side of Dennis Quaid that can be built well upon for future films.

Video Critique Available Here:

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Ben Meyers

STITCH! THE MOVIE (Video Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Stitch! The Movie—a good watch for children—doesn’t deliver anything new, but does deliver interesting. Good work for Directors Tony Craig and Roberts Gannaway,

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Captain Gantu takes the assignment to retrieve 625 ‘experiments’. Lilo and Stitch become involved.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Tony Craig and Roberts Gannaway for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tony Craig, Roberts Gannaway, and Jess Winfield for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lilo (voice of Daveigh Chase), Stitch (voice Chris Sanders), Nani (voice of Tia Carrere), Jumba (voice of David Ogden Stiers), Pleakley (voice of Kevin McDonald), Cobra Bubbles (voice of Ving Rhames), David Kawena (voice of Dee Bradley Baker), Captain Gantu (voice of Kevin Michael Richardson), Dr. Hämsterviel (voice of Jeff Bennett), and With the Voice (voice of Corey Burton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good watch for Lilo and Stitch fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RAIN MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Rain Man—a complete winner for the acting team of Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise—easily becomes one of the best film choices for the 1980s. This ‘class act’ movie deserves its place in the home video collection and has re-watchable status. A Bravo! Bravo! film that has love written all over it becomes a ‘must see’ film. Best work for Director Barry Levinson.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man, long estranged from his family, finds he has an autistic older brother.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Barry Levinson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Guber and Jon Peters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman), Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), Susanna (Valeria Golino), Dr. Bruner (Gerald R. Molen), John Mooney (Jack Murdock), Vern (Michael D. Roberts), Lenny (Ralph Seymour), Iris (Lucinda Jenney), Sally Dibbs (Bonnie Hunt), and Small Town Doctor (Kim Robillard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie serves up complete entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SOLOMON KANE (Theatrical Release Spain 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Solomon Kane serves up a healthy portion of philosophical fare concerning individual life purpose, judgment of right/wrong/good/evil, and redemptive factors that may play when one steps outside of personally established moral standards to serve the needs of others. It becomes good, after movie discussion material. Solomon Kane (James Purefoy) delivers a type of Van Helsing interpretation for his assigned role.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Solomon Kane finds his purpose in life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director M.J. Bassett for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Berrow and Victor Hadida for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Solomon Kane (James Purefoy), Kane’s Soldier #1 (Mark O’Neal), Kane’s Soldier #2 (Robert Orr), Kane’s Soldier #3 (Richard Ryan), Cowering Guard (Frantisek Deak), Lieutenant Malthus (Christian Dunckley Clark), Devil’s Reaper (Ian Whyte), Young Monk (Thomas McEnchroe), Older Monk (Andrew Whitlaw), and Abbott (Robert Russell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a good intellectual study that delves into moral questions that have been resolved in a variety of ways by societies across the world and through the ages. Van Helsing delivers higher entertainment value for time and money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

QUINCY (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Quincy—excellent, fully packed documentary—shows content rich breadth and depth of story. Nothing lacking in this documentary film. It has much meaning and says a lot about life. It’s a WOW, Bravo! presentation that truly honors Quincy.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Quincy Jones tells his life story from childhood through old age.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Alan Hicks and Rashida Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Adam Fell, Jane Rosenthal, and Berry Welsh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Quincy Jones), Herself (Rashida Jones), Himself (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Himself (Clarence Avant), Herself (Chloe Bailey), Herself (Halle Bailey), Himself (Tony Bennett), Herself (Beyoncé), Herself (Lina Bielsten), and a host of other highly talented individuals.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie becomes worth a viewing partially due to the loving presentation that does not cover life errors or sublimate life wins. In that honesty of presentation, the film found its voice and brought respect to a life lived.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BLACK STALLION RETURNS (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Black Stallion Returns does not serve at the same entertainment level as its parent movie, The Black Stallion, partially because movies that work around the ‘love of horses’ theme need to be presented at highly spaced intervals to fully appreciate. The film, however, still delivers due to the wise choice of moving this story into a Lawrence of Arabia desert setting which adds enough value/difference to once again capture the status of a classic children’s watch. Great work for Director Robert Delva.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young boy goes on a long journey in search of a beloved stallion.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Dalva for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Francis Ford Coppola for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alec Ramsay (Kelly Reno), Raj (Vincent Spano), Kurr (Allen Garfield), Meslar (Woody Strode), Abu Ben Ishak (Ferdy Mayne), Tabari (Jodi Thelen), Alec’s Mother (Teri Garr), Tiny Man (Larbi Doghmi), Raj’s Father (Angelo Infanti), and Scarface (Luigi Mezzanotte).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a sweet, clean adventure for the whole family and can be a good child/adult share flick especially if the child loves horses.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROAD TO BALI (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Road to Bali serves best as a good choice for academic study of comedy in films; a fun, background party flick; or a quick lunch/ride the bus flick. It has a surprisingly risqué theme that runs throughout the film that makes one wonder how well it was received in the 1950s when Elvis Presley became an issue due to his high level of sexuality. Now, however, the film seems a decent family watch that features the Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour team.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby find adventure and romance in Bali.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hal Walker for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Harry Tugend and Daniel Dare for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: George Cochran (Bing Crosby), Harold Gridley (Bob Hope), Princess Lala (Dorothy Lamour), Ken Arok (Murvyn Vye), Gung (Peter Coe), Bhoma Da (Ralph Moody), King Ramayana (Leon Askin), Guard (Michael Ansara), and Lesser Priest (Besmark Auelua).

Buy ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a dated, period piece; but the unique, light humor can still engender appreciation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KATER (Video Release Germany 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Kater—terrific short film that uses stop motion animation—turns into one of the best short films on the market. A small jewel that could easily grow into a very large diamond, the movie shows high creativity, originality, and completely fresh concept. Kudos to Tine Kluth for a terrific animation that could easily be made into a very enjoyable full length movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A street tomcat uses his nine lives in one series of mishaps after another.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tine Kluth for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Tine Kluth for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Variety of animated animals

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

                

Yes. This short film is well-developed and worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HALO: THE FALL OF REACH (Video Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Halo: The Fall of Reach—based on the Eric Nylund novel—needs an audience of Halo Video Game players to understand the movie. Especially toward the end of this movie, viewers may find themselves completely lost if they are not familiar with the game. The weak campaign scenes that lie between game play creates havoc with this movie’s presentation. This video was released to television as Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Master Chief John 117 begins the Halo adventure.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ian Kirby for directing effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie seems designed precisely for Halo game fans and gives a peek into the game’s hero—how he was chosen and trained.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HALO LEGENDS (Video Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Halo Legends puts together several unrelated Halo stories and creates a unique entertainment piece that satisfies and doesn’t require lengthy sitting periods for entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Seven Halo stories remain true to the Halo story while each tell their own stories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Frank O’Connor and Mamoru Oshii for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, John Ledford, Kôichi Mashimo, Kôzô Morishita, Hiroyuki Seshita, and Bonnie Ross for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Female Soldier (voice of Luci Christian), Soldier (voice of Chris Ayres), Spartan (voice of Emily Neves), Haka (voice of Josh Grelle), Sister (Brittney Karbowski), Dr. Halsey (Atsuko Tanaka), Kid A (Greg Ayres), and Sarge (David Matranga).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s worth at least one viewing. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

6 BALLOONS* (Video Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

6 Balloons—an educating entertainment piece—turns its ‘WOW’ on with its unusual, factual presentation. Educates by means of Dave Franco and Abbi Jacobson and turns itself into a terrific watch. The conclusion of the movie is blunt. Kudos to Director Marja-Lewis Ryan for daring to show life as it currently is for thousands of people.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A sister works through her responsibilities to a heroin-addicted brother and tries to find boundaries that will work.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Marja-Lewis Ryan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ian Bricke and Lynette Howell Taylor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Katie (Abbi Jacobson), Seth (Dave Franco), Ella (Charlotte Carel), Ella (Madeline Carel), Gloria (Jane Kaczmarek), Jack (Dawan Owens), Gary (Tim Matheson), and Bianca (Jen Tullock).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Very well done story creates compassion and empathy for families dealing with a member who is out of control with drug usage.

*Also known as: Six Balloons

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers