GREEN DRAGON (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Green Dragon—exceptionally realistic and thought provoking—pulls the universally appealing chord as it uniquely captures the plight of the refugee and the courage necessary to make a new life in a completely new country as well as the trust necessary to move forward. The acting makes this movie stand out. Terrific storyline as directed by Timothy Linh Bui deserves kudos for a great job well done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After the Vietnam War draws to a close, Vietnamese refugees leave Vietnam and seek asylum in the United States where they are temporarily quartered at Camp Pendleton until they can be processed for integration into United States’ neighborhoods.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Timothy Linh Bui for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alison Semenza for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gunnery Sergeant Jim Lance (Patrick Swayze), Addie (Forest Whitaker), Tai Tran (Duong Don), Thuy Hoa (Hiep Thi Le), Duc (Billinjer C. Tran), Second Wife (Kathleen Luong), Loi (Phuoc Quan Nguyen), Quang Hai (Long Nguyen), Hien (Catherine Ai), Old Man (Phu Cuong), Kieu (Kieu Chinh), Minh (Trung Nguyen), Anh (Jennifer Tran), Thuy Hoa’s Sister (Linda Tran), Tuan (Tuan Tran), Uncle Tien (Le Van Tuoi), Binh (Joe Ho), and Red Cross Volunteer (Elyse Dinh).

  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is an unusually worthy movie to watch. Don’t miss it. It provides some good, after viewing discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PATRIOT GAMES (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Patriot Games—the first Tom Clancy story that casts Harrison Ford as the lead protagonist Jack Ryan—moves along well, demands complete audience involvement, and competently presents well-timed and appropriate action scenes to satisfy the action/hero movie fan. Great work for Director Phillip Noyce.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A CIA agent attempts to stay safe while under attack from a vengeful IRA.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Phillip Noyce for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Charles H. Maguire for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford), Cathy Ryan (Anne Archer), Kevin O’Donnell (Patrick Bergin),Marty Cantor (J.E. Freeman), Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones), Lord Holmes (James Fox), Robby (Samuel L. Jackson), Annette (Polly Walker), Marty Cantor (J.E. Freeman), Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones), Paddy O’Neil (Richard Harris), Dennis Cooley (Alex Norton), Watkins (Hugh Fraser), Inspector Highland (David Threlfall), Owens (Alvin Armstrong), and Sissy (Belinda Tolbert).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie fully delivers good value for the investment of entertainment time and dollars.

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Ben Meyers

HOOSIERS (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Hoosiers—a good background party flick—loses the best of Gene Hackman. Many scenes, as when he works to help Dennis Hopper become sober or when he attempts to inspire the basketball team to a winning mindset, lack both force and inspiration. The redeeming factor in this movie are the basketball game court scenes—which are quite good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A coach finds his way by working with a small town’s basketball team.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Anspaugh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Daly and Derek Gibson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), Myra Fleener (Barbara Hershey), Shooter (Dennis Hopper), Cletus (Sheb Wooley), Opal Fleener (Fern Persons), George (Chelcie Ross), Rollin (Robert Swan), Rooster (Michael O’Guinne), Reverend Doty (Wil Dewitt), Sheriff Finley (John Robert Thompson), Preacher Purl (Michael Sassone), Millie (Gloria Dorson), Mayor Carl (Mike Dalzell), Junior (Skip Welker), J. June (Eric Gilliom), Referee (Robert Boyle), and Referee (Jerry D. Petro).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Overall, for the sports’ fan, the movie works as a fill-in-some-time film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOUNTY HUNTER (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Bounty Hunter—fresh concept—delivers a fair amount of comedy as it explores the tension between a divorced couple under atypical circumstances. The story’s nuances, caught perfectly by Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, can be appreciated by the adult audience. The movie serves as a good husband/wife share. Great work by Director Andy Tennant.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A bounty hunter finds there is bounty on his ex-wife.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Tennant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ryan Kavanaugh, Donald J. Lee, Jr., Ori Marmur, Robyn Meisinger, and Wink Mordaunt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), Nicole Hurley (Jennifer Aniston), Uncle Sam (Gio Perez), Dwight (Joel Marsh Garland), Gelman (Jason Kolotouros), Gary (Matt Malloy), Stewart (Jason Sudeikis), Jimmy (Adam Rose), Kitty Hurley (Christine Baranski), Bobby (Dorian Missick), Arthur (David Costabile), Judge (Lynda Gravatt), Earl Mahler (Peter Greene), Sid (Jeff Garlin), Teresa (Siobhan Fallon Hogan), Landlady (Jayne Houdyshell), and Irene (Cathy Moriarty).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film delivers comedy and action in one fun-filled scene after another.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GRINCH (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

The Grinch—an Illumination Studios Production—delivers an unbeatable animated rendition of Dr. Seuss’ children’s story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It rates well with other Illumination Studios Production films such as Despicable Me 2 and easily earns its addition to the family home video library. This is a great child/adult share movie and has seasonable re-watch value. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Grinch decides to ruin Christmas.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Audrey Geisel, Latifa Ouaou, and Chris Renaud for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Grinch (voice of Benedict Cumberbatch), Cindy-Lou Who (voice of Cameron Seely), Donna Who (voice of Rashida Jones), Narrator (voice of Pharrell Williams), Groopert (voice of Tristan O’Hare), Mr. Bricklebaum (voice of Kenan Thompson), Ozzy (voice of Sam Lavagnino), Axl (voice of Ramone Hamilton), Mayor McGerkle (voice of Angela Lansbury), Izzy (voice of Scarlett Estevez), and Store Clerk (voice of Michael Beattie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Real entertainment value that highlights the work of Directors Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Ralph Breaks the Internet—innovative and completely Walt Disney fresh—delivers one terrific and dazzling animated feature that’s going to be tough to match for its quality storyline, great voice casting choices, and appeal to technology-oriented families. It works for its money and gives great kudos to the directing team of Phil Johnston and Rich Moore. Bravo! for a job well done.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A wi-fi router leads Ralph into a wild new adventure.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Phil Johnston and Rich Moore for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Lasseter, Jennifer Lee, and Chris Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly), Vanellope (voice of Sarah Silverman), Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer), Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch), KnowsMore (voice of Alan Tudyk), Double Dan (voice of Alfred Molina), Mr. Litwak (voice of Ed O’Neill), The Eboy (voice of Sean Glambrone), Maybe (voice of Flula Borg), Butcher Boy (voice of Timothy Simons), Felony (voice of Ali Wong), Pyro (voice of Hamish Blake), Little Debbie (voice of GloZell Green), Ebay Elayne (voice of Rebecca Wisocky), and Lee the Office Nerd (voice of Sam Richardson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. No lack of entertainment value. A terrific child/adult share film that delivers. A very good addition to the family home video entertainment library as it easily deserves a re-watch due to full visual screen content and a good exploration of allowing growth in friendship.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHARLIE’S ANGELS (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Charlie’s Angels introduces new angels—Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore. It’s a good action flick that works at a higher level than either Police Story: Lockdown or Aeon Flux. But, the fight scenes lack power and realism due to some rather obvious stunt manipulation. The basic storyline is good and makes this movie a good pick for running in the background at a party. It’s a surprise to see Bill Murray cast in this film, but it works as it adds to the overall lightness of the movie. Great work for Director McG for his capture of the original style and intent of Charlie’s Angels.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Female detectives use James Bond-type methods to retrieve stolen valuables.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director McG for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph M. Caracciolo, Aaron Spelling, Betty Thomas, and Jenno Topping for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Natalie Cook (Cameron Diaz), Dylan Sanders (Drew Barrymore), Alex Munday (Lucy Liu), John Bosley (Bill Murray), Eric Knox/John McKenn (Sam Rockwell), Vivian Wood (Kelly Lynch), Roger Corwin (Tim Curry), Thin Man (Crispin Glover), Jason Gibbons (Matt LeBlanc), Mr. Jones (LL Cool J), Chad (Tom Green), Pete Komisky (Luke Wilson), Pasqual (Sean Whalen), Flight Attendant (Tim Dunaway), Himself (Alex Trek), and Reform Officer (Raleigh Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works as a good ‘kill some time’ entertainment and for an audience who wants to revisit Charlie's Angels. But, a better watch for a police story is 16 Blocks; for an action film see The Fifth Element.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RUGRATS IN PARIS: THE MOVIE * (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Rugrats in Paris: The Movie—cute and lovable—serves as a perfect child/adult share film for the Rugrats fan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Rugrats team to save Chuckie’s father from making a poor marriage choice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Stig Bergqvist and Paul Demeyer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eryk Casemiro, Albie Hecht, Han-Young Kang, Pyung Soo Min, Julia Pistor, and Hal Waite for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tommy Pickles (Elizabeth Daily), Dill Pickles (voice of Tara Strong), Angelica Pickles (voice of Cheryl Chase), Chuckie Finster (voice of Christine Cavanaugh), Susan Carmichael (voice of Cree Summer), Lil DeVille/Phil DeVille/Betty DeVille (voice of Kath Soucie), Drew Pickles/Charles Finster, Sr. (voice of Michael Bell), Charlotte Pickles (voice of Tress MacNeille), Wedding DJ (voice of Casey Kasem), Grandpa Lou Pickles (voice of Joe Alaskey), Lulu Pickles (voice of Debbie Reynolds), Stu Pickles (voice of Jack Riley), Coco LaBouche (voice of Susan Sarandon), and Jean-Claude (voice of John Lithgow).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fun to see the Rugrats backgrounded in France.

*Also known as Rugrats in Paris and Rugrats II

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KARATE KID (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Karate Kid, after nearly 30 years release of the original story, finally comes into its own, big time, with this 2010 movie release. The film partners Jaden Smith with Jackie Chan to create one terrific piece of entertainment. It’s fun, comical, and teaches good life lessons on the value of discipline and good ethics. Great work for Director Harald Zwart. The movie easily establishes itself as a solid addition to the family home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young boy transfers to China with his mother, meets a Kung Fu master, and learns a few good lessons along the way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harald Zwart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Susan Ekins, Sanping Han, Xiaoli Han,  Tao Jiang, and Dany Wolf for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dre Parker (Jaden Smith), Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), Sherry Parker (Taraji P. Henson), Meiying (Wenwen Han), Master Li (Rongguang Yu), Meiying’s Dad (Zhensu Wu), Meiying’s Mom (Zhiheng Wang), Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), Dre’s Detroit Friend (Jared Minns), Liang (Shijia Lu), Zhuang (Yi Zhao), Song (Bo Zhang), Harry (Luke Carberry), Mark (Cameron Hillman), Oz (Ghye Samuel Brown), Ur Dang (Rocky Shi), and Mrs. Po (Ji Wang).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Jaden Smith performs outstandingly in this film. Jackie Chan perfectly balances the rest of the story. It deserves a sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GAME CHANGERS (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Game Changers promotes veganism for world class athletes and supports this through a series of informative interviews with professional athletes who have made this dietary lifestyle change. The interviews are well done. Great work for Director Louie Psihoyos.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Another look at protein resourcing via veganism.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Louie Psihoyos for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Niklas Adalberth, Suzy Amis, Pamela Anderson, Brendan Brazier, Nicole Brodeur, James Cameron, Jackie Chan, Solina Chau, Novak Djokovic, Rip Esselstyn, Caroline Gabel, Jim Greenbaum, Bob Greenberg, Sheryl Greenberg, Lewis Hamilton, Cindy Landon, Charity Morgan, Derrick Morgan, Alexis Ohanian, Nirva Patel, Paresh Patel, Alex Payne, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Britt Selvitelle, Susan Vitka, Kyle Vogt, Tracy Vogt, Gwyn Whittaker, and Maria Wilhelm for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (James Wilks), Himself (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Himself (Patrik Baboumian), Herself (Dotsie Bausch), Herself (Tia Blanco), Himself (Nimai Delgado), Himself (Rip Esselstyn), Himself (Kendrick Farris), Himself (Mischa Janiec), Himself (Bryant Jennings), Himself (Scott Jurek), Himself (Damien Mander), Herself (Morgan Mitchell), Himself (Lucious Smith), and Himself (Griff Whalen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For those who are vegan or who are contemplating a vegan lifestyle, this movie provides a good presentation of the benefits of being vegan at the athletic level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers works more slowly than The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring as it works to establish the next foundation for the final film in the series, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. But the movie outperforms itself with its presentation of some of the best fighting scenes in the industry for scope and magnitude. The Oliphants and the walking trees create a visual wonderland that serves to establish this movie as a classic epic entertainment piece by Director Peter Jackson. Bravo, Encore for one of the best movies released in a century.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sam and Frodo meet the Gollum and fight against the Saruman.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Lynne, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Aldor (Bruce Allpress), Madril (John Bach), Sam (Sean Astin), Frodo (Elijah Woods), Man Flesh Uruk (Sala Baker), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Pippin (Billy Boyd), Sharku/Snaga (Jed Brophy), Eothain (Sam Comery), Wormtongue (Brad Dourif), Haleth (Calum Gittins), Theoden (Bernard Hill), Gamling (Bruce Hopkins), Theodred (Paris Howe Strewe), Saruman (Christopher Lee), Ugluk (Nathaniel Lees), Hama (John Leigh), Mauhur (Robbie Magasiva), Morwen (Robyn Malcolm), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Eowyn (Miranda Otto), Haldir (Craig Parker), Rohan Soldier (Bruce Phillips), Mordor Orc (Robert Pollock), Gimli/Vppealsoice of Treebeard (John Rhys-Davies), Gollum (Andy Serkis), Freda (Olivia Tennet), Bereg (Ray Trickitt), Arwen (Liv Tyler), Eomer (Karl Urban), Elrond (Hugo Weaving), and Faramir (David Wenham).  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Visually dazzling and appeals to the intellect.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LORD OF THE RINGS:THE RETURN OF THE KING (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has it all—spectacular visuals, beyond imagination storyline, ‘blow it over the top’ special effects, extreme scene creativity, non-stop action—and it requires constant mental involvement to follow. It’s the film of the century, a classic work from its beginning to its end, and earns an investment of dollars and time as well as a place in the home entertainment library. Great work for Director Peter Jackson.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

It’s time to dispose of the power ring. The World of Men pit themselves against Sauron.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Lynne, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frodo (Elijah Wood), Faramir (David Wenham), Everard Proudfoot (Noel Appleby), Elanor Gamgee (Ali Astin), Sam (Sean Astin), Gondorian Soldier 3 (David Aston), Madril (John Bach), Boromir (Sean Bean), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Pippin (Billy Boyd), Eldarion (Sadwyn Brophy), Damrod (Alistair Browning), Celeborn (Marton Csokas), Gondorian Soldier 1 (Richard Edge), Uruk 2 (Jason Fitch), Theoden (Bernard Hill), Bilbo (Ian Holm), Gamling (Bruce Hopkins), Irolas (Ian Hughes), Witchking/Gothmog (Lawence Makoare), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Elf Escort (Bret McKenzie), Rosie Cotton (Sarah McLeod), Baby Gamgee (Maisy McLeod-Riera), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Denethor (John Noble), King of the Dead (Paul Norell), Eowyn (Miranda Otto), Grimbold (Bruce Phillips), Harad Leader 2 (Shane Rangi), Gimli (John Rys-Davies), Harad Leader 1 (Todd Rippon), Gollum/Smeagol (Andy Serkis), Isildur (Harry Sinclair), and Elrond (Hugo Weaving).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s the definition of an epic film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SPOOKY TALE OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS HACK-A-WEEN (Video Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-a-Ween works as a seasonal show for children to fill in time while adults do other activities. The story is simple and works on the level of after school cartoon.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Canceling Halloween results in the creation of a new spooky holiday.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Writers Mark Banker and Matt Smith for writing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Underpants/Mr. Krupp (Nat Faxon), Harold (voice of Jay Gragnani), George (voice of Ramone Hamilton), Narrator/Mr. Gigglenose (voice of Sean Astin), Jessica/Dressy (voice of Dayci Brookshire), Mr. Ree (voice of Clancy Brown), Melvin/Stanley Peet/Melvin’s Dad (voice of Jorge Diaz), Comic Narrator (Peter Hastings), Steve ‘Gooch’ Yamaguchi (voice of Evan Kishiyama), Mr. Meaner (voice of David Koechner), Erica/George’s Mom (voice of Erica Luttrell), Miss Anthrope/Harold’s Mom (voice of Patty Matson), Bo Hweemuth (voice of Brennan Murray), Diddlysaurus/George’s Dad (voice of Kevin Michael Richardson), Melvin’s Mom (voice of Mindy Sterling), Creepy Rattlechains (voice of Stephan Tobolowsky), and Mayor Hoppy McChapper (voice of Karl Wahlgren).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This story runs on a simple idea and provides a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PADDINGTON 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Paddington 2 is one of those rare films that is as good as its prequel and serves as wonderful entertainment for children and adults alike. The animation of Paddington Bear is very good and all cast members work to establish an onscreen presence that works for the story instead of against it. Great work for Director Paul King.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A small bear finds a way to give a great gift to his aunt.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Paul King for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rosie Alison, Jeffrey Clifford, Alexandra Ferguson-Derbyshire, Ron Halpern, and Didier Lupfer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Uncle Pastuzo (voice of Michael Gambon), Aunt Lucy (voice of Imelda Staunton), Paddington (voice of Ben Whishaw), Judy Brown (Madeleine Harris), Jonathan Brown (Samuel Joslin), Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins), Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville), Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters), Mademoiselle Dubois (Marie-France Alvarez), Dr. Jafri (Sanjeeve Bhaskar), Colonel Lancaster (Ben Miller), Miss Kitts (Jessica Hynes), Mr. Barnes (Robbie Gee), Insurance Company C.E.O. (Nicholas Woodeson), Steve Visby (Alex Jordan), Chakrabatics Instructor (Stewart Gilchrist), and Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie works for its dollars and becomes one of the best child/adult share movies of 2017.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers