TROLL HUNTERS: RISE OF THE TITANS (Netflix Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Troll Hunters: Rise of the Titans—great cinematic effects—sports good animation. For anyone following the television series, the movie will be more understandable. For anyone else, it may be wise to read a plotline before going. The movie has been recommended for 7-year-olds and up, but seems a better watch for 10-year-olds and up. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Heroes fight for magical power.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Johane Matte, Francisco Velasco, and Andrew Schmidt for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Marc Guggenheim, Dan Hageman, and Kevin Hageman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jim Lake (Emile Hirsch), Claire Nuñez (Lexi Medrano), Toby Domzalski (Charlie Saxton), Blinky Galadrigal (Kelsey Grammer), AAARRRGGHH (Fred Tatasciore), Douxie Casperan (Colin O’Donoghue), Krel Tarron (Diego Luna), Aja Terron (Tatiana Maslany), Steve Palchuk (Steven Yeun), Eli Pepperjack (Cole Sand), Archie (Alfred Molina), Stuart (Nick Frost), Walter Strickler (Jonathan Hyde), and Barbara Lake(Amy Landecker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great concept and ends with a twist.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THUNDER FORCE (Netflix Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Thunder Force—superheroine action movie—serves up two superheroines, acted by Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy. Different spin on an old storyline somewhat works due to the casting but the story needs some rewriting of dialogue and the movie itself needs tweaking on its pacing to work well. The conclusion’s last ten to twenty minutes work on the absurd but concludes well. From beginning to ending, it’s obvious that the film designs itself to be a television series and that focus becomes so difficult to ignore that the movie’s force becomes lost. Young audiences who love superhero/superheroine comics most likely will enjoy this movie.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Two girl buddies join forces to become superheroines and save their metropolitan area from supervillains. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Falcone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Adam Siegel, Marc Platt, Ben Falcone, and Melissa McCarthy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lydia Berman (Melissa McCarthy), Emily Stanton (Octavia Spencer), Jerry (Jason Bateman), William Stevens (Bobby Cannavale),Laser (Pom Klementieff), Allie (Melissa Leo), Tracy (Taylor Mosby), Grandma Norma (Marcella Lowery), Rachel Gonzales (Melissa Ponzio), Kenny (Ben Falcone), Frank (Kevin Dunn), Jessie (Tyrel Jackson Williams), and B. Krut (Sarah Baker). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Strong attempts to invoke comedy make the movie a lazy afternoon, easy-on-the-mind watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FASTBALL (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fastball—documentary—explains how baseball pitchers’ speed of pitch was and is measured. Then, it tries to pinpoint what the fastest pitch ever made has been. The documentary follows a simple and understandable format. It’s informative and an interesting watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The documentary informs viewers about some of the fastest baseball pitchers and backs those stories with interesting interviews with pitchers, catchers, and batters. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Hock for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jack Selby who made the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kevin Costner, Dere Jeter, Denard Span, Craig Kimbrel, Nolan Ryan, Justin Verlander, Bryce Harper, Miguel Cabrera, Todd Frazier, Matt Harvey, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film will be of particular interest to baseball fans. It’s a good historical piece.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GOLDFINCH (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Goldfinch exploits the emotion of depression from its opening scenes to its last scenes and then redeems itself within a few seconds at its conclusion. Sadness, grief over what might have been, the plight of children when they lose a loving parent—become explored to the very depths as the story weaves around the travels and adventures of the painting, The Goldfinch, while in the hands of Theo (Oakes Fegley). Fresh and unique storyline.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A young boy loses his mother in a terrorist attack bombing in an art gallery. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Crowley for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Theo Decker (Ansel Elgort), Theo Decker (Oakes Fegley), Boris (Aneurin Barnard), Young Boris (Finn Wolfhard), Pippa (Ashleigh Cummings), Kitsey Barbour (Willa Fitzgerald), Young Pippa (Aimée Laurence), Andry Barbour (Ryan Foust), Xandra (Sarah Paulson), Larry (Luke Wilson), Hobie (Jeffrey Wright), Mrs. Barbour(Nicole Kidman), Lucius Reeve (Denis O’Hare), Mr. Barbour (Boyd Gaines), Naaman Silver (Peter Jacobson), Blackwell (Robert Joy), and Platt Barbour (Luke Kleintank). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. A good teen/adult watch. Valuable watch for its unique presentation with a completely unexpected conclusion. Director John Crowley works every moment from this script into an artistic presentation. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GENIUS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Genius—good biographical snippet of the life of Thomas Wolfe—accesses the talents of Jude Law to interpret Wolfe’s character. The movie has its entertaining moments and is somewhat worth a watch. However, some confusion reigns in scenes such as the one where his wife becomes upset after Wolfe sells his first book until it seems she is upset about the time spent with the editor rather than her. But, this scene comes bluntly to the screen and does not introduce itself easily. In addition, Jude Law seems to over act or under act some of the scenes. The film is watchable and produces an interesting conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

The life of author Thomas Wolfe is briefly examined.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Grandage for directing effort. Thank you to James Bierman, Michael Grandage, John Logan, and Tracey Seaward for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: line Bernstein (Nicole Kidman), Ernest Hemingway (Dominic West), F. Scott Fitzgerald (Guy Pearce), Zelda Fitzgerald (Vanessa Kirby), Nancy Perkins (Makenna McBrierty), and Louise Saunders (Laura Linney).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is a good watch…delivers a unique view of prolific authors and their relationship with their editors.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BATTLE CREEK BRAWL* (Theatrical Release USA 1980)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Battle Creek Brawl—appealing—delivers everything viewers expect from Jackie Chan with new, unique action sequences. Good action movie that works for your time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

 Storyline

 A young man takes on the gang when they threaten his family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Clouse for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Raymond Chow and Fred Weintraub for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jerry Kwan (Jackie Chan), Dominici (Jose Ferrer), Nancy (Kristine DeBell), Herbert Kwan (Mako), Leggetti (Ron Max), Morgan (David Sheiner), Mae (Rosalind Chao), John (Lenny Montana), Carl (Pat E. Johnson), Billy Kiss (Hard Boiled Haggerty), Mr. Kwan (Chao Li Chi), Miss Wong (Jocelyn Lew), Jug (Peter Marc), Stroke (Gene LeBell), and Judge (Larry Drake).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie delivers non-stop fighting scenes to audiences who love action. 

*Also Known as: The Big Brawl 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

JACK AND JILL (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Jack and Jill’s best feature is its universal appeal and relatability. It’s comical for all the right reasons. The dialogue lines have been written well so that they could be interpreted on many different levels to include an intellectual level. The acting and portrayal need some touching up to increase entertainment value, but generally  it’s a good watch, easy on the mind. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sister Jill comes to visit her twin brother Jack.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dennis Dugan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Bernardi, Allen Covert, Tim Herlihy, Steve Koren, Robert Smigel, and Bettina Sofia Viviano for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack/Jill (Adam Sandler), Erin (Katie Holmes), Al Pacino (Al Pacino), Ted (Tim Meadows), Sofia (Elodie Tougne), Otto (Allen Covert), Gary (Rohan Chand), Eugenio Derbez), Monica (David Spade), Todd (Nick Swardson), Funbucket (Norm MacDonald), Carter Simmons (Geoff Pierson), Bitsy Simmons (Valerie Mahaffey), Dallas (Gary Valentine), Regis Philbin (Regis Philbin), Scrapply Puppeteer (Dana Carvey), Xavier (Gad Elmaleh), and Dan Patrick (Dan Patrick).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie makes the audience feel good after watching. Look for some great twin interviews at the beginning and ending credits.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

KEANU REEVES: JOURNEY TO SUCCESS (Worldwide DVD Release 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Keanu Reeves: Journey to Success—short documentary—seems to singularly define success as attainment of fame and fortune. The movie succeeds in the detailing of exceptionally difficult life events that do not deter career goals and taking the next step forward in spite of difficulty. The movie gives room for great interviews.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A brief look at the timeline that led to Keanu Reeves’ role in The Matrix series. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brandon Christopher for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Brandon Christopher for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Keanu Reeves. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This documentary nicely details Keanu Reeves' movies that are not so well known as The Matrix and the dogged persistence necessary to learn one's profession over time.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

VOLCANIC UFO MYSTERIES (Worldwide All Media Release 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Volcanic UFO Mysteries—documentary—narrows the UFO discussion to appearance sightings located around volcanos. The movie marks itself with interviews.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

UFO sightings include unusual camera catches around steaming volcanos. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Darcy Weir for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Darcy Weir for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jaime Maussan and Stephen Bassett. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The documentary runs straightforwardly with an enhancement on where to regularly view UFO sightings.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEST OF THE BEST (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Best of the Best—one of the better Tae Kwon Do films—features Eric Roberts and Chris Penn. The simple storyline has been well-written and portrayed. Watch for an exceptionally strong acting role as played by James Earl Jones. The movie has high human appeal and earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The United States Tae Kwon Do team fights the Korean Tae Kwon Do team. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bob Radler for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Phillip Rhee and Peter E. Strauss for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Alex Grady (Eric Roberts), Coach Frank Couzo (James Earl Jones), Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee), Travis Brickley (Chris Penn), John Dye (Virgil Keller), Sonny Grasso (David Agresta), Assistant Coach Don Peterson (Tom Everett), Catherine Wade (Sally Kirkland), Mrs. Grady (Louise Fletcher), Walter Grady (Edan Gross), Korean Coach (Hee II Cho), Dae Han Park (Simon Rhee), Sae Jin Kwon (James Lew), Yung Kim (Ken Nagayama), Broadcaster (Ahmad Rashad), Han Cho (Ho Sik Pak), Tung Sung Moon(Dae Kyu Chang), and Baby Walter (Emilie Hagen). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film offers more than expected and is a very likeable watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PIXY DRAGONS (Video Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 0.7|5.0 Starsì

Pixy Dragons—high potential film—doesn’t make the cut for quality entertainment. The title and the idea of animated dragons promise a terrific watch, but the actuality is far from the initial impression. The dragons are ‘creepy’ and the animation does not work at the level of expectation for 2019. The movie locks itself into stagnation and disinterest.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two dragons want to win a fire-breathing contest. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Snider for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers  making Ralph Carmelton and Leslie Perack for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cyan (Todd Quills), Lily (Maria Petrono), Teddy (Chen Tsung), Lacerta (Tony Roberts), Nala (Dave Soltura), Drako (Thomas Carr), Leo (Kelsey Painter), Argon (Timothy Banfield), Pixypaw (Ken Young), and Mia (Carmen Piroli). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. For an American audience, the movie needs major re-work to earn a right to time and money investment.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

MILE 22 (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mile 22's almost perfect explosive action backs this great story. Mark Wahlberg and a well-chosen support cast take the movie to the next level to create a very watchable action movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A CIA team’s mission is to locate a shipment of cesium and render it unusable. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Berg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Berg, Mark Wahlberg, and Stephen Levinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Silva (Mark Wahlberg), Alice Kerr (Lauren Cohan), Li Noor (Iko Uwais), James Bishop (John Malkovich), Samantha Snow (Ronda Rousey), Senior Lieutenant (Nikolai Nikolaeff), William Douglas III (Carlo Alban), Queen (Chaelin Lee), Vera Kuragina (Natasha Goubskaya), and Axel (Sam Medina). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Well worth the ticket purchase for adult action fans. There is a sequel in development.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPACE SWEEPERS * (Netflix Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Space Sweepers—WOW! What a nicely packaged, totally unexpected piece of entertainment. Spunky dialogue, awesome characters, terrific special effects, great stunt work—a razzle-dazzle to the eyes—this smart South Korean film, despite its complicated story line and some confusion behind the purpose of the story’s protagonist, completely involves its viewers. The film, very well acted, demands that its audience forgive the small problems and just enjoy the ride, and, indeed it is easy to forget all the small challenges and just sit back and choose to be entertained. The introduction of a very sassy robot adds flavor to the well-rounded script. Don’t miss this easy-to-be-missed entertainment piece. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A child stowaway is mistaken for a weapon of mass destruction. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jo Sung-hee for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Yoon In-beom and Kim Soo-jin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kim Tae-ho (Song Joong-ki), Captain Jang (Kim Tae-ri), Tiger Park (Jin Seon-kyu), Robot Bubs (Yoo Hae-jin), James Sullivan (Richard Armitage), Kang Hyeon-u (Kim Mu-yeol), Kang Kot-nim’s father (Hyeon-u), Dorothy (Park Ye-rin), and Bub’s new body (Kim Hyang-gi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. When the sequel to this movie is announced, the response will be: YES! There is a sequel!

* Also Known As: Seungriho

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SEFARAD (Amazon Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Sefarad—historical film—uses more of a story-telling technique to give a concise history of Judaism in Portugal. This is an excellent film to stimulate after-viewing discussion with one’s family. A special interest movie with strong intellectual focus, the film easily earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

The story behind crypto-Jews in Portugal, the building of a synagogue in Portugal, and how that synagogue was used through the years.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Luis Ismael for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Maria Pacheco for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Barros Basto (Rodrigo Santos), Menasseh Ben Dov (Pedro Galiza), Lea Azancot (Ana Vargas), Branca Roskin (Gabriela Relvas), Emil Oppenheim (Jorge Fernandes), Josef Levi (Rui Spranger), Nathan Biegel (Pedro Frias), Lucien Wolf (José Neto), Abraham Cohen (Simao Ramos), and Paul Goodman (Diogo Balestra).

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It can be an important watch for anyone studying Judaism academically, for anyone coming into a Judaic community, for persons re-thinking religion’s place in society, and for persons looking for best ways to allow ample place for difference.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HALSTON (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Halston—documentary—details the life and times of Roy Halston Frowick, designer of Halston products. The documentary spares nothing about his life, completes itself with terrific interviews, and allows an in-depth look at the fashion world.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A documentary that examines the man behind Halston fashion products. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Frédéric Tcheng for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roland Ballester, Stephanie Levy, Michael Prall, and Frédéric Tcheng for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Liza Minnelli, Marisa Berenson, Joel Schumacher, Naeem Khan, Pat Cleveland, Karen Bjornson, Alva Chinn, Nancy North, Chris Royer, Bob Colacello, Lesley Frowick, Lisa Zay, Gino Balsamo, Faye Robson, Michael Lichtenstein, Fred Rottman, Don Friese, Jeffrey Wirsing, Patricia Mears, and Fred Dennis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is an adult watch and a good watch for those who like Halston clothing and accessories. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (Theatrical Release UK 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Fisherman’s Friends—based on the story of shantie-singing fishermen in Port Isaac, Cornwall, England—becomes an explosive WOW! due to its realistic capture of small village attitudes steeped in hundreds of years of commonly shared history. Be aware that the film does not start out with the big bang…it builds to that…stick it out through the opening scenes and a story unfolds that completely entertains with its charm, values, and effortless luring of its audience into caring about this village and the fate of each of its characters. Know that the movie contains very earthy scenes, humor, and music throughout but it will not fail to entertain the audience appreciating the basic human story of life.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

The story of fishermen who sing old time fishermen’s songs and the talent scout who decides to promote them at all costs. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Foggin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Nick Moorcroft, Meg Leonard, and James Spring for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Danny (Daniel Mays), Jim (James Purefoy), Jago (David Hayman), Troy (Noel Clarke), Journalist (Jo Hart), Trieve (Julian Seager), Leadville (Dave Johns), Rowan (Sam Swainsbury), Maggie (Maggie Steed), Driss (Vahid Gold), Alwyn (Tuppence Middleton), Charles Montague (Christopher Villiers), Tamsyn (Meadow Nobrega), Leah (Jade Anouka), and Nurse (Ashley Bannerman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie becomes a good adult share film.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE MISSING LYNX (Los Angles Latino Film Festival, Los Angeles, California USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

The Missing Lynx—animation movie that consistently fails its audience—misses its links to connect to its viewers almost as if it fails to remember who the target audience is and to cater to that audience. The film adds new characters without good introduction. The antagonist and protagonist are weak, without the strength to carry those roles. The animation does not work within expectations of a 2009 film and especially from a country like Spain.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A wealthy man collects animals for an ark and the animals try to escape. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Raul Garcia and Manuel Sicilia for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Antonio Banderas Juan Molina, Manuel Cristobal, and Marcelino Almansa for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gus (Abraham Aguilar), Lincesa (Beatriz Berciano), Rupert (Carlos del Pino), Soldado Gardo (David Garcia), Newmann (Steven Hughes), Astarté (Conchi Lopez Rojo), Noé (Julio Nuñez), Patty (Esperanza Pedreño), Felix (David Robles). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  

No. The film is low budget and not a good watch. Try the Ice Age movie series instead.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers