THE RANGER, THE COOK, AND THE HOLE IN THE SKY (ABC Television Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Ranger, the Cook, and the Hole in the Sky—charming—may be predictable but also is clean, honest, decent and has strong resemblance to Little House on the Prairie stories. The movie satisfies and serves as a non-loud piece of entertainment with no unpleasant surprises. Nice view of some of Sam Elliott’s earlier works. Watch for Jerry O’Connell and Ricky Jay who give sturdy performances. Good work overall. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

A teenage boy learns a few life lessons while working for a Forest Service crew during the summer of 1919. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Kent Harrison for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Richard Welsh for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sam Elliott, Jerry O’Connell, Ricky Jay, Molly Parker, Don Davis, Robert Wisden, Michael Tayles, Tom Butler, Jay Brazeau, Callum Keith Rennie, A.C. Peterson, Campbell Lane, and Frank Cassini. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as a low-key, peaceful afternoon watch—gentle, soft entertainment. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

BOURNE LEGACY (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bourne Legacy—spinoff from the original Bourne series—is not as good as the first three Bourne movies but still serves as a good thriller film.  Watch for terrific acting by Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz and some very nice background scenery with good camerawork. The movie is more than worth watching and it is a treat to see another character that can run alongside the original Bourne stories. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This espionage action film is about: An espionage agency decides to close down an operation and eliminate all operatives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tony Gilroy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Jeffrey Weiner, and Ben Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach, Oscar Isaac, Joan Allen, Albert Finney, David Strathairn, and Scott Glenn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This espionage film relies on terrific stage settings, good presentation, and a well-written script. It completely serves the espionage movie fan as a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE ABSENT-MINDED PROFESSOR (Theatrical Release USA 1961)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Absent-Minded Professor—the original film for the Robin Williams’ movie, Flubber—serves a very watchable black and white version of its story that stars a solid performance by Fred MacMurray. The well-written script has many elements that were directly transported into its remake. The black and white treatment is welcome. The conclusion is upbeat and leaves a nice aftertaste. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This fantasy comedy film is about:  A professor invents a substance that promotes high jumping ability and the ability to fly. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Robert Stevenson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Leon Ames, Elliott Reid, Edward Andrews, Wally Brown, Alan Carney, Forrest Lewis, Ed Wynn, and James Westerfield. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The remake of this film is a better watch. But this movie still has viability, is well organized, and completely worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Battle for the Planet of the Apes—final film in the old movie series—serves fans of the original Planet of the Apes films well. This movie series has been a great ride to its end. WOW! What a concept! The story very nicely and creatively turns the mind inside out to contemplate a reversal of dominance. This movie series has a series of newer remakes, but this series certainly does not lack in storyline, portrayal, costuming, or background staging. This film is a very nice, nostalgic return for fans of the old series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic fantasy film is about: Apes battle humans for control of planet earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur P. Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes: Roddy McDowall, Claude Akins, Natalie Trundy, Severn Darden, Lew Ayres, Paul Williams, and John Huston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. WOW! What a ride this movie series has had. It is worth watching. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers 

DUCKTALES THE MOVIE: TREASURE OF THE LOST LAMP (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp—aged animation technique—shows a cute and very watchable version of the Ali Baba (called Collie Baba in this film) treasure story. This entertainment piece supports itself with well-chosen voice casting. Good work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This animated comedy adventure film is about: Scrooge McDuck, a treasure map, and a lost treasure. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Bob Hathcock for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bob Hathcock for making the film possible. Cast includes: Alan Young, Terrence McGovern, Russi Taylor, Richard Libertini, Christopher Lloyd, June Foray, Chuck McCann, Joan Gerber, and Rip Taylor. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This serves as a nostalgic film for the adult audience and a fun cartoon for the younger audience as an introduction to the personality of Scrooge McDuck. Good work for all involved.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men: Apocalypse supersedes the quality of the previous superhero movie X-Men: Days of Future Past in writing, portrayal, and general cohesiveness of storyline. It’s a treat to see James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and the rest of the cast who play the younger crew of X-Men. They do very well and do not disappoint the story which compares very well with X-Men: First Class as a good sequel. This film is not flat and entertains the superhero movie fan very well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This apocalyptic disaster film is about: X-Men uniting to fight against an ancient Egyptian god. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank to Director Brian Singer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Simon Kinberg, Bryan Singer, Hutch Parker, and Lauren Shuler Donner for making the film possible. Cast includes: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sopie Turner, Olivia Munn, and Lucas Till. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is much better than X-Men: Days of Future Past due to its much-improved presentation and script. X-Men Apocalypse corresponds  well to its prequels.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

AMOS & ANDREW (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Amos & Andrew—good, campy, action comedy—has a unique flavor that adds to its watchability. It’s a tongue-in-cheek, sweet, light look at a series of social issues that still exist today albeit in a slightly different framework. The film is both entertaining and a welcome relief to the real scenario. WOW! It’s a nice return to times when stereotypes could still be examined within a comedic setting. The movie provides a series of unexpected turns that delightfully surprise and eventually lead to a completely unexpected conclusion. Watch the solid performances by Nicolas Cage and Samuel L. Jackson and the very good support casting of Dabney Coleman and Michael Lerner. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A police chief makes a mistake and tries to right the mistake by letting a prisoner out of jail with the promise he won’t have to go back to jail if he helps the chief. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director E. Max Frye for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gary Goetzman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Lerner, Margaret Colin, Brad Dourif, and Dabney Coleman. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has great scripting and presentation. It is more than worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers

 

METEOR (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Meteor—predictable at times, simple watch—features classic entertainers of the 1970s:  Sean Connery, Brian Keith, and Henry Fonda. The movie re-kindles appreciation for their talents. Because there have been so many movies that have followed this particular disaster for earth theme that roots itself in meteor showers, it can be interpreted almost as a ho-hum watch. But, the movie has its merits for its time period.  It serves as an easy-on-the-mind, light afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This impending disaster film is about a meteor that has potential to destroy earth. Both Russia and the United States have weapons capable of destroying the threat. The question is whether they will focus on the meteor’s destruction or will they continue to focus on each other’s differences. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ronald Neame for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arnold Orgolini, Theodore Parvin, and Run Run Shaw for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sean Connery, Natalie Wood, Karl Malden, Brian Keith, Martin Landau, Trevor Howard, Richard Dysart, and Henry Fonda. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The best part of this movie is seeing these particular actors working together. It would be a novel and good background movie to run for a party.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE SUICIDE SQUAD (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Suicide Squad—better writing in some places than the last film—has over-the-top gore and violence that can cause an adult to feel queasy.  Almost every scene presents the unexpected mini-climax that keeps a viewer from being able to build toward a conclusion. It’s an unexpected presentation format that is interesting for its novelty but creates difficulty for the critic to find common ground to compare it to other movies within this genre. It’s like mixing evil with evil and then wondering how that cake is going to taste after baking. Casting chose an excellent cast that includes, but is not limited to: Idris Elba, John Cena, Margot Robbie who reprises her role as Harley Quinn, Michael Rooker, Viola Davis who reprises her role as Amanda Waller, and the voice of Sylvester Stallone (as King Shark), and Pete Davidson. This film may be watched best at home rather than the theater setting as free vetting of verbal ‘Uggghhh’ and averting of eyes can be done privately rather than publicly.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

This spy action film is about Amanda Waller sending two new teams of super human criminals undercover to stop scientific work that does not serve United States’ interests. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Gunn for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven and Peter Safran for making the film possible. Cast includes: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, and Viola Davis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The graphic, violent gore is over-the-top…enough to make a grown adult feel queasy. It definitely is not for children. But, to be fair, it is creative with a fresh story quite unlike any presented in previous superhero films.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-FALLOUT (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Mission: Impossible-Fallout—basic, good story—is about as good as the last Mission Impossible movie. Casting relies on Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin, Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, Rebecca Ferguson, and Sean Harris to present this espionage movie. There are some suggestive themes, but overall, it serves the espionage audience with its light approach to its subject and storyline.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Ethan Hunt and his crew lose 3 plutonium cores to a terrorist group. Now they have to get them back. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher McQuarrie for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise, J. J. Abrams, Christopher McQuarrie, and Jake Myers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Michelle Monaghan, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Mission Impossible fans will not be disappointed. It is a good, simple espionage entertainment piece that features Tom Cruise. It’s worth a watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

  

TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA (Theatrical release USA 1970)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Two Mules for Sister Sara—some suggestive themes and some nudity—serves western movie fans with its solid story and great writing. The movie itself has been skillfully made with some especially good camera work that focuses on the expected and then switches to the unexpected (such as scenes showing a deadly snake slithering on the ground with a horse and rider approaching and then zooming out to show the rider is riding along a ridgetop and the snake is slithering far below the ridge). Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine have surprisingly good onscreen chemistry and give talented performances. Overall, this is a good, adult watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Revolutionaries fight the French occupation of Mexico. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Don Siegel for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martin Rackin and Carroll Case for making the film possible. Cast includes: Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Playful adult western with comedic elements written into dialogue. The movie serves Clint Eastwood fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

OVER THE HEDGE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Over the Hedge—light, fun, animated watch—features recognizable voicing: Bruce Willis, Steve Carrell, Nick Nolte, Wanda Sykes, Eugene Levy, Allison Janney, Thomas Haden Church, William Shatner, and Avril Lavigne. The dialogue is witty and slightly reminiscent of The Nut Job animation series. It’s a good watch overall and serves as a good child/adult share as it serves that wide audience range. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Animals team to raid food from a neighborhood that is on the other side of a hedge. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bonnie Arnold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Gary Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte, and Thomas Haden Church. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This animated film has its fair share of comedy written into the dialogue, well-drawn characters, and easily becomes a good child/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TRANSFORMERS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers starts well and becomes one of those rare movies that improves as it goes along. The action sequences are the best part of the film. The animation of the transformers is still phenomenal by today’s standards. Look for a well written story and good presentation more than worth watching.  This movie is the first film of a 5-set movie series and has a spinoff film, Bumblebee. In addition, expect a June 2023 and a July 2024 movie addition to the Transformer movie series. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two different Transformer civilizations with entirely different agendas battle it out on Earth. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor, John Turturo, and Jon Voight. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a terrific film with great special effects that works as a very good movie. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FREAKY FRIDAY (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Freaky Friday—very watchable, cute, and comical—stars Jodie Foster, Barbara Harris, and John Astin (who audiences may remember playing in the 1964 sitcom, The Addams Family, as Gomez). This Freaky Friday does not give an explanation for how the soul switching happens while the 2003 remake of this same story starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan details how the soul switch happens. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A mother and daughter argue and their souls exchange bodies to create an opportunity to allow each other to see the challenges that each face daily. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gary Nelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Ron Miller for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jodie Foster, Barbara Harris, John Astin, Patsy Kelly, Dick Van Patten, Sorrell Booke, and Charlene Tilton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is very well made and worth watching, but know the remake is a little better than this film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

SUICIDE SQUAD (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Suicide Squad—cool concept—fails to use its concept to good advantage. It’s an average, ho-hum film that does not have relatable characters. The actors seem out of place in character and the result is a weak watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The United States’ government begins a project to implant small bombs in human necks which can be detonated if that person ‘rebels’.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Ayer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle for making the film possible. Cast includes: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, and Cara Delevigne. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Do not expect a ‘rip-roaring’ movie experience. The movie is okay, not horrible, but could have been so much better.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers