SKYSCRAPER (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Skyscraper—block buster—rallies into Wonderful and Bravo! for the realism of stunt work, adventure, and heart-throbbing action. Great film for Dwayne Johnson with a terrific ending makes this film stand out in line of credits for Director Rawson Marshall Thurber.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man must rescue his family from criminals and from a burning skyscraper.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rawson Marshall Thurber for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Danny Garcia, Eric Hedayat, Wendy Jacobson, and Eric McLeod for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kores Botha (Roland Møller), Will Sawyer (Dwayne Johnson), Sarah Sawyer (Neve Campbell), Zhao Long Ji (Chin Han), Mr. Pierce (Noah Taylor), Inspector Wu (Byron Mann), Ben (Pablo Schreiber), Georgia Sawyer (McKenna Roberts), Henry Sawyer (Noah Cottrell), Xia (Hannah Quinlivan), Ajani Okeke (Adrian Holmes), Sergeant Han (Elfina Luk), Ray (Kevin Rankin), Ray’s Wife (Gretal Montgomery), Ray’s Son (Jett Klyne), and Ray’s Daughter (Kayden Magnuson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth both time and money investment. Has a great concept.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BEST OF TIMES (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Best of Times wants to be a comedy, but it isn’t. Weak script, weak portrayal, and an odd combination of Robin Williams with Kurt Russell creates a fallout film that begs an answer to the questions, ‘What’s the purpose of this movie, why is it important, and what is its meaning?’

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man decides to re-win a football game he lost during his youth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roger Spottiswoode for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gordon Caarroll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Dundee (Robin Williams), Reno Hightower (Kurt Russell), Gigi Hightower (Pamela Reed), Elly Dundee (Holly Palance), The Colonel (Donald Moffat), Darla (Margaret Whitton), Charlie (M. Emmet Walsh), Eddie (Donovan Scott), Schutte (R.G. Armstrong), Mac (Dub Taylor), Arturo (Carl Ballantine), Rosie (Kathleen Freeman), Chico (Tony Plana), Teddy (Kirk Cameron), Jaki (Robyn Lively), and Carlos (Eloy Casados).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is what it is.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MUPPETS FROM SPACE (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Muppets From Space—cute show, worth an afternoon watch for children—provides some background on Gonzo. The story is solid and carries the Muppets along well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Men in Black capture Gonzo and the Muppets work to get him free.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stephanie Allain and Kristine Belson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gonzo/Bunsen Honeydew/Waldorf/The Birdman (voice of Dave Goelz), Kermit the Frog/Rizzo the Rat/Beaker/Cosmic Fish #1/Rainbow/Miss Piggy (voice of Steve Whitmire), Pepe the Prawn/Bobo as Rentro/Johnny Fiama/Bubba the Rat/Cosmic Fish #2 (voice of Bill Barretta), Robin/Statler/Ubergonzo (voice of Jerry Nelson), Dr. Phil Van Neuter/Sal Minella (voice of Brian Henson), Clifford (voice of Kevin Clash), Miss Piggy/Fozzie Bear/Animal/Sam the Eagle (voice of Frank Oz), K. Edgar Singer (Jeffrey Tambor), Noah (F. Murray Abraham), TV Producer (Rob Schneider), Agent Barker (Josh Charles), Gate Guard (Ray Liotta), Dr. Tucker (David Arquette), and Shelley Snipes (Andie MacDowell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film works with famous actors, actresses, and singers like Rob Schneider, Ray Liotta, and Jeffrey Tambor. Muppets fans will not be disappointed.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Solo: A Star Wars Story—all the bells and whistles of a typical Star Wars film—wins on special effects and on the superb casting choice of Alden Ehrenriech as Han Solo. The film does not have the same spirit or force as George Lucas had when presenting the original 6 films of this series. While Director Ron Howard tries, this film seems unrelated to the Star Wars series and must be evaluated as a stand-alone film. It is worth watching and has high entertainment value due to good action scenes and a fair storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Han Solo and Chewbaca develop their relationship before joining the rebellion.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lawrence Kasdan, Phil Lord, Jason D. McGatlin, and Christopher Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), Beckett (Woody Harrelson), Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke), Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), Val (Thandie Newton), L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Dryden Vox (Paul Bettany), Rio Durant (voice of Jon Favreau), Enfys Nest (Erin Kellyman), Lady Proxima (voice of Linda Hunt), Rebolt (Ian Kenny), Korso (John Tui), Imperial Emigration Officer (Anna Francolini), Imperial Recruitment Officer (Andrew Woodall), Weazel (Warwick Davis), and Imperial Mudtrooper (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This film serves as a prequel to the Han Solo character in the episode 4 of the Star Wars series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters—better special effects than its prequel—runs on an average storyline and cinematography. Both Logan Lerman and Brandon T. Jackson reprise their roles as Percy Jackson and Grover the Faun respectively. Pierce Brosnan does not reprise his role as Chiron. That role goes to Anthony Head  who lends a more professor-like or intellectual twist to the Chiron character which is more appropriate to the age-old concept of Chiron, a wise centaur. This movie seems written for the teen audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The son of Poseidon looks for the Golden Fleece.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Thor Freudenthal for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Columbus, Mark Morgan, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario), Tyson (Douglas Smith), Clarisse (Leven Rambin), Grover (Brandon T. Jackson), Luke (Jake Abel), Chiron (Anthony Head), Mr. D (Stanley Tucci), Tereus (Connor Dunn), and Thalia (Paloma Kwiatkowski).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is what it is and if one is following the series, this is the next movie in line for watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRUE GRIT (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

True Grit—the remake of John Wayne’s 1969 True Grit movie—seems to have some challenges in casting. Jeff Bridges in the portrayal of the U.S. Marshal character is not as strong as the original casting of John Wayne for that part. Hailee Steinfeld seems a little over her head in acting her part, although she is firm and that carries her through the film. Josh Brolin comes across as a little weak as compared to Jeff Corey in the part of Tom Chaney. Barry Pepper, on the other hand, performs as well as, if not a bit better, than the original casting for the part of ‘Lucky’ Ned Pepper. The classic line that Robert Duvall said so well in the original movie, “I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man,” does not have the same powerful impact in the remake. Mimicking does not allow freedom to add something new and delightful. The dialogue must become one's own, a part of the personality of the actor. This allows force and impact. It raises the value of the film. This film does receive a higher rating than the original movie because it seems to have a much improved grade of cinematography than the original version. While the Coen Brothers put together a very good remake, it’s not as good as the original movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl teams with a marshal to find her father’s murderer.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Ellison, Megan Ellison, Robert Graf, Paul Schwake, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), Colonel Stonehill (Dakin Matthews), Undertaker (Jarlath Conroy), Emmett Quincy (Paul Rae), Moon (Domhnall Gleeson), 40-year-old Mattie (Elizabeth Marvel), Yarnell (Roy Lee Jones), Bear Man (Ed Corbin), Sheriff (Leon Russom), Harold Parmalee (Bruce Green), Boarding House Landlady (Candyce Hinkle), Mr. Lee (Peter Leung), and Cole Younger (Don Pirl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If one has not seen the original John Wayne movie, then this movie becomes an over-the-top entertainment piece for the Western movie fan. But, if time is limited, choose the 1969 True Grit over this remake.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FANTASTIC MR. FOX (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Fantastic Mr. Fox—classic Roald Dahl story brought to the movie screen—becomes re-watchable from its opening scene due to the imaginative, creative presentation of this children’s story. A WOW! Bravo! animated film that has a great storyline as told through voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Willem Dafoe. It completely deserves its place in the family home video collection. Director Wes Anderson orchestrates this film with finesse.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mr. Fox is a happy thief until he puts his friends and family in danger.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wes Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Arnon Milchan and Steven Rales for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Fox (voice of George Clooney), Mrs. Fox (voice of Meryl Streep), Ash (voice of Jason Schwartzman), Badger (voice of Bill Murray), Kylie (voice of Wallace Wolodarsky), Kristofferson (voice of Eric Chase Anderson), Franklin Bean (voice of Michael Gambon), Rat (voice of Willem Dafoe), Coach Skip (voice of Owen Wilson), Petey (voice of Jarvis Cocker), Weasel (voice of Wes Anderson), Linda Otter (voice of Karen Duffy), Walter Boggis (Robin Hurlstone), Nathan Bunce (voice of Hugo Guinness), Mrs. Bean (voice of Helen McCrory), Squirrel Contractor (voice of Roman Coppola), Agnes (voice of Juman Malouf), and Beaver’s Son (voice of Jeremy Dawson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Genius work of art in the entertainment industry.

Video Critique available at:

Ben Meyers

MONSTER HOUSE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Monster House—great concept—seems to fail in portrayal of its story. The emotional impact seems missing here...it seems to lack a certain cohesiveness that engages an audience. Sometimes the best movies come from the introduction of asymmetrical images...something not so perfect so as to relate or seem more like the world we live in. A completely fictional story based on total fantasy needs to catch that type of realism while still staying within the fantastical. This movie didn’t do that. Despite this, the movie is a good film for children.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Three friends discover that the house across the street is not a regular house.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gil Kenan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Clark, Steven Spielberg, and Robert Zemeckis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Little Girl (voice of Ryan Whitney Newman), Nebbercracker (voice of Steve Buscemi), DJ (voice of Mitchel Musso), Mom (voice of Catherine O’Hara), Dad (voice of Fred Willard), Chowder (voice of Sam Lerner), Paramedic #1 (Woody Schultz), Paramedic #2 (Ian McConnel), Zee (voice of Maggie Gyllenhaal), Bones (voice of Jason Lee), Jenny (voice of Spencer Locke), Office Landers (voice of Kevin James), Officer Lister (voice of Nick Cannon), Reginald Skulinski (voice of Jon Heder), Constance (voice of Kathleen Turner), Bully #1 (voice of Erik Walker), and Bully #2 (voice of (Matthew Fahey).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is interesting and investigates a slightly new twist to the haunted house genre of movies. Good work for Director Gil Kenan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RAW DEAL (Theatrical Release USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Raw Deal—wannabe-a-great-police-film—puts Arnold Schwarzenegger in the front seat. What could possibly go wrong with Arnold in a movie? Somehow the brawn and the acting did not coalesce in this film to ensure a hardcore shoot-‘em-up action flick. The movie serves as a 'watch it through lunch' or a 'catch it when you can' movie, but it does not serve on a high entertainment level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An FBI agent infiltrates the Chicago Mafia.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Irvin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Dino De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mark Kaminski/Joseph P. Brenner (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Monique (Kathryn Harrold), Luigi Patrovita (Sam Wanamaker), Paulo Rocca (Paul Shenar), Max Keller (Robert Davi), Baker (Ed Lauter), Harry Shannon (Darren McGavin), Marvin Baxter (Joe Regalbuto), Marcellino (Mordecai Lawner), Martin Lamanski (Steven Hill), Amy Kaminsky (Blanche Baker), Lamanski’s Girl (Louise Robey), Dangerous Man (Victor Argo), Killer #1 (George P. Wilbur), Killer #2 (Denver Mattson), and Trager (John Malloy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Better Schwarzenegger films are The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, or Aftermath.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PEBBLE AND THE PENGUIN (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Pebble and the Penguin—sweet and lovable—works as a good animated child/adult share movie. Listen for some terrific and powerful singing from Martin Short. The concept is great.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hubie Penguin loves Marina, but circumstances do not seem to favor the union.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers James Butterworth, Jonathan Dern, Paul Sabella, Kelly Ward, and Mark Young for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hubie (voice of Martin Short), Marina (voice of Annie Golden), Rocko (voice of Jim Belushi), Drake (voice of Tim Curry), Petra (voice of Alissa King), Priscilla/Chinstrap 2 (voice of Stevie Vallance), Royal/Tika (voice of Will Ryan), Scrawny (voice of Neil Ross), McCallister (voice of Stan Jones), Chubby/Gentoo (voice of S. Scott Bullock), King (voice of Philip L. Clarke), Narrator (voice of Shani Wallis), Megellenic 1 (voice of B.J. Ward), and Megellenic 2 (voice of Hamilton Camp).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s cute and worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Captain America: The First Avenger—superb special effects with above average storyline and acting—serves the Marvel comic book fan well. While the movie loses pace at some points during the film, as in Captain America’s return to end Red Skull’s scheme, it quickly regains its pace and concludes with a staging that sets an opening for 2012’s making of The Avengers. This movie works at a surprisingly high level of entertainment…almost as good as Black Panther and serves as a very good credit for the work of Director Joe Johnston (Jumanji and October Sky).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Steve Rogers becomes Captain America.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joe Johnston for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Nigel Gostelow, Joe Johnston, Stan Lee, and David Maisel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), James Buchanan Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones), Johann Schmidt/Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper), Heinz Kruger (Richard Armitage), Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Dr. Arnim Zola (Toby Jones), Timothy Dugan (Neal McDonough), Gabe Jones (Derek Luke), Jim Morita (Kenneth Choi), James Montgomery Falsworth (JJ Feild), Jacques Dernier (Bruno Ricci), and Gilmore Hodge (Lex Shrapnel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an exceptionally well done film for both the comic book fan and non-comic book fan.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

12 ANGRY MEN (Theatrical Release USA 1957)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

12 Angry Men—as of 2019 a 62-year old classic film—still works magic. WOW and WOW and WOW! Casting is perfect. Dialogue perfect. Tension perfect. Examination of jurors discussing a verdict and what can drive a verdict…perfect. Suspense drama film that works at the highest levels bears testament to late Director Sidney Lumet’s ability to interpret and film an outstanding script. This classic is a ‘must add’ to the family home video collection and becomes excellent family discussion material on justice and factors that may drive justice in law.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Twelve jurors attempt to come to a vote in a murder trial.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Sidney Lumet for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry Fonda and Reginald Rose for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Juror 1 (Martin Balsam), Juror 2 (John Fiedler), Juror 3 (Lee J. Cobb), Juror 4 (E.G. Marshall), Juror 5 (Jack Klugman), Juror 6 (Edward Binns), Juror 7 (Jack Warden), Juror 8 (Henry Fonda), Juror 9 (Joseph Sweeney), Juror 10 (Ed Begley), Juror 11 (George Voscovec), and Juror 12 (Robert Webber).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best films on the market. A truly great film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ISLE OF DOGS (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Isle of Dogs—highly imaginative, animated film that quickly establishes itself as a classic—tells its story well and firmly establishes the Director Wes Anderson’s (Budapest Hotel) unique methodology in film making. Very well done at every level. A WOW/Bravo! film worth a watch for the whole family. The film employs a wonderfully creative technique of speaking Japanese with a commentator or newscaster speaking English as an interpreter. Gives the viewer a break from reading subtitles. Great entertainment piece.

Film Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A government outlaws dogs who carry a disease that transmits to humans.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Wes Anderson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Christoph Fisser, Henning Molfenter, and Charlie Woebcken for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief (voice of Bryan Cranston), Atari (voice of Koyu Rankin), Rex (voice of Edward Norton), King (voice of Bob Balaban), Duke (voice of Jeff Goldblum), Boss (voice of Bill Murray, Mayor Kobayashi (voice of Kunichi Nomura), Major-Domo (voice of Akira Takayama), Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig), Interpreter Nelson (voice of Frances McDormand), Professor Watanabe (voice of Akira Ito), Nutmeg (voice of Scarlett Johansson), Gondo (voice of Harvey Keitel), Jupiter (voice of F. Murray Abraham), Assistant-Scientist Yoko-Ono (voice of Yoko Ono), Oracle (voice of Tilda Swinton), and Head Surgeon (voice of Ken Watanabe).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This wonderful watch serves the whole family’s needs and resolves a crisis in a kind manner.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIRE IN PARADISE (The Hamptons International Film Festival Long Island New York, New York USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Fire in Paradise—39-minute short film—documents the gross reality of forest fire. Eye-opening reality film details the devastating effects of fire on the loose. A WOW! film that is an easy watch for persons on heavy work schedules due to its short film time. Great work for Directors Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A fire breaks out near Paradise, California, escalates in under two hours, and becomes one of California’s worst fires in 100 years.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Zackary Canepari, Drea Cooper, and Ariane Wu for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herself (Joy Beeson), Herself (Abbie Davis), Herself (Beth Bowersox), Herself (Jennifer Johnson), Herself (Madeline Johnson), Himself (Noah Johnson), Himself (Ray Johnson), Herself (Mary Ludwig), Himself (Rob Nichols), Himself (Sean Norman), and Herself (Dacia Williams).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best short films for 2019. Good job for compiling a film in such short time and releasing it for watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

‘NEATH THE ARIZONA SKIES (Theatrical Release USA 1934)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

‘Neath the Arizona Skies—excellent academic study—shows the progression of writers, editors, cinematographers, and film-making technique if compared to a film of today’s 2019 standards. It also serves as a great study of acting skill development over years of work within the industry. Watch this 1934 John Wayne movie and then follow it up with John Wayne’s The Shootist. The innocence of culture and the way movies were preserving that innocence shows nicely in this film. Good work for Director Harry L. Fraser for this 1930s film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young heiress is kidnapped.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harry L. Fraser for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Paul Malvern for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chris Morrell (John Wayne), Clara Moore (Sheila Terry), Nina (Shirley Jean Rickert), Vic Byrd (Jack Rockwell), Sam Black (Yakima Canutt), Matt Downing (George Hayes), Jim Moore (Jay Wilsey), Jameson Hodges (Philip Kieffer), and Henchman (Harry L. Fraser).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Archaic filming techniques may not appeal to a more sophisticated audience, but the innocence in the storyline make it a clean, good watch for the younger set. Mostly, it now serves as an excellent academic study for film classes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief anticipates the entertainment needs of the younger teen audience. This movie nicely introduces the younger audience to such fanciful creatures as fauns, centaurs, gods, and demigods of ancient Greece. It seems that films that deal with ancient god legends have difficulty pulling their story off well. Because this story did not try to aim for the adult audience, it did a little better than others. Interesting special effects and costuming may interest the younger audience. Watch for the surprising performance of Pierce Brosnan (007 James Bond) as the centaur Chiron, the centaur known for wisdom, justice, and a desire to help and protect young men.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Percy Jackson discovers that he is not ordinary.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Thomas M. Hammel, Greg Mooradian, Mark Mooradian, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), Grover (Brandon T. Jackson), Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario), Luke (Jake Abel), Zeus (Sean Bean), Mr. Brunner (Pierce Brosnan), Hades (Steve Coogan), Persephone (Rosario Dawson), Athena (Melina Kanakaredes), Sally Jackson (Catherine Keener), Poseidon (Kevin McKidd), Gabe Ugliano (Joe Pantoliano), Medusa (Uma Thurman), Ferryman (Julian Richings), Hysterical Woman (Bonita Friedericy), Aphrodite Girl (Annie Ilonzeh/Luisa d’Oliveira/Elisa King/Tania Saulnier/Marielle Jaffe/Christie Laing/Crystal Tisiga/Marie Avgeropoulos/Marielle Jaffe/Alexis Knapp) Lotus Land Bellhop (Charlie Gallant), and Lotus Land Waitress (Chelan Simmons/Natassia Malthe/Andrea Brooks/Jocelyn Panton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This first film in the series presents an interesting concept overall.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers