ELVIS (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Elvis—solid, Grade-A, WOW! movie—accesses the skills of Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker. The movie uses a terrific and unexpected technique of telling the story through the eyes of Colonel Parker rather than through Elvis or his family’s eyes. The scenes have perfect placement and timing. The dialogue remains true to life and new details of the Presley story are brought to the forefront in the storyline. Great work for all involved. This movie ranks as some of the best movies Director Baz Luhrmann has directed. The movie easily earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This musical bio-pic is about the life of Elvis Presley as told through the eyes of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Baz Luhrmann for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick, and Schuyler Weiss for making the film possible. Cast includes: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Kelvin Harrison Jr., David Wenham, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Luke Bracey. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie completely engages its audience and becomes a great piece of entertainment whether one is or is not a fan of Elvis Presley. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ROWDY (Regal Opry Mills Theater Nashville Tennessee USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rowdy—great documentary—tells the story of NASCAR driver, Kyle Busch, in such a manner that the audience gets a strong impression of his personality and basic character. The way Busch got into NASCAR, the interviews, and the outstanding camera work make the movie more than worth watching. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary details the NASCAR racing career of Kyle Busch. 

Additional Thanks                                                       

Thank you to Directors Richard Valenzuela and JJ Terry for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Chance Wright for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Samantha Busch, and Kurt Busch. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie especially serves the NASCAR fan base as more than worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DEATH ON THE NILE (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Death on the Nile—remake of the 1978 film—works at nearly the same level of entertainment as its predecessor and has little variation from the original movie. The cast has been well-chosen. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Pirot investigates a murder on the Nile. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Kenneth Branagh for directing efforts. Thank you to Ridley Scott, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, Kevin Walsh for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Kenneth Branagh, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadol, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie will suit murder mystery fans quite well and is almost as good as the original film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man: No Way Home—good concept, the third film of the Tom Holland Spider-Man series—makes a coalition of the three actors who have played the character Spider-Man:  Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland. It’s fresh, startling, and great to see these three presented together. The storyline works and the movie earns its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

MIT rejects university applications of Peter Parker, his girlfriend, and best friend due to negative publicity that surrounds Peter Parker. Parker goes to Dr. Strange to cast a spell that will make people forget his ties with Spider-Man. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Watts for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Benedict Wong, Tony Revolon, Marisa Tomei, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Watch for the June 2023 release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ONWARD (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Onward—good concept—has just the right amount of action with great animation and colorization.  The movie nicely presents the concept of older sibling endeavoring to take care of younger siblings in spite of not doing the ‘perfect’ job. It has its sentimental moments, suitably portrayed. The movie needs enhancement of soul. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two brothers wish to spend a day with their deceased father. So, they try to bring him back with magic. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dan Scanlon for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kori Rae for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Octavia Spencer. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as a child/adult share that involves the child a little more than the adult. 

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLACK ADAM (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Black Adam—Dwayne Johnson with no muscles—has a few scenes that place his head on a computer generated body without his muscles. To change his look so drastically, is a shocking move. While it’s surprising to see him in this superhero movie, he obviously works his role. Pierce Brosnan has the same difficulty. He also obviously works his role and the result is that his acting, at certain places, seems a bit weak. It’s not the usual strong performance expected from either actor. The fault seems to lie within the story itself and its presentation. Some dialogue lines fall flat. The stoic persona demanded of the cast comes cold on the big screen. This movie could almost be a cult classic. Overall, the movie does not have the power to establish itself as a quality watch mostly due to the straight jacket that the cast is placed into that keeps them from finding themselves within their characters.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A boy wants to revolt against an evil king. The boy is recruited by wizards who desire to help him. 

Additional Thanks                                                 

Thank you to Director Jaume Collet-Serra for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Dany Garcia for making the film possible. Cast includes: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari, Quintessa Swindell, and Pierce Brosnan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie runs flat and misses the high quality standards usually found within this casting group. The story itself needs improvement. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BELFAST (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Belfast—wonderful, family-oriented movie—films in black and white which enhances audience ability to focus on the story itself. The film story and the chosen cast completely engage the heart. The audience feels the hardships the characters are going through. When it’s time to cheer, one wants to cheer.  The trailer shows an honest advertisement of the movie except for one thing: the movie is better than its trailer and its movie poster. WOW! and Bravo! for the stage settings and the acting of Jude Hill, Lewis McAskie, Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Ciarán Hinds, and Judi Dench. Bravo! for a poignant, refreshing story that completely entertains and emphasizes important life events in a positive, clean, and human manner. The movie uses a strong Irish brogue for dialogue but has excellent English subtitles.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An Irish family works through Belfast's Protestant/Catholic violence in the late 1960s and looks for a second chance to build a sound and safe environment. 

Additional Thanks

 

Thank you to Director Kenneth Branagh for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Laura Berwick, Kenneth Branagh, Becca Kovacik, and Tamar Thomas for making the film possible. Cast includes: Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, Josie Walker, and Jude Hill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a work of art. Thank you to Director Kenneth Branagh for bringing it to the screen. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men Origins: Wolverine—good action, well-written story—will particularly suit X-Men and Wolverine fans. The movie can be watched as a stand-alone movie about the relationship between Wolverine and his older brother, Victor Creed. The movie sports good acting and presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This superhero film is about two half-brothers who live through centuries of time. Then, the brothers are recruited by William Stryker to form a team of mutants to search for the source of a special mineral. Wolverine eventually leaves the team for the sake of humanity to pursue a more respectable job.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gavin Hood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Hugh Jackman, and John Palermo for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan, and Ryan Reynolds.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as a good film for fans of X-Men movies and/or the X-Men Comic series. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0Starsììì

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has some terrific special effects such as the race through the bamboo forest. This movie serves up a novel story that relies heavily on its actors. Watch for appearances of Ben Kingsley near the end of the movie. The movie uniquely serves fans of the Shang Chi comic series and does a good job of bringing those comics to the big screen. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This Chinese fantasy film is about a young man who finds that his sister might be in danger, so he travels to China to find her.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Destin Daniel Cretton for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Jonathan Schwartz for making the film possible. Cast includes: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Yuen Wah, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and Tony Leung.    

 Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film shows a great deal of creativity both in storyline and in stage settings. This movie is very watchable for Marvel comic fans who are attracted to the Shang Chi comic book series. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

SOUL (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Soul—the trailer honestly matches the movie—feels good, has heart, and serves great family animated entertainment. Jamie Foxx voices the main character, adds to the development of that character’s personality, and beautifully allows that welcome POP! conclusion. The animation does not glare. It’s soft and easy on the eyes. This entertainment piece serves the widest audience from child to adult with no agenda or messages attached. It earns its addition to the family home video library for its creativity and original storyline. This film follows the usual Pixar delivery of high quality entertainment that deserves its investment of time and money.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline 

A musician gets his big break, then unexpectedly dies, and is sent to a place that leads to heaven. 

Additional Thanks                                                       

Thank you to Director Pete Doctor for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Dana Murray for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, and Angela Bassett. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is both terrific and wonderful, provides room for after-viewing discussion, and appeals to the adult as well as the child. Listen for Tina Fey voicing 22. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER * (United States USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Curse of the Golden Flower—a WOW! performance by Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li—can only be defined as ‘What a film!’ and an absolute ‘must see’ entertainment piece. Court intrigue plays at its highest level. The fact that it plays within Chinese culture adds to its interest factor. The richness of the stage settings, costuming, and epic-sized war scenes alone make this film watchable but to have a storyline that is as rich as the background scenery it runs against makes the movie a ‘one in a million’ watch. The acting shows the highest level of professionalism and serves to emphasize the high cultural level of this ancient civilization. This film uses Chinese language but provides excellent English subtitles for English speakers. There are sexual references in dialogue, but those references are referred to in the cleanest way possible with no graphic portrayal and opens the movie to the wider viewing audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Chinese Emperor and the Royal Physician plot to kill the Empress. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Zhang Yimou for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers William Kong, Zhang Weiping, and Zhang Yimou for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, Jay Chou, and Qin Junjie. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This ‘Bravo!’ performance works in tandem and perfect synchronicity with its storyline. It’s a ‘MUST SEE’ performance. 

* Also known as: Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Bourne Identity—Matt Damon IS Jason Bourne—shows the best of Matt Damon. Terrific suspense, fast, and thrilling, action-packed with just the right amount of complicated storyline makes this a great adult watch. It’s a good addition to the home video library due to its quality of entertainment. This film makes one anticipate Part 2 in the series: Bourne Supremacy. Great work for Director Doug Liman. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An agent does not complete an assassination assignment, is shot, escapes, and becomes an amnesiac. The agency who assigned him to the project decides to tie up loose ends by killing him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Doug Liman for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Doug Liman, Patrick Crowley, and Richard N. Gladstein for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is organized well with good timing and original stunt work. The movie earns its time and money investment. From its original conception to production, it deserves kudos to all involved in its creation. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TREASURE ISLAND (Theatrical Release USA 1950)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì

Treasure Island—stylized, formulative writing and dialogue—sadly presents its story with exceptionally child-like acting. Child actor Bobby Driscoll is perhaps the best actor in the movie but it’s incomprehensible that the adult actors act in the manner this film allows them the latitude to do. Because of the acting, the movie is not likeable, seems disorganized, and pointless.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy acquires a treasure map and he, along with two respectable men, board a ship with the purpose of locating the treasure. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Byron Haskin for directing efforts. Thank you to Walt Disney and Perce Pearce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bobby Driscoll, Robert Newton, Basil Sydney, and Finlay Currie. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. The film has become dated and the stylization stiffens its presentation. The movie may work as an academic study in techniques used to reproduce classic novels but does not warrant a time and money investment. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TROLLS 2: WORLD TOUR* (Theatrical Release USA 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Trolls World Tour—great creativity, terrific concept—is one of those films one might pass by. Don’t do that. This little piece of entertainment becomes more than worth watching. The acting, animation, writing, and high quality presentation  shoot the movie over the top. Be prepared for some terrific musical scoring. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Animated story about a team of trolls who each take their musical strings and go to separate places.  Two Queen Trolls with highly different music missions become interested in regathering the trolls into a harmonious team. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Walt Dohrn for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Gina Shay for making the film possible. Cast includes: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Bloom, James Corden, Ron Funches, Kelly Clarkson, Anderson Paak, Sam Rockwell, and George Clinton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is great to see and worth watching. Great music from many genres. 

*Also known as: Trolls World Tour

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

EVEREST (DVD Release USA 2008)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Everest—great acting and presentation—can run a little slow at times, but it’s so well written that one overlooks the lulls. This film is originally a 2007 television mini-series made into a movie in 2008. It’s interesting to see how this process works and how well it provides good movie-length entertainment. The film provides a much different view of mountain climbing as a sport. Watch for cameos of William 

Shatner.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Climbing expedition group attempts to conquer Everest. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Graeme Campbell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jason Lee and Mary Young Leckie for making the film possible. Cast includes: Eric Johnson, Jason Priestley, Ted Atherton, John Pyper-Ferguson, Gord Rand, Tom Rooney, William Shatner, Zachary Bennett Vincent Gale, Michael Teigen.  

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is both an educational and novel watch.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Spider-Man: Far From Home—improves on previous attempts to tell Spiderman’s story—relies on actor Tom Holland to work the kinks out of interpreting Spiderman’s character in Spider-Man: Homecoming and succeeds. Jake Gyllenhaal performs a terrific rendition of Mysterio and Samuel L. Jackson, as Nick Fury, is always welcome in the Marvel universe. Jacob Batalon is a perfect offset as Peter Parker’s best friend. Superhero movie fans will not be disappointed in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Spiderman continues his long tradition of fighting evil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Watts for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, J. B. Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr, Tony Revolori, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Marisa Tomei. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is one of the better Spidermen movies and will be much appreciated by superhero fans. Great work by all involved in production.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers