PREDATOR (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Predator—'cool' and 'awesome' with a little 'cheesiness' thrown in—turns into a fun watch with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, Sonny Landham, R. G. Armstrong, and Kevin Peter Hall (as the predator). This is one of those movies that has been orchestrated in such a manner that an audience doesn’t really notice anything except the big screen that shows some of the best action actors in the business getting ‘picked off’ one by one. Watch for Franco Columbu and Sven-Ole Thorsen in the movie.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

An invisible predator activates in hot weather and hunts humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shane Black for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Davis for making the film possible. Cast/character include: Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook), Nebraska Williams (Trevante Rhodes), Rory McKenna (Jacob Tremblay), Coyle (Keegan-Michael Key), Casey Brackett (Olivia Munn), Will Traeger (Sterling Brown), Baxley (Thomas Jane), Lynch (Alfie Allen), and Nettles (Augusto Aguilera). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. No lack of fear, terror, and gore in this action flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

WASP NETWORK (Theatrical Release France 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Wasp Network—political drama—involves Cubans who do not fully integrate into United States culture and continue an on-going battle with their homeland. The movie, put together well, turns into a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Cuban refugees get caught up in political homeland drama  while using Florida as a base of operations. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Olivier Assayas for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Gillibert and Rodrigo Teixeira for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Olga Salanueva-Gonzalez (Penelope Cruz), Rene Gonzalez (Edgar Ramirez), Juan Pablo Roque (Wagner Moura), Gerardo Hernandez (Gael Garcia Bernal), Ana Margarita Martinez (Ana de Armas), Jose Basulto (Leonardo Sbaraglia), Raul Cruz Leon (Nolan Guerra Fernandez), Irma Gonzalez (Osdeymi Pastrana), Luis Posada Carriles (Tony Plana), Pilot (Julian Flynn), Adriana (Anel Perdomo), Cousin (Julio Gabay), and Tete (Amanda Morado). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Well done story about Cuban refugees, their continued involvement in their homeland politics, and their political activities in Florida becomes an interesting adult watch. Some nudity and sexual references.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE UNWONTED SASQUATCH: THE DIRECTORS CUT (All Media Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Unwonted Sasquatch: The Directors Cut—nothing new here—makes its own plea to resolve the sasquatch question by asking communities to finally settle and categorize the question to a classification either of myth, illusion, or an elusive reality. This moves the documentary along and demands a final solution with great interviews and creates an entertainment that performs better than a History Channel episode. Its increased orderliness of thought, over other sasquatch films, can be applauded.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 A closer look at sasquatch from the viewpoint that it has been a persistent story for many years and needs a scientific investigation

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Bill Miller, Jeff Meldrum, Tom Steenburg, Grover Krantz, and John Green for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The documentary has been thought through with a little higher level of thinking power than the usual sasquatch tale. It’s a good watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

BAKERY IN BROOKLYN (DVD Release Germany 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bakery in Brooklyn—simple story—relies on newer actors and actresses. The movie works overall for a light afternoon romance movie.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Two cousins run a bakery after an aunt dies. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gustavo Ron for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alison Anne Abrohams, Nicholas Owen Langholff, and Michael Matzdorff for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Vivien (Almee Teegarden), Chloe (Krysta Rodriguez), Ian (Griffin Newman), Dave (Ernie Sabella), Daniella (Blanca Suarez), Paul (Ward Horton), Fernando (Aitor Luna), Nathan (Anthony Chisolm), Isabelle (Linda Lavin), and Alexander Johnson (Josh Pais). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It works as a background flick at a party or a lunch break film.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE PAPER TIGERS (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Paper Tigers—simple story—turns into a good movie watch. The movie’s strength lies in the acting, portrayal, and good direction by Director Bao Tran. The film’s story has been ordered well and provides good entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Three boys train in a martial arts school and grow up. Their karate master dies in an alley and they investigate suspicious circumstances. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Bao Tran for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Al’n Duong, Dan Gildark, Yuji Okumoto, Tran Quoc Bao, and Michael Velasquez for directing effort. Characters/cast include: Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan), Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins), Caryn (Jae Suh Park), Ed (Joziah Lagonoy), Sifu Cheung (Roger Yuan), Ray (La’tevin Alexander), Carter (Matthew Page), Wing (Yuji Okumoto), Teen Danny (Yoshi Sudarso), Teen Hing (Gui DaSilva-Greene), Teen Carter (Mark Poletti), Young Danny (Kieran Tamondong), Young Hing (Bryan Kinder), Young Jim (Malakai James), and Zhen Fan (Ken Quituqua). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has been put together well and is an overall great watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE NET (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Net—exciting, edge of seat thriller—stars Sandra Bullock. This film can easily be passed over partially to its low key advertising and its simple title. Don’t miss it. Sandra doesn’t miss a beat in this film and there are no giveaways on how the movie will conclude. Great film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A woman loses her identity and given another Internet identity.

 Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Irwin Winkler for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Irwin Winkler and Rob Cowan for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock), Jack Devlin (Jeremy Northam), Dr. Alan Champion (Dennis Miller), Mrs. Bennett (Diane Baker), Ruth Marx (Wendy Gazelle), Michael Bergstrom (Ken Howard), Dale Hessman (Ray McKinnon), Jeff Gregg (Gerald Berns), and Ben Phillips (Robert Gossett). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite sexual references at the beginning of this movie, the movie quickly moves into the action mode and stays there for the rest of the film. This is an unexpectedly good thriller watch, worth its time and monetary investment. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOOK OF HENRY (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Book of Henry—freshly tells an old story—interestingly explores awareness of one’s environment. The movie’s script has been well-written and the characters’ personalities are well defined. No lack here when it comes to its ability to draw an audience into its story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A young boy endeavors to establish justice for a young girl living next door. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Colin Trevorrow for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sidney Kimmel, Jenette Kahn, and Adam Richman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Susan Carpenter (Naomi Watts), Henry Carpenter (Janden Martell), Peter Carpenter (Jacob Tremblay), Shella (Sarah Silverman), Glenn Sickleman (Dean Norris), David Daniels (Lee Pace), Christina Sickleman (Maddie Ziegler), Janice Wilder (Tonya Pinkins), John (Bobby Moynihan), Mrs. Evans (Geraldine Hughes), and Morris (Jackson Nicoli).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie is a hard watch due to sad events that litter the story, but there is no lack in its ability to hold audience interest. The concluding twist is completely unexpected and grandly told. The movie easily earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (Theatrical Release USA 1947)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty—comical—showcases the talents of actor Danny Kaye. The movie has moved into an academic study arena for anyone studying Danny Kaye or the artistic efforts of others involved in the entertainment industry who helped make this film possible.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Walter Mitty escapes his real life through imagination. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Norman Z. McLeod) for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Samuel Goldwyn for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Walter Mitty (Danny Kaye), Rosalind van Hoorn (Virginia Mayo), Dr. Hollingshead (Boris Karloff), Mrs. Eunice Mitty (Fay Bainter), Bruce Pierce (Thurston Hall), Gertrude Griswald (Ann Rutherford), Tubby Wadsworth (Gordon Jones), Mrs. Griswald (Florence Bates), Peter van Hoorn (Konstantin Shayne), Colonel (Reginald Denny), Hendrick (Henry Corden), Mrs. Leticia Follinsbee (Doris Lloyd), Anatole (Fritz Feld), Maasdam (Frank Reicher), and The Butler (Milton Parsons). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves perfectly as a movie to run in the background at a party or to view as a light afternoon watch. For a stronger and more entertaining version of a similar story with the same name watch Ben Stiller’s 2013 interpretation of Walter Mitty.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

CAST A GIANT SHADOW (Theatrical Release USA 1966)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Cast a Giant Shadow—unusual movie—tells the exodus story from a different viewpoint than the movie Exodus. The story of military man Colonel David Marcus (Kirk Douglas) and his involvement in that process easily earns its watch. This movie enhances the difficulties surrounding the 1948 establishment of the nation of Israel. Look for the all-star cast.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

A story about an American man serving militarily in the 1948 Israeli-Arab conflict.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Melville Shavelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Melville Shavelson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: David Marcus (Kirk Douglas), Emma Marcus (Ange Dickinson), Magda Simon (Senta Berger), Major Safir (James Donald), Asher (Yul Brynner), Ram Oren (Stathis Giallelis), General Mike Randolph (John Wayne), Vince Talmadge (Frank Sinatra), Jacob Zion (Luther Ader), Andre Simon (Michael Shillo), Mrs. Chaison (Ruth White), Rona (Rina Ganor), McAffee (Gordon Jackson), and Abou Ibn Kader (Topol).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good rendition of this conflict, but Exodus serves the purpose at a higher level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FROM THE VINE (Napa Valley Film Festival, Napa Valley, California USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

From the Vine—inspirational—can easily become a favorite watch of the year. Joe Pantoliano does a perfect rendition of the main character with a supporting cast that portrays the interactions of a small Italian village and its diverse personality types with love and appreciation for each one. Excellent script examines the human condition with loving and forgiving eyes. Don’t miss this watch. The story is very good. The movie deserves a place in the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

An executive returns to his Italian roots and finds a life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sean Cisterna for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kyle Bornais, Paula Brancati, Francesco Papa, and Sean Cisterna for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Joe Pantoliano, Wendy Crewson, and Paula Brancati. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For a simple easy on-the-mind watch, it MORE than works. This movie is just a wonderful watch altogether. The subtitles for the Italian dialogue lines are outstanding.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CLIFFORD’S REALLY BIG MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Clifford's Really Big Movie—good film that almost reminds one of a classic Disney animation—has Clifford, Cleo, T-bone, and Emily Elizabeth characters from the original book line. The movie has great, simple animation that follows the original children's book well. The movie is not too loud, too busy, or too noisy, The film portrays the original children's book intent with faithfulness and runs on that same simple, straightforward storyline. Wonderfully clean watch for families.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Clifford runs away and joins the carnival. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank  you to Director Robert Ramirez for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Deborah Forte for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Clifford (John Ritter), Shackelford (Wayne Brady), Emily (Grey DeLisle), Dorothy (Jenna Elfman), George Wolfsbottom (John Goodman), Larry Gablegobble), Dirk (Jess Harnell), T-Bone (KelMitchell), Sheriff Lewis (Nick Jameson), Madison Wolfsbottom (kath Soucie), Charley (Oren Williams), Cleo (Cree Summer), and Rodrigo (Wilmer Valderrama). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a great children’s movie and tells the story of the Big Red Dog, Clifford, well.

 Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

GAMERA VS GYAOS * (Theatrical Release Japan 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Gamera vs Gyaos—third film in the series—does not perform as well as the first film in the series. The Gamera and the Gyaos seem archaic, but the whole of the movie has been put together well with its simple action scenes. If one has followed the series up to this movie, an audience may be quite bored with the whole monster versus monster concept and prefer watch a good Japanese family anime flick.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Gamera fights Gyaos. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Noriaki Yuasa for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hidemasa Nagata and Kazumasa Nakano for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Shiro Tsutsumi (Kojiro Hongo), Tatsuemon Kanamura (Kichijiro Ueda), Sumiko Kanamura (Reiko Kasahara), Mite-no-Tetsu (Taro Marui), Hachikō (Yukitaro Hotaru), Dr. Aoki (Yoshiro Kitahara), Self Defense General (Akira Natsuki), and District Police Commissioner (Kenji Natsuki). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has good English subtitles and it does follow through well with the traditional Japanese monster movies like Godzilla.

* Also Known As Daikaijû kûchûsen: Gamera tai Gyaosu

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

SHOCK AND AWE (Zurich Film Festival Zurich Switzerland 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Shock and Awe—intrigue, government decisions, and media involvement in swaying popular opinion—investigates United States involvement in the invasion of Iraq under the Bush administration. Rob Reiner, James Marsden, and Woody Harrelson team with Jessica Biel, Milla Jovovich, and Tommy Lee Jones to create a movie that flows well and easily entertains. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Journalists hit the streets looking for the real story behind allegations of weapons of mass destruction stored in Iraq. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rob Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Matthew George and Michele Reiner for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jonathan Landay (Woody Harrelson), Warren Strobel (James Marsden), John Walcott (Rob Reiner), Joe Galloway (Tommy Lee Jones), Lisa Mayr (Jessica Biel), Vlatka Landay (Milla Jovovich), The Usual (Richard Schiff), Carl Jonathan(Al Sapienza), Adam Green (Luke Tennie), and Nancy Walcott (Kate Butler). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For an interesting view outside of popular media, the film works. The movie has been constructed carefully in its presentation and storyline. Good piece of entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BIRDS OF PARADISE (Theatrical Release Argentina 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Birds of Paradise—great concept for animated movie—does not coordinate itself well enough to establish a good movie. Not much new here. Animation and voicing need improvement.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An ordinary sparrow meets a domestic yellow canary and the adventure is on as they explore a new world of freedom. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Daniel De Felippo and Gustavo Giannini for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gustavo Giannini, Carlos Salvatore, and Mychal Simka for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jack (Drake Bell), Old Buzzard (Keith David), Vinnie (Ken Jeong), Skeeter (Jon Lovitz), Rosie (Jane Lynch), and Aurora (Ashley Tisdale). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The movie is colorful, but it fails to entertain.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOWL FROM BEYOND THE FOG (Atami Kaiju Film Festival Atami Japan 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Howl From Beyond the Fog—unusually creative puppet movie—does not have puppets with mouths that move, but the way this team uses its choreography, it does not matter. Japanese voicing is well-chosen and well supported with good English subtitles. This is a great short film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A blind girl fights for her retention of family lands and receives unexpected help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Daisuke Sato for directing effort. Thank you to LosGatos Works production company for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Eiji (Voice of Suguru Inoue), Nagisa (Voice of Nana Nagao), Inami (Voice of Michiyo Ishimito), Takiri (Voice of Akane Kanamori), and Nebula (Voice of Tomohiro Matsumoto). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Creative Japanese team creates a good monster short movie. Watch for the ending of the film that contains background information on how the water monster was made and marketed. Great work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

SEABISCUIT (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Seabiscuit—unusually well done—teaches as well as entertains. It has an unexpected casting mix that one may expect to fail onscreen: Chris Cooper, Jeff Bridges, and Tobey McGuire. But it is a dynamite trio that completes each scene with realism and professionalism that lures its audience into sitting back and enjoying the show. The message that broken things can be mended whether they are human or animal and that one does not give up on life is particularly welcome and well presented. It’s an inspirational watch that revolves around ‘the little horse that could’. This movie deserves its addition to the family home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Inspiring story of a horse that is too small, a jockey who is too big, a horse trainer who has hit bottom, and a Buick car salesman who believes that such an impossible set of circumstances does not determine failure. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gary Ross for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Gary Ross, and Jane Sindell for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: John Pollard (Tobey Maguire), Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges), Tom Smith (Chris Cooper), Marcela Howard (Elizabeth Banks), George Woolf (Gary Stevens), Tick Tock McLaughlin (Willliam Macy), Samuel Riddle (Eddie Jones), and Narrator (David McCullough). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This earns its place in the winner’s circle. Inspiring watch that works well for a family. Teaches an important ethical principal. Wonderful work for all involved. Thank you for a great watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Jack and the Beanstalk—Abbott and Costello—places a nicely done twist on the original Jack and the Beanstalk story. This cute and simple film serves a little comedy with a straightforward storyline that makes a light, afternoon watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Abbott and Costello live a version of the Jack and the Beanstalk story. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jean Yarbrough for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alex Gottlieb, Pat Costello, Bud Abbott, and Lou Costello for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Mr. Dinkle (Bud Abbott), Jack (Lou Costello), The Receptionist (Dorothy Ford), Police Sergeant Riley (Buddy Baer), Eloise Larkin (Shaye Cogan), Donald Larkin (David Stollery), Arthur (James Alexander), The King (William Farnum), Patrick the Harp (Arthur Shields), Johnny Conrad and Dancers, and Farm Animals (Mel Blanc). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie shows its age. For an academic study of the Abbott and Costello team or for an audience who deeply appreciates the comedic routines of Abbot and Costello, the movie has value.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

INTO THE INFERNO (Netflix Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Into the Inferno—Werner Herzog documentary—Wow! Bravo! Top notch in its presentation, thoroughness, and camera work. The documentary weaves the past, the present, and the future into one seamless, unapologetic bond. It acknowledges the reckless along with the wise. It uplifts folklore and binds it with science. It unites the spectacular with the sufficient. The documentary establishes the realities of our world, polarity, and makes it all...all right…for all the different ways we cope according to our understanding. It takes a dip into the late Maurice and Katia Krafft’s lives while allowing Clive Oppenheimer full access to living explication…uniting death with life. This is an amazing piece of work…pragmatic is too weak of a word to describe this amazing work. This movie works at a high level of culture and offsets it with the mundane. Watch for the tour of North Korea…even that inclusion is an artistic juxtaposition of power with power-less-ness.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A thorough look at vulcanism from the scientific viewpoint, from the religious viewpoint, and from the ‘facts known’ viewpoint. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Werner Herzog for directing effort. Thank you to Producers André Singer and Lucki Stipetic for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This documentary does a beautiful job of weaving the past with the present and the future in one seamless, timeful presentation that neither offends nor apologizes. It accomplishes unification of opposites with no messages attached...artistically creative with the most unlikely of subject matter.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers