JULIA (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Julia—full and complete—is one of those World War II films easily missed. The movie explores the depth of lifelong female friendship, loyalty, and love’s capacity to walk through life-threatening doors in order to fulfill the requirements of such a friendship.  The film increases its complexity by not only examining the relationship between Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave but also the professional working and physical romance between best friends Jane Fonda and Jason Robards. The story is wonderful and clean other than a suggestive scene between Fonda and Robards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Julia (Vanessa Redgrave) and Lillian (Jane Fonda) are lifelong friends who maintain close contact until they become involved in developing separate careers—Julia studies medicine and Lillian studies writing. When Julia becomes deeply involved in the European anti-Nazi movement, she eventually enlists the aid of her friend Lillian to smuggle valuables into Germany.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank You to Director Fred Zinnemann. Thank you to Executive Producer Julien Derode for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Jason Robards, Maximilian Schell, Hal Holbrook, Rosemary Murphy, Meryl Streep, Dora Doll, Elisabeth Mortensen, John Glover, Lisa Pelikan, and Susan Jones.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is surprisingly powerful. Worth watching

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN (Released to Theaters 1977)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Race for Your Life Charlie Brown—light and innocent—tells a wonderful story. The animation still relies on that simple Charlie Brown style. It's a classic animated film that everyone will fall in love with. The voice casting is wonderfully chosen. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Charlie Brown and the gang go to summer camp.     Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Bill Melendez for directing effort.  Thank you to Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson for making the film possible. Cast includes Duncan Watson, Stuart Brotman, Gail Davis, Liam Martin, Melanie Kohn, Jimmy Ahrens, Kirk Jue, Jordan Warren, Tom Muller, Greg Felton, and Bill Melendez.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This is a great film and tells a great story. It is the classic film for everyone young and old. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE RESCUERS (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Rescuers—still great after 45 years—has great animation, great voicing, great storyline, superb presentation, and can be re-watched again and again. It’s clean, honest, innocent, and does not play bad jokes on its audience. Terrific writing shows kindness and care for others which in turn deploys into a nicely done message that good deeds have good outcomes. This is classic Disney; Disney and his teams would be proud of this production. BRAVO! This treasure of a film can be appreciated for many years to come. Watch for the teddy bear that looks a lot like Winnie the Pooh. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two agents are deployed to find a missing orphan in need of help. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, and Art Stevens for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Wolfgang Reitherman for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Joe Flynn, and Geraldine Page. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film deserves to be a ‘buy to own’ and can easily be watched again. WOW! It’s the work of master craftsmen. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

OH, GOD! (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Oh, God!—great film—features John Denver, Teri Garr, and George Burns in a cute and well-worth-it piece of entertainment. Although the filmography is exceptionally ‘dated,’ the storyline is timeless, gentle, honest, and well-presented. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

God has a message for mankind and choses a  grocery store employee to deliver the message. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Carl Reiner for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jerry Weintraub for making the film possible. Cast includes: George Burns, John Denver, Teri Garr, and Donald Pleasence. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The dialogue is exceptionally witty and well-focused. It serves all audiences well and allows ample opportunity for gentle smiles and reflection. Great work for all involved. A time unrestricted reminder for humans to stretch toward higher purpose in life. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers