PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (Theatrical Release UK 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies—interesting re-interpretation of the Pride and Prejudice story—works as a parody of the original story while adding interesting features to the sister’s skillsets and plans for marriage. Comical addition of zombies to this straight-laced Victorian drama plays with the mind to rework a rather slow and time-worn British story into something fresh. It even adds zest to the overworn zombie theme that has been the modern rage but is running its course. Be aware that this film is quite gory and violent. It is adult themed and particularly targets audiences who are attracted to zombie movies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Five sisters fight off zombies while laying plans to marry well.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Burr Steers for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sue Baden-Powell, Kimberly Fox, Edward Hamm Jr., Phil Hunt, Aleen Keshishian, Nick Meyer, Compton Ross, and Lauren Selig for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James), Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), Jane Bennet (Bella Heathcote), Lydia Bennet (Ellie Bamer), Mary Bennet (Millie Brady), Kitty Bennet (Suki Waterhouse), Mr. Bingley (Douglas Booth), Mrs. Bennet (Sally Phillips), Mr. Bennet (Charles Dance), George Wickham (Jack Huston), and Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Lena Headey). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Plenty of satire here to satisfy movie goers for some time.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Day After Tomorrow—apocalyptic movie—accesses the talents of Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm, Sala Ward, Emmy Roussum, and Glenn Plummer. The visuals from outer space of North America freezing over are a nice touch. There are some dialogue lines that are fresh, creative, and meaningful. The movie is worth a single watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 Earth enters an Ice Age while humans fight to survive.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ute Emmerich, Stephanie Germain, and Kelly Van Horn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid), Sam Hall (Jake Gyllenhaa), Laura Chapman (Emmy Rossum), Jason Evans (Dash Mihok), Frank Harris (Jay O. Sanders), Dr. Lucy Hall (Sela Ward), J.D. (Austin Nichols), Brian Parks (Arjay Smith), Janet Tokada (Tanlyn Tomita), and Parker (Sasha Roiz). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Nothing really new here. It’s a simple, apocalyptic film that works when one is in the mood to see a world destroyed. Good work for all involved in its production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ODD COUPLE (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Odd Couple—highly creative—contains its fair share of comedy with the terrific interactions between Walter Mathau and Jack Lemmon. The story draws and defines its characters deeply and well. The storyline runs along an adult theme and makes a good adult share. It’s worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 Two men share a flat and work to adjust to each other’s personalities and personal habits.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gene Saks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Howard W. Koch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Felix Ungar (Jack Lemmon), Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau), Vinnie (John Fiedler), Murray (Herb Edelman), Roy (David Sheiner), Speed (Larry Haines), Cecily (Monica Evans), Gwendolyn (Carol Shelley), and waitress (Iris Adrian). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film defines its characters so well that one welcomes a sequel. Good work for all involved.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Bang the Drum Slowly takes too long to tell about the disease Robert DeNiro’s character has contracted and that detracts from the movie’s story. Read a plotline before going. It’s a fair to middling sports story for sports fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A friendship between a catcher and a pitcher in a professional ball team...the catcher becomes ill with a fatal disease.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John D. Hancock for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lois and Maurice Rosenfeld for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry (Michael Moriarty), Bruce (Robert De Niro), Dutch (Vincent Gardenia), Joe (Phil Foster), Katie (Ann Wedgeworth), Bruce’s Father (Patrick McVey), Holly (Heather MacRae), Tootsie (Selma Diamond), Team Owner (Barbara Babcock), Team Owner (Maurice Rosenfeld), and Piney (Tom Ligon).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is good to see some good baseball playing.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHINA’S NEW SILK ROAD (Internet Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

China’s New Silk Road—documentary short film—tells about China’s ability to build electric cars in under a minute and about ambitious plans to build an interconnected transport system to bring their domestic exports to the world via a railway and strategically located shipping ports. The movie is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

China lays plans to export electric cars inexpensively through investment in railway lines and interconnected sea transportation. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Flyire Berahyn Lazarus for directing effort. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Tremendous outlay of capital is funding a new export transportation system for China’s products to include an electric car.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EAGLE EYE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Eagle Eye—good action flick for Shia LaBeouf fans—tells an exciting story that is quite well-done and well worth its watch. Shia LaBeouf shines in this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Two people are thrown into dangerous situations by someone using technology to control them.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director D.J. Caruso for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven Spielberg and Edward L. McDonnell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf), Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan), Zoe Perez (Rosario Dawson), Defense Secretary Callister (Michael Chiklis), Major William Bowman (Anthony Mackie), Agent Toby Grant (Ethan Embry), Agent Thomas Morgan (Billy Bob Thornton), Ranim Khalid (Anthony Azizi), Sam Holloman (Cameron Boyce), Mrs. Wierzbowski (Lynn Cohen), and Admiral Thompson (Bill Smitrovich).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For Shia LeBeouf fans, this movie works quite well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CROCODILE DUNDEE II (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Crocodile Dundee II—simple action film—gets the job done in New York City where Dundee wins some friends, loses some friends, and finds life can be just as difficult in the city as in the outback. It is a creative twist to turn the tables and place Dundee in the awkward environment where his romantic involvement feels quite at home. It’s an overall fun watch and worth an investment of time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Crocodile Dundee fights gangsters.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Cornell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Paul Hogan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan), Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), Walter Reilly (John Meillon), Charlie (Ernie Dingo), Donk (Steve Rackman), Nugget (Gerry Skilton), Frank (Gus Mercurio), Erskine (Jim Holt), Denning (Alec Wilson), Ida (Maggie Blinco), and Teddy (Bill Sandy). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good watch for families who want some light entertainment. This film needs a watch of its prequel to get full enjoyment out of the sequel.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STAR TREK IX: INSURRECTION (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

 

Star Trek IX: Insurrection—Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard—has a good story that will suit most Star Trek fans. It’s worth one watch. Visibly good work by Director Jonathan Frakes. Visual effects are incredibly good considering the age of the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Captain Picard rebels against Federation plans for a planet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Frakes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Marty Hornstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Picard (Patrick Stewart), Riker (Jomathan Frakes), Data (Brent Spiner), Geordi La Forge (Levar Burton), Worf  (Michael Dorn), Beverly (Gates McFadden), Troi (Marina Sirtis), Ru’afo (F. Murray Araham), Anij (Donna Murphy), Dougherty (Anthony Zerbe), and Gallatin (Gregg Henry). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is Star Trek’s ninth out of ten movies. Star Trek fans will not be disappointed in the story or the presentation.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN (Theatrical Release FRANCE 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Belle and Sebastian—not a classic—needs stronger presentation. It focuses on rescuing a cur dog and relegates the escape of human refugees from Nazi soldiers to the background. This is not as it should be. It needs to be rewritten with the focus on the plight of humans trying to escape through the worst possible conditions and insert the dog as the secondary story rather than the primary story. This will create a stronger movie that will appeal to a wider audience. With the focus turned inside out, as it were, it fails to evoke the heart-felt emotion necessary to create the powerful movie. There are scenes at the end of the movie that make it difficult to connect to because the human connection was not established at the forefront of the film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

A boy and his dog work together to foil Nazi soldiers’ attempt to interfere with resistance movements during WW II.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Nicolas Vanier for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frédéric Brillion, Gilles Legrand, Clément Miserez, and Matthieu Warter. Additional characters/cast include: Sébastien (Félix Bossuet), César (Tchéky Karyo), Angélina (Margaux Chatelier), Docteur Guillaume (Dimitri Storoge), The Mayor (Urbain Cancelier), Lieutenant Peter (Andreas Pietschmann), André  (Mehdi El Glaoul), Esther (Paloma Palma), La mère d'Esther (Karine Adrover), Le père d'Esther (Loïc Varraut),and Soldat Hans (Jan Oliver Schroeder). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 No. A much better ‘escape from the Nazis’-themed movie is Sound of Music. If one is looking for a film with a European flavor that features children and animals, then watch the Heidi movie that stars Shirley Temple. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

Dji. DEATH FAILS (Festival Du Film Merveilleux Paris France 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Dji. Death Fails—short film—tickles the funny bone. It’s a WOW! short film, creative, fresh, and a wonderful watch. It supersedes the entertainment value of Dji. Death Sails. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

Death cannot find a way to take a life.

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Dmitri Voloshin for directing effort.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is almost a classic for the short film industry. Its story is well told.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EXODE (Lille International Short Film Festival Lille France 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Exode—short film—has high potential to work but has inexplicable scenes such as why the monster keeps moving/dying and why people are climbing on it. The film graphics are spectacular, but the story needs to go farther than it does. It’s more than worth a full-length film as long as the producers, directors, and writers instill enough heart, feeling, and kindness coupled with a little peril and Star Wars kind of writing into the final product.  Great potential for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube images

 

Storyline

The interaction between a rock-like dinosaur and humans who climb/ride it.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Kathleen Cartier, Sandrine Gimenez, Nicolas Mrikhi, Baptiste Roy, and Thomas Saez for animation efforts.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a terrific short film for expansion because of all the gaps in the initial story that need explanation. This could be one of the best original stories of the next generation. Fantastic work on the animation and the potential in its storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

850 METERS (Festival Internacional de Cine de Lanzarote Lanzarote Spain 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

850 Meters—short film—unexpectedly good humor. Watch it through its ending credits for some comical dialogue at the end. Cute, gets the job done, good animation with a very fresh storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of  YouTube Images

Storyline

A knight falls for the ploys of dragons.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Joeri Christiaen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Perrine Gauthier for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Voice of Manu Garijo, Voice of David Gasman, Voice of Mirabelle Kirkland, and Voice of Barbara Beretta. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a twist on dragons and knights that is fresh and creative. It would be easy to expand this short film into a full-length movie. For the younger audience, an adult will need to explain the film after watching or ask questions to see if the child understood what happened. Be aware that the sound for the voices is rapid and a little unclear. One may need to slow down the voices a bit to understand the words.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INEQUALITY FOR ALL (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Inequality for All—obscure, lack of clarity—establishes Robert Reich’s viewpoint on changing class structure in the United States. Robert Reich—sincere, well-educated, and obviously deeply interested in helping his audience—seems to need to strengthen his position by also addressing the technological changes that are contributing to that widening gap and give the population at large strategies on how best to reduce or close the gap. Higher education in the fields of AI and the newer technologies are good ways to stay afloat now. With more attention given on how to survive seems to be more productive and helpful than strong statements that inequality is going to be the ‘new’ America. Families need information on how best to restructure and mitigate the challenge of losing place and status due to reduction or stalemate of income that has not matched increase in prices. Education is often the answer to quickly move into new ages rather than choosing a stagnant/no growth approach to a rapidly changing societal challenge. AI and a new technological era are upon us. The opportunities are huge for those who are trained to take advantage of the change through training. Stating that the dam has broken does not seem as good a solution as rapidly moving to safer places for survival.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An expression of Robert Reich’s concern over differences in class structure within the United States.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jacob Kornbluth for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stephen Silberstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), Mary Beth Lacey (Tyne Daly), Christine Cagney (Sharon Gless), Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This serves as an interesting intellectual watch. While a good debate usually considers both sides of an issue, this movie does not seem to do that and because it does not do that becomes a piece that can easily develop strife and contention, when that is most likely not its purpose, and serves to waste time on argument rather than on solution.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

YES PEOPLE (Virtual Cinema Palm Springs International Short Film Festival Palm Springs USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.0|5.0 Starsììì

 

Yes People—short film—needs a different title. It is difficult to understand the relationship between each lifestyle and makes the audience wonder why its story is important. The final product leaves one with a feeling of ‘So What?’

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube images.

Storyline

 A collage of multiple persons’ lives.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gisu Halldorsson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arnar Gunnlarsson and Gisu Halldorsson fo making the film possible.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 No. This short film lacks heart. Despite showing a wide range of peoples’ lifestyles, it fails to establish connectivity to the wider audience.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALARM (YouTube Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Alarm—short film—projects a prolonged battle with multiple alarm clocks. The battle becomes a bit monotonous as it repeats itself over and over and over throughout the animated project.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube images

Storyline

 A young man battles multiple alarm clocks to start his day on time.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jang Mu Hyun for directing effort. Thank you to animators Choo Jung Woo and Jang Mu Hyun for animation effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The concept is unusual and a bit redundant.  

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE WALK (YouTube Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Walk—short film—adds a lyric to its musical score that seems to detract from the film’s animation and story. The ending unexpectedly flows into establishing another dog relationship. It becomes a little unclear about the message one is to take away from this short film. It seems to lack heart as if it is simple to reconcile loss with replacement. The facial expressions do not adequately express the joy, the sadness, the sharing of loss. It may have been more effective to insert a scene where the main character is mourning the loss of his dog and the new human companion comes to find him and then sits down to console rather than just moving over on the dock to take the place of where the dog usually sat.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images 

Storyline

A dog helps its master find a life companion before it dies.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Jade Crooks and Millie Mara Mackie for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jade Crooks for making the film possible.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The animation is not as sophisticated as some short films. The film seems to concentrate more on the singing that accompanies the story than on the animation and the storyline itself. There is some difficulty understanding the words of the song. There is a certain gentleness about this film that is quite welcome.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ICE PEPPER (YouTube Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Ice Pepper—short film—has good animation, but the storyline is not easy to follow. The ending credits are what allow an understanding of what the movie is about…global warming…but, the film itself should have allowed that understanding rather than an explanatory connection given in the ending credits.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

A penguin discovers how to make water warm with chili peppers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Mailley Boulin, Soizic Lefeuvre, Guillaume Escots, Clement Malarge Alicia Journet, and Eddy Martinez for directing effort. Thank you to ESMA school for making facilities possible to make the film. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This short film is somewhat entertaining, but a young child and adult will most likely miss its point due to the metaphors used in the film itself. It becomes more of a story about greed for money (fish) rather than about global warming.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MISS POTTER (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Miss Potter—wonderful, wonderful film—becomes an instant classic. Renee Zellweger becomes Ms. Potter. Her portrayal of this character is impeccable. The movie perfectly times its scenes and relies on a sweet transitioning between city and country life. It plays through the family tensions between Ms. Potter’s mother, her father, and herself beautifully. It’s an ode to women who find their way in life and do not lose their souls in the process. Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson are such perfect choices for Zellweger’s supporting cast members. Well worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Through story format, the life of Miss Beatrice Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit series, gets a thorough examination.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Noonan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Christian, Louis Phillips, Colin Vaines, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Nigel Wooll, and Renée Zellweger for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger), Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor), Millie Warne (Emily Watson), Helen Potter (Barbara Flynn), Rupert Potter (Bill Paterson), Miss Wiggin (Matvelok Gibbs), William Heelis (Lloyd Owen), Harold Warne (Anton Lesser), Fruing Warne (David Bamber), Mrs. Warne (Phylida Law), and Fiona (Patricia Kerrigan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

  Yes. This is one of those rare films when a film critic wants to lean back and enjoy the movie rather than professionally critique the movie. It’s a well-written piece of entertainment that does just what a movie is supposed to do—entertain.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Greatest Show on Earth—classic—accesses the skills of Charlton Heston, James Stewart, and Cornell Wilde to produce an outstanding film for all audiences. The set designers and costume designers outperform themselves for razzle dazzle. The movie relies on a pseudo-documentary style of presentation with the use of a narrator who intermittently injects himself into the storyline to explain some of the scenes. No lack of entertainment value here despite the movie’s age. Look for the cameo appearance of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the circus audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A close-up view of circus life—the work, the number of people and the skill of people required to make it work, their trials, and their successes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Cecil B. DeMille for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Cecil B. DeMille for making the movie possible. Additional characters/cast include: Holly (Betty Hutton), The Great Sebastian (Cornel Wilde), Brad Braden (Charlton Heston), Phyllis (Dorothy Lamour), Angel (Gloria Grahame), FBI Agent (Henry Wilcoxon), Klaus (Lyle Bettger), Mr. Henderson (Lawrence Tierney), and Emmett Kelly (Emmett Kelly). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is an outstanding piece of art. It earns its watch and deserves a place in the home video library.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers