EARLY MAN (Theatrical Release United States 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Early Man—great stop-motion animation—presents a simple, yet creative story suitable for all ages. The downside of the film is some of the character development is not as well-defined as in other Aardman Studios films such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run. But the wonderful animation makes up for some of that lack. The storyline itself is memorable and quite comical. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images             

 Storyline

 Early man develops the game of soccer and learns how to play at a more skilled level.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Nick Park for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Lord, David Sproxton, Nick Park, Carla Shelley, and Richard Beek for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Dug (Eddie Redmayne), Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston), Goona (Maisie Williams), Chief Bobnar ( Timothy Spall), Queen Oofeefa (Miriam Margolyes), Dino (Kayvan Novak), Brian and Bryan (Rob Brydon), Treebor (Richard Ayoade), Magma (Selina Griffiths), Asbo (Johnny Vegas), Barry (Mark Williams), Gravelle (Gina Yashere), Grubup (Richard Webber), Eemak (Simon Greenall), and Hognob (Nick Park).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Aardman Studios produces a ‘feel good’ stop motion animated piece of entertainment that can be watched and enjoyed by all age groups. Well done, fun watch despite the lack of good character development. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RED RIDING HOOD (Theatrical Release Unted States 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Red Riding Hood—live action expansion on the Little Red Riding Hood children’s story—works with a musical background that needs more creativity to enhance the film’s story. The film’s presentation falls flat despite best attempts to add to the original story. Unfortunately, the movie does not move into the rank of great films or films that can be added to the home library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Red Riding Hood moves into the werewolf genre to explain an ancient childhood fairy tale. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Catherine Hardwicke for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, and Julie Yorn for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Valerie (Amanda Seyfried), Suzette (Virginia Madsen), Cesaire (Billy Burke), Grandmother (Julie Christie), Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), Henry Lazar (Max Irons), Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), Adrien Lazar (Michael Shanks), Madame Lazar (Christine Willes), The Captain (Adrian Holmes), The Reeve (Michael Hogan), Father Auguste (Lukas Haas), Lucie (Alexandria Maillot), Roxanne (Shauna Kaine), Prudence (Kacey Rohl), Rose (Carmen Lavigne), Marguerite (Jennifer Halley), and The Wolf (Voice of Archie Rice). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s an interesting interpretation of Red Riding Hood, but it falls short of making an impression on a general audience as it chooses to move into the supernatural realm to explain the original story. The musical score is an odd choice throughout the movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHARIOTS OF THE GODS (Theatrical Release West Germany 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Chariots of the Gods—interesting and insightful documentary—presents a singular argument for the existence of ancient artifacts. Although it may not adequately address other theories, it is worth watching due to a fairly broad presentation of some of the lesser-known artifacts, locations of these artifacts, and their unique characteristics that raise questions such as how, why, and what.  The camera work is very good 50 years later. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Ancient artifacts and details about their oddities are presented as evidence of aliens acting on earth.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Harald Reinl for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Manfred Barthel and Gunther Eulau for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Narrators Heinz-Detley Bock, Klaus Kindler, and Christian Marschall. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie investigates a variety of archaeological findings while establishing, in each instance, a connection to alien visitation to earth and offers little possibilities for other explanations. It has been put together well and introduces a few artifacts that have not been well publicized. It deserves a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOO OLD FOR FAIRY TALES (Theatrical Release Poland 2022)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Too Old for Fairy Tales—Polish film with good English voice overs—delivers a sweet story that serves all audiences. It’s an easy-on-the-mind, clean watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy learns to grapple with the reality of his mother’s illness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Harald Reinl for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mikolaj Pokromski for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Waldek Banas (Marciej Karas), Delfina Rogalska (Amelia Fijalkowska), Staszek Lebioda (Patryk Siemek), Mariola (Dorota Kolak), Teresa Banas (Karolina Gruszka), and Grandfather (Andrzej Grabowski). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie turns into a surprisingly good family watch and encourages after viewing discussion.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALLIED (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Allied—interesting—is a Robert Zemeckis-directed film. It relies on the acting skills of Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard. The film is well-written and provides enough twists and turns to satisfy both the spy thriller and mystery/romance adult audience. Be aware there are graphic sexual scenes in this film.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

The movie is about romance between two spies and the outcome of that romance.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Robert Zemeckis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Graham King and Steve Starkey for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Max Vatan (Brad Pitt), Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard), Frank Heslop (Jared Harris), S.O.E. Official (Simon McBurney), Bridget Vatan (Lizzy Caplan), George Kavanagh (Daniel Betts), Guy Sangster (Matthew Goode), Monique (Camille Cottin), Hobar (August Diehl), and Paul Delamar (Thierry Fremont).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. Be aware of graphic sexual scenes. The movie serves the sophisticated adult audience. It is well-written, has a surprise conclusion, and entertains throughout.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

RBG (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

RBG—exceptionally well-organized documentary—supports itself with great interviews and superior filmography. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Justice Ginsburg’s personal political values, the movie more than deserves a watch to examine a life well lived, a female whose voice became heard around the world. She becomes, through this film, relatable to the general public who can see her exceptional character, discipline, work effort, long productivity, and personable manner of working with others. This film is a very wonderful watch if for nothing else than to see how her life plays out with elegance.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The film examines the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Betsy West and Julie Cohen for making the film possible. Cast include: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jane Ginsburg, James Steven Ginsburg, Nina Totenburg, Clara Spera, and Gloria Steinem. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is very well put together and is a wonderful watch just to see who Ruth Bader Ginsburg is as a person. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa—an animated sequel film that serves entertainment satisfaction nearly as good as its prequel—relies on charismatic characters and witty dialogue to entertain. This is a terrific child/adult share as it manages to bridge both age groups to entertain. It holds its animation quality despite its age. There are some suggestive scenes, but the film, at large, is a clean watch. Listen for the voice of Bernie Mac as the character of Alex’s Father, Zuba. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Escapees from a United States zoo get an opportunity to interact with wild animals native to Africa.                                                                                                                                          

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mireille Soria and Mark Swift for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer), Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith), King Julien (Sacha Baron Cohen), Maurice (Cedric the Entertainer), Mort (Andy Richter), Zuba (Bernie Mac), Florrie (Sherri Shepherd), Makunga (Alec Baldwin), Nana (Elisa Gabrielli), Moto (will.i.am), Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), and Private (Christopher Knights). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a worthwhile and funny, witty and charismatic film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

12 STRONG (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

12 Strong has an all-star cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena, William Fitchner, and Navid Nagahban. The action scenes show the interesting juxtaposition of warriors fighting on horses while technical air support oversees their efforts with highly effective air strikes. The film has been touted as one war film Hollywood got right. It does follow a disciplined storyline and supports itself with good action scenes that are somewhat noteworthy, but despite all this the film fails to achieve the stature of movies like We Were Soldiers or Apocalypse Now. This film, however, documents an incredible battle and earns its watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Twelve men fight to limit Taliban strength in Afghanistan. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Nicolai Fuglsig for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer. Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill, and Trent Luckinbill for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), Hal Spencer (Michael Shannon), Sam Diller (Michael Pena), General A. R. Dostum (Navid Negahban), Ben Milo (Trevante Rhodes), Colonel Mulholland (William Fichtner), Sean Coffers (Geoff Stults), Vern Michaels (Thad Luckinbill), Scott Black (Ben O’Toole), Bill Bennett (Kenny Sheard), Fred Falls (Austin Stowell), Pat Essex (Austin Hebert), Charles Jones (Jack Kesy), Kevin Jackson (Kenneth Miller), and Mullah Razzan (Numan Acar). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It is watchable but needs improvement in presentation and acting.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS (Theatrical Release Italy 1970)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Garden of the Finzi-Continis encourages younger audiences to research and understand the political stance of Italy as well as the relationship between Italian leaders and Nazism during World War II. The movie is a slow burn drama with Italian language and English subtitles. It has been made for those who understand Jewish culture. Much meaning may be lost for those who are not familiar with customs and principles of that lifestyle. It presents a view of upper class living of both the bourgeoisie and merchant class levels and their intertwining in an extremely perceptive and thoughtful manner. It requires thinking and involvement as the movie moves along. Days after viewing, an audience may find minds returning to the story piecing together bits and pieces of the film into order. This movie has exceptionally graphic nudity presented at its conclusion that precludes a child’s watch. The film is made for the sophisticated, adult audience. It becomes one of those ‘need to view’ movies due to its unique ability to expand cultural dimensions. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Upper class Italian Jews face the rise of Italian Fascism. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Vittorio De Sica for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Arthur Cohn, Gianni Hecht Lucari, and Artur Brauner for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Giorgio (Lino Capolicchio), Micol (Dominique Sanda), Alberto Finzi-Contini (Helmut Berger), Giampiero Malnate (Fabio Testi), Beniamino (Romolo Valli), Ermanno Finzi-Contini (Camillo Cesarei), Olga Finzi-Contini (Katini Morisani), Regina Finzi-Contini (Inna Alexeievna), Giorgio’s mother (Barbara Pilavin), Perotti (Ettore Geri), Ernesto (Raffaele Curi), Bruno (Giampaolo Duregon), and Fanny (Marcella Gentile). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is very well put together for a niche market and may need a second watch to catch all the nuances that are tucked into its storyline. It, unfortunately, has nudity and sexual references toward the end of the film, but overall is a worthwhile watch. It presents itself in spoken Italian, French and some English with easy-to-read English subtitles. It is a better home watch than theater watch so that the film can be stopped and rewound to catch the significance of certain scenes.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WE CAN BE HEROES (Video Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

We Can Be Heroes—cute movie that offers nothing new—shows an adult Lava Girl and Shark Boy married. One may wonder while watching this movie if we really need more superheroes than what Marvel, DC, Darkhorse Comics, and all the Japanese heroes produced. This movie runs on a weak script and seems to appeal to a young audience more than integrating itself into the adult audience as well.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The sons and daughters of superheroes come to the rescue when superheroes become disabled. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Rodriguez for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Racer Rodriguez and Robert Rodriguez for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Missy Moreno (YaYa Gosselin), Ojo (Hala Finley), Noodles (Lyon Daniels), Wild Card (Nathan Blair), Wheels (Andy Walken), A Capella (Lotus Blossom),  Slo-Mo (Dylan Henry), Guppy (Vivien Lyra Blair), Rewind (Isaiah Russell-Bailey), Fast Forward (Akira Akbar), Facemaker (Andrew Diaz), Ms. Granada (Priyanka Chopra Jones), and Anita Moreno (Adriana Barraza). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Children may like the flash and dash but adults may prefer Hellboy instead. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREEN LIGHT (Released to the San Diego International Film Festival San Diego, California, USA 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Green Light—short, animated film—may need a second watch to catch the full impact of the film. This short film has a simple storyline that requires some thinking about a background story that would support what is being shown on screen. Expansion into a longer film would be welcome as the two main characters are likable and their interaction works. Watch the longer version of the short film on Youtube (~16 minutes) to increase understanding and entertainment value. The animation is good and the characters’ personalities draw the audience into the story. The film has a sweet conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A robot and a girl collaborate to accomplish something wonderful. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Seongmin Kim for directing effort. Thank you to CGI and YouTube for providing venue for public viewing. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Film time and storyline need expansion to fully realize the movie's potential.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CHEMISTREE (YouTube Release from the University of Dundee Scotland 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

ChemisTree—short, animated film—makes one think about the chemical processes that move vegetation from the state of barrenness to fruitfulness. The basic idea is good. The story is put together well and the animation is good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An old chemist takes a nap and a very young chemist plays with the chemistry tubes with added drops of a little of this and a little of that. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Gosia Chlopek and Lukas Gecas for directing effort. Thank you to the University of Dundee DJCAD for providing the venue to create the film. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It is creative and earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PUBLIC ENEMIES (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

 

Public Enemies—gritty, no-nonsense bio film—tells how bank robber John Dillinger rose and fell. Johnny Depp and Christian Bale are perfect as the antagonist and protagonist and infinitely increase the interest level of the storyline due to their excellent character offset. The script organizes well into a very good watch for the adult audience.  

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

This biographical drama film is about the rise and fall of John Dillinger.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Mann and Kevin Misher for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup), Homer Van Meter (Stephen Dorff), Charles Winstead (Stephen Lang), Herbert Youngblood (Michael Bentt), Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham), Red Hamilton (Jason Clarke), Harry Pierpont (David Wenham), Tommy Carroll (Spencer Garrett), Charles Makley (Christian Stolte), Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi), and Phil D’Andrea (John Ortiz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is a quality flick throughout, has been exceptionally well organized, and educates as well as entertains. The movie serves an adult audience due to sustained violence throughout and chosen subject matter.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CALL ME BWANA (Theatrical Release USA 1963)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Call Me Bwana—low-grade Bob Hope film—serves best to run in the background at a party or as very light afternoon entertainment. It’s simple storyline does not require a great deal of mental involvement and it is in no way an emotional drain. It is what it is and does not apologize. There are a few minorly suggestive scenes that are typical of Bob Hope humor. The film rates a little lower than his later movie Eight on the Lam. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This comedy film is about a writer who is assumed to be an expert on a certain area of the African jungle and on a tribe that lives there.

Additional Thanks             

 Thank you to Director Gordon Douglas for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Albert Broccoli for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Matt Merriwether (Bob Hope), Luba (Anita Ekberg), Frederica (Edie Adams), Ezra Mungo (Lionel Jeffries), Himself (Arnold Palmer), Tribal Chief (Orlando Martins), First Henchman (Percy Herbert), Colonel Spencer (Paul Carpenter), Second Henchman (Al Mulock), Uta (Bari Jonson), and Williams (Peter Dyneley). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The film has relegated itself, through aging, to academic study. It is typical of several low-budget films produced during the 1960s.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 seems to be all over the place due to lack of focus and too many points of view. The film does have action but the action and animation seem to clash. The Harry Osborn character seems to be not very well thought out. The film does provide an explanation of the death of Spider-Man’s parents, but this seems to be the only real reason the film was produced and everything else is just to fill in time. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Spiderman works to keep evil away from good. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Marc Webb for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Avid Arad and Matt Tolmach for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield), Young Peter Parker (Max Charles), Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone), Max Dillon (Jamie Fox), Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), Richard Parker (Campbell Scott), and Mary Parker (Embeth Davidtz). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It works to some extent and has a fair storyline but seems to be a bit convoluted in presentation.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SEA BEAST (Television Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Sea Beast becomes a movie that does not know where its target is located. This results in a weird presentation so that one ends up with a Moby Dick-type of story in the early part of the film. Then the film seems to be a message movie, then seems to switch even more to something totally different by the end of the film. The animation is good, but clarity cannot be established between the turns in the story due to lack of connectivity. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This computer animated film is about a naval crew who hunt and kill sea beasts. When hunting a particularly desirable sea beast, the sea beast swallows a shipmate and a stowaway and flees.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Williams for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jed Schlanger and Chris Williams for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jacob Holland (Karl Urban), Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator), Captain Crow (Jared Harris), Sarah Sharpe (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), King (Jim Carter), Queen (Doon Mackichan), Admiral Hornagold (Dan Stevens), Gwen Batterbie (Kathy Burke), Ms. Merino (Helen Sadler), Fen (Shannon Chan-Kent), and Young Sailor (Max Mittelman). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Children may like the movie, but a higher quality watch that can be enjoyed by a family is Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers