THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD (Theatrical Release France/Britain 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Gruffalo’s Child—a short story spin-off of The Gruffalo—has great animation, but fails to surpass or to equal the quality of the first Gruffalo story. This film forgot that many audiences may not have seen the first film and therefore has many story gaps that create discontinuity. Nothing new or highly creative marks this movie. It seems that a sequel-type, spin-off film has been created just to make a movie rather than for fulfillment of artistic endeavor/entertainment’s sake, almost as if a movie was made for the money rather than for a sincere desire to entertain an audience. The reason for the film seems to be ‘let’s ride the success of the first film’ without due process allowed to the work involved in providing excellent entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A parent Gruffalo warns its child about a bad mouse and the child ignores the parent’s advice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Uwe Heidschötter and Johannes Weiland for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mother Squirrel (Voice of Helena Bonham Carter), Gruffalo’s Child (Voice of Shirley Henderson), Gruffalo (Voice of Robbie Coltrane), Snake (Voice of Rob Brydon), Owl (Voice of John Hurt), Fox (Voice of Tom Wilkinson), Mouse (Voice of James Corden), Little Squirrel (Voices of Phoebe Givron-Taylor and Sam Lewis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If one wants to finish the series, watch this film. But, know that the movie ‘plays it safe’ and seems to adhere to a mental process that every film has to have its sequel/spin-off and the ‘let’s make one because we really do not have to put much time, money, or thought into entertainment nor do we need anything fresh to compliment the first film.'

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Ben Meyers

SON OF RAMBOW (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Son of Rambow—simple, but wonderful watch for the teen/adult audience—shows how amateur filmmakers might begin learning the craft by making a sequel film to Rambo*. Bravo! for a great script that has been ably directed by Director Garth Jennings.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two boys make a movie.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Garth Jennings for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bristol Baughan, Benjamin Goldhirsh, and Hengameh Panahi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joshua (Neil Dudgeon), Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner), Mary Proudfoot (Jessica Hynes), Grandma (Anna Wing), Lee Carter (Will Poulter), Jess Proudfoot (Tallulah Evans), French Teacher (Emilie Chesnais), Geography Teacher (Paul Ritter), Gail Graham (Finol McMahon), Marie Plante (Rachel Mureatroyd), David Smart (Taylor Richardson), Lucas Dupont (Peter Robinson), Duncan Miller (Charlie Thrift), Didier Revol (Jules Sitruk), and Danny (Sam Kubrick-Finney).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Unexpectedly good cinematographic work shows well onscreen. This movie gets to the core of directing. It’s a fun watch to see young film makers’ first efforts become a reality. Good watch for viewers inside and outside the industry.

*Also known as: First Blood

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Ben Meyers

FUN WITH DICK AND JANE (Theatrical release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Fun With Dick and Jane—a remake of the 1977 movie of the same name uses the talents of Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni to create a remake that is better than the first movie. The movie has fun and craziness worked into every scene as it takes the Dick character to a whole ‘nother level with Jim Carrey as its interpreter. Téa Leoni wisely chooses to follow along with the Carrey ride and ends up being a powerful offset to his character. This is a terrific comedy and serves up plenty of satisfying chuckles. It's a good adult share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dick and Jane design a creative way to ‘make’ money.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dean Parisot for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Bart, Jane Bartelme, and Max Palevsky for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Dick (Jim Carrey), Jane (Téa Leoni), Jack McCallister (Alec Baldwin), Frank Bascombe (Richard Jenkins), Veronica Cleeman (Angie Harmon), Garth (John Michael Higgins), Joe Cleeman (Richard Burgi), Oz Peterson (Carlos Jacott), Billy Harper (Aaron Michael Drozin), Blanca (Gloria Garayua), Dick’s Secretary (Michelle Arthur), Jack’s Receptionist (Stacey Travis), Jack’s Assistant (Timm Sharp), Angry Caller (Voice of David Herman), and Production Assistant (Dempsey Pappion).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is fun and highly entertaining. 

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Ben Meyers

DEATH WISH (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Death Wish—Charles Bronson classic—keeps its beat and shows well within its genre. While Clint Eastwood dominated this type of storyline and Bruce Willis added his own personal touch to this type of movie, Charles Bronson cannot be faulted for his outstanding interpretation of a very adept vigilante hunter. He comes off as a no-nonsense, exceptionally hardened threat to evil.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After his wife is murdered, a man hunts street persons who break the law.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Winner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hal Landers, Bobby Roberts, and Dino De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson), Joanna Kersey (Hope Lange), Frank Ochoa (Vincent Gardenia), Jack Toby (Steven Keats), Sam Kreutzer (William Redfield), Aimes Jainchill (Stuart Margolin), Police Commissioner (Stephen Elliott), Carol Toby (Kathleen Tolan), Hank (Jack Wallace), District Attorney (Fred J. Scollay), Ives (Chris Gampel), Joe Charles (Robert Kya-Hill), Lieutenant Briggs (Edward Grover), Freaks (Jeff Goldblum and Christopher Logan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a tough story. Be warned that the opening scenes are exceptionally graphic and realistic. The movie works for Charles Bronson fans.

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Ben Meyers

AGENT CODY BANKS: DESTINATION LONDON (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Agent Cody Banks: Destination London greatly improves on its entertainment value over the first film in the series. Frankie Muniz adapts deeper into the character of the film. It seems the movie could launch a James Bond-type storyline for the younger set. Watch for a very charismatic actor, Anthony Anderson in this film. This movie upgrades its spy orientation and gadgetry which greatly improves the fun of watching. It’s a good child/adult share film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cody Banks must save the world through his developing spy skills.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kevin Allen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Alexander, Jennifer Birchfield-Eick, Kerry David, Danny Gold, Michael Jackman, Andreas Klein, Madonna, and Mark Morgan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz), Derek (Anthony Anderson), Emily (Hannah Spearritt), Mrs. Banks (Cynthia Stevenson), Mr. Banks (Daniel Roebuck), Jo Kenworth (Anna Chancellor), Diaz (Keith Allen), Kenworth (James Faulkner), Trival (David Kelly), Santiago (Santiago Segura), Alex Banks (Connor Widdows), CIA Director (Keith David), Kumar (Rod Silvers), Ryan (Jack Stanley), and Bender (Joshua Brody).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie, surprisingly, becomes a good watch. Look for the creativity in adding summer camp scenes to the storyline. They work very well in this film. 

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Ben Meyers

ANACONDA (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Anaconda possibly could rate as a good cult classic due to its concept and casual, almost carefree manner in which it engages its action scenes. The snake has been created with great realism. The casting set is highly unusual with Jon Voight, Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube, Eric Stolts, and Jonathan Hyde, but works fairly well together. Watch for a cameo appearance of Danny Trejo; and, listen for the legendary Frank Welker as the voice of the Anaconda. This film certainly is not another Jaws, but it takes its own place in the genre of man meets dangerous animal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A snake hunter uses a film crew to accomplish his ends.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Luis Llosa for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Susan Ruskin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Terri Flores (Jennifer Lopez), Danny Rich (Ice Cube), Paul Serone (Jon Voight), Dr. Steven Cale (Eric Stoltz), Warren Westridge (Jonathan Hyde), Gary Dixon (Owen Wilson), Denise Kalberg (Kari Wuhrer), Mateo (Vincent Castellanos), Poacher (Danny Trejo),and Anaconda (Voice of Frank Welker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a ‘cheesy’ thriller film for one of those afternoons when a viewer just wants to let a thriller-type movie run without too much emotional or intellectual involvement.

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Ben Meyers

THE HIGHWAYMEN (SXSW (South by Southwest) Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Highwaymen unexpectedly turns into a great watch with no slack in its performance. It perfectly captures the mood of the era in which the story occurs and keeps its audience interested throughout despite running on an old and worn storyline of Bonnie and Clyde. Watch for that unexpected small twist at the end of the movie that leaves a viewer satisfied and feeling fully entertained. It wins its Bravo! and Wow!

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

True story about the law enforcers who kill Bonnie and Clyde.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lee Hancock for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kevin Costner, John Lee Hancock, Woody Harrelson, Rod Lake, and Michael J. Malone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner), Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson), Ma Ferguson (Kathy Bates), Lee Simmons (John Carroll Lynch), Deputy Ted Hinton (Thomas Mann), Deputy Bob Alcorn (Dean Denton), Gladys Hamer (Kim Dickens), Henry Barrow (William Sadler), Ivy Methvin (W. Earl Brown), Detective John Quinn (David Furr), Agent Kendale (Jason Davis), Wade McNabb (Josh Caras), Sheriff Henderson Jordan (David Born), Deputy Prentiss Oakley (Brian F. Durkin), Jean Gault (Kaley Wheless),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie contains great storytelling. Director John Lee Hancock delivers a rough and ready movie that makes a good adult share.

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Ben Meyers

AGENT CODY BANKS (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Agent Cody Banks—works as a teen flick and not much else—shows Frankie Muniz at the point in his career where he is just getting the experience that launches his career. While Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff are well casted, the film itself comes across as subpar and unrealistic. The movie is what it is for the audience it was meant to serve.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A spy mission needs a young agent to complete its agenda and chooses Cody Banks for training.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harald Zwart for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Alexander, Jennifer Birchfield-Eick, Kerry David, Danny Gold, Michael Jackman, Madonna, Mark Morgan, and Bob Yari for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz), Natalie Connors (Hilary Duff), Ronica Miles (Angie Harmon), CIA Director (Keith David), Mrs. Banks (Cynthia Stevenson), Molay (Arnold Vosloo), Mr. Banks (Daniel Roebuck), Brinkman(Ian McShane), Earl (Darrell Hammond), Dr. Connors (Martin Donovan), Surveillance Van Agents (Marc Shelton, Chris Gauthier), Double Agent (Harry Van Gorkum), Alex Banks (Connor Widdows), and Mom (Eliza Norbury).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie may work well for a young teen audience or fans of Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff.

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Ben Meyers

REIGN OF FIRE (Theatrical release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Reign of Fire allows access to earlier acting efforts of Christian Bale, Gerard Butler, and Matthew McConaughey. The animated dragons are fairly well done for 2002 and are balanced with fairly authentic scenery that relates to an apocalyptic world. The film lacks that certain essentialness that moves a film out of the average category into the great watch category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Fire-breathing dragons begin setting Earth on fire.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rob Bowman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jonathan Glickman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Quinn Abercromby (Christian Bale), Denton Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey), Alex Jensen (Isabella Scorupco), Creedy (Gerard Butler), Jared Wilke (Scott Moutter), Eddie Stax (David Kennedy), Ajay (Alexander Siddig), Barlow (Ned Dennehy), Devon (Rory Keenan), Gideon (Terence Maynard), Goosh (Doug Cockle), Burke (Randall Carlton), Mead (Chris Kelly), Young Quinn (Ben Thornton), and Karen Abercromby (Alice Krige).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. A better apocalyptic film is San Andreas.

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Ben Meyers

BIG FISH (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Big Fish—complicated storyline requires full attention to appreciate—becomes a winning watch due to addressing an age-old enigma…endeavoring to understand a parent figure. The movie, narrated by Ewan McGregor, has beautifully accomplished transitions between past life and present life. WOW! Great storytelling, terrific cinematography delivery, and Bravo! acting by the cast. This movie is not the usual fare for audiences and works more as an intellectual film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A story-telling father begins the dying process and does not deviate from a life-long habit of telling stories.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tim Burton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Arne Schmidt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Ed Bloom (Ewan McGregor), Senior Ed Bloom (Albert Finney), Will Bloom (Billy Crudup), Senior Sandra Bloom (Jessica Lange), Young and Senior Jenny/The Witch (Helena Bonham Carter), Young Sandra Bloom (Alison Lohman), Senior Dr. Bennett (Robert Guillaume), Josephine Bloom (Marion Cotillard), Karl the Giant (Matthew McGrory), Don Price (David Denman), Mildred (Missi Pyle), Beaman (Loudon Wainwright III), Ping (Ada Tai), Jing (Arlene Tai), and Norther Winslow (Steve Buscemi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Classy story requires audience involvement and delivers full entertainment value. Quality work deserves a ‘Don’t miss it’ recommendation. Audience enjoyment of the film may be enhanced if a plotline is read first.

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Ben Meyers

THE GRUFFALO (Television Release UK 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Gruffalo—terrific British short film for adults and children—uses great voice work, an excellent storyline, high quality animation, and an easily assimilated message to deliver compact and classy entertainment. Great direction by Directors Max Lang and Jakob Schuh. It’s a sweet watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A mouse goes for a walk in the woods and finds the woods are not such a friendly place after all.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Max Lang and Jakob Schuh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mother Squirrel (Voice of Helena Bonham Carter), Mouse (Voice of James Corden), Fox (Voice of Tom Wilkinson), Owl (Voice of John Hurt), Snake (Voice of Rob Brydon), Gruffalo (Voice of Robbie Coltrane), First Little Squirrel (Voice of Sam Lewis), and Second Little Squirrel (Voice of Phoebe Givron-Taylor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This short film is beautifully  ordered and easily becomes a great child/adult share film. Quality choice for parents who desire their children to have the best in entertainment.

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Ben Meyers

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Theatrical Release France 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Beauty and the Beast—French-German live action remake, not to be confused with Disney’s Emily Watson live action remake—has European written all over it. This great live action interpretation of the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast uses a script that includes extra story information which enriches the trimmed down Disney version of this story. The movie requires careful watching due to its cryptic scripting. The movie’s point of view becomes a little unclear due to heavy use of metaphor which may not be familiar to a regular, theater-going audience. At times, it seems even the Director may not have a deep understanding of the real story lying underneath the basic story. This layering effect almost makes the movie un-relatable and easy to misunderstand. One of the best things that really works in this film is the beast’s makeup for Vincent Cassel. WOW! It’s beautifully done. Be aware that the film uses English voice-overs to translate its original language.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A prince is cursed to be a monster until he can learn to love.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christophe Gans for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Frederic Doniguian for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: La Bete/Le Prince (Vincent Cassel), Belle (Lea Seydoux), Le marchand (Andre Dussollier), Perducas (Eduardo Noriega), Astrid (Myriam Charleins), Anne (Audrey Lamy), Clotilde (Sara Giradeau), Jean-Baptiste (Jonathan Demurger), Maxime (Nicolas Gob), Tristan (Louka Meliava), La Princesse (Yvonne Catterfeld), Louis (Dejan Bucin), Thierry (Wolfgang Menardi), Etienne (Mickey Hardt), and Virgil (Arthur Doppler).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. An audience who chooses this film may feel that they are seeing the real story of Beauty and the Beast for the first time. The film cannot be faulted for its realism. It does need some brushing to make it more audience relatable and to reveal the deeper meaning behind some of the scenes. This could easily become a good intellectual watch due to heavy use of simile and imagery.

*Also known as: La Belle et la Bête

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Ben Meyers

IO (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

IO—just another sci-fi film—takes the whole movie to get off the ground and then chooses a conclusion that’s not well defined. To its credit the movie has some good camerawork and the acting is quite good, but it seems there needs to be some pre-story to explain much of this film such as why Danny Huston is not a larger figure in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A woman chooses to stay on Earth to find a way to heal it after everyone else has evacuated to the moon IO. She is researching ways to heal Earth’s atmosphere so people can live on Earth again.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Helpert for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Will Basanta, Thomas B. Fore, Dave Hansen, Clay Jeter, Ryan Andrej Lough, Johnny Mac, Anthony Mackie, Alain Peyroliaz, Victor Shapiro, Charles Spano, Jason Spire, and Raphael Swann for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sam (Margaret Qualley), Micah (Anthony Mackie), Henry (Danny Huston), Elon (Tom Payne), Boy (Teagan Johnson), Radio Broadcaster (Voice of Emma Fitzgerald), and TV Broadcaster (Justin Jamieson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. For your time and money, a better sci-fi flick is The Core.

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Ben Meyers

BLEACH THE MOVIE: HELL VERSE * (Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival South Korea 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Bleach the Movie: Hell Verse—an anime with all the bells and whistles of an anime—relies on action, but fails to provide a lot of storyline. The action is good enough, however, and the animation typical of anime to make it a watch for anime fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A boy attempts to rescue his sister from hell.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Noriyuki Abe for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Yoshishige Shimatani for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ichigo Kurosaki (Voice of Masakazu Morita), Rukia Kuchiki (Voice of Fumiko Orikasa), Kokutô (Voice of Kazuya Nakai), Uryu Ishida (Voice of Noriaki Sugiyama), Renji Abarai (Voice of Kentarô Itô), Orihime Inoue (Voice of Yuki Matsuoka), Yasutora Sado (Voice of Hiroki Yasumoto), Gunjô (Voice of Masaki Aizawa), Taikon (Voice of Kôzô Shioya), Garogai (Voice of Keikô Sakai), Murakumo (Voice of Binbin Takaoka), Isshin Kurosaki (Voice of Rie Kugimiya), Shuren (Voice of Tôru Furuya), and Keigo Asano (Voice of Katsuyuki Konishi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is watchable for Bleach fans.

*Also known as:   Gekijouban Bleach: Jigokuhen

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Ben Meyers