JUNIOR BONNER (Released to Theaters USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Junior Bonner—a classic rodeo movie—excels in realism, presentation, and outstanding acting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Junior Bonner (Steve McQueen), whose specialty is riding broncs and bulls, is in the last days of his rodeo career. He has just failed riding a tough bull named Sunshine. He moves on to Prescott, Arizona, his familial home, to get ready for the Prescott rodeo. His arrogant brother, Curly Bonner (Joe Don Baker), is in mobile home real estate. Junior Bonner’s father, Ace Bonner (Robert Preston), is in the hospital for drunk driving. His mother, Elvira Bonner (Ida Lupino), is separated from her husband. Junior Bonner finds that his father wants to go to Australia. Junior Bonner bribes his manager, Buck Roan (Ben Johnson), to allow him to ride the bull, Sunshine, one more time.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Sam Peckinpah. Thank you to Producer Joe Wizan and Associate Producer Mickey Borofsky for making the film possible. Cast include: Steve McQueen, Robert Preston, Ida Lupino, Joe Don Baker, Barbara Leigh, Ben Johnson,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Be aware that this film works on a rather depressing storyline, but completely works as an exceptionally realistic portrayal of rodeo life without the support of a family and children. Excellent drama.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes—part 4 of the original Planet of the Apes film series—has the same wonderful makeup and costuming of previous films. Especially note the chorographical effects for the revolt toward the end of the film. Roddy McDowell takes on the role of son of his former character, Cornelius. His new character role name is: Caesar. 

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This movie occurs at a time when humans force apes into slave labor. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur P. Jacobs for making the film possible. Cast includes: Roddy McDowall,  Don Murray, Ricardo Montalban, Natalie Trundy, and Hari Rhodes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie is Part 4 of the original Planet of the Apes films. Watch for Ricardo Montalbán who reprises his role as the circus owner, Armando, from the movie previous to this one. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers