THE GIANT PEAR * (Theatrical Release Denmark 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Giant Pear uniquely defines itself by its sweet characterization and completely non-threatening animation which mark this children’s film with innocent charm. This refreshing child/adult share departs from typical Hollywood fare of brash, loud, and brassy to the gentler mood of Hollywood’s earlier years. Even though the giant pear concept is a little illogical, the movie is great for children and worth at least one viewing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

An elephant and a cat go to rescue their town’s mayor.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Amalie Næsby Fick, Jørgen Lerdam, and Philip Einstein Lipski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Malene Ehlers, Lena Haugaard, Anders Mastrup, and Henrik Zein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sebastian (voice of Alfred Bjerre Larsen, Mithco (voice of Liva Elvira Magnussen), Professor Glykose (voice of Peter Frödin), Borgmester JB (voice of Henrik Koefoed), Viceborgmester Kvist (voice of Peter Plaugborg), Ulysses Karlsen (voice of Søren Pilmark), Piratkaptajnen (voice of Jakob Oftebro), Bodega Piraten (voice of Peter Zhelder), Oldefar (voice of Bjarne Henriksen), and Oberst Rekyl (voice of Peter Aude).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a worthy concept and worth a watch.

*Also known as The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear or Den Utrolige Histrorie om Den Kæmpestore Pære.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER (Theatrical Release Japan 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla: The Planet Eater has two challenges that contribute to its lack of universal appeal: voiceovers do not match the subtitles and the storyline is exceptionally difficult to follow (even if one has read a plotline) due to the multitudinous number of characters that are not sufficiently ranked to know who is and who is not important. This Godzilla film wants to incorporate a strong spiritual theme that increases confusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Godzilla finds himself helpless against a many-headed god.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hiroyuki Seshita and Kôbun Shizuno for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Haruo Sakaki (voice of Mamoru Miyano), Metphies (voice of Takahiro Sakurai), Yuko Tani (voice of Kana Hanazawa), Martin Lazzari (voice of Tomokazu Sugita), Adam Bindewald (voice of Yûki Kaji), Maina (voice of Reina Ueda), Miana (voice of Ari Ozawa), Eliott Leland (voice of Daisuke Ono), Unberto Mori (voice of Ken’yû Horiuchi), and Halu-Elu Dolu-Do (voice of Kazuya Nakai).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. To finish the series, this movie is the next in the lineup; but, the first one is the best in the series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MARS ATTACKS! (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Mars Attacks!—classic comedy on an alien attack—operates from a fresh, original storyline as one always expects from any work involving Tim Burton. It relies on an all-star cast and is comical to its core.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mars attacks Earth and defies all educated opinions on how this attack is coming down.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Burton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tim Burton, Larry Franco, and Laurie Parker for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: President James Dale/Art Land (Jack Nicholson), First Lady Marsha Dale (Glenn Close), Barbara Land (Annette Bening), Professor Donald Kessler (Pierce Brosnan), Rude Gambler (Danny DeVito), Press Secretary Jerry Ross (Martin Short), Nathalie Lake (Sarah Jessica Parker), Jason Stone (Michael J. Fox), General Decker (Rod Steiger), Tom Jones (Tom Jones), Richie Norris (Lukas Haas), Taffy Dale (Natalie Portman), and Byron Williams (Jim Brown).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It operates as a four-star comedy and completes itself with that satisfied sigh that states, ‘Got my monies’ worth on this one’.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HOOSIER SCHOOL MASTER (Theatrical Release USA 1935)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Hoosier School Master—simple, innocent storyline—serves up an average film that, despite its age, entertains and introduces the film academic to actor George “Gabby” Hayes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A school master uses every psychological skill he possesses to engage rough and tough students to the value of education.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lewis D. Collins for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Paul Malvern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ralph Hartsook (Norman Foster), Hannah (Charlotte Henry), Martha Means (Dorothy Libaire), Shocky (Tommy Bupp), Squire Hawkins (Otis Harlan), Bud Larkin (Fred Kohler Jr.), Jake Means (William V. Mong), Doc Small (Russell Simpson), and Randall (Joseph E. Bernard).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good historical study for the film academic as it serves as a good representation of film in its maturing process.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES (Theatrical Release Argentina 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Motorcycle Diaries—authenticity marks this film—has a series of terrific scenes, presented one after another that defines the early 1950 South American decade. It’s merit lies in scenes like those of involving natives of Cuzco, Peru with dialogue that stems from very difficult life situations. The film runs about 126 minutes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young Che Guevara and friend travel through South America by motorcycle.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Walter Salles for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Redford, Paul Webster, and Rebecca Yeldham for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ernesto Guevara de la Serna (Gael Garcia Bernal), Alberto Granado (Rodrigo De la Serna), Chichina Ferreyra (Mia Maestro), Celia del la Serna (Mercedes Morán), Ernesto Guevara Lynch (Jean Pierre Noher), and Roberto Guevara (Lucas Oro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a terrific view of 1952 South America.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NOTHING IN COMMON (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Nothing in Common—unusual script—allows a last look at the talents of Jackie Gleason who is cast with a young Tom Hanks. The acting is good and shows Director Garry Marshall’s ability to pull a great deal out of an ordinary storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young advertising executive goes home to take care of an aging father after his mother initiates a divorce.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garry Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roger M. Rothstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Basner (Tom Hanks), Max Basner (Jackie Gleason), Lorraine Basner (Eva Marie Saint), Charlie Gargas (Hector Elizondo), Andrew Woolridge (Barry Corbin), Donna Mildred Martin (Bess Armstrong), Cheryl Ann Wayne (Sela Ward), Shelley (Cindy Harrell), Roger (John Kapelos), David’s Secretary (Carol Messing), Ted Geller (Bill Applebaum), Mishi (Mona Lyden), Cameron (Anthony Starke), Rick (Julio Alonso), Dale (Jane Morris), and Brian (Dan Castellaneta).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s well done; services the afternoon lunch crowd as it can easily be picked up throughout the week over several days for continued watching. Thanks to everyone involved in making this flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.3|5.0 Starsìì

Bowling for Columbine needs strengthening of argument in order be an A-grade documentary. Good argumentation gives short presentation to the other side of the discussion. Moore seems to fail to do that which makes this documentary troubling in that it works like an emotionally driven witch hunt/hang 'em high without judicial review rather than balancing that emotional drive with depth of thought. While it is exceptionally difficult to intellectually work with a subject as volatile as the Columbine event, it is still a necessary component to bring the completely irrational into some type of rational analysis in order to obtain a series of possible tactics to prevent repetition of this event in other venues. Moore seems determined to place blame. It seems shallow to place blame and shame where he placed it. He fails to properly find the root and thus sets up perpetuation of this event rather than elimination of this event. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Moore vents outrage on the Columbine School shooting incident.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Wolfram Tichy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (Michael Moore), Himself (Salvador Allende), Himself (Jacobo Arbenz), Himself (Mike Bradley), Himself (Arthur A. Busch), Himself (George Bush), Himself (George W. Bush), Himself (Michael Caldwell), Himself (Richard Castaldo), Himself (Dick Clark), Himself (Bill Clinton), Himself (Steve Davis), Himself (Ngo Dinh Diem), and Himself (Mike Epstein).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The film seems not well thought out and the math statistics do not compute well. The full focus is on a piece of metal that has no independent motility while refusing to analyze deeper human issues.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BENEATH HILL 60 (Theatrical Release Australia 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.4|5.0 Starsìì

Beneath Hill 60—fresh storyline that follows the efforts of an Australian miner during World War I—sadly, suffers from lack of realism and believe-ability. The special effects, especially the explosions, are poorly done by today’s standards. The actors, such as Brendan Cowell, do not seem sincere. The basic story structure is solid, but the story’s potential does not seem to be fully realized under Director Jeremy Sims’ efforts. With replacement of cast, tweaking on the special effects, and a rewrite of the script, this movie could be an A-class film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An Australian miner serves during World War I as a tunneling and explosion expert.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jeremy Sims for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lee, Greg Rains, and Ross Thomas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Oliver Woodward (Brendan Cowell), Jim Sneddon (Alan Dukes), Walter Sneddon (Alex Thompson), Frank Tiffin (Harrison Gilbertson), Tom Dwyer (Duncan Young), Bill Fraser (Steve Le Marquand), Norman Morris (Gyton Grantley), Percy Marsden (Warwick Young), and Billy Bacon (Mark Coles Smith).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There’s more entertainment value in the World War II movie Windtalkers than in this World War I film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CURSE OF THE PINK PANTHER (Theatrical Release USA 1983)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Curse of the Pink Panther—same Peter Sellers platform with new actors—uses the character of Clifton Sleigh (played by Ted Wass), a bumbling American detective, to find Inspector Clouseau. The acting is very good, the story follows the Pink Panther series personality well. Pink Panther fans will not be disappointed. Watch for a cameo of Roger Moore toward the conclusion of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Inspector Clouseau is missing and American Detective Clifton Sleigh attempts to find him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edward for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jonathan D. Krane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sir Charles Litton (David Niven), George Lytton (Robert Wagner), Chief Inspector Charles LaRousse Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), Countess Chandra (Joanna Lumley), Lady Simone Litton (Capucine), Bruno Langois (Robert Loggia), Professor Auguste Balls (Harvey Korman), Cato Fong (Burt Kwouk), Sergeant Clifton Sleigh (Ted Wass), Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Roger Moore), and Juleta Shane (Leslie Ash).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a fresh take on the Pink Panther series and is worth watching over a lunch break.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ANGEL (Video Release Italy 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Angel has an interesting storyline that defines the dangerously thin line that puts nations in or out of war. Expect a slow start as Director Ariel Vromen sets up the story’s background. Stick around, because this director does not miss a beat in detailing the courage necessary to move and to interpret private information during tense international situations.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During the Six Day War, an Egyptian spy helps Israel.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ariel Vromen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Esther Hornstein, Matthew O’Toole, and Jeremy Kipp Walker for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Danny Ben Aroya (Toby Kebbell), Ashraf Marwan (Marwan Kenzari), Diana Ellis (Hannah Ware), Anwar Sadat (Sasson Gabai), Souad (Sapir Azulay), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Waleed Zuaiter), Gadaffi (Tsahi Halevi), Hotel Guest (Bern Collaco), Zvi Zamir (Ori Pfeffer), Mona Marwan (Maisa Abd Elhadi), Chemistry Professor (Atanas Srebrev), and Mossad Agent (Ralitsa Paskaleva).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The action begins to pick up pace when Ashraf Marwan works with the Mossad. It’s a good movie that one does not want to miss.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DOLPHIN TALE 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Dolphin Tale 2—feel-good movie with heart—becomes an easy-on-the-mind film. It’s worth an afternoon watch and shows Director Charles Martin Smith’s outstanding abilities in directing films where humans and animals interact.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

When a dolphin loses its companion, an aquarium team works to establish a new, compatible partner.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Charles Martin Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Engelman and David Yates for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dr. Cameron McCarthy (Morgan Freeman), Lorraine Nelson (Ashley Judd), Reed Haskett (Kris Kristofferson), Rebecca (Juliana Harkavy), Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.), George Hatton (Charles Martin Smith), Kyle Connellan (Austin Stowell), Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble), Hazel Haskett (Cozi Zuehlsdorff), Dr. Aslan (Carlos Gómez), Phoebe (Austin Highsmith), Susie (Taylor Blackwell), Phillip J. Hordern (Tom Nowicki), Herself (Bethany Hamilton), Nurse’s Aide (Tamara Austin), and Toddler (Alana Cavanaugh).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film, designed for the whole family, fulfills its mission.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WEST SIDE STORY (Theatrical Release USA 1961)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

West Side Story—classic musical with a tough theme—introduces a terrific musical score and allows a broad range of expression for dancers, singers, and actors. The story moves with finesse through well-written dialogue and excellent choreography. The actors’ costuming, body movement, and facial features completely support the story. Well done for Director Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rival neighborhood gangs make it tough to live and to love in the neighborhood.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Walter Mirisch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Maria (Natalie Wood), Tony (Richard Beymer), Riff (Russ Tamblyn), Anita (Rita Moreno), Bernardo (George Chakiris), Schrank (Simon Oakland), Doc (Ned Glass), Krupke (William Bramley), Ice (Tucker Smith), and Action (Tony Mordente).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie performs as one of the better musicals on the market.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STUART LITTLE (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Stuart Little—based on a children’s book by E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web—co-ops live action with very good computer animation to make a classic that belongs in the family home video library. While the anthropomorphic mouse, Stuart, does not have the jaunty appeal of a Mickey Mouse or any particularly distinguishing personality characteristics like Donald Duck, the movie, overall, still classifies itself as a one-in-a-million movie in the lineup of B-grade films. Great work for all involved in producing a loveable film that the whole family will enjoy from its beginning to its ending.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An adult couple adopt a mouse who behaves and acts human. Their son does not want to accept his new ‘brother’.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rob Minkoff for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Jeff Franklin and Steve Waterman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stuart Little (voice of Michael J. Fox), Mrs. Little (Geena Davis), Mr. Little (Hugh Laurie), George Little (Jonathan Lipnicki), Snowbell (voice of Nathan Lane), Smokey (voice of Chazz Palminteri), Monty (voice of Steve Zahn), Lucky/Detective Allen (voice of Jim Doughan), and Red (voice of David Alan Grier).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie performs as one of the cutest films built during the late 90s decade for the child/adult share. Provides some good after movie discussion on assimilation into new family situations, how that takes time, effort, and cooperation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLEEDING STEEL (Theatrical Release China 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Bleeding Steel, despite great concepts like mechanical hearts and biogenetic blood, suffers from subpar acting and amateurish special effects. The movie fails to match the high quality that other Jackie Chan films (Drunken Masters, Police Story 4: First Strike, Shanghai Noon, Shanghai Knights, the Rush Hour series, and the remake of the Karate Kid) have.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A special agent believes his daughter has died while he was fighting crime, but discovers that someone resurrected her by implanting a mechanical heart and replacing her blood with biogenetic blood.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leo Zhang for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jackie Chan, Ellen Eliasoph, Alex Guan, Alee Li, Kailuo Liu, Rong Liu, Jason Sun, Bozhao Wang, Peng Wang, Ziquan Xu, Weidong Yang, Da Ying, and John Zeng for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lin Dong (Jackie Chan), Leeson (Show Lo), Nancy (Na-Na OuYang), Susan (Erica Xia-Hou), Andre (Callan Mulvey), Woman in Black (Tess Haubrich), Dr. James (Kim Gyngell), Rick Rogers (Damien Garvey), and Dr. Wu (Bowie Lam).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s always wonderful to see Jackie Chan onscreen, but Rumble in the Bronx is a much better choice for your time and money than this film.

Video Critique Available Here

Ben Meyers

TOO YOUNG THE HERO (Television Release USA 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Too Young the Hero—an easily missed jewel—has a WOW! story supported by an excellent casting choice of Ricky Schroder. Director Buzz Kulik pulls the best out of the script and the war genre with realism and strong believability.

Film Posters Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

During World War II a 12-year-old boy enlists and serves in the United States Navy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Buzz Kulick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joan Barnett, Pierre Cossette, Alan Landsburg, and Howard Lipstone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Calvin Graham (Ricky Schroder), Captain Gatch (Jon DeVries), Calvin’s Mother (Debra Mooney), Holbrook (Rick Warner), Davy Cluff (Tom Wood), Laslo (Christopher Curry), Scotty Bloxom (John Linton), Sparky (Markus Flanagan), and MacBride (David Gianopoulos).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Do not miss this film; it is a winner all the way.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SNOW BUDDIES (Video Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Snow Buddies—simple, easy on the mind children’s flick—is really good entertainment for children that lives up to the Disney standard with well-trained animals and quality actors. While the animated mouths of the dogs are showing age and low quality for today’s 2019 standards, they still work to produce that feel-good flick for the whole family.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lost puppies earn their keep by learning how to pull a snow sled for professional competion.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Vince for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Anna McRoberts and Robert Vince for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bernie (voice of Jim Belushi), Buddha (voice of Jimmy Bennett), Francois (voice of Lothaire Bluteau), Announcer Phil (Jason Bryden), Alice (Kelly Chapek), Sam (Jarvis Dashkewytch), Joe (Mike Dopud), Budderball (voice of Josh Flitter), and Bartleby (Tyler Foden).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s great for the dog-loving family who have young children. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers