WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit—great to see Wallace and Gromit on the big screen again—takes the audience on a gentle ride through a simple story that is not too loud, too noisy, too busy, or too stressful. This little flick works just right for a family share. Well-written and presented story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Wallace and Gromit are on the job to protect Tottington Hall’s vegetable competition.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Nick Park and Steve Box for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Claire Jennings, Carla Shelley, Peter Lord, David Sproxton, and Nick Park for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Wallace (Voice of Peter Sallis), Gromit, Lord Quartermaine (Voice of Ralph Fiennes), Lady Tottington (Voice of Helena Bonham Carter), Police Mackintosh (Voice of Peter Kay), Reverend Hedges (Voice of Nicholas Smith), Mr. and Mrs. Murch (Voice of Liz Smith and Dicken Ashworth), Mr. Growbag (Voice of Edward Kelsey), Ms. Blight (Voice of Mark Gatiss), and Miss Thripp (Voice of Geraldine McEwan). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Top-of-the-line stop motion animation makes this movie a sweet watch for the whole family. Clean and works at a higher level than other films of animation. Great artistic work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUNKIRK (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Dunkirk, despite some difficulty in following its storyline, turns into a better than average war movie. The camera work is great despite the difficulty of catching action on land, sea, and air. The acting stands on its own as well done. Director Christopher Nolan has a good cast to work with. Watch for Harry Styles in the movie. Good talent. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A father and son take their boat out into the ocean to keep it from being commandeered by the British Navy and find themselves in the middle of a war rescue operation. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Tommy Jensen (Fionn Whitehead), Peter Dawson (Tom Glynn-Carney), Collins (Jack Lowden), Alex (Harry Styles), Gibson (Aneurin Barbard), Colonel Winnant (James D’Arcy), George Mills (Barry Keoghan), Commander Bolton (Kenneth Branagh), Shivering Soldier (Cillian Murphy), Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), Farrier (Tom Hardy), and Fortis Leader (Michael Caine). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This better than average war film turns into a wonderful watch for both history buffs and laymen. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

QUARTET (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Quartet presents its story with an all-star British, Irish, and Scottish cast. The movie works at a slower pace and quieter noise level than American entertainment. The fact that the story revolves around retired classical musicians adds to its uniqueness. The movie slides into its storyline gently and resolves its two primary dilemmas in a most surprising manner. Watch for a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Retired, classically trained musicians live together in a retirement home and continue to do what they love best in life…play music. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dustin Hoffman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stewart Mackinnon and Finola Dwyer for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jean Horton (Maggie Smith), Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), Anne Langley (Gwyneth Jones), Cedric Livingstone (Michael Gambon), Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly), Cecily Robson (Pauline Collins), Dr. Lucy Cogan (Sheridan Smith), Bobby Swanson (Andrew Sachs), George (Trevor Peacock), Harry (David Ryall), Simon (Luke Newberry), and Frank White (Michael Byrne). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie especially appeals to classical movie enthusiasts but also touches the heart in that unique way that British cinema does so well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (Theatrical Release UK 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows—Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law—serves the mystery movie fan well. While this second film does not have the quality in cinematography (such as in the woods scenes) nor strength in drive as the first movie does, it still earns its watch and seems to have launched a series that can be long lasting as long as Robert Downing, Jr. keeps the lead role. There are some flat spots such as the woods scenes, but that may have been due to the multiple cuts in those scenes. The movie may not be a WOW! movie, but it is sustainable due to the general dearth of good mystery movies.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sherlock Holmes has a series of crimes that seem related to criminal Moriarty and he must find the connecting links. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Guy Ritchie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, and Dan Lin for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.), Dr. John Watson (Jude Law), Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris), Madame Simza Heron (Noomi Rapace), Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry), Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly), and Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan), Sebastian Moran (Paul Anderson), Mrs. Hudson (Geraldine James), Claude Ravache (Thierry Neuvic), Manouche (Fatima Adoum), Dr. Hoffmanstahl (Wolf Kahler), and Tamas Morato (Affif Ben Badra). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film bases itself on a great idea, is well written, completely watchable, and serves the mystery fan well. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Where the Wild Things Are—creative, great acting, good portrayal of story, orderly presentation—seems pointless, without purpose, almost too complicated for the 7-year-old audience it was created for. It repeatably begs ‘please, tell us why is this story important?’ The wild things are very realistic. It is unclear if the Wild Things are fabrications of Max’s mind or tangible characters from another multiverse endeavoring to help him. On the downside though their personalities are not likable or relatable. The exit of the movie vacuums out the essential essence of the story. The movie becomes a good watch for audiences who are fans of the book Where the Wild Things Are. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A troubled boy runs away from home and sails a small boat to an island where he makes discoveries about real life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Spike Jonze for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Maurice Sendak, John Carls, and Vincent Landay. Characters/cast include: Max (Max Records), Connie (Catherine Keener),  Adrian (Mark Ruffalo), Claire (Pepita Emmerichs), Max’s teacher (Steve Mouzakis), Claire’s friends (Max Pfeifer, Madeleine Greaves, Joshua Jay, Ryan Corr), Carol (Voice of James Gandolfini), KW (Voice of Lauren Ambrose), Douglas (Voice of Chris Cooper), Ira (Voice of Forest Whitaker), Judith (Voice of Catherine O’Hara), Alexander (Voice of Paul Dano), Bernard (Voice of Michael Berry, Jr.), and Bob/Terry (Voice of Spike Jonze). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. There is a sense of darkness that overlays the movie that is difficult to relate to. But the story is put together nicely, and the acting is great. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ZOOLANDER (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Zoolander—Ben Stiller, Jerry Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Jon Voight, Milla Jovovich, David Duchovny—explores the world of high fashion, its competitiveness, complications, and instability with comedy and a little compassion mixed into its storyline. It’s an adult watch that is completely unique and appeals to an intellectual audience. Be aware that there are places in the movie where sexual dialogue works in the highly explicit context.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A male, high fashion model finds his place in life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ben Stiller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Scott Rudin, Ben Stiller, and Stuart Cornfeld for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller), Hansel McDonald (Owen Wilson), Matilda Jeffries (Christine Taylor), Jacobim Mugatu (Will Ferrell), Katinka Ingabogovinana (Milla Jovovich), Maury Ballstein (Jerry Stiller), J.P. Prewett (David Duchovny), Larry Zoolander (Jon Voight), Malaysian Prime Minister (Woodrow Asai), Luke Zoolander (Vince Vaughn), and Scrappy Zoolander (Judah Friedlander). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie introduces fresh, original, and unique entertainment fare for the adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIVERDANCE: THE ANIMATED ADVENTURE (Video Release USA 2022)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Riverdance: The Animated Adventure provides more understandable and relatable entertainment fare than Irish folklore films such as The Secret of the Kells or Song of the Sea. While river dancing may earn a reputation of some of the best dancing in Europe, the repetitive use of the dancing runs itself into the ground in this animated presentation. While the idea of the importance of keeping a lighthouse well lighted is relatable, it is difficult to understand the insertion of the Irish Elk and its place in this story. Nevertheless, the animation is fabulous, the story flows well, and it is an interesting watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young boy does not want the responsibility of keeping the light house lit. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dave Rosenbaum and Eamonn Butler for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Moya Doherty, Joel MacDonald, Adam Nagle, and Peter Nagle for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Grandma (Pauline McLynn), Gatekeeper (John Kavanagh), Margot (Aisling Bea), and Huntsman (Brendan Gleeson). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie works more as a children’s watch than an adult watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MAKING WAVES: THE ART OF CINEMATIC SOUND (Blu-Ray and DVD Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound—one of those documentaries that seems just right and wins all the way around—serves great interviews with outstanding professionals in the sound industry. A delightful production through and through, it’s fun to watch, put together well, and thoroughly documents how sound consistently improved from the talkies of the 1930s until current times. The documentary shows how sounds were acquired for movies such as Star Wars and Matrix, how sound conflicts are fixed, how after production sound/voice overs are made. It would have been nice to expand more on the history of sound and more about what makes sound work in movies. Besides that, the film is excellent.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

This documentary shows how sound integrates into the films we watch. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Midge Costin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bobette Buster, Karen Johnson, and Midge Costin for making the film possible. Cast includes: Walter Murch, Ben Burtt, Gary Rydstrom, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand, Ryna Coogler, Christopher Nolan, David Lynch, Ang Lee, Sofia Coppola, Peter Weir, and Hans Zimmer. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Great movie that increases appreciation for the sound teams that orchestrate seamlessly to produce the final product—the movies—that we watch. No entertainment value lost here…a terrific and educational documentary.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY (Television Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì 

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story—one of the better films for the late 2000’s decade—live action Cuba Gooding Jr. film (not the documentary short film of the same or similar name) tells a story that can be welcomed and well received by all audiences. The movie inspires with a remarkable script that plumbs the depths of what it takes to successfully change an inevitable outcome of one’s place in life. The casting is perfect for Ben Carson, his brother, and their mother as well as Ben’s wife, Candy. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young man, his brother, and their mother begin the tremendous struggle to climb the educational and social ladder. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Thomas Carter for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Dan Angel and Thomas Carter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ben Carson (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), Teen Ben Carson (Gus Hoffman), Child Ben Carson (Jaishon Fisher), Sonya Carson (Kimberly Elise), Candy Carson (Aunjanue Ellis) , Teen Curtis Carson (Gregory Dockery), Child Curtis Carson (Tajh Bellow), Peter Rausch (Scott Strangland), and Augusta Rausch (Angela Dawe). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is well done and worth more than one watch. It is a keeper for the family home video library. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLADE RUNNER 2049 (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Blade Runner 2049—almost as good as the first Blade Runner film—has a terrific storyline. Although not as colorful as the first film, the special effects and camera work make up for the difference. The film relies on Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, and a good supporting cast to tell its story. Know that there is some unnecessary nudity and a death scene that is gross. But, besides that, it more than worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

In a year when bioengineered humans serve as slaves to humans, it is discovered that bioengineered humans can replicate themselves. A human orders a bioengineered slave to find the bioengineered child and destroy it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Denis Villeneuve for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bud Yorkin, and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: K/Joe (Ryan Gosling), Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), Joi (Ana de Armas), Luv (Sylvia Hoeks), Lieutenant Joshi (Robin Wright), Marlette (Mackenzie Davis), Dr. Ana Stelline (Carla Juri), and Mister Cotton (Lennie James). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It is more than worth a watch for the adult audience due to its highly creative storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SEAL TEAM (Theatrical Release Belgium 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Seal Team—good concept—sports great voiceovers from big name actors and uses terrific animation skill to tell its story, but consistently falls flat in its presentation. The storyline is too small to deserve an hour and forty-one minutes of filming time. It would deliver more impact if shown in a 5 to 10 minute short film presentation. The story falls apart to average because of this failure. The movie needs a new script to work in the good to fabulous watch range.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 Seals and Sharks faceoff in battle for territory rights.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Greig Cameron and Kane Croudace for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Stuart Forrest, Mike Buckland, Jean-Michel Koenig, and James Middleton for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Claggart (J.K. Simmons), Quinn (Jessie Usher), Grimes (Matthew Rhys), Gerlado (Patrick Warburton), Beth (Kristen Schaal), Switch (Sharlto Copley), Jing (Camille Mana), Brick (John Kani), and Dolph (Dolph Lungren).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. Children may appreciate the flash and dash, but adults will most likely see this animated feature as average entertainment fare.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NAPO (Shanghai International Film Festival, Shanghai, China 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Napo—short animated Brazilian film—needs editing to shorten the length and increase effectiveness. There is disconnectedness between the young child’s activity and the effect on the grandfather’s memories that needs smoothing and editing.

Storyline 

A grandson’s doodling on the back of pictures stimulates a grandfather’s memories. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gustavo Ribeiro for directing effort. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is interesting but needs more strength and clarity. It is too long for its story. It's worth a watch if one loves short films or to look at upcoming talent in the industry. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TEA TIME (ESMA and YouTube France and Montreal Canada Release 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Tea Time—good concept—provides a few short minutes of a sweet story worth watching. A nice lesson on purchasing new products based on advertising alone; products that may or may not serve personal needs well.  While the animation technique may not be as finely detailed as some that come out of the ESMA school, the storyline compensates, introduces well-drawn characterizations, and provides a cute conclusion.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A seasoned citizen trades in an old robot companion for a newer model. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to YouTube platform. CGI 3D, ESMA, and the animation team Thomas Bourret, Vincent Delmon, Francois Gris, Julian Mifsud, and Remi Vincent for making the film available. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works and gets the entertainment job done. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

MY FATHER’S VIOLIN (Video Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

My Father’s Violin—great Turkish film—tells a bittersweet story that plays out and ends wonderfully well. The voiceovers are suitable. Not a film that one will find often in the USA, it leaves its audience with a deep-seated satisfied feeling. If one decides to make this into a family watch, a pre-discussion of family services and professional concert musicians versus street musicians will enhance younger audiences understanding of the movie events. A perfect release for the 2022 entertainment year. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A concert violinist becomes responsible for an orphaned niece, a street violinist. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Babamin Kemani for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Funda Odemis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Engin Altan Düzyatan, Belçim Bilgin, Selim Erdoğan, Ayfer Donmez, Yigit Çakir, Yener Sezgin, and Erdem Bas. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Absolutely. This is a must see, wonderful watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DOLITTLE (Theatrical Release India 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Dolittle chooses Robert Downey Jr. for the lead part of Dr. Dolittle. It’s an absolutely perfect casting choice for looks and talent, but there is strength of presence that seems lacking. Animals are voiced by big names in Hollywood and are some of the best elements of the movie. The movie has built good comedic dialogue throughout that can be welcomed. While it is not a WOW! movie it seems to lean toward the classic presentation of Rex Harrison’s version of Dr. Dolittle. At times one gets the impression that Downey resembles Rex Harrison in style of presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

Dr. Dolittle talks to the animals. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Gaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Zachary Roth, Sarah Bradshaw, Robert Downey Jr., and Jonathan Liebesman for making the film possible. Characters/cast include:  Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), King Rassouli), Dr. Blair Mudfly (Michael Sheen), Lord Thomas Badgley (Jim Broadbent), Queen Victoria (Jesse Buckley), Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett), and Poly (Voice of Emma Thompson). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The camerawork and visual effects carry the movie along as does the acting skill of Robert Downey, Jr.  But, it does not serve entertainment value as well as Around the World in 80 Days, both the original 1956 film or its 2004 remake. For a wonderful night out with wife and children, choose the latter movies.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OUR TOWN (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Our Town—simple, artistic classic—follows the rhythm of nature.  It works as a slower paced drama without the drama. The movie tells its story through heavy narration. This format allows a welcome continuity that strictly enforces the story's flow.  There is one scene that begins on a bridge and continues to an ice cream parlor that seems misplaced or, perhaps, unnecessary. But, overall, the movie captures a certain essence of the human spirit that is timeless. At the end of this watch, an audience may be left with the question, ‘Was this a message movie and if it was, what exactly was the message that was supposed to be taken away from it?’

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

A small town and its citizens’ way of life get a thorough examination as they move from birth into life and then to death. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sam Wood for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Sol Lesser for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: George Gibbs (William Holden), Emily Webb (Martha Scott), Mrs. Julia Gibbs (Fay Bainter), Joe Crowell Jr. (Dix Davis),  Mrs. Myrtle Webb (Beulah Bondi), Dr. Frank Gibbs (Thomas Mitchell), Mr. Charles Webb (Guy Kibbee), Si Crowell (Tim Davis), and Howie Newsome (Stuart Erwin). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie needs sound restoration but is still viewable. It has good acting and presentation, but the message/purpose may seem a bit difficult to follow. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers