BIG FAT LIAR (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Big Fat Liar—likable Frankie Muniz film—shows as a good children’s story and earns its right for an easy-on-the-mind afternoon watch. The acting is quite good. Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for giving us some laughter and chuckles over how to right a wrong.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A boy’s school writing project is produced in Hollywood without giving the boy his due.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Michael Goldman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jason Shepherd (Frankie Muniz), Marty Wolf (Paul Giamatti), Kaylee (Amanda Bynes), Monty Kirkham (Amanda Detmer), Frank Jackson (Donald Faison), Mrs. Phyllis Caldwell (Sandra Oh), Marcus Duncan (Russell Hornsby), Harry Shepherd (Michael Bryan French), Carol Shepherd (Christine Tucci), Vince (Lee Majors), Leo (Sean O’Bryan), and Joscelyn Davis (Amy Hill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s great to see the many faces of Paul Giamatti in this welcome comedy.

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Ben Meyers

MORTAL ENGINES (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Mortal Engines—wannabe Blockbuster post-apocalyptic film—tries so hard. But, this movie concentrates so much on the concept of mobile cities and special effects that it forgot about storyline and acting. Movie-making has a reason…story-telling…an art that is anything but superficial. It answers questions, expands thinking, provides ‘time-out’ from life, provides importance to the many ways life can unfold. A movie should always be able to answer the questions: Why is this important and what is the reason an audience would want to see this film? What would captivate an audience so that it does not walk out on an entertainment piece? What are the factors that would make an audience want to add a movie to the home video collection and why will this particular film transcend the years to continue offering value? These questions need to be answered before filming, let alone writing. This film’s storyline is thin and needs clarity or purpose. The idea of moving cities is terrific…let’s expand on that and add depth with an outstanding storyline that involves audience heart...makes them care.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a devastating war, humans continue to devour each other with mobile cities that roam the earth looking for other cities to add to their own.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christian Rivers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Philippa Boyers and Ken Kamins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan), Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving), Anna Fang (Jihae), Bevis Pod (Ronan Raftery), Katherine Valentine (Leila George), Magnus Crome (Patrick Malahide), Shrike (Stephen Lang), Chudleigh Pomeroy (Colin Salmon), Vambrace (Mark Mitchinson), and Captain Khora (Regé-Jean Page).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Not much to go on here except the idea of moving cities.

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Ben Meyers

STAGECOACH (Theatrical Release USA 1939)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Stagecoach—significant historically as the first western ‘talkie’ or sound film directed by John Ford—still has high entertainment value in 2020. The casting relies on the talents of John Wayne, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Tim Holt, and Donald Meek. The story has a straightforward presentation with good drama and some terrific action and stunt scenes. The storyline itself is obviously dated, but still relevant as a very good study in human attitudes and interactions.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Passengers on a stagecoach are attacked by Geronimo.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Ford for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Ford for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dallas (Claire Trevor), Ringo Kid (John Wayne), Buck (Andy Divine), Hatfield (John Carradine), Doc Josiah Boone (Thomas Mitchell), Mrs. Lucy Mallory (Louise Platt), Marshal Curley Wilcox (George Bancroft) Samuel Peacock (Donald Meek), Ellsworth Henry Gatewood (Berton Churchill), Lieutenant Blanchard (Tim Holt), and Luke Plummer (Tom Tyler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is worth a watch and still has value as an addition to the home video collection.

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Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2—advertised as the final film of the Harry Potter saga—pits Harry Potter against Lord Voldemort. The movie liberally laces itself with previous events and flashes of previous memories to fill in the rest of the story. The film itself, the acting, the portrayal of story make it one of the best movies to date. This entertainment piece from its beginning of the series to the end of the series easily becomes worth both time and money investment. Great work for

Director David Yates for direction of a Bravo! film that cries for its addition to the family home video collection. The re-watch value is incredibly high.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harry Potter and his friends search for the last Horcruxes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Lionel Wigram for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), Professor Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Professor Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Bill Weasley (Domhnall Gleeson), Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy), and Griphook/Professor Filius Flitwick (Warwick Davis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie series makes a lasting impact and serves both now and in the future for its entertainment value, and as a terrific academic study on creative entertainment and the power of imagination.

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Ben Meyers

SUPER SIZE ME 2: HOLY CHICKEN! (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!—nothing new here—becomes a waste of time and money both in production and at the level of ticket purchase. Just as the first movie presented no real ‘study’ of the fast food industry based upon large sample size and makes links that are still not verified through a properly designed study, this movie relies on emotion and suggestion while failing to tell why the industry operates the way it does. It fails to examine the consequences of volume production to keep cost down versus artisan production that always skyrockets price whether producing a new automobile, furniture, or edible food portions. It becomes unclear why Spurlock opens a fast food restaurant that operates under rules of ‘transparency’ rather than opening a restaurant that truly provides a different level of service while examining the cost of such a place of business or determining if such a place could indeed be franchised and where good input of food could be adequately sourced for such a franchise. He has made a serious error in believing that everyone eats all their meals in fast food restaurants when most families use them as a stop gap to stave off ‘hungry’ until they can get to a destination point where more nutritious food can be prepared. This movie follows the same thinking processes that mark the Michael Moore movies: activists who do not give fair attention to the other side of the debate and therefore come off as intellectually weak in argument.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Morgan Spurlock joins and duplicates the fast food industry.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Morgan Spurlock for directing effort. Additional characters/cast include: Morgan Spurlock and Jonathan Buttram.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie redundantly presents the viewpoint that what appears to be in the bun is not always what is on the bun.

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Ben Meyers

BLUE HAWAII (Theatrical Release USA 1961)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Blue Hawaii promotes Elvis Presley’s music more than genuinely endeavoring to produce a good C-grade film. Angela Lansbury seems miscast for her character. This movie is the definition of a beach movie that gives ample views of Elvis and several girls in bathing suits and little else. The film is the definition of superficiality.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young man decides to forgo working in his father’s business.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Norman Taurog for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Hal B. Wallis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chad Gates (Elvis Presley), Maile Duval (Joan Blackman), Sarah Lee Gates (Angela Lansbury), Abigail Prentice (Nancy Walters), Fred Gates (Roland Winters), Jack Kelman (John Archer), Mr. Chapman (Howard McNear), Tucker Garvey (Steve Brodie), Beverly Martin (Christian Kay), Enid Garvey (Iris Adrian), Waihila (Hilo Hattie), Ellie Corbett (Jenny Maxwell), Selena Emerson (Pamela Austin), Patsy Simon (Darlene Tompkins), Carl Tanami (Lani Kai), Ernie Gordon (Jose De Vega), and Ito O’Hara (Frank Atienza).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie cannot be classified as horrible, but it is not worth time or money investment.

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Ben Meyers

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

In the Heart of the Sea—as a backstory to the classic Moby Dick—is a sound idea for a good movie. However, the acting works at the average level as Director Ron Howard could not seem to pull the potential out of this story as he usually does so beautifully in his films. The casting department did not pick well with Chris Hemsworth. He looks good, tough; but he does not 'pull the bull' by the horns and act as well as he did in Thor. The supporting cast members are in the same 'boat at sea' because every scene turns into a 'mud pie' of mediocrity. It seems the cast cannot make the story their own and, because of that moves the film into average entertainment fare.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story behind the novel, Moby Dick.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Howard for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Bergstein, Bruce Berman, Sarah Bradshaw, Erica Huggins, Steven Mnuchin, and Palak Patel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), George Pollard (Benjamin Walker), Matthew Joy (Cillian Murphy), Tom Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson), Herman Melville (Ben Whishaw), Mrs. Nickerson (Michelle Fairley), Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland), Caleb Chappel (Paul Anderson), Henry Coffin (Frank Dillane), and Benjamin Lawrence (Joseph Mawle).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If one wants to get the backstory…but that can be accomplished in a few minutes by reading a plot line. An audience will, most likely, if deciding to view the movie, feel like they’ve seen this movie before and feel a yawn beginning. 

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Ben Meyers

HEIDI (Theatrical Release USA 1937)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Heidi—a Shirley Temple best film—scores high in entertainment value. Lovable actress, Shirley Temple, has a terrific supporting cast that completely compliments her talents. Lots of heart and sweetness mark this classic film. Despite its age, it’s a perfect addition for the home video library as it has high re-watch value. Bravo!!!

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

An orphan and a grandfather develop a deep bond that provides healing for both.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Allan Dwan for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Raymond Griffith for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Heidi (Shirley Temple), Adolph Kramer/Grandfather (Jean Hersholt), Andrews (Arthur Treacher), Blind Anna (Helen Westley), Pastor Schultz (Thomas Beck), Fraulein Rottenmeier (Mary Nash), Herr Sesemann (Sidney Blackmer), Elsa (Pauline Moore), Dete (Mady Christians), Klara Sesemann (Marcia Mae Jones), Peter (Delmar Watson), and Inn Keeper (Egon Brecher).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Charming.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RAT RACE (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Rat Race—one of the best comedies of its decade, WOW! Bravo! and Laugh-Out-Loud-Funny—uses the talents of Breckin Meyer, Cuba Gooding Jr., Seth Green, Gloria Allred, Jon Lovitz, and Rowan Atkinson to create an onscreen riot of hilarity. An absolute must for the home video library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Several persons compete in a high stakes race set up by a Las Vegas casino.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jerry Zucker for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers James Jacks and Richard Vane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Nick Schaffer (Breckin Meyer), Hotel Clerk (Jenica Bergere), Owen Templeton (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), Casino Bartender (Carrie Diamond), Guy at Bar (Douglas Haase), Fox Sportcaster (Chris Myers), Fox Sportscaster (Kevin Frazier), Duane Cody (Seth Green), Gloria Allred (Gloria Allred), Blaine Cody (Vince Vieluf), and Witness in Crowd (Renée Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A rare, well-timed comedic piece that made its mark without flinching. Terrific watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan—a little better than the previous film—has more storyline and higher level of acting. The downside? The conclusion contains a shocking and unwanted twist that makes one wonder how the rest of the franchise will be affected. Ricardo Montalban’s character is not appealing and Kirstie Alley’s strong personality, as always, does not easily sublimate itself into a different character very well. The next movie in the series is Star Trek III: The Search for Spock where, hopefully, the concluding scenes of this film will be rectified. Overall, Star Trek fans will not be disappointed and most likely will enjoy this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Admiral Kirk encounters an old enemy.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nicolas Meyer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Harve Bennett for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Scotty (James Doohan), Chekov (Walter Koenig), Sulu (George Takei), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Carol (Bibi Besch), David (Merritt Butrick), Terrell (Paul Winfield), Saavik (Kirstie Alley), and Khan (Ricardo Montalban).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good watch to continue the series. This movie has better acting than the last film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALPHA AND OMEGA 4: THE LEGEND OF SAW TOOTHED CAVE (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Alpha and Omega 4: The Legend of Saw Toothed Cave—much improved over the series—has increased the quality of its storyline, has enabled a higher level of portrayal, and has more heart. This movie is the best in the Alpha and Omega series to date. Hopefully, that trend will continue as the series goes on. While it is still not the best of the best, it is encouraging to see the improvement in presentation as time goes on and the persistence of effort is admirable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Runt helps an abandoned wolf cub.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Rich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Noah Fogelson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kate/Stinky/Lilly (voice of Kate Higgins), Humphrey (voice of Ben Diskin), Runt (voice of Debi Derryberry), Claudette (voice of Marieve Herington), Winston (voice of Larry Thomas), Tony (voice of R. Martin Klein), Eve (voice of Cindy Robinson), Marcel/Paddy (voice of Christopher Corey Smith), Daria/Freida/Fran (voice of G.K. Bowes), Head Wolf (voice of Dennis Cox), Floyd (voice of Blackie Rose), and Lyle/Link (voice of Solomon Gartner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is worth a watch for children who are following the series. This film is interesting and creates a desire to see how the series will eventually play as skill sets visibly become more robust.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HANS ZIMMER LIVE IN PRAGUE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 5.0|5.0 Starsììììì

Hans Zimmer Live in Prague—unforgettable experience, best of the best, Encore! Bravo!—creates multiple standing ovations throughout its two-hour presentation. Thank you, Hans Zimmer and Director Tim Van Someren for a film that enlightens, educates, and entertains. WOW!!! A multiple award-winning film. For the music lover, it is a ‘Do not miss’ movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Hans Zimmer (Interstellar, The Dark Knight, Inception, Sherlock Holmes) leads a full concert in Prague.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Van Someren for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Geoff Kempin, Terry Shand, Stephen Zelenka for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Hans Zimmer), Herself (Yolanda Charles), Himself (Michael Einziger), Himself (Nick Glennie Smith), Himself (Guthrie Govan), Herself (Tina Guo), Himself (Richard Harvey), Himself (Andrew Kawczynski), Himself (Gary Kettel), Herself (Lucy Landymore), Herself (Holly Madge), and Himself (Johnny Marr).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a terrific introduction to the skill sets that comprise the music scores for films. It’s wonderful to see the heart that goes into the music, the teamwork, the creativity…a ‘must see’ educational piece. FANTASTIC!

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TWO POPES (Telluride Film Festival Telluride Colorado USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Two Popes—Bravo! and Wow! movie—features Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, a dynamic duo who carry the film. Worth a watch, great entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The movie is based on true story events surrounding Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Fernando Meirelles for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Mark Bauch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins), Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio/Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce), Younger Jorge Bergoglio (Juan Minujín), Cardinal Hummes (Luis Gnecco), Lisabetta (Cristina Banegas), Esther Ballestrino (Maria Ucedo), Camerlengo (Renato Scarpa), Cardinal Turkson (Sidney Cole), Cardinal Martini (Achille Brugnini), Protodeacon Estevez (Federico Torre), Father Yorio (Germán de Silva), and Father Jalics (Lisandro Fiks).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a Bravo! Bravo! film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN (DVD Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Death of Superman—B-grade film—surprises its audience with an unexpected conclusion. It’s a winning watch with good voicing and a welcome hand-drawn, laid back animation scheme. It easily becomes worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Superman meets a formidable opponent.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jake Castorena and Sam Liu for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sam Register and James Tucker for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Superman (voice of Jerry O’Connell), Lois Lane (voice of Rebecca Romijn), Lex Luthor (voice of Rainn Wilson), Wonder Woman (voice of Rosario Dawson), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), The Flash (voice of Christopher Gorham), Aquaman (voice of Matt LAnter), Cyborg (voice of Shemar Moore), Martian Manhunter (voice of Nyambi Nyambi), Batman (voice of Jason O’Mara), Mayor (voice of Jonathan Adams), and Silas Stone (voice of Rocky Carroll).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great storyline and welcome return to simple, softer hand-drawn animation technique.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3—much better than the original—seems to ‘make itself’ into a WOW! action movie because of the seamlessness of each scene as they flow one into the other. Denzel Washington and John Travolta put the octane into this movie. Director Tony Scott performs at his usual high level of orchestrating actors, dialogue, and set scenes into one harmonious whole. This movie works as one of those rare remakes that succeeds at every level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A train is highjacked for a ransom.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Costigan, Ryan Kavanaugh, and Barry H. Waldman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Walter Garber (Denzel Washington), Ryder (John Travolta), Phil Ramos (Luis Guzmán), Bashkin (Victor Gojcaj), Emri (Robert Vataj), Camonetti (John Turturro), John Johnson (Michael Rispoli), Delgado (Ramon Rodriguez), Mayor (James Gandolfini), Deputy Mayor LaSalle (John Benjamin Hickey), and George (Alex Kaluzhsky).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s surprising how a little gunpowder and ammunition can make a Bravo! film worth watching. Taut.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers