DANTE'S PEAK (Released to Theaters USA 1997)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Dante’s Peak—low-key, easy-on-the-mind film—has its own tone that makes it a good watch for persons who enjoy disaster movies. Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton play realistic roles and work quite well as a team. A better volcano movie is the 1997 Volcano,  maybe because it has more lava than smoke and ashes.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  Harry Dalton, who specializes in volcano activity, is sent to Dante's Peak to investigate new activity from the local 'dormant' volcano.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Roger Donaldson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Gale Anne Hurd and Joseph Singer for making the film possible. Cast includes Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton, and Charles Hallahan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film is surprisingly involving partially due to some good casting choices, good staging, and low-key presentation. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire—poorly written script— delivers a blurry animation technique that lacks good viewing power. The film's over-the-top ridiculousness still dares to suggest a sequel and since this film is a cult classic...this Godzilla Kong story seems to almost never end and old audiences still stay loyal to the story. Why? Because at some level, the effort oddly 'kind of' deserves it.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Kong fights a new enemy. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Adam Wingard for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Brian Rogers, Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod, and Jon Jashni for making the film possible. Cast includes Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Cult classic that goes on and on and on will suit Kong and Godzilla fans. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ANOTHER 48 HRS. (Released to Theaters USA 1990)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Another 48 Hrs.—rough and tough—This is part 2 of the 48 Hrs movie series and takes its audience to places they may not want to go. Know that the movie has nudity and a hardcore presentation of violence.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Biker 'dudes' want to take down Jack Cates.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Walter Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lawrence Gordon and Robert D. Wachs for making the film possible. Cast includes Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It works as a rough and tough  movie that drags its audiences into places many people would not want to go. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE SCARECROW (Released to Theaters USA 1920)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Scarecrow—good, interesting short film—shows Buster Keaton to better advantage than some of his other movies.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A man and his friend want the same girl.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Directors Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Joseph Schenck for making the film possible. Cast includes Buster Keaton, Sybil Seely, Joe Keaton, and Joe Roberts. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It works at the suitable level and can be described as a cute movie. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SUPERMAN: ELEVENTH HOUR (Released to Theaters 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Superman: Eleventh Hour—Superman WWII animated short film—despite its age, has good animation. The story is suitable and the movie short is a good find for Superman fans.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Superman is sabotaging Japanese ships during WWII.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Dan Gordon for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sam Buchwald, Dan Gordon, Seymour Kneitel, and Isidore Sparber. Cast includes Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Julian Noa, and Jack Mercer.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable to interesting watch, nothing spectacular. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BARBERSHOP (Released to Theaters USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Barbershop—culturally rich—examines choices that impact the kind of life one will live. This movie has exceptionally well-written dialogue. It is highly creative and exceptionally fresh. Be aware that the movie has been crafted for the mature, adult audience. The movie itself is more than worth its watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Calvin inherits his father's barbershop. He is married, has a baby on the way, and must make some tough financial decisions.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers George Tillman, Jr, Robert Teitel, and Mark Brown for making the film possible. Cast includes Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Troy Garity, Michael Ealy, Leonard Earl Howze, Keith David, and Cedric the Entertainer.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is the first movie in a three part movie series. This film is culturally rich and worth viewing on that factor alone.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

CONRAD THE SAILOR (Released to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Conrad the Sailor—original and cute short film—has presentable  animation despite its age. Listen for voicing that is similar to the cartoon character Goofy who was voiced by Pinto Colvig in the 40s through the 60s.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Conrad the Cat wants a clean ship's deck but Daffy Duck does not help.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Charles M. Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leon Schlesinger for making the film possible. Cast includes Pinto Colvig,   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a comical short film.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

INSIDE OUT 2 (Released to Theaters USA 2024)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  Inside Out 2—odd film—has too many characters to work with and that, in itself, creates boredom. There are some scenes that are relatable but the emotional moments cannot be well-received due to the weak story and convoluted storyline.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Riley is reaching her teen years, and she has new emotions.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Kelsey Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mark Nielsen for making the film possible. Voice casting includes Amy Poehler,  Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, and Grace Lu.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It does not connect with the audience as well as other Pixar films and is not the high standard that Pixar started with in 1995. It is one of the few Pixar films that works below the promotable rating of 3.9 stars. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

DONALD'S OFF DAY (Released to Theaters USA 1944)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Donald's Off Day—short animated film—features Donald Duck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Watch for good animation.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Donald Duck has a day off and wants to go golfing but the weather becomes bad the moment he is outside.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Jack Hannah for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes Clarence Nash.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This is a good watch and has good presentation. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BRATS (Released to Theaters USA 1930)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Brats—Laurel and Hardy short film—act as the children in this movie and as the adults. It's interesting to see how they used staging 'tricks' to make that happen on camera. Watch for Oliver Hardy singing. This film is a afternoon watch that tells a good story. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  Stan and Oliver are taking care of their two sons for their wives and it is not easy.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director James Parrott for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film is still a good watch. It's one of the few times Oliver Hardy appears without a mustache in his movies. The acting works at the good/suitable level.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

COUNTY HOSPITAL (Released to Theaters USA 1932)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  County Hospital—much better film than Midnight Patrol—presents the expected Laurel-Hardy comedy skit. It's fun and tells a cute story. The presentation and portrayal are well done. Good work for everyone involved in production. Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images  Storyline  Stan Laurel goes to see Oliver Hardy in the hospital to see how he is doing with his broken leg.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director James Parrott for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a suitable film and fun for the whole family. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers