THE LAST AIRBENDER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Last Airbender has all the earmarks for a great piece of entertainment but fails in its presentation and universal appeal. The acting works at below par. While M. Night Shymalan movies (like Signs and The Sixth Sense) sets expectations for great entertainment, this one does not make the grade.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An avatar must prevent an unbalancing of the four elements.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director M. Night Shyamalan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Aversano, Michael Dante DiMartino, Kathleen Kennedy, and Bryan Konietzko for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Aang (Noah Ringer), Prince Zuko (Dev Patel), Katara (Nicola Peltz), Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), Uncle Iroh (Shaun Toub), Commander Zhao (Aasif Madvi), Fire Lord Ozai (Cliff Curtis), Princess Yue (Seychelle Gabriel), Katara’s Grandma (Katharine Houghton), Master Pakku (Francis Guinan), Monk Gyatso (Damon Gupton), Azula (Summer Bishil), Old Man in Temple (Randall Duk Kim), and Earthbending Father (Keong Sim).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Unbreakable works at a much higher entertainment level than this movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RANGO (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Rango—classic—takes creativity and animation to a new level. It easily earns re-watch status and a right to the family home video library. The movie defines fresh, fun, and creative in one sweep. Great work for Director Gore Verbinski.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A sheriff steps up to eliminate a drought and rout the bad guys who are responsible.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gore Verbinski for directing effort. Thank you to   Producer Tim Headington for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rango/Lars (voice of Johnny Depp), Beans (voice of Isla Fisher), Priscilla (voice of Abigail Breslin), Mayor (voice of Ned Beatty), Roadkill (voice of Alfred Molina), Rattlesnake Jake (voice of Bill Nighy), Doc/Merrimack/Mr. Snuggles (voice of Stephen Root), Balthazar (voice of Harry Dean Stanton), Spirit of the West (voice of Timothy Olyphant) Bad Bill (voice of Ray Winstone), Ambrose (voice of Ian Abercrombie), Wounded Bird (voice of Gil Birmingham), Waffles/Gordy/Papa Joad/Attacker/Rodent Kid (voice of James Ward Byrkit), Angelique (voice of Claudia Black), Buford (voice of Blake Clark), and Elgin (voice of John Cothran).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Fully satisfying child/adult share for all ages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE MASK OF ZORRO (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Mask of Zorro—wonderful sword fighting—introduces Antonio Banderas as an outstanding Zorro figure. Casting chose Anthony Hopkins as the aging Zorro and Catherine Zeta-Jones as the female interest. This acting team turns the movie into one of the best Zorro movies made.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Zorro trains his successor.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Campbell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Alejandro Murrieta (José Maria de Tavira), Young Joaquin Murrieta (Diego Sieres), Boy Crying (Emiliano Guerra), Woman Crying (Yolanda Orizaga), Undertaker (Paco Morayta), Fray Felipe (William Marquez), Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), Don Luiz (Tony Amendola), Don Diego de la Vega/Zorro (Anthony Hopkins), Squad Leader (Pedro Altamirano), Nanny (Luisa Huertas), Esperanza de la Vega (Julieta Rosen), Alejandro Murrieta/Zorro (Antonio Banderas), and Joaquin Murrieta (Victor Rivers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie completely satisfies Zorro fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INSIDE OUT (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Inside Out—unusual story format—plays its scenes well; but it is not the best in its class. The movie seems to end bluntly as if it runs out of storyline. As a Pixar animation, children may like the brightly colored characters but may dis-appreciate the storyline which comes off as a psychological analysis rather than entertainment. The story has a serious mindset which does not lend itself much to laughter.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl moves to San Francisco and a radically different lifestyle. Emotions erupt to help her cope.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Pete Doctor and Ronnie Del Carmen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Bing Bong (voice of Richard Kind), Fear (voice of Bill Hader), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling), Riley (voice of Kaitlyn Dias), Mom (voice of Diane Lane), Dad (voice of Kyle MacLachlan), Forgetter Paula (voice of Paula Poundstone), Forgetter Bobby (voice of Bobby Moynihan), Dream Director/Mom’s Anger/Other Voices (voice of Paula Pell), Subconscious Guard (voice of David Goetz), Subconscious Guard (voice of Frank Oz), Jangles (voice of Josh Cooley), and Mind Worker (voice of Flea).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works for kids but not the best in the Pixar world.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ESCAPE TO ATHENA (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Escape to Athena—easy to miss film—deserves a watch. It’s a fair to middling war movie that has an unusual venue and storyline. Watch for Sonny Bono and Elliot Gould in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

World War II prisoners of war are forced to excavate Greek artifacts for export.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director George P. Cosmatos for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Lew Grade for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Major Otto Hecht (Roger Moore), Zeno (Telly Savalas), Professor Blake (David Niven), Dottie Del Mar (Stefanie Powers), Eleana (Claudia Cardinale), Nat Judson (Richard Roundtree), Bruno Rotelli (Sonny Bono), Charlie/Charlie Dane (Elliott Gould), SS Major Volkmann (Anthony Valentine), Braun (Stegfried Rauch), Sergeant Mann (Michael Sheard), Reistoffer (Richard Wren), Vogel (Philip Locke), Lantz (Steve Ubels), Zeno’s Man (Paul Picerni), and Zeno’s Man (Paul Stassino).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This British war movie will satisfy war movie fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

LA LA LAND (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

La La Land lacks originality, has a weak storyline, and seems like a cookie-cutter movie. It’s touted as a musical; but when comparing it to classic musicals from the 1950s and 1960s, it fails to deliver. Dance routines seem copy-cat (like the bench routine) and there is no heart in it. The ending scenes seem repetitive and without the power to push this movie to home base. The movie fails to reach the heart.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl desires to be an actress and a young boy desires to open a jazz bar.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Damien Chazelle for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Beugg, Mike Jackson, John Legend, Qiuyun Long, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill, Jasmine McGlade, Molly Smith, and Ty Stiklorius for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), Mia (Emma Stone), Famous Actress (Amiée Conn), Linda (Terry Walters), Coffee Spiller (Thom Shelton), Casting Director (Cinda Adams), Tracy (Callie Hernandez), Alexis (Jessica Rothe), Caitlin (Sonoya Mizuno), Laura (Rosemarie DeWitt), Bill (J.K. Simmons), Karen (Claudine Claudio), and Carlo (Jason Fuchs).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The musical score is fairly good, but the storyline needs serious buffing before it works. The audience may feel like walking out within the first 15 minutes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STEP DOGS (Video Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Step Dogs seems to have strains/similarities of Home Alone running throughout its presentation except it lacks originality and runs as B-grade entertainment unlike Home Alone. The acting is fair as is the storyline. One leaves the film wondering what film makers were trying to do with this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two dogs from opposite lifestyles meet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Geoff Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Nolan Pielak for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Terrance (Joris Jarsky), Louie (Ryan Belleville), Josh (Dylan Schmid), Lacey (Eliana Jones), Sabrina (Emilie Ullerup), Rick (Jeff Pangman), Krystal (Shannon Jardine), Sheriff Carson (Ryland Alexander), Meatball (voice of Lee Tockar), Cassie (voice of Brittney Wilson), and TV Announcer/Mission control (Kendahl Cardinal).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s not the best choice for time and money spent.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO * (Theatrical Release Japan 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

My Neighbor Totoro—heart and sweetly simple storyline—defines Hayao Miyasaki’s work. His animation is soft on the eyes and easily watched partially due to the lovely coloration that still has that feel of hand-drawn. The storyline, as usual, crosses international borders due to its ability to catch universal emotions of love of family, concern for others, and mindful compassion. This is an excellent watch for the child/adult share. Another outstanding work for Hayao Miyazaki.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A mother becomes ill. Her two daughters need help and a beast who lives underground helps them.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Dempsey and Yasuyoshi Tokuma for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Satsuki (voice of Noriko Hidaka), Mei (voice of Chika Sakamoto), Tatsuo Kusakabe (voice of Shigesato Itoi), Totoro (voice of Hitoshi Takagi), Kanta’s Mother (voice of Yûko Maruyama), Sensei (voice of Machiko Washio), Kanta’s Father (voice of Masashi Hirose), Kanta (voice of Toshiyuki Amagasa), Kusakari-Otoko (voice of Shigeru Chiba), Cat Bus/Additional Voice and (voice of Naoki Tatsuta).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. The film deserves a place in the family home video library. It especially works for fans of Hayao Miyazaki animated films.

* Also known as Tonari no Tortoro

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WORLD WE MAKE (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

The World We Make seems to be a story taken out of the 1960s with its basic message and seems irrelevant to the times we live in. While Caleb Castille has good onscreen charisma, this movie does not work well for him partially due to the supporting cast members' acting skills and partly due to the theme of the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A boy and girl from different racial backgrounds fall in love and find unexpected resistance.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brian Baugh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Baugh, Ken Carpenter, George D. Escobar, and Julian Reid for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jordan Bishop (Caleb Castille), Lee Grove (Rose Reid), Jeff Grove (Kevin Sizemore), Thomas Bishop (Gregory Alan Williams), Casey Grove (Richard Kohnke), Logan Grove (Gunnar Sizemore), Morgan (Blake Burt), Brooklyn (Katherine Smith-Rodden), Kimani (Candace West), Chip Wallace (Greg Puckett), Oscar Bidwell (Phil Darius Wallace), and Anne (Rebecca Lines). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It runs as a ho-hum, seen this before movie with an old message.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MORNING GLORY (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Morning Glory—fresh and original—plays fast and hard. This adult film not only gives a peek into the stressful world of television news, but shows an interesting personal side to newscast relationships. For the modern-day, mature adult the movie is worth a watch. Nothing boring here due to the quick delivery. It takes engagement to watch this show. It’s not a ‘I can run to get popcorn and still pick up the storyline’ movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

An executive finds pulling a news team together difficult.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roger Michell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sherryl Clark and Guy Riedel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Becky (Rachel McAdams), First Date (Noah Bean), Dog Walking Neighbor (Jack Davidson), Ernie Appleby (Matt Malloy), Anna (Vanessa Aspillaga), Sam (Jeff Hiller), Louanne (Linda Powell), Ralph (Mike Hydeck), Channel 9 Director (Joseph J. Vargas), Channel 9 Technical Director (Kevin Herbst), Fred (Jerome Weinstein), Channel 9 Weatherperson (Steve Park), Oscar (David Fonteno), Becky’s Mom (Patti D’Arbanville), Coleen Peck (Diane Keaton), Jerry Barnes (Jeff Goldblum), Adam Bennett (Patrick Wilson), and Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film engages the mind and presents a good behind scenes look at running a news television show. It’s built for a mature, sophisticated adult audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GOOD DINOSAUR (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Good Dinosaur—lovable, sweet, and exceptionally family friendly—goes straight to the heart from its opening scene to its final scene. While not as impactful as other Pixar Studio films, this movie’s strict reliance on the theme of strangers helping strangers is welcome and well-received. Good family share film. Great work for Director Peter Sohn

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

A dinosaur helps a prehistoric boy find a home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Sohn for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Poppa (voice of Jeffrey Wright), Momma (voice of Frances McDormand), Young Libby (voice of Maleah Nipay-Padilla), Young Buck (voice of Ryan Teeple), Young Arlo (voice of Jack McGraw), Buck (voice of Marcus Scribner), Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa), Spot (voice of Jack Bright), Pet Collector (voice of Peter Sohn), Thunderclap (voice of Steve Zahn), Downpour (voice of Mandy Freund), Coldfront (voice of Steven Clay Hunter), Nash (voice of A.J. Buckley), Ramsey (voice of Anna Paquin), Butch (voice of Sam Elliott), Bubbha (voice of David Boat), Lurleane (voice of Carrie Paff), Pervis (voice of Calum Grant), and Earl (voice of John Ratzenberger).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works for its money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LONGSHOTS (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Longshots—nice work by Ice Cube—bases itself on the true story of a young girl, Jasmine Plummer, who works to establish herself as a football player on a boys’ ball team. The script, well-written, shows, rather than tells that persistence, hard work, good training, and family support can go a long way toward establishing positive wins in life. Great work for Director Fred Durst.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An uncle helps his niece develop self-confidence and a place in the community by training her to play football.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fred Durst for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Andrew G. La Marca, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Curtis (Ice Cube), Jasmine (Keke Palmer), Claire (Tasha Smith), Ronnie (Jill Marie Jones), Cyrus (Dash Mihok), Coach Fisher (Matt Craven), Winston (Glenn Plummer), Reverend Pratt (Garrett Morris)

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a surprisingly good sports film for all ages.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CINDERELLA (Theatrical Release USA 1950)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Cinderella—Disney animated classic—tells its story nicely and has that over-the-top happy ending that one expects from a Disney film. Despite its age (1950), this movie not only deserves a watch and re-watch, but also deserves its permanent addition to the family home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl’s riches to rags to riches story needs a little magic for its happily ever after ending.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske for directing effort. Thank you to Restoration Producer Amy Bailey and Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cinderella (Ilene Woods), Lady Tremaine (voice of Eleanor Audley), Fairy Godmother (voice of Verna Felton), Drizella (voice of Rhonda Williams), Jaq/Gus (voice of James MacDonald), King/Grand Duke (voice of Luis Van Rooten), Doorman (voice of Don Barclay), Anastasia (voice of Lucille Bliss), Prince Charming (singing voice of Mike Douglas), Prince Charming (voice of William Phipps), Birds (voice of Marion Darlington), and Bruno (voice of Earl Keen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story, based upon Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm tales, has been beautifully animated. The characters are well defined and it stirs the emotion for justice and the re-establishment of right in the world. An excellent children’s watch. Great work for Directors Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MUPPET MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Muppet Movie—one of the best of the Muppet movie series—has higher quality and a much better storyline than the later produced Muppet films. The movie provides a satisfactory release of nostalgia as the story unfolds of how the Muppets form a family. Good job by The Jim Henson Company.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

While on a voyage to Hollywood, Kermit, the frog, needs to avoid a frog leg hunter.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Frawley for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lew Grade and Martin Starger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kermit the Frog/Rowlf/Dr. Teeth/Waldorf/Swedish Chef/Link Hogthrob/Doc Hopper’s Men (voice of Jim Henson), Miss Piggy/Fozzie Bear/Animal/Sam the Eagle/Doc Hopper’s Men/Marvin Suggs/Swedish Chef Assistant/Motorcycle Guy (voice of Frank Oz), Floyd Pepper/Crazy Harry/Robin the Frog/Lew Zealand/Camilla/Blue Frackle (voice of Jerry Nelson), The Great Gonzo/Zoot/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Doglion/Iraqian in El Sleezo Café/Nigel/Pig (voice of Dave Goelz), Doc Hopper (voice of Charles Durning), Max (voice of Austin Pendleton), Himself/Charlie McCarthy (voice of Edgar Bergen), Mad Man Mooney (voice of Milton Berle), Professor Max Krassman (voice of Mel Brooks), El Sleezo Café Owner (voice of James Coburn), Bernie the Agent (voice of Dom DeLuise), Beauty Contest Compere (voice of Elliott Gould), Ice Cream Vendor (voice of Bob Hope), El Sleezo Patron (voice of Madeline Kahn), and Myth (voice of Carol Kane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Thank you to the Jim Henson Company and Director James Frawley for creating a worthy piece of entertainment for both the child and adult audience.

Movie Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PLANES (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Planes becomes, basically, a Cars movie with planes and lacks the excitement of Cars 1,2, and 3 combined. Not one of Disney’s best due to the lack of originality and the copy-cat feeling an audience may experience. Children, however, will love it and it is worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A dust cropper airplane has dreams which can be realized if he successfully overcomes his fears.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Klay Hall for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dusty Crophopper (voice of Dane Cook), Skipper (voice of Stacy Keach), Chug (voice of Brad Garrett), Dottie (voice of Teri Hatcher), Rochelle (voice of Julia Louis-Dreyfuss), Ishani (voice of Priyanka Chopra), Bulldog (voice of John Cleese),Leadbottom (voice of Cedric the Entertainer), El Chupacabra/Additional Voices (voice of Carlos Alazraqui), Ripslinger/Additional Voices (Roger Craig Smith), Echo (voice of Anthony Edwards), Bravo (voice of Val Kilmer), Roper (voice of Sinbad), Ned/Zed (voice of Gabriel Iglesias), Brent Mustangburger (voice of Brent Musburger), Colin Cowling (voice of Colin Cowherd), and Sparky/Additional Voices (voice of Danny Mann).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie, a good choice for children, may not be the best choice for an adult’s time and money.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers