THE GOONIES (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Goonies—fun watch that sets young actors up for future films—works as a ‘feel good’ adventure for the teen audience. Great work for Director Richard Donner. It unforgettably captures the young teen spirit and becomes a re-watch over the years.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A group of young boys sets out on a treasure hunt.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Donner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mikey (Sean Astin), Brand (Josh Brolin), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Andy (Kerri Green), Stef (Martha Plimpton), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Sloth (John Matuszak), Jake (Robert Davi), Francis (Joe Pantoliano), Mama Fratelli (Anne Ramsey), and Rosalita (Lupe Ontiveros).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Works on the ‘lovable’ level and captures the young teen mindset well.

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Ben Meyers

OBLIVION (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Oblivion—no shabbiness here, begs for a sequel—completes its circle with unusual realism. Some of the special effects may not be as cinematic or explosive as one would expect in a film of this genre, but it all works due to the two actors, Tom Cruise and Andrea Riseborough, and the support cast of Olga Kurylenko and Morgan Freeman. Great work for Director Joseph Kosinski for putting a unique story on the big screen. This is a blockbuster film that takes total mental involvement.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A space technician, working on earth, sees a spaceship crash, goes to investigate, and finds a woman inside who has been appearing repetitively in his dreams.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joseph Kosinski for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jesse Berger, Dave Morrison, and Justin Springer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack (Tom Cruise), Beech (Morgan Freeman), Julia (Olga Kurylenko), Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), Sykes (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Sally (Melissa Leo), Kara (Zoë Bell), Julia’s Child (Abigail Lowe), and Julia’s Child (Isabelle Lowe).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great watch. Worth both time and money.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

TREMORS 5: BLOODLINES (DVD Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Tremors 5: Bloodlines—first film continues to be the best of the series—runs on the predictable storyline that marks the run-of-the-mill Tremors movies. Michael Gross continues to reprise his role as the legendary Burt Gummer who now looks for Graboids in Africa. Special effects seem a bit better, but not more realistic than the other Tremors films.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Burt Gummer hunts Graboids in Africa.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Michael Paul for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ogden Gavanski for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Johan Dreyer (Brandon Auret), Lucia (Natalie Becker), Dr. Michael Swan (Emmanuel Castis), Burt Gummer (Michael Gross), Riley (Zak Hendrikz), Erich Van Wyk (Daniel Janks), Basson (Lawrence Joffe), Travis B. Welker (Jamie Kennedy), Ndebele Chieftan (Ernest Ndlovu), Baruti (Rea Rangaka), Den Bravers (Ian Roberts), and Thaba (Sello Sebotsane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If one is deeply dedicated to finishing the series, this is the next movie to watch. Otherwise, better choices for time and money spent are: Jurassic Park (1993) or King Kong (2005).

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Ben Meyers

RAY (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Ray—no apologies, frank, honest, unforgettable—completely wins with an outstanding performance by Jamie Foxx. Bravo! Bravo! Encore! film. WOW! Great work for Director Taylor Hackford. Terrific ability to make a bio-flick realistic. Kudos to the writers, James L. White and Taylor Hackford. Wonderful script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of Ray Charles from childhood through the height of his career.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Taylor Hackford for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Directors William J. Immerman and Jaime Rucker King for making the movie possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx), Della Bea Robinson (Kerry Washington), Margie Hendricks (Regina King), Jeff Brown (Clifton Powell), Joe Adams (Harry Lennix), Fathead Newman (Bokeem Woodbine), Mary Ann Fisher (Aunjanue Ellis), Aretha Robinson (Sharon Warren), Young Ray Robinson (C.J. Sanders), Ahmet Ertegun (Curtis Armstrong), Jerry Wexler (Richard Schiff), and Quincy Jones (Larenz Tate).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great portrayal of Ray Charles by Jamie Foxx. The supporting cast is outstanding. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WONDER PARK (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Wonder Park—great concept—lacks impact because it seems like a mix of scenes from other movies. The story itself is presentable, but the action scenes fail to deliver due to lack of ‘real’. The trailer for this movie pumps it up and then the movie does not live up to its trailer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An amusement park bases itself on the imaginations of a young girl.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dylan Brown for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Don Hahn and Karen Rosenfelt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young June (Sofia Mali), Mom (voice of Jennifer Garner), Boomer (voice of Ken Hudson Campbell), Gus (voice of Kenan Thompson), Greta (voice of Mila Kunis), Steve (voice of John Oliver), Cooper (voice of Ken Jeong), Peanut (voice of Norbert Leo Butz), Dad (voice of Matthew Broderick), June (voice of Brianna Denski), Banky (voice of Oev Michael Urbas), and Aunt Albertine (voice of Kate McGregor-Stewart).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s not an irredeemable film, but it could have been a great deal better than it was.

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Ben Meyers

TREMORS 4: THE LEGEND BEGINS (DVD Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Tremors 4: The Legend Begins—nothing new here other than a change in venue and time period—delivers typical Tremors story based on the town’s origins and the original Graboids. The movie, as always, turns a run-of-the-mill story and is a small improvement over the Tremors 3 movie. It’s for the Tremors fanbase. Michael Gross plays a new character, Hiram Gummer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

This movie tells the Perfection, Nevada’s origins' story and how its founders originally fought the Graboids.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director S.S. Wilson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hiram Gummer (Michael Gross), Christine Lord (Sara Botsford), Black Hand Kelly (Billy Drago), Juan Pedilla (Brent Roam), Tecopa (August Schellenberg), Old Fred (J.E. Freeman), Pyong Lien Chang (Ming Lo), Lu Wan Chang (Lydia Look), Fu Yien Chang (Sam Ly), Victor (Neal Kopit), Western Union Clerk (Sean Moran), and Brick Walters (Matthew Seth Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. To date, the best of the Tremors’ series is the first movie. It’ll be interesting to see what Tremors 5: Bloodlines brings to the table.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JOURNEY’S END (DVD Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Journey’s End—WOW!—has a terrific storyline, outstanding acting, and complicated storyline that demands total involvement. The downside is that it is slow, almost boring. But the acting, portrayal, and storyline carries the slowness. Great work for Director Saul Dibbs for a film that may not have seen value at this time, but definitely, over time, will ripen and be hailed as an outstanding film that was presented ahead of its time.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

British officers, under the leadership of a mentally ill officer, hide in a dugout.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Saul Dibb for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Charles Auty, Natalie Brenner, Mary Burke, Sue de Beauvoir, Ivan Dunleavy, Christian Eisenbeiss, John P. Gleeson, David Grindley, Nadia Khamlichi, Will Machin, Steve Milne, Robert Norris, Sam Parker, Adrian Politowski, Anthony Seldon, Bastien Sirodot, and Gilles Waterkeyn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant Osborne (Paul Bettany), Captain Stanhope (Sam Claflin), 2^nd Leiutenant Trotter (Stephn Graham), 2^nd Lieutenant Hibbert (Tom Sturridge), Angele (Alaïs Lawson), Sergeant-Major (Andy Gathergood), Private Evans (Jack Riddiford), Private Graham (Adam Colborne), Private Peters (Elliot Balchin), Private Watson (Theo Barklem-Biggs), Second Lieutenant Raleigh (Asa Butterfield), and Captain Reid (Derek Barr).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This works on every level. A WOW! BRAVO! entertainment piece.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (Theatrical Release Finland 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Johnny English Strikes Again—almost as good as the second film in this series—allows another good look at the comedic talents of Rowan Atkinson in the role of Johnny English. It’s a pleasurable watch sure to please Johnny English fans, delivers a few satisfying chuckles, and serves as a good family share movie. Great work for Director David Kerr for catching the same nuances that marked the second movie in the series.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A computer hacker releases the identities of active British secret agents.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Kerr for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin and William Davies for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: MI7 Night Duty Agent (Kevin Eldon), Prime Minister (Emma Thompson), Pegasus (Adam James), Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson), Baggaley (Noah Spiers), Ibadulla (Kendra Mei), Straker (Alfie Kennedy), Dowling (Jasmine Brightmore), Hattersley (George Turner), Ridley (Rua Robertson) and Tomlinson (Adam Greaves-Neal).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie performs as expected from a Rowan Atkinson film and will not disappoint the Johnny English fan. A fun watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PLANES: FIRE AND RESCUE (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Planes: Fire and Rescue—great animation—plays differently than its prequel, a better storyline. Dusty Crophopper maintains the lovable character that carries the series. Good work for Director Roberts Gannaway.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dusty trains and joins a fire rescue unit.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roberts Gannaway for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook), Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris), Lil’ Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), Maru (voice of Curtis Armstrong), Cad (voice of John Michael Higgins), Mayday (voice of Hal Holbrook), Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), Chug (voice of Brad Garrett), Dottie (voice of Teri Hatcher), Skipper (voice of Stacy Keach), Sparky (voice of Danny Mann), and Leadbottom (voice of Cedric the Entertainer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good watch for children.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

SPIRITED AWAY (Theatrical Release Japan 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Spirited Away—good concept—plays itself into a good, worth watching child/adult share movie. Director Hayao Miyizaki has always been able to cross the international borders between Japan and United States entertainment easily through his animated works. He does it again with this film, brings Japanese folklore and imagination to an audience in such a way that is easy to absorb and appreciate. Great work for Director Hayao Miyizaki.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A girl enters a world peopled with beast-humans and spirits.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing effort. Thank you to Chief Executive Producer Yasuyoshi Tokuma and Executive Producers Hironori Aihara, Kôji Hoshino, Takeyoshi Matsushita, Yutaka Narita, Banjiro Uemura, and Seiichirô Ujiie for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chihiro Ogino/Sen (voice of Rumi Hiiragi), Haku (voice of Miyu Irino), Yubaba/Zeniba (voice of Mari Natsuki), Akio Ogino (voice of Takashi Naitô) , Yûko Ogino (voice of Yasuko Sawaguchi), Aogaeru (voice of Tatsuya Gashûin), Bô (voice of Ryûnosuke Kamiki), Rin (voice of Yumi Tamai), Bandai-gaeru (voice of Yô Ôizumi), Kawa no Kami (voice of Koba Hayashi), and Chichiyaku (voice of Tsunehiko Kamijô).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. 'Cool' concept and worth watching. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TREMORS 3: BACK TO PERFECTION (DVD Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Tremors 3: Back to Perfection—nothing new here—sports the newest mutation of the old terror of Perfection, Nevada. The movie works with the same formula storyline as the first two films with substitutions of differently evolved mutations and small variations in locations. Michael Gross reprises his role as Burt Gummer along with Ariana Richards as Mindy Sterngood. This film is what it is. Most audiences will skip it, but for those who are following the series, it does not disappoint in continuity of delivery and content.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A newer mutation is back to terrorize Perfection, Nevada.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brent Maddock for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer S.S. Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Burt Gummer (Michael Gross), Desert Jack Sawyer (Shawn Christian), Jodi Chang (Susan Chuang), Nancy Sterngood (Charlotte Stewart), Mindy Sterngood (Ariana Richards), Miguel (Tony Genaro), Dr. Andrew Merliss (Barry Livingston), Agent Charlie Rusk (John Pappas), Melvin Plug (Robert Jayne), Buford (Billy Rieck), Tourist Guy (Kelly Connell), and Tourist Kid (Matthew Seth Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. While the basic storyline is there, this film is not the best in the Tremor film series and becomes watchable only if one is dedicated to finishing the series. The Leprechaun series serves at a more interesting level of entertainment, with more surprises, than these films.

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Ben Meyers

SECRET OF THE NIMH 2: TIMMY TO THE RESCUE (DVD Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Secret of the NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue—uninteresting storyline coupled with weak characterizations—has animation like its prequel. The conclusion is well-written.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Timmy Brisbee gets leadership training.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dick Sebast for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer William Stuart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Helen (voice of Darleen Carr), Teresa (Jamie Cronin), Jeremy (voice of Dom DeLuise), 10-year-old Timmy (voice of Andrew Ducote), Reformed 19-year-old Old Martin (voice of Phillip Glasser), Evil Martin (voice of Eric Idle), Cynthia (voice of Whitney Claire Kaufman), Floyd (voice of Harvey Korman), 17-year-old Tim (Ralph Macchio), Dr. Valentine (voice of Steve Mackall), Narrator (voice of Peter MacNicol), and Justin (voice of William H. Macy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The best of this series is the first movie. If one is following the series, as of 2019, this is the last of the series.

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Ben Meyers

ELF (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Elf—sweet, gentle—turns into a very nice holiday child/adult share film.  Will Ferrell casts well with the supporting team of Bob Newhart, James Caan, and Edward Asner. The storyline has been well interpreted and directed well by Director Jon Favreau. No complications here. It’s a light, fun watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

One of Santa’s elves finds he is really a human.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jon Favreau for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kent Alterman, Cale Boyter, Julie Darmody, Toby Emmerich, and Jimmy Miller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buddy (Will Ferrell), Walter (James Caan), Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), Santa (Edward Asner), Emily (Mary Steenburgen), Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), Michael (Daniel Tay), Gimbel’s Manager (Faizon Love), Miles Finch (Peter Dinklage), Deb (Amy Sedaris), and Fulton (Michael Lerner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an easy-on-the-mind, fun movie. It’s worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A CHRISTMAS PRINCE: THE ROYAL BABY (Video Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

A Christmas Prince: Royal Baby—an average ‘feel good’ film—ends the third film in the A Christmas Prince series The film is not outstanding and works more on television quality storytelling rather than theater production quality. Good work for Director John Schultz.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The royal baby is on its way.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Schultz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Eric Jarboe, Brad Krevoy, Tag Mendillo, Amanda Phillips Atkins, and Jimmy Townsend for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Queen Amber (Rose McIver), King Richard (Ben Lamb), Queen Helena (Alice Krige), Princess Emily (Honor Kneafsey), King Tai (Kevin Shen), Queen Ming (Momo Yeung), Mrs Averill (Sarah Douglas), Simon (Theo Devaney), Mr. Little (Richard Ashton), Sahil (Raj Bajaj), Lynn (Crystal Yu), and Mr.  Zabala (Andy Lucas).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is what it is and is the next film in the series for those following the series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TROOP ZERO (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Troop Zero—earthy, with undertones that may remind an audience of Beast of the Southern Wild—becomes a small diamond in the rough for entertainment. The film has been loosely written, almost disjointed, in a style that completely captures a possible life after Mom has passed away. Great acting comes in a casting package of Viola Davis, Alison Janney, Mckenna Grace, and James Gaffigan with guest star Mike Epps. Great work for Director Katie Elwood and Amber Templemore-Finlayson (credited as Bert and Bertie).

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl dreams of being recorded on a golden record that NASA plans on sending into outer space.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kate Ellwood and Amber Templemore-Finlayson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jenny Hinkey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Christmas Flint (Mckenna Grace), Miss Rayleen (Viola Davis), Ramsey Flint (Jim Gaffigan), Miss Massey (Allison Janney), Joseph (Charlie Shotwell), Hell-No Price (Milan Ray), Smash (Johanna Colón), Anne-Claire (Bella Higginbotham), Dwayne Champaign (Mike Epps), Piper Keller (Ashley Brooke), Persad (Ash Thapliyal), and Ginger (Kai N. Ture).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Lovable film shows how to win on a deeper level when losing a prize. This is almost a watch again film with its own WOW! factor.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers