THE VAGABOND (Theatrical Release USA 1916)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì The Vagabond is tightly packed with WOW! factor. Great movie. On the down side it is a little confusing about the last five minutes of the film. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A Gypsy camp, a violinist, and a birthmark collide to produce a new life. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Charles Chaplin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry Caulfield and Charlie Chaplin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Street Musician (Charles Chaplin), Gypsy Drudge (Edna Purviance), Gypsy Chieftan (Eric Campbell), Old Gypsy Woman (Leo White), Artist (Lloyd Bacon), Girl’s Mother (Charlotte Mineau), Trombonist (Albert Austin), Trumpeter (John Rand), and Musician (James Kelley). Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. Read a plotline before you go so that it can expand your appreciation of the film. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

HIS FAVORITE PASTIME (Theatrical Release USA 1914)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì His Favorite Pastime—cute, a little edgy—is one of the better Charlie Chaplin silent, short films. Exceptionally well acted and portrayed storyline. It works as a good adult entertainment piece. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline A pretty woman is followed home by a drunk. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director George Nichols for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Mac Sennett for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Drunken Masher (Charles Chaplin), Shabby Drunk (Roscoe Arbuckle), Wife (Peggy Pearce), and Husband (Frank Opperman), Servant (Helen Carruthers), Drinker (Hampton Del Ruth), Billy Gilbert (Shoeshine Boy), Shoeshine Customer (William Hauber), Bartender (Bert Hunn), Servant (George Jeske), and Tough Guy (Edgar Kennedy). Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It’s a simple, playful, and funny slapstick movie written for adults. Also Known As: His Favorite Pastime Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (Theatrical Release USA 1939)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì Mr. Smith Goes to Washington—great Jimmy Stewart classic—tells its political tale well. Director Frank Capra (It’s A Wonderful Life) supports meaningful stories. This is a WOW! film despite its age and serves up an honest, deeply thoughtful story that makes a wonderful addition to the family home library. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  Storyline  An honest man fills a United States Senate position.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Frank Capra for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Frank Capra for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Saunders (Jean Arthur), Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), Jim Taylor (Edward Arnold), Governor Hopper (Guy Kibbee), Diz Moore (Thomas Mitchell), Chick McGann (Eugene Pallette), Ma Smith (Beulah Bondi), Senate Majority Leader (H. B. Warner), President of the Senate (Harry Carey), Susan Paine (Astrid Allwyn), Mrs. Hopper (Ruth Donnelly), Senator MacPherson (Grant Mitchell), Senator Monroe (Porter Hall), H.V. Kaltenborn (H.V. Kaltenborn). Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. Worth its watch. High value movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

AFTER EARTH (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

After Earth—great concept— accesses the skills of the father and son team, Will and Jaden Smith, to create this action/adventure film. Will and Jaden Smith work well together, but this film does have the same charisma between the two actors as their movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. This movie’s story is simple with a linear, easy-to-follow story; but an audience may feel like they wanted more than was presented here. The film is about finding a beacon and that is it.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A father and son crash land on earth and need to find help.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director M. Night Shyamalan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer E. Bennett Walsh for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith), Cypher Raige (Will Smith), Faia Raige (Sophie Okonedo), Senshi Raige (Zoë Kravitz), Commander Velan (Glenn Morshower), Security Chief (Kristofer Hivju), Security Chief (Kristofer Hivju), Hesper Pilot (Sacha Dhawan), Hesper Navigator (Chris Geere), Veteran Ranger (Diego Klattenhoff), Private McQuarrie (David Denman), Running Cadet (Lincoln Lewis), Jaden Martin), Three-Year-Old Kitai (Sincere L. Bobb), and Female Ranger (Monika Jolly).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s always good to see Will and Jaden Smith in a movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CRAIGSLIST JOE (Video Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Craigslist Joe shows what the website Craigslist can do when one is down and out on their luck. It shows an interesting and unexpected side of America and what is possible when one is homeless. It’s an unusual watch, but educational to follow this young man on his journey.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A young man deliberately chooses homelessness and begins traveling across America on the charity of Craigslist listings.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joseph Garner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Zach Galifianakis and Uday Sehgal for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Self (Kristos Andrews), Self (Gina Keatley), Self (Michael T. Kuciak), Ted (357 Magnumm), Self (Fran McGee), Self (Tig Notaro), and Self (Karma Tenzing Nyangmi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Interesting, off-beat movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

YELLOW BIRD (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Yellow Bird—average film—has some heart, fair character development, okay animation and acting, good voicing, works on the average level for portrayal and script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An orphaned bird leads a flock of birds to Africa.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christian De Vita for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Simon Crowe, Patrick Dedieu, Guillaume Hellouin, Lenora Hume, Marie-Pierre Jounet, Corinne Kouper, Laurence Petit, Bruno Seznec, Caroline Souris, and Jean Baptiste Spieser for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gus (voice of Arthur Dupont), Deli (voice of Sara Forestier), Karl/Le Hibou (voice of Bruno Salomone), Darius (voice of Pierre Richard), Coccinelle (voice of Isabelle Renauld), Maggie (voice of Nathalie Boutefeu), and Ladybug (voice of Yvette Nicole Brown).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. For children it may work, but higher-level entertainment is Lion King or The Nut Job.

Also known as: Gus Petit Oiseau, Grand Voyage

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

SPEED (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Speed—fun—combines Keanu Reeves with Jeff Daniels and Sandra Bullock to deliberately create a cult classic weirdness that is unique and completely enjoyable. There are some highly improbable scenes like jumping a city bus from one side of an unfinished freeway to the other side that won’t soon be forgotten. The simply written story is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

A bus must be driven above 50 miles per hour to keep it from exploding.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jon de Bont for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves), Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), Annie (Sandra Bullock), Captain McMahon (Joe Morton), Harry (Jeff Daniels), Stephens (Alan Ruck), Jaguar Owner (Glenn Plummer), Norwood (Richard Lineback), Helen (Beth Grant), Sam (Hawthorne James), Ortiz (Carlos Carrasco), Terry (David Kriegel), Mrs. Kamino (Natsuko Ohama), Ray (Daniel Villarreal), and Bus Passenger #1 (Simone Gad).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This low budget movie manages enough tense action to earn its status as one to add to the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE ALAMO (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Alamo—much better than the John Wayne version—has realism. Billy Bob Thornton’s unique interpretation of Davey Crockett’s character has sincerity. The film’s portrayal could be improved upon and it needs a more elaborate storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia  

Storyline

The story of the Alamo.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lee Hancock for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Todd Hallowell and Philip Steuer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sam Houston (Dennis Quaid), Davy Crockett (Billy Bob Thornton), James Bowie (Jason Patric) William Travis (Patrick Wilson), Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana), Juan Seguin (Jordi Molia), Sergeant William Ward (Leon Rippy), Colonel Green Jameson (Tom Davidson), James Bonham (Marc Blucas), Albert Grimes (Robert Prentiss), Mial Scurlock (Joe Stevens), Captain Almeron Dickinson (Stephen Bruton), Susanna Dickinson (Laura Clifton), and Private Gregorio Esparza (Ricardo Chavira).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Great work by Director John Lee Hancock.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

PHONE BOOTH (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Phone Booth—odd and improbable—uses the technique of shooting the film in one location, a phone booth, which forces the audience to focus on dialogue. Oddly enough, the movie comes across as intense and highly suspenseful due to the writing and dialogue. Some sexual references take it out of the teen range and places it within the adult range of entertainment. Worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A man is trapped inside a phone booth and has to negotiate his release.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joel Schumacher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ted Kurdyla for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Stu Shepard (Colin Farrell), The Caller (Kiefer Sutherland), Captain Ramey (Forest Whitaker), Kelly Shepard (Radha Mitchell), Pamela McFadden (Katie Holmes), Felicia (Paula Jal Parker), Corky (Arian Ash), Asia (Tia Texada) Leon (John Enos III), Sergeant Cole (Richard T. Jones), Adam (Keith Nobbs), Pizza Guy (Dell Youth), Negotiator (James MacDonald), Mario (Josh Pais) and ESU Commander (Yorgo Constantine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film does not follow the classic Alfred Hitchcock suspense invoking format, but still manages to drive the suspense emotion quite well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NIXON (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Nixon—focuses on Nixon’s career more than on his family life—does a fair job of educating about his political career. The movie accesses Anthony Hopkins to play the part of Nixon, but the difference in facial features between the two men is so overwhelmingly different that it detracts from the movie itself. The movie needs editing to cut about 30 minutes from the length of the film as it almost scrapes bottom due to weariness over length of the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Tells the Richard Nixon story from youth through his impeachment.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Oliver Stone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Oliver Stone, Clayton Townsend, and Andrew G. Vajna for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Richard M. Nixon (Anthony Hopkins), Pat Nixon (Joan Allen), Alexander Haig (Powers Boothe), E. Howard Hunt (Ed Harris), J. Edgar Hoover (Bob Hoskins), John Mitchell (E.G. Marshall), Ron Ziegler (David Paymer), John Dean (David Hyde Pierce), Henry Kissinger (Paul Sorvino), Hannah Nixon (Mary Steenburgen), John Ehrlichman (J.T. Walsh), H.R. Haldeman (James Woods), Clyde Tolson (Brian Bedford), Charles Colson (Kevin Dunn), and Murray Chotiner (Fyvush).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film moves along well and keeps interest.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ARMY DOG (DVD Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Army Dog—nice, average, soft movie that encourages reconciliation with alienated family members—begins its real story after the Dad Tom Holloway (Casper Van Dien) takes his daughter Tara Holloway (Grace Van Dien) on a camping trip. Nothing new here, predictable linear storyline that gets to its point, runs through its script, and ends. While the ethical value is here, the film is no better than any other that revolves around this story’s theme.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

An Army dog handler, with the help of his dog, re-establishes his bond with his daughter.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ezra Kemp for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sridhar Sreekakula and Dale Strack for making the film possible.  Additional characters/cast include: Tom Holloway (Casper Van Dien), Tara Holloway (Grace Van Dien), Sheriff Bill (Stello Savante), and Laurie Holloway (Annemarie Pazmino).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The movie needs much improvement to be a good family watch. Unfortunately, for the time and money invested in the production of the film, it does not earn a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MIDWAY (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Midway—easy way to absorb history of the Battle of the Midway—has been well-done.  It utilizes the acting skills of Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Hal Holbrook, Glenn Ford, Robert Mitchum, and the talents of Pat Morita (The Karate Kid). It earns its watch for investment of both time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

The World War II Midway battle dramatized.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jack Smight for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Mirisch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Matt Garth (Charlton Heston), Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (Henry Fonda), Captain Vinton Maddox (James Coburn), Rear Admiral Raymond A. Spruance (Glenn Ford), Commander Joseph Rochefort (Hal Holbrook), Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (Toshirô Mifune), Admiral William F. Halsey (Robert Mitchum), Commander Carl Jessop (Cliff Robertson), Lieutenant Commander Ernest L. Blake (Robert Wagner), Rear Admiral Frank J. Fletcher (Robert Webber), Admiral Harry Pearrson (Ed Nelson), Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo (James Shigeta), Commander Max Leslie (Monte Markham), Haruko Sakura (Christina Kokubo), and Captain Miles Browning (Biff McGuire).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie serves as fair to middling entertainment fare for the war movie buff.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ULTIMATE GIFT (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Ultimate Gift—gemstone—does not in any way perform at a high quality professional level, but the movie tells a story that must not be missed. The movie is overflowing with heart. With a well-written script, It takes one on a trip that overpowers its lack of professionalism. The information is WOW! Great work for Director Michael O. Bajbel. The movie is a homerun when it comes to heart.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A billionaire, in his final will, leaves a task for his grandson…learn how to love and find a real friend.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael O. Sajbel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Eldridge and Dave Ross for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Howard Stevens (James Garner), Mr. Theophilus Hamilton (Bill Cobbs), Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether), Pastor (George Lee), Bill Stevens (Brett Rice), Jack Stevens (D. David Morin), Emily Rose (Abigail Breslin), Alexia (Ali Hillis), Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller), Caitlin (Mircea Monroe), Sarah Stevens (Donna Cherry),  and Ruth Stevens (Catherine McGoohan), Bill’s Lawyer (Mark Joy). Jack’s Lawyer (Mel Fair), and Bill’s Wife (Alecia Brady Curcuru).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie provokes and deeply encourages higher values.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BOB THE BUTLER (Cambridge Film Festival Cambridge UK 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Bob the Butler—simple cute story—works as a good, worthy afternoon, fill-in-some-time watch. Comical, gently written story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A man who cannot make any other job work becomes a butler.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gary Sinyor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Simon Barnes, Simon Baxter, Jim Howell, Al Munteanu, Terence S. Potter, Jacqueline Quella, and Gary Rubin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bob Tree (Tom Green), Anne Jamieson (Brooke Shields), Tess Jamieson (Genevieve Buechner), Bates Jamieson (Benjamin B. Smith), Jacques (Rob LaBelle), Sophie ((Valerie Tian), Mr. Butler (Simon Callow), Mama Clara (Iris Graham), Maureen (Dolores Drake), Rabbi (Bill Chandler), Stuart (Jonathan Ndukwe), Tardy Man (Kevin McNulty), Judith (Julia Arkos), Kate (Kristina Copeland), and Mrs. Withington (Wendy Donaldson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Fresh story about a simple guy who tries to get a job, any job, to survive. Good, easy on the mind watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE EDGE (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Edge—good, simple, adventure film—works as a sleepy afternoon watch as it lightly examines the relationship between three completely different men facing the same survival challenge. It’s an overall, good watch despite its illogical scenes that pop up from time to time throughout the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Three men try to survive the preying of a Kodiak bear.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lee Tamahori for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Lloyd Phillips for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins), Robert Green (Alec Baldwin), Mickey Morse (Elle Macpherson), Stephen (Harold Perrineau), The Bear (Bart the Bear), Styles (L. O. Jones), Ginny (Kathleen Wilhoite), James (David Lindstedt), Mechanic (Mark Kiely), Jet Pilot (Eli Gabay), Amphibian (Larry Musser), Reporter (Brian Arnold), Reporter (Bob Boyd), Reporter (Kelsa Kinsly), and Jack Hawk (Gordon Tootoosis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a good lunch watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HIS GIRL FRIDAY (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

His Girl Friday—witty and fast-moving—takes close attention to detail to enjoy the entertainment value it offers. The movie’s script uses a highly artificial delivery technique…that completely works. It quickly turns into a type of intellectual, fun watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A newspaper man tries to keep his ex-wife from remarriage.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Howard Hawks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Howard Hawks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Walter Burns (Cary Grant), Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell), Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy), Sheriff Hartwell (Gene Lockhart), Murphy (Porter Hall), Bensinger (Ernest Truex), Endicott (Cliff Edwards), Mayor (Clarence Kolb), McCue (Roscoe Karns), Wilson (Frank Jenks), Sanders (Regis Toomey), Loule (Abner Biberman), Duffy (Frank Orth), Earl Williams (John Qualen), and Mollie Malloy (Helen Mack).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie requires a quick mind to absorb its fast delivery.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers