THE CHORUS (Released to Theaters France 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Chorus—French film—is a film that deserves its praise. It stands alone in all categories as an outstanding watch. This is a ‘Do Not Miss’ film. Outstandingly human, it deserves its place in the home video library. Know this movie is produced in French but has excellent English subtitles. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man takes young delinquents, some are orphans, and turns them into a chorus. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christophe Barratier for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arthur Cohn, Jacques Perrin, and Nicolas Mauvermay for making the film possible. Cast includes Gerard Jugnot, Francois Berleand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, and Kad Merad. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. A beautiful French film tells a marvelous story that works at every level for all audiences. Nothing lacking here. This movie is filled with the human element of kindness and completely satisfies. The English subtitles are exceptionally professional. This movie is a good teen/adult share movie and provides good after-viewing discussion. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

John Wick: Chapter 4—non-stop action—plays long and hard for its watch and does not beg for that request. The movie needs editing, after the middle of the film, to work into an earlier conclusion due to the redundancy of violent action scenes. Keanu Reeves is, as usual, showing good form and high, non-stop action. No lack of work effort here. Watch for Donnie Yen (IP Man series) who plays the interesting role of a fighting blind man. He is, as usual, outstanding and makes an excellent offset to Keanu Reeves. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

John Wick is back and still trying to fight his way to freedom even if that means death.

Additional Thanks

 

Thank you to Director Chad Stahelski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski for making the film possible. Cast includes Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Laurence Fishburne, Bill Skarsgard, Lance Reddick, Scott Adkins, Rina Sawayama, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Clancy Brown, and Ian McShane. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film makes a good conclusion to the series but it is still making excellent profit and will most likely find its way into a Chapter 5 release. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ARLINGTON ROAD (Released to Theaters USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Arlington Road—Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, and Joan Cusack—is a movie that wants to flop and would be irreparable if not for the cast pulling it along. The formatting does not follow logical thinking processes nor normal execution of storyline. It takes one hour to get to the skeletal bones of the movie where the plot begins to thicken. The movie is what it is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                                  

Storyline 

A man imagines that his neighbors are not friendly. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mark Pellington for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Samuelson, Tom Gorai, and Marc Samuelson for making the film possible. Cast includes Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Hope Davis, and Robert Gossett. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is ‘kind of’ a good watch but is not high quality in its plot or portrayal. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE AVENGERS (Released to Theaters USA 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Avengers—odd presentation that follows the original television series quite well—has cast Uma Thurman with Ralph Fiennes. Sean Connery does not play the role of antagonist well and Jim Broadbent portrays on the weaker side of his professional ability. Because it resurrects a by-gone televised series, it’s difficult for actors to find their own place in the story and are therefore confined to follow a path already pre-defined. That creates much of the challenges this movie has as an entertainment piece. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The Avengers must stop the use of a weather machine from controlling weather events. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jeremiah Chechik for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Jerry Weintraub for making the film possible. Cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman, Sean Connery, and Jim Broadbent. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. For those audiences wishing for a small remembrance of an old televised series, this movie may work. There is a cult classic feel here, but nothing new or original. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

THE TRAIN ROBBERS (Released to Theaters USA 1973)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Train Robbers—not high quality in execution—has a likeableness that keeps its audience watching to the conclusion. Watch for the surprise conclusion that defines the title of the movie and provides an ironic twist to the story. All actors are engaged in their roles which makes the movie work at a higher level than it could have worked. The film is a good watch for an academic study of John Wayne, as it is one of his later works, or a study of Ann-Margret’s extreme level of screen presence (charisma). Also, watch for Ben Johnson’s solid presence. He provides stability and increases realism in movies he is cast in. Despite its age, this is a good watch for western fans and provides a satisfying entertainment experience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A thief’s widow hires a gun hand and his crew to help her retrieve her husband’s stolen valuables.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Burt Kennedy for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Michael Wayne for making the film possible. Cast includes John Wayne, Ann-Margret, and Rod Taylor. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a fun watch and tells an interesting story with a nice twist in its conclusion. The horses, as usual in the westerns, are constantly galloping to provide ‘action and movement’ so important in creating that sense of urgency. But in this film, one may wonder when some horses will windbreak and be unable to run. The scenery is great. There is a bit of the Italian-western in the introductory credit roll. Good work for all involved in production. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ARCHANGEL (Released to Television UK 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

Archangel—remarkable story that seems to be almost squandered by low budget portrayal—makes an audience feel like they are watching something important, but the movie does not have full authorization to tell its story fully. The movie has high potential due to its topic and its stage settings. This film has high potential for intellectual viewing. It’s complicated. Know it does not have English subtitles, only Spanish subtitles, which is a detriment to viewing due to poor audio. There is an alternate watch version that is released on Freevee as a three-part mini-series. This critique, however, has been based on the original format of the movie itself. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This espionage film is about unraveling secrets from Stalin’s regime.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Jon Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Justin Bodle, Laura Mackie, Lee Morris, Christopher Hall, and Jessica Pope for making the film possible. Cast includes Daniel Craig and Yekaterina Rednikova. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                                                                                                                                        

Yes. Daniel Craig pulls the movie. While the background scenery is great, the portrayal and presentation are not ‘up to par’. It does attempt to explore the regime of Stalin, and some secrets that were being withheld from the public.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE CREATOR (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Creator— interesting story despite some weaknesses in portrayal and execution—provides an ‘okay’ story that can be a bit boring at times. The best part of the movie are the visuals of the AI with some suitable explosions to enhance action scenes. A sequel is set up for the movie but it is not warranted. It’s an ‘okay’ watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic film is about a war between humans and robots and the way it can be stopped. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Gareth Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Gareth Edwards, Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, and Arnon Milchan for making the film possible. Cast includes John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, and Allison Janney. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It has a small ‘newness’ in concept but does not have the quality of past Artificial Intelligence films. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

 

APOLLO 11 (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Apollo 11—documentary—soars in quality of restoration of archival footage. WOW! The pictures are bright, colorful and look as if they have been newly filmed. A great story that deserves its watch and serves the entire family as a good share night entertainment and educational piece. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This is a movie about a NASA first launch to the Moon in 1969. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Todd Douglas Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Todd Douglas Miller, Thomas Petersen, and Evan Krauss for making the film possible. Cast includes Edwin Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Charles Duke, and Bruce McCandless. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A documentary that is more than worth watching. Excellent editing, wonderful presentation and portrayal make it a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EXPEND4BLES (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Expend4bles—graphic, bloody gore—lacks a high-quality script and has green screens visible in some scenes. The portrayal and presentation waiver between suitable to average throughout the movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

This action movie is about an old nemesis who needs to be ‘taken out’. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Scott Waugh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Yariv Lerner, and Jason Statham for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Curtis Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jass, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture, and Andy Garcia. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. For fans of the first three Expendables movies, it might work, but the series is becoming a bit old, and these actors need to move on to other projects. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ELEMENTAL (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Elemental—weird animation—uses metaphors that are almost too difficult for an adult to decipher. For a child the movie leaves that audience with color and lights…no comedy for laughter and no comprehension of story. The movie does not even allow before viewing preparation or after viewing discussion. It forgets its mission which is to entertain and relate to as wide a range of audience both domestic and international as it can. The only part of the movie that is redeemable is when the daughter gives her father a traditional and respectful farewell. This movie can be panned. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This movie is about an immigrant ‘fire’ family who starts a new business and their daughter falls in love with a ‘water’ man. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Peter Sohn for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Denise Ream for making the film possible. Cast includes Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine O’Hara. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie may work for children, but the metaphors are difficult for an adult to interpret and will most likely completely fly over a child’s head leaving that audience with a movie of color and lights only. The complications introduced as messages further hamper the potential impact of the movie and gives  it the feeling of being ‘all over the place’ and therefore, cannot even make its message points well.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE AVIATOR (Released to Theaters USA 1985)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

 The Aviator has a few shots of some outstanding Idaho scenery that repeat themselves throughout the movie with the similar picture of a river running down a deep gorge. Most of the film seems to be shot in stage settings rather than in actual outdoor environments. Know that this movie is not about Howard Hughes. It is about Edgar Anscombe, a U.S. mail flier who runs a flight route out of Idaho. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A postal mail aircraft is given an unusual piece of freight…a teenage girl whose father is sending her to a relative to finish raising.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director George T. Miller for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mace Neufeld and Thomas H. Brodek for making the film possible. Cast includes Christopher Reeve, Rosanna Arquette, Jack Warden, and Tyne Daly

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a suitable to okay watch but loses its power after the plane crash lands in the wilderness. Christopher Reeve does not cast well in this movie. Know that the movie is clean with no surprises and is a good adult/child share.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LAST KNIGHTS (Released to Theaters USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì­­­­­­­­­

 Last Knights runs thin on likability factor. It seems to work and then it doesn’t. The acting does not have that ‘real’ feeling that engages audiences. The movie could easily be skipped with nothing lost in time or monetary investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A battle of loyalties ensues when a cruel minister plots with lies and corruption to sway political decisions.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kazuaki Kiriya for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Lucy Kim for making the film possible. Cast includes Clive Owen, Cliff Curtis, Askel Hennie, Peyman Moaadi, Ayelet Zurer, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ahn Sung-ki, and Morgan Freeman

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. There’s not much to recommend watching here.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

SPIRIT UNTAMED (Released to Theaters USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Stars ììì

Spirit Untamed—simple, suitable film for the younger set—gets to be a ho-hum animated film from its early scenes. The computer animation is poor. Overall, it does not have the quality, complex writing necessary to pull a good child/adult share. 

Movie Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young girl becomes involved with gentling a wild stallion. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Elaine Bogan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Karen Foster for making the film possible. Casting includes Isabela Merced, Marsai Martin, Mckenna Grace, Walter Goggins, Andre Braugher, Julianne Moore, and Jake Gyllenhaal 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie may make a good watch for younger girls who love horses, but it runs more on the boring side of storytelling. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

GUNS OF NAVARONE (Released to Theaters USA 1961)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Guns of Navarone—Gregory Peck—becomes an interesting movie due to its stage settings. It’s a good watch that emphasizes teamwork needed to accomplish the impossible. This film is not high quality for a World War II movie in portrayal. But the presentation is good and the story is well written. Gregory Peck’s introductory scenes are weak, but as the narrative moves along, his character gathers strength to match the severity of the movie’s predicament. This film becomes an important, instructive watch on courage, teamwork, and strict obedience to military protocol. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This war film is about a military unit who is assigned the task of disabling the weapons on an island. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Carl Foreman for making the film possible. Cast includes Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, Irene Papas, Gia Scala, and James Darren 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good movie and worth watching.                                                              

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER (Released to Theaters USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 2.7|5.0 Starsìì 

High Plains Drifter—there is not a lot of goodness in this film other than getting rid of ‘bad guys’. There are several immoral scenes that do not significantly add to the movie’s value or help it reach a higher quality level of entertainment. The acting is good to suitable. The portrayal is good. The storyline is quite different. Watch for the concluding scene that sheds light on who the high plains drifter is. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia and Google Images 

Storyline 

This western movie is about a man who drifts into town and cleans it up. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Robert Daley for making the film possible. Cast includes Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, and Mariana Hill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This revenge western film could be skipped for better revenge stories with a bit more moral fiber like Open Range, Duel at Diablo or Missing. The mystique that surrounds Clint Eastwood movies, though, is exceptionally present in this movie and does not falter. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING 4: QUEST FOR POWER (Released to DVD USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power—nothing new here—works as a run-of-the-mill movie that has suitable to weak portrayal, presentation, and acting. It’s good to see Lou Ferrigno in the movie. The movie works as a light, afternoon watch that works the ancient hero/villain story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about trying to recover the Urn of Kings which will allow control of the world to anyone who possesses it. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mike Elliott for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mike Elliott and Ogden Gayanski for making the film possible. Cast includes Victor Webster, Ellen Hollman, Lou Ferrigno, Rutger Hauer, Royce Gracie, Eve Torres, and Ian Whyte 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. But do not expect the impact quality from this movie that the original Scorpion King had. This movie works at the average level. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers