SECONDHAND LIONS (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Secondhand Lions—original and fresh—serves good family entertainment via the outstanding cast that features Hayley Joel Osment, Michael Caine, and Robert Duval. Not the usual watch, it has such a wonderful progression of unexpected events that one cannot help but admire its unusual presentation. A pleasant surprise that leaves its audience feeling as if they watched something that filled the soul fully.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Two brothers live life on their own terms. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Canlies for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Kirschner, Scott Ross, and Corey Sienega for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Walter Caldwell (Haley Joel Osment), Hub McCann (Robert Duvall), Garth McCann (Michael Caine), Mae Caldwell (Kyra Sedgwick), Stan (Nicky Katt), Adult Walter Caldwell (Josh Lucas), Ralph (Michael O’Neill), Helen (Deirdre O’Connell), Young Hub (Christian Kane), Sheik’s Great-Grandson (Daniel Brooks), Young Garth (Kevin Haberer), Sheik’s grandson (Eric Balfour), Jasmine (Emmanuelle Vaugier), The Sheik (Adam Ozturk), and Skeet Machine Salesman (Adrian Pasdar). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Even though it may not rate as ‘fabulous’ entertainment, a certain decency marks this film that moves it into a good addition to the home video library and earns a watch and re-watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

A CHORUS LINE (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

A Chorus Line—WOW! What a story!—educates and entertains. The movie Every Little Step tries to revive this storyline, but does not even begin to compare to the strength of this film. Listen for great singing and watch terrific dancing. The film can perform at the ‘edgy’ in some scenes…but heart and realism present bold faces as personal lives of dancers reveal themselves one by one. One of Michael Douglas’ outstanding performances. Watch for the strength of Alyson Reed and the excellent performance of Terrence Mann.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A casting director chooses dancers for a stage show.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Attenborough for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Cy Feuer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Zach (Michael Douglas), Cassie (Alyson Reed), Larry (Terrence Mann), Kim (Sharon Brown), and 16 dancers.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good writing makes good entertainment for the teen/adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

EXTRACTION (All Media Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Extraction—good concept—fails in realism and in conclusion. The final product does not satisfy.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A son attempts to rescue his father, a former CIA agent.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Steven Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Randall Emmett, George Furla, Adam Goldworm, and Mark Stewart for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Harry Turner (Kellan Lutz), Leonard Turner (Bruce Willis), Victoria Phair (Gina Carano), Ken Robertson (D.B. Sweeney), Higgins (Dan Bilzerian), Theodore Sitterson (Steve Coulter), Nick Purvis (Christopher Rob Bowen), Drake Chivu (Joshua Mikel), Vinn Chivu (Nicholas Loeb), Denise (Summer Altice), Kris (Lydia Hall), Darryl (Tyler Jon Olson), John (Richie Chance), and Stephanie (Lindsey Pelas).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 No. The movie cannot retain audience interest.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MERCURY 13 (World-Wide Release 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mercury 13—documentary—contains terrific interviews with women who trained for space travel in the 1960s and 1970s and then did not receive the reward for their training…going into outer space. Good interviews with the actual trainees. Archival footage shows their accomplishments in earth flight. Wonderful documentary to ponder women’s rights and their relationship with men’s rights. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The documentation of women trained for exploration of space and the result of that training. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors David Sington and Heather Walsh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Sington, Heather Walsh, Trevor Birney, Brendan Byrne, and Geraldine Creed for making the film possible. Character/cast include: Self/Pilot-archival footage  (Joyce Case), Self-archival footage (Bill Clinton), Self-archival footage (Hilary Clinton), Self (Jerrie Cobb), Self/Pilot-archival footage (Jacqueline Cochran), Self/Astronaut (Eileen Collins), Self/Mercury Astronaut-archival footage (Gordon Cooper), Self (Wally Funk) 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie carries itself along well and causes provocative thought.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CANVAS (Internet Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Canvas—sweet short film—shows great animation for establishing depth of character and establishes wonderful, solid storyline about healing and moving forward in life. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A seasoned painter loses his desire to paint. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Frank E. Abney III for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Paige Johnstone for making the film possible. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Heartfelt portrayal of time necessary to heal and resume life purpose. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CAST AWAY (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Cast Away—written with high creativity and imagination—has heart sprinkled into its survival storyline. This intriguing movie uses FedEx to drive its theme and the introduction of a Wilson volleyball completely works. The action scenes after the plane crashes need improvement.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A Fed Ex employee survives a plane wreck at sea and lives alone on an island for years. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Zemeckis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steve Starkey, Tom Hanks, Robert Zemeckis, and Jack Rapke for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), Kelly Frears (Helen Hunt), Stan (Nick Searcy), Jerry Lovett (Chris Noth), Bettina Peterson (Lari White), Pilot Al Miller (Vince Martin), Pilot Jack (Michael Forest), Pilot Peter (Jay Acovone), Pilot Blaine (Garret Davis), Pilot Gwen (Viveka Davis), Becca Twig (Jenifer Lewis), Maynard Graham (Geoffrey Blake), Kelly’s Mother (Nan Martin), Dennis Larson (Dennis Letts), Virginia Larson (Dennis Letts), Virginia Larson (Valerie Wildman), Steve Larson (Steve Monroe), Elden Madden (Elden Henson), Morgan Stockton (Timothy Stack), and Joe Wally (Joe Conley). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Director Robert Zemeckis and Actor Tom Hanks work beautifully together to produce a movie without the usual dialogue or supporting cast and they completely succeed. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

ALIEN 3 (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Alien 3—almost a cult classic—needs boost in storyline and portrayal. The conclusion needs complete overhaul. Sigourney Weaver reprises her role to continue her battle with the alien. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Ripley continues her story of alien involvement. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Fincher for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Gordon Carroll, David Giler, and Walter Hill for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Leonard Dillon (Charles Dutton), Jonathan Clemens (Charles Dance), Harod Andrews (Brian Glover), Francis Aaron (Ralph Brown), Walter Golic (Paul McGann), Robert Morse (Danny Webb), Bishop (Lance Henriksen), Dragon (Tom Woodruff Jr.), David Postlewaite (Pete Postlewaite), Junior (Holt McCallany), Peter Gregor (Peter Guinness), Thomas Murphy (Christopher Fairbank), Kevin Dodd (Phil Davis), and Alan Jude (Vincenzo Nicoli). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If one follows the Alien movie series, then this movie may be of interest. The movie Independence Day works at higher entertainment levels for time and dollar investment.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MARCH OR DIE (Theatrical Release Britain 1977)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

March or Die—solid story—accesses the talents of Gene Hackman, Terrence Hill, Max Von Sydow, and Ian Holm to bring the movie to life. While not the best of films, the movie deserves its watch and makes an audience think about the French Foreign Legion’s activity through the years. It becomes beneficial to read a Wikipedia article on the French Foreign Legion before watching the film to deepen appreciation for this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The French Foreign Legion shows its stuff. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dick Richards for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Dick Richards for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Major William Foster (Gene Hackman), Marco Segrain (Terence Hill), Simone Picard (Catherine Deneuve), Francois Marneau (Max von Sydow), El Krim (Ian Holm), Ivan (Jack O’Halloran), Sergeant Triand (Rufus), Lieutenant Fontaine (Marcel Bozuffi), ndre Penvern), Fred Hastings (Paul Sherman), Mean Corporal (Vernon Dobtcheff), Leon (Marne Maitland), Andre (Gigi Bonos), First German (Wolf Kahler), Second German (Mathias Hell), Minister (Jean Champion), Colonel Lamont (Walter Gotell), and Mollard (Paul Antrim).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. An overall interesting watch becomes especially viable for war movie fans. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WATERWORLD (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Waterworld—a good, adult film—relies on the talents of Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tina Majorino, and Dennis Hopper. Tina Majorino has confidence and integrates well her script. Fresh, original story catches the imagination. Good portrayal of what life could be like without land. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Most of the known world lies underwater and people live like scavengers on the ocean. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kevin Reynolds for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Costner, John Davis, Charles Gordon, and Lawrence Gordon  for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mariner (Kevin Costner), Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) Deacon (Dennis Hopper) Enola (Tina Majorino) Drifter (Chaim Jeraffi), Gatesman (Rick Aviles), Enforcer (R.D. Call), Elder (Zitto Kazann), Elder (Leonardo Cimino), Priam (Zakes Mokae), Boy (Luke Ka’ili Jr.), Boy (Anthony DeMasters), and Boy (Willy Petrovic). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie relies on action and terrific special effects to ask for its watch. Good action and unique story give it that watch. Be aware of content that includes sexual references and some nudity. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

MIDNIGHT RUN (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Midnight Run—WOW! a quality Robert de Niro movie—erupts with its charismatic casting mix. Terrific chemistry between Charles Grodin, Robert DeNiro, John Ashton, and Joe Pantoliano. This  movie is just a fun watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

An accountant jumps bail and two bounty hunters, the mafia, and the FBI chase him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Brest for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer William Gilmore for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro), Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin), Alonzo Mosely (Yaphet Kotto), Marvin Dorfler (John Ashton), Jimmy Serrano (Dennis Farina), Eddie Moscone (Joe Pantoliano), Tony Darvo (Richard Foronjy), Joey (Robert Miranda), Jerry Geisler (Jack Kehoe), Gail (Wendy Phillips), and Denise (Danielle DuClos).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This classic bounty hunter movie completely earns re-watchability status. Good work in each category of movie production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PINOCCHIO ( Theatrical Release Italy 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Pinocchio—Italian movie—serves the international audience. The live action treatment takes the movie out of traditional animation technique and with that single choice makes it unique and wonderfully new. Federico Lelapi completely refreshes the Pinocchio character interpretation. It’s wonderful to see Roberto Benigni after his outstanding performance in Life is Beautiful. He plays the part of Geppetto here. This movie has been highly rewritten from the Disney Classic animation of the same name. It serves the child/adult audience well. Take time to appreciate the tremendous detailing of both costuming and background scenery. Terrific realism. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Pinocchio tries to find a life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matteo Garrone for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Alessio Lazzareschi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Pinocchio (Federico Ielapi), Geppetto (Roberto Benigni), Gatto (Rocco Papaleo), Volpe (Massimo Ceccherini), Fata Turchina (Marine Vacth), Mangiafuoco (Gigi Proietti), Fata Turchina bambina (Alida Baldari Calabria), Lucignolo (Alession Di Domenicantonio), Lumaca (Maria Pia Timo), Grillo Parlante (Davida Marotta), and Mastro Ciliegia (Paolo Graziosi). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Such a novel approach to this old tale makes it completely fresh and new. The Italian movie has professionally dubbed voicing for English audiences.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

MIDWAY (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Midway—remake of the 1976 movie of the same name—deserves its watch. Nick Jonas earns his casting. Aaron Eckhart and Woody Harrelson along with Patrick Wilson act well together. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

WW II Midway Battle through the eyes of people who were there. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Roland Emmerich for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dick Best )Ed Skrein), Edwin Layton (Patrick Wilson), Chester Nimitz (Woody Harrelson), Wade McClusky (Luke Evans), Ann Best (Mandy Moore), Clarence Dickinson (Luke Kleintank), Bull Halsey (Dennis Quaid), Jimmy Doolittle (Aaron Eckhart), James Murray (Keean Johnson), and Bruno Gaido (Nick Jones). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Good history lesson.

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

THE BIG YEAR (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Big Year—Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson—sparks interest in birding and serves its fair share of comedy. The movie works on a lower-key entertainment level as it uses a straightforward, more linear approach to storytelling. It deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Birders compete for the best birder annual award. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Frankel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Karen Rosenfelt, Stuart Cornfeld, and Curtis Hanson for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Stu Preissler (Steve Martin), Brad Harris (Jack Black), Kenny Bostick (Owen Wilson), Ellie (Rashida Jones), Annie Auklet (Anjelica Huston), Crane (Jim Parsons), Jessica Bostick (JoBeth Williams), Raymond Harris (Brian Dennehy), Brenda Harris (Dianne Wiest), Bill Clemont (Anthony Anderson), Phil (Tim Blake Nelson), Barry Loomis (Joel McHale), Colin Debs (Calum Worthy), Nurse Katie (Veena Sood), Gil Gordon (Corbin Bernsen), Vicki (Stacey Scowley), Darren (Jesse Moss), and Jim Gittelson (Kevin Pollak). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie bases itself partially on true events. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BORIS AND NATASHA: THE MOVIE (VHS Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Boris and Natasha: The Movie—watch for the cameos—serves on the fair to middling level. For those who watched the animated televised series, the film will serve as good entertainment fare. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

Boris and Natasha defect to America as directed by Fearless Leader. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Charles Martin Smith for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jonathan D. Krane for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Boris Badenov (Dave Thomas), Natasha Fatale (Sally Ketterman), Agent Moose (John Calvin), Agent Squirrel )Andrea Martin), Kreeger Paulovitch (Paxton Whitehead), Fearless Leader (Christopher Neame), Shedon Kaufman (Alex Rocco), Kalishak (John Candy), Colonel Gorda (Sid Haig), John Travolta (John Travolta), Olga Badenov (Amy Brands), Gerald Fatale (Steve Como), Polygraph Man (Rance Howard), Hotel Clerk (Charles Martin Smith), and Narrator (Corey Burton). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Cute, live film mimics the original televised animation series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHITE CHRISTMAS (Theatrical Release USA 1954)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

White Christmas—Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen—provides a low-key, peaceful musical that includes both singing and dancing. It’s a good Christmas piece for the entire family. Listen for the songs, Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Military buddies put on an elaborate stage show at their commanding officer’s business—a mountain retreat lodge. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Curtiz for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Robert Dolan for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby), Phil Davis (Danny Kaye), Betty Haynes (Rosemary Clooney), Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen), Major General Tom Waverly (Dean Jagger), Emma Allen (Mary Wickes), Ed Harrison (Johnny Grant), John (John Brascia), Susan Waverly (Anne Whitfield), Train Conductor (Percy Helton), Railroad Stationmaster (I. Stanford Jolley), Doris Lenz (Barrie Chase), Betty Haynes (George Chakiris), Landlord (Sig Ruman), General’s Guest (Grady Sutton), Novello (Herb Vigran), Bandleader (Leighton Noble), and Carousel Bandleader (Dick Stabile). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This simple movie provides a little romance, a little comedy, traditional music, good feelings, and a peaceful, traditional introduction to the holidays.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MRS. DOUBTFIRE (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Mrs. Doubtfire—a WOW! Robin Williams’ film—addresses, in a most forgiving way, divorce pain and healing through a completely fresh and unique story. Sally Fields perfectly completes Robin Williams' acting. Although Pierce Brosnan seems an odd casting choice for the part of the new man attempting to replace the displaced man, he overcomes that by playing his part well. This script, well written, serves perfect entertainment fare for a family watch. Great work for Director Chris Columbus (Adventures in Babysitting, Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) for directing another fabulous film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline 

Due to marital discord, a man becomes separated from his children and finds a unique way to be with them. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marsha Garces Williams, Robin Williams, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Daniel Hillard/Mrs.Doubtfire (Robin Williams), Miranda Hillard (Sally Field), Stu Dunmeyer (Pierce Brosnan), Frank (Harvey Fierstein), Gloria Chaney (Polly Holliday), Lydia Hillard (Lisa Jakub), Chris Hillard (Matthew Lawrence), Natalie Hillard (Mara Wilson), Jonathan Lundy (Robert Prosky), Mrs. Sellner (Anne Haney), Jack (Scott Capurro), Justin Gregory (Martin Mull), and Mr. Sprinkles (William Newman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has heart and Robin Williams delivers a very sweet and loving conclusion for children everywhere.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers