Ben Kendrick

Host of the Screen Rant Underground Podcast, Ben Kendrick is a graduate of the New School’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, with an emphasis in fiction. Currently, he's nearing completion on his novel: How I Saw Myself on America’s Most Wanted and serves as an editor-at-large for the literary magazine LIT. Ben has been passionate about movies ever since standing in line for a midnight showing of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when he was eight. As a result of his background in creative writing, Ben is drawn to films that make story and character a priority; however, that never stops him from enjoying a range of Hollywood offerings - from blockbuster action flicks to campy so-bad-they're-good B-movies. He's also an avid gamer and is a regular contributor at Screen Rant's sister site, Game Rant. Follow Ben on Twitter @benkendrick or visit his personal website for info on his fiction work as well as other ways to get in touch.

  • SR Underground Ep. 19: 'Sherlock Holmes 2' & 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'

    SR Underground Ep. 19: ‘Sherlock Holmes 2′ & ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’

    In episode 19 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the movies and TV shows we watched over the holiday break as well as review both ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ and David Fincher’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Jan 4, 2012 | 9 Comments
  • We Bought a Zoo

    ‘We Bought a Zoo’ Review

    Director Cameron Crowe (Vanilla Sky) returns with the ‘inspired by a true story’ comedy-drama, ‘We Bought a Zoo’ starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. But is it worth buying a movie ticket? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 30, 2011 | 20 Comments
  • 'The Avengers' (Russian)

    ‘The Avengers’ Russian Trailer Assembles with New Footage

    Continuing our globetrotting preview coverage for Marvel’s ‘The Avengers,’ check out the new Russian trailer – which features new footage from the film.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 29, 2011 | 37 Comments
  • War Horse

    ‘War Horse’ Review

    Is Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’ another beautiful and moving period drama from the critically-acclaimed director? Or just a dismal and disjointed onscreen tour of World War I? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 23, 2011 | 44 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 18: 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol'

    SR Underground Ep. 18: ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’

    In episode 18 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the Golden Globe nominations and The Dark Knight Rises prologue, as well as review Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol directed by Brad Bird and starring Tom Cruise.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 21, 2011 | 13 Comments
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

    ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ Review

    Is David Fincher’s take on Stieg Larsson’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ novel a profound and entertaining film or should the critically acclaimed filmmaker have bowed to the original Swedish version. Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 21, 2011 | 90 Comments
  • Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

    ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ Review

    Does director Brad Bird’s ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ offer a fresh and exciting adventure for Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise)? Or is the film just another uneccessary sequel? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 16, 2011 | 51 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 17: 'The Sitter'

    SR Underground Ep. 17: ‘The Sitter’

    In episode 17 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about ‘Thor 2′ director troubles and the ‘G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation’ trailer, as well as review David Gordon Green’s latest comedy, ‘The Sitter’ starring Jonah Hill and Sam Rockwell.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 14, 2011 | 3 Comments
  • ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Teaser Poster Promises ‘The Untold Story’

    ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Teaser Poster Promises ‘The Untold Story’

    Columbia Pictures has unveiled the official teaser poster for Marc Webb’s superhero reboot, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ promising to provide moviegoers with ‘The Untold Story’ of the heroic webslinger.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 9, 2011 | 67 Comments
  • Battleship (Trailer 2)

    ‘Battleship’ Trailer 2 & Poster Tease Aliens & Large-Scale Destruction

    Director Peter Berg has unveiled the ‘Battleship’ trailer 2 – featuring a sneak peek look at the invading alien forces as well as a glimpse at the film’s massive scope and large-scale destruction.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 9, 2011 | 34 Comments
  • The Sitter

    ‘The Sitter’ Review

    Jonah Hill returns with another over-the-top comedy, but does ‘The Sitter’ make good use of its odd-ball pairing or just rely on lame, kids-doing-bad-things gags? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 9, 2011 | 6 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 16: 'Summer Movie Leftovers'

    SR Underground Ep. 16: ‘Summer Movie Leftovers’

    In episode 16 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about ‘Star Trek 2′ villain troubles, Fox campaigns for Andy Serkis Oscar, the end of Showtime’s ‘Dexter,’ as well as revisit a few of our favorite, and least favorite, summer film releases.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 7, 2011 | 23 Comments
  • 'Dexter' Finale Story Arc Begins This Year; Series to End with Season 8

    ‘Dexter’ Finale Story Arc Begins This Year; Series to End with Season 8

    Showtime president, David Nevins, is putting speculation about the future of ‘Dexter’ to rest – claiming, after a two season story arc that begins this year, season 8 will likely conclude with the series finale.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 2, 2011 | 47 Comments
  • Shame

    ‘Shame’ Review

    Is director Steve McQueen’s sex-addict character drama ‘Shame’ a profound look at one man’s internal struggle? Or a thin excuse for exploitative filmmaking? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Dec 2, 2011 | 26 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 15: 'The Muppets'

    SR Underground Ep. 15: ‘The Muppets’

    In episode 15 of the Screen Rant Underground as we chat about J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek 2′ in 3D, an update on the ‘Mass Effect’ film, what’s next for ‘The Walking Dead,’ as well as review Jason Segel and James Bobin’s take on the classic movie and TV icons, ‘The Muppets.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 30, 2011 | No Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 14: 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1'

    SR Underground Ep. 14: ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′

    In episode 14 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about new official plot details from ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ Prof. Xavier in the ‘X-Men: First Class’ sequel, Showtime’s ‘Dexter’ season 7/8 renewal as well as review the ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 23, 2011 | 16 Comments
  • The Muppets

    ‘The Muppets’ Review

    Has Jason Segel succeeded in creating a classic Muppet film for a new generation or is ‘The Muppets’ just another attempt to cash-in on 1980′s nostalgia? Read our review to find out.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 23, 2011 | 49 Comments
  • Showtime Renews ‘Dexter’ for Seasons 7 & 8; Possible Series Finale

    Showtime Renews ‘Dexter’ for Seasons 7 & 8; Possible Series Finale

    Showtime has officially announced that everyone’s favorite serial killer, Dexter Morgan, will be back for another 24 episodes – as ‘Dexter’ has been renewed for seasons 7 and 8.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 18, 2011 | 131 Comments
  • 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1' Spoilers Discussion

    ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ Spoilers Discussion

    Want to talk about ‘’The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ without worrying about spoiling the movie for others? This is the place.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 18, 2011 | 75 Comments
  • The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

    ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ Review

    Is ‘Breaking Dawn – Part 1′ an enjoyable experience for Twi-hards and non-fans, alike? Or does this first half of the ‘Twilight Saga’ finale offer too little to be a standalone film? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 18, 2011 | 100 Comments
  • Shooting on Guillermo del Toro’s Monster Movie ‘Pacific Rim’ Underway

    Shooting on Guillermo del Toro’s Monster Movie ‘Pacific Rim’ Underway

    In a recent interview, Guillermo del Toro indicated that shooting on his mega-monster film, ‘Pacific Rim’ was about to start – meaning that work on the highly-anticipated genre film is officially underway.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 17, 2011 | 15 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 13: 'Immortals'

    SR Underground Ep. 13: ‘Immortals’

    In episode 13 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the new ‘Hunger Games’ trailer, the ‘Man of Steel’ connections to DC’s ‘The New 52,’ and Billy Crystal hosting the Oscars as well as review Tarsem Singh’s swords-and-sandals film, ‘Immortals.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 16, 2011 | 12 Comments
  • 'BioShock' Update: Creator Says He Doesn't 'Need' A Movie Adaptation

    ‘BioShock’ Update: Creator Says He Doesn’t ‘Need’ A Movie Adaptation

    ‘BioShock’ game creator Kevin Levine provides updates on the feature film adaptation – and asserts that they’ll only make the film if fans and non-fans can appreciate it.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 15, 2011 | 4 Comments
  • Concept Artwork Reveals Bradley Cooper's 'The Crow' Character Design

    Concept Artwork Reveals Bradley Cooper’s ‘The Crow’ Character Design

    Newly revealed concept artwork for the next film installment in ‘The Crow’ franchise shows Bradley Cooper as the iconic main character – had he not already left the project.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 14, 2011 | 16 Comments
  • Immortals

    ‘Immortals’ Review

    Does director Tarsem Singh’s ‘Immortals’ succeed in delivering a compelling story and impressive visuals? Or is the film mostly 3D style over narrative substance? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 11, 2011 | 44 Comments
  • J. Edgar

    ‘J. Edgar’ Review

    Is Clint Eastwood’s historical biopic about FBI director J. Edgar Hoover an intelligent and evocative film? Or is it a jumbled mess of hollow moments and stiff character drama? Read our review of ‘J. Edgar’ to find out.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 11, 2011 | 31 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 12: 'Tower Heist'

    SR Underground Ep. 12: ‘Tower Heist’

    In episode 12 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the ‘Star Trek 2′ villain casting rumors and the live-action ‘Akira’ adaptation as well as review Brett Ratner’s comedy-action film, ‘Tower Heist’ starring Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller and Casey Affleck.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 9, 2011 | 5 Comments
  • A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas

    ‘A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas’ Review

    Is a bit of holiday cheer and plenty of tongue-in-cheek 3D gags enough to make ‘A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas’ a worthwhile entry in the slacker comedy franchise? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 4, 2011 | 18 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 11: 'In Time'

    SR Underground Ep. 11: ‘In Time’

    In episode 11 of the Screen Rant Underground we chat about the impending ‘Dumb and Dumber’ as well as ‘Beetlejuice’ sequels, duke it out in our Box Office Battle, and review Andrew Niccol’s latest sci-fi film, ‘In Time.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Nov 2, 2011 | 9 Comments
  • The Rum Diary

    ‘The Rum Diary’ Review

    Is ‘The Rum Diary,’ starring Johnny Depp in an adaptation of the Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, a quirky, fun ride – or too disjointed to work as a film? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 28, 2011 | 20 Comments
  • Puss in Boots

    ‘Puss in Boots’ Review

    Is Shrek sidekick ‘Puss in Boots’ capable of headlining his own feature film? Or is DreamWorks’ latest animated flick a hollow last-ditch franchise cash-grab? Read our review to find out.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 28, 2011 | 10 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 10: 'Paranormal Activity 3'

    SR Underground Ep. 10: ‘Paranormal Activity 3′

    In episode 10 of the Screen Rant Underground we tackle movie theater etiquette, discuss whether ‘Avatar 2′ can live up to the original, as well as review ‘Paranormal Activity 3,’ the latest installment in the found-footage ‘Paranormal Activity’ horror series.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 26, 2011 | 22 Comments
  • Martha Marcy May Marlene

    ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ Review

    Does ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ – from freshman director Sean Durkin and starring Elizabeth Olsen – live up to the film festival hype? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 21, 2011 | 4 Comments
  • Paranormal Activity 3

    ‘Paranormal Activity 3′ Review

    The ‘Paranormal’ found footage formula returns for ‘Paranormal Activity 3,’ this time with the ‘Catfish’ directors at the helm. Is the the third time still a charm – even when it comes to jump-scare horror franchises? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 21, 2011 | 112 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 9: 'The Thing'

    SR Underground Ep. 9: ‘The Thing’

    In episode 9 of the Screen Rant Underground we tackle ‘Walking Dead’ premiere backlash, discuss the NYCC ‘Avengers’ footage, and contemplate the Hulk’s love life as well as review ‘The Thing’ prequel starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 19, 2011 | 15 Comments
  • New Posters: ‘Sherlock Holmes 2,’ ‘Tower Heist,’ ‘The Grey,’ & ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’

    New Posters: ‘Sherlock Holmes 2,’ ‘Tower Heist,’ ‘The Grey,’ & ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’

    Check out the new theatrical character banners for the upcoming Ben Stiller comedy ‘Tower Heist,’ as well as one sheet posters for ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,’ the Liam Neeson Oscar-bait drama, ‘The Grey,’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 19, 2011 | 6 Comments
  • Footloose

    ‘Footloose’ Review

    Is the ‘Footloose’ remake from director Craig Brewer (‘Black Snake Moan’) a worthy re-imagining of the iconic ’80s drama, or just another attempt by Hollywood to cash-in on nostalgia? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 14, 2011 | 15 Comments
  • ‘Star Wars: Episode 1′ 3D Trailer Debuting with ‘The Three Musketeers’

    ‘Star Wars: Episode 1′ 3D Trailer Debuting with ‘The Three Musketeers’

    The ‘Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace 3D’ trailer is coming soon to a galaxy far far away… or a theater near you, debuting ahead of 3D screenings of Paul W.S. Anderson’s ‘The Three Musketeers.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 13, 2011 | 42 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 8: 'Real Steel'

    SR Underground Ep. 8: ‘Real Steel’

    In episode 8 of the Screen Rant Underground we tackle Netflix’s Qwikster do-over, contemplate a ‘Knightfall’ for ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ reminisce about ‘The Simpsons’ legacy, and duke it out over Hugh Jackman’s robot-fighting blockbuster, ‘Real Steel.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 12, 2011 | 7 Comments
  • Machine Gun Preacher

    ‘Machine Gun Preacher’ Review

    Is the ‘based on a true story’ adaptation of a reformed drug addict turned protector of Sudanese orphans as exciting as the life that inspired it – or does ‘Machine Gun Preacher’ get bogged down in the details? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 7, 2011 | 8 Comments
  • 'Real Steel' Spoilers Discussion

    ‘Real Steel’ Spoilers Discussion

    Want to talk about ‘Real Steel’ without worrying about spoiling the movie for others? This is the place.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 7, 2011 | 58 Comments
  • Real Steel

    ‘Real Steel’ Review

    Is ‘Real Steel’ a first round knock-out film experience – or a boring, drawn out string of weak punches? Read our review to find out.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 7, 2011 | 39 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 7: '50/50'

    SR Underground Ep. 7: ’50/50′

    In episode 7 of the Screen Rant Underground we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review the cancer dramedy ’50/50,’ directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen. Guest: SR writer, Mike Eisenberg.

    by Ben Kendrick | Oct 5, 2011 | 6 Comments
  • 50/50

    ’50/50′ Review

    Is ’50/50′ the cancer dramedy from director Jonathan Levine, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen, a humorous but thoughtful character drama or a film that fails to make good on a challenging premise. Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 30, 2011 | 12 Comments
  • SR Underground Ep. 6: 'Moneyball'

    SR Underground Ep. 6: ‘Moneyball’

    In episode 6 of the Screen Rant Underground we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review the true-life sports story, ‘Moneyball,’ directed by Bennett Miller, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. Guest: SR news writer, Sandy Schaefer.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 28, 2011 | 2 Comments
  • Abduction

    ‘Abduction’ Review

    Is ‘Abduction,’ the dramatic thriller from director John Singleton, and starring Taylor Lautner, an exciting action offering or a brainless and underwhelming movie that takes itself too seriously? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 23, 2011 | 53 Comments
  • Killer Elite

    ‘Killer Elite’ Review

    Is ‘Killer Elite,’ the directorial debut of Gary McKendry, based on the novel by Ranulph Fiennes, an exciting dramatic thriller or just a flimsy excuse for Clive Owen and Jason Statham to beat each other up? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 23, 2011 | 19 Comments
  • Moneyball

    ‘Moneyball’ Review

    Is ‘Moneyball,’ Bennett Miller’s true-life retelling of general manager Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s tumultuous 2002 season an intriguing character drama or just another middle of the road sports film? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 23, 2011 | 6 Comments
  • Screen Rant Underground Podcast Episode 5: 'Drive'

    SR Underground Ep. 5: ‘Drive’

    In episode 5 of the Screen Rant Underground podcast we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review Nicolas Winding Refn’s indie getaway driver drama, ‘Drive,’ starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. Guest: SR founder, Vic Holtreman.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 21, 2011 | 7 Comments
  • Chris Evans Promises Plenty of ‘Heart’ in ‘Avengers’ Story; ‘Darker’ Captain America

    Chris Evans Promises Plenty of ‘Heart’ in ‘Avengers’ Story; ‘Darker’ Captain America

    Captain America, Chris Evans, talks about Joss Whedon’s attempts to make sure there’s plenty of heart as well as action in ‘The Avengers’ – as well as offers insights into how Cap will handle modern America.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 19, 2011 | 65 Comments
  • Straw Dogs

    ‘Straw Dogs’ Review

    Is Rod Lurie’s ‘Straw Dogs,’ starring James Marsden and Kate Bosworth, a worthy re-imagining of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 classic (which featured Dustin Hoffman) or just another unnecessary remake? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 16, 2011 | 22 Comments
  • Screen Rant Underground Podcast Episode 4: 'Contagion'

    Screen Rant Underground Podcast Episode 4: ‘Contagion’

    In episode 4 of the Screen Rant Underground podcast we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review Steven Soderbergh’s global epidemic drama, ‘Contagion.’

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 14, 2011 | 10 Comments
  • Warrior

    ‘Warrior’ Review

    Is ‘Warrior’ a heavy-hitting character drama or just another fighting film looking to capitalize on a familiar ‘rise to glory’ story? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 9, 2011 | 42 Comments
  • Screen Rant Underground Podcast Episode 3: 'The Debt'

    Screen Rant Underground Podcast Episode 3: ‘The Debt’

    In episode 3 of the Screen Rant Underground we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review John Madden’s espionage thriller, ‘The Debt,’ starring Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson, and Jessica Chastain.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 7, 2011 | 4 Comments
  • Tucker & Dale vs Evil

    ‘Tucker & Dale vs Evil’ Review

    Is ‘Tucker & Dale vs Evil’ an enjoyable comedy twist on familiar horror genre cliches – or just an equally predictable and dimwitted film that fails to live up to its clever premise? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 6, 2011 | 21 Comments
  • Bellflower

    ‘Bellflower’ Review

    ‘Bellflower’, from writer, director, actor Evan Glodell, offers a chaotic and intense look at human relationships. But does the film manage to tell a competent story? Read our review to find out.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 2, 2011 | 2 Comments
  • Apollo 18

    ‘Apollo 18′ Review

    Is the latest found-footage horror movie, ‘Apollo 18′ (this time in space) as entertaining as similar films, ‘Paranormal Activity’ and ‘The Blair Witch Project,’ or is this genre finally played-out? Read our review.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 2, 2011 | 68 Comments
  • The Debt

    ‘The Debt’ Review

    Is ‘The Debt,’ an intriguing character drama, or just another by-the-books American remake that falls-short of the original? Read our review to find out.

    by Ben Kendrick | Sep 1, 2011 | 11 Comments
  • 'Screen Rant Underground' Podcast Episodes Now Available

    Screen Rant Underground Podcast Episode 2: ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’

    In episode 2 of the Screen Rant Underground we discuss this week’s most popular Movie/TV news and review Troy Nixey’s ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ starring Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, and Bailee Madison.

    by Ben Kendrick | Aug 31, 2011 | 17 Comments
  • ‘The Avengers’ Villains Confirmed By Images of Cancelled Video Game Tie-In?

    ‘The Avengers’ Villains Confirmed By Images of Cancelled Video Game Tie-In?

    Thanks to images from the cancelled video game tie-in for ‘The Avengers’ we may have confirmation of, and a clear look at, the villains that will be featured in the upcoming superhero mash-up film. Spoiler warning in effect.

    by Ben Kendrick | Aug 30, 2011 | 44 Comments
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