THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR (Released to Theaters USA 1975)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Three Days of the Condor—very good story—is structured well. The acting, presentation, and portrayal are very good.  It's good to see the eclectic casting mix: Robert Redford, Max Von Sydow, Faye Dunaway, and Cliff Roberts.  That mix aids the surprise elements to maximize and enhances the deadliness of the game that is played. There are some sex scenes, but they are easy to skip. This movie is suspenseful and keeps its audience guessing through its conclusion.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A reader for the CIA is caught in a web of political intrigue and has to find a way to survive assassins.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Sydney Pollack for directing effort. Thank you to Stanley Schneider for making the film possible. Cast includes Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, and Max Von Sydow.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a good overall watch for the adult audience with a terrific, novel approach to its story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BITE THE BULLET (Released to Theaters USA 1975)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Bite the Bullet—nice relief from alien movies—focuses on the theme of endurance horse racing and the humans who participate in this sport. While this film does not compare with the endurance horse racing movie, Hidalgo, it still holds interest with its solid writing, presentation, and portrayal. The film works on an adult audience level with its genre-defined western treatment of women. Expect a welcome exposure to western-style stage settings and scenery. There is a welcome treatment of the value of taking care of one's horse and humanely looking to the needs of one's competitors. The movie is gentle on the mind and is a good watch. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Several men and one woman participate in a United States cross-country endurance horse race in the early 1900s.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Richard Brooks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Richard Brooks for making the film possible. Cast includes Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn, Ben Johnson, Ian Bannen, Jan-Michael Vincent, Robert Donner, Jean Willes, Mario Arteaga, and Dabney Coleman.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It suits the western fan well with a good  story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (Released to Theaters USA 1975)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Escape to Witch Mountain—interesting concept—presents a movie that still entertains. It serves as a light, easy-on-the-mind movie for a quiet afternoon watch. Actor Eddie Albert adds likeable-ness to the film and sets the movie up for a television series when he learns that there are thousands of children like these two who are lost.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  Two children from outer space arrive at a home for children. But soon a man discovers their supernatural abilities and informs his employer that these children are exactly what he needs to sustain wealth and power.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Hough for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ron Miller for making film possible. Cast includes Eddie Albert, Ray Milland, Donald Pleasence, Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann, Denver Pyle, Reta Shaw, and Alfred Ryder. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Cute, light, afternoon entertainment. Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG (Released to Theaters USA 1975)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  The Apple Dumpling Gang—cute with low key comedy—serves as a good example of two comedians, Don Knotts and Tim Conway, who enhance value in a movie's story.  Watch for Harry Morgan's performance for added comedic effect as well as actor John McGiver. It's clean, honest, bumbling fun. Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon.com   Storyline   A gambler agrees to a proposition before knowing what the 'package' includes.    Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Norman Tokar for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bill Anderson for making the film possible. Cast includes Bill Bixby, Susan Clark, Don Knotts, Tim Conway, David Wayne, Slim Pickens, Harry Morgan, John McGiver, Don Knight, Clay O'Brien, and Brad Savage.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. The light comedy is in place and it serves as a good child/adult share. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ROOSTER COGBURN (Theatrical Release USA 1975)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rooster Cogburn—a John Wayne better film—forms its story to the mature character that Wayne used in his later films. Katharine Hepburn’s independent spiciness adds just the right offset to Wayne’s highly developed, dry approach to right and wrong. The nuances between Wayne and Hepburn will be much appreciated by western movie fans. Great work for Director Stuart Millar for bringing the best of both Wayne and Hepburn to the screen. The storyline is well developed. The camera work, presentation, and portrayal make it a fun watch for all audiences. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Rooster Cogburn needs to retrieve a load of nitroglycerin from thieves. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stuart Millar for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Hal Wallis for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Zerbe, Richard Jordan, John McIntire, Paul Koslo, Jack Colvin, Jon Lormer, Richard Romancito, Lane Smith, Warren Vanders, Strother Martin and Tommy Lee. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a perfect film for John Wayne fans that compares favorably with True Grit in quality and workmanship. Thank you to all involved in making it a creditable movie to watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers