ARABESQUE (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Arabesque—potential not realized—cannot hold the initial interest generated in the first scenes throughout the movie.  It tries to be like a 007 James Bond story but doesn't quite get there. While Gregory Peck's professionalism carries the story, Sophia Loren's lack of maturity makes her struggle in her initial scenes. She stabilizes during the latter half of the movie. The movie earns a watch as light afternoon entertainment.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Decoding hieroglyphics and unraveling the meaning of the words against a spy background while endeavoring to know who is good and who is bad is the major theme of this movie.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Stanley Donen for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Stanley Donen for making the film possible, Cast includes Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, Alan Badel, and Kieron Moore.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable espionage thriller but needs improvement in portrayal and storyline.

 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HAWAII (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Hawaii—classic watch—WOW! The movie is exceptionally well done. Lovely to see Max Von Sydow, Julie Andrews, and Richard  Harris in the casting line up. This movie shines. Watch for an outstanding native Hawaiian cast. The acting is really good and believable.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A strict Bible preaching minister is sent by his church to help the Hawaiian natives convert to Christianity and finds that humanitarian kindness can be as needful as strict religious doctrine.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director George Roy Hill and Arthur Hiller for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Mirisch, and Associate Producer Lewis J. Rachmil for making the film possible. Cast includes Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow, Richard Harris, Gene Hackman, Carroll O'Connor, Jocelyne LaGarde, Manu Tupou, Ted Nobriga, Elizabeth Logue. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Wonderful movie  that shows the groundwork that eventually lays the foundation for welcoming Hawaii as a full-fledged state of the United States. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers