FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them—slow—has strength because of its creativity. The animation of the fantastic beasts,   even by today’s standards, is very good. This prequel movie shows Eddie Redmayne’s talent well. However, an audience may wonder how it really connects to the Harry Potter series. It needs exposition that hopefully Part 2 and Part 3 will allow. Albus Dumbledore is mentioned in passing and that does make a small concession to ‘connecting the dots’ to make a complete picture. Overall, it is a J. K. Rowling thinking process that, as usual, does not follow the straight path to its conclusion. 

_{Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images} 

Storyline 

Beasts, who would be unknown to muggles, escape their place of keeping and create their own special havoc. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram for making the film possible. Cast includes Eddie Redmayne, Sam Redford, Scott Goldman, Tim Bentinck, Tristan Tait, Colin Farrell, Tom Clarke Hill, Matthew Sim, Katherine Waterston, Samantha Morton, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Faith Wood-Blagrove, and Jenny Murray.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is not a terrible film, but it is slow and presents complications for following its storyline easily. It is difficult to relate to the original Harry Potter movie series. The largest challenge is trying to relate Mr. Scamander (Eddie Redmayne’s character role) to earlier stories…and leaves its audience wondering where really does he come from and why does he carry a portal with him everywhere?  Internet research reveals that he was mentioned in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and other sources say that his character was not fleshed out yet when The Prisoner of Azkaban movie was released. 

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Ben Meyers

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES (Released to Theaters USA 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Beverly Hillbillies—has its own interpretation of the original Beverly Hillbillies television series and its own upgraded comedy. It’s pleasant to hear the movie concluding with Jerry Scoggins singing the Hillbillies theme song the Ballad of Jed Clampett, accompanied by Lester Flatt and substitution of Bèla Fleck for Lester Flatt. Watch for an almost unrecognizable Jim Varney as the elderly Clampett. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Hillbillies strike oil and take their newfound wealth to Beverly Hills, California. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Penelope Spheeris for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Ian Bryce and Penelope Spheeris for making the film possible. Cast includes Jim Varney, Diedrich Bader, Erika Eleniak, Cloris Leachman, Lily Tomlin, Lea Thompson, Rob Schneider, Dabney Coleman, Penny Fuller, Kevin Connolly, Linda Carlson, Lyman Ward, and Leann Hunley. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This interpretation of the Beverly Hillbillies television show has its moments of comedy and really tries to earn its watch. It has upgraded its storyline to fit more modern times than the original series. It’s a light afternoon watch that takes little emotional or intellectual involvement.   

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Ben Meyers

HEARTBREAK RIDGE (Released to Theaters Australia 1986)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Heartbreak Ridge shows quality in the directing, writing, and acting. It catches all the human nuances necessary to its story. The scenes do not follow the overly graphic violent or sexual display. It makes a terrific adult movie. Don’t miss this movie. It completely involves its audience and provides great after viewing discussion. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

The training of rebellious young men so they can form a fighting team, their first deployment, and their returning home get a full treatment in this movie. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Clint Eastwood for making the film possible. Cast includes Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, Everett McGill, Moses Gunn, Eileen Heckart, Bo Svenson, Boyd Gains, Mario Van Peebles, Arlen Dean Snyder, Vincent Irizarry, Ramón Franco, Tom Villard, Mike Gomez, and Rodney Hill.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie exquisitely details the forming of military teams, the earned respect, and how marriages sometimes reconcile after severe events break the bonds. Clint Eastwood does well when he produces, directs, writes, and acts in a film. He gives the movie that 'more than worth watching' award. This movie is a really good war film that works all the way to the bank. Don’t miss it. It earns its money and watch time and will satisfy the war movie fan.

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Ben Meyers

THE CROODS: A NEW AGE (Released to Theaters USA 2020)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Croods: A New Age—good movie—gets better as it moves into meeting the Betterman family and picks up pace when everyone discovers the reason behind not eating bananas. The film is a great child/adult share movie from DreamWorks. Thank you to all involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The  Croods look for a new home where life will be more comfortable. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joel Crawford for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Mark Swift for making the film possible. Cast includes Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke, Leslie Mann, Peter Dinklage, Kelly Marie Tran, Kailey Crawford, Chris Sanders, James Ryan, Gabriel Jack, and Melissa Disney,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?                         

Yes. The film improves as it moves along and ends on a lovable high note. Even better than the first Croods movie, it earns its watch as a child/adult share movie and its place in the family home video library. Listen for the voice of Nicolas Cage reprising his role as Grug.  Great work for all involved.

 Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE MOSQUITO COAST (Released to Theaters USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Mosquito Coast, after viewing, seems a ridiculous story. But it has impact and the mind, as it continues to unravel the story, concludes that this movie’s story will not allow the audience to forget it any time soon. It is novel and requires involvement to follow the storyline. It is almost rewatchable. Watch for a terrific cast that includes Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix, and Jadrien Steele. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An inventor decides to leave America and establish a new home on the Mosquito Coast. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Weir for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jerome Hellman for making the film possible. Cast includes Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix, Jadrien Steele, Hilary Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Jason Alexander, Dick O'Neill, Alice Heffernan-Sneed, Tiger Haynes, William Newman, Andre Gregory, Melanie Boland, and Martha Plimpton.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The storyline is worth watching. It’s an unusual film but has a unique impact and will not soon be forgotten as it moves through its interpretation of a specific personality type. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

DEAR DIARY: THE WORLD'S FIRST PRANKS (Released on DVD USA 2021)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Dear Diary: The World’s First Pranks—suitable short film—does not show much original inspiration. The voiceovers are well done. The animation is good and the portrayal works at the good to suitable level. This short film is featured on The Croods: A New Age DVD. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Eep and Dawn play ‘jokes’ on their families.                              

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Januel Mercado for directing effort. Cast includes Emma Stone and Kelly Marie Tran.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This short film is not the best watch, but it is cute and rides a simple storyline. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: LITTLE RED BRONANA BREAD (Released on Blu-Ray USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Family Movie Night: Little Red Bronana Bread lacks creativity in animation, storyline, and presentation. Animation is suitable to good; it reminds one of block-cut and ink artwork. This short film performs as a low-grade short that disavows the creativity of the full-length movie it accompanies. This movie is featured on the DVD/Blu-Ray of Croods: A New Age. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Eep keeps Bronana Bread from Punch Monkeys                   

Additional Thanks 

Cast includes Kelley Marie Tran.                        

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It’s an odd short film and needs a script rewrite to make it watchable. It seems like it is a scene edited out of the original movie rather than a deliberately made short film for entertainment. The animation is unusual, but suitable/good. 

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Ben Meyers

TOMB RAIDER (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Tomb Raider accesses the acting power of Alicia Vikander to create a completely different and very likeable Lara Croft. The story has its own vibrancy due to Vikander’s ability to dominate her assigned role. It’s a fresh look at this story that ensnares its audience to watch it all the way through. Be prepared for an entirely different approach to Lara Croft’s basic personality. The special effects are not top-notch, but Vikander is intriguing as Lara Croft. A storyline that is easy to follow creates the desire to see the film to its concluding scenes. Good watch.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 Lara Croft goes on a search for her father and encounters many adventures along the way.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roar Uthaug for directing effort. Thank you to Graham King for making the film possible. Cast includes Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good watch and worth watching—not fabulous—but a good watch overall. Look for Dominic West as Richard Croft, Lara’s father.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Five Nights at Freddy’s—works from a video game—has good writing that discreetly tells a horridly immoral story and may be able to appeal to a wider audience due to that discreetness. Watch for good performances by Josh Hutcherson and Piper Rubio. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A down and out security guard takes a security position at an abandoned pizzeria and gets more than he expected.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Emma Tammi for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Scott Cawthon and Jason Blum for making the film possible. Cast includes Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Matthew Lillard.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a low-key horror watch that discreetly plays on its horror theme without undue graphic terror even though the story is of horrible proportions. This is an odd film that features Josh Hutcherson and also accesses the talents of Piper Rubio. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DEATH WISH II (Released to Theaters USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì 

Death Wish II—very graphic nudity and exceptional violence—pushes the movie beyond the R-rating. Charles Bronson is cast well for the lead role. The movie does an exceptional job of making an audience outraged for justice and satisfied at the end of the film that justice has been properly meted. The movie is made for a very sophisticated, mature audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A man’s house maid and daughter are violently raped and die. He goes on a vigilante 'search and destroy’ operation to revenge their deaths. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Winner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus for making the film possible. Cast includes Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, Vincent Gardenia, J.D. Cannon, and Anthony Franciosa. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie is not for the faint of heart; it has exceptionally graphic violence early in the movie before it starts on its justice theme. It has been well-arranged for effect but is not an ‘everyone’ watch film. 

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Ben Meyers

PLANE (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

 Plane—good watch—has a suitable story and Gerard Butler. It’s a little  run-of-the-mill, but definitely one of the better runs. And, did we say it has Gerard Butler? It’s made as an action/thriller and has its share of those moments.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A plane emergency lands on an island controlled by rebels who live by ransoming kidnapped individuals. The rebels head for the plane’s passengers for capture and ransom.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Jean-Francois Richet for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Marc Butan, Gerard Butler, and Alan Siegel for making the film possible. Cast includes Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Yoson An, and Tony Goldwyn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This movie serves as a good choice for an afternoon watch. It has a simple, straight forward plot that makes it an easy-on-the-mind movie that does not take a great deal of intellectual involvement or emotional energy to watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE SCORPION KING: BOOK OF SOULS (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Scorpion King: Book of Souls has a title that encourages the purchase of a ticket, but turns into an average, bland watch. It seems like a run-of-the-mill movie that neither offers inspiration nor the expected on-the-edge-of-the seat-action. It may be difficult to restart and re-energize the Scorpion King movies after this one. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Egyptian sorcery, magic, breaking curses, and tombs of the dead wrap around this story to form its central theme. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Don Michael Paul for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Mike Elliott for making the film possible. Cast includes Zach McGowan, Pearl Thusi, Nathan Jones, Katy Louise Saunders, Mayling Ng, Howard Charles, Inge Beckmann, Tuks Tad Lungu, and Peter Mensah with narration by Peter Jessop. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is what it is. Not a lot of entertainment power here…interesting, but cliched…a bit weak. The addition of the golem seems unintentionally comical rather than achieving its true aim—defending the princess. It misses the WOW! factor that it should have generated. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JUNGLE BOOK 2 (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

 Jungle Book 2—okay animated film—does not have the vibrancy or creativity of the original 1967 rendition of the Jungle Book story. At times, it is slow and a bit boring. The drawn animation, however, is very good and the voicing is great. Listen for John Goodman’s voice as Baloo. This simple story basically rehashes the 1967 movie and has some comedy built in.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 Baloo misses Mowgli and wants to go to the village to see him. Against Bagheera's wishes, Baloo goes, and then has to escape with Mowgli to not be caught by the village residents, and the story is on.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Trenbirth for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mary Thorne and Christopher Chase for making the film possible. Cast includes Haley Joel Osment, John Goodman, Mae Whitman, Bob Joles, Tony Jay, Phil Collins, John Rhys-Davies, and Jim Cummings.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Children may appreciate this film more than adults. Not much new here.   

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

WARCRAFT (Released to Theaters USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Warcraft—B-grade film—accepts its status and does not attempt to step into higher quality. The animation is much higher in quality than expected. The orcs and the dwarves are very realistic. The film has an understandable story backed with good portrayal and presentation but it relies on a lot of magic to get past difficult situations. This movie serves the needs of the action movie fan. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline 

A world builds up to war and uses magic to increase power bases. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Duncan Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Roven, Alex Gartner, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, and Stuart Fenegan for making the film possible. Cast includes Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Dominic Cooper, Toby Kebell, Ben Schnetzer, Robert Kazinsky, and Daniel Wu.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie intrigues and serves as a good action flick for the action movie fan. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

FROZEN II (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Frozen II—great animation—needs a plotline read before watching. The story gets lost after finding the ship wreck. This film delves into Elsa and Anna’s relationship with their grandfather and also details the loss of their parents. The poster for this movie does not portray the girls with facial kindness or compassion, a necessary quality for good rulers.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Earth elements peace is disrupted, and it requires supernatural intervention to restore harmony.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Buck for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Peter Del Vecho for making the film possible. Cast includes Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. it is a suitable/good watch and fills out the history of Elsa and Anna’s grandfather and how he fits into their story. This film has great animation, presentation, and portrayal. It will satisfy audiences who liked the original movie, Frozen, but fails to provide an uncluttered storyline toward the end of the second part to the end of the last part of the film.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers