TRON (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Tron—outstanding in its time, archaic now—uses outdated computer animation with live action actors and a small storyline to produce the film. It’s rather like watching an old pong game with its backward, forward movement of a small ball of light except it is far more sophisticated than that but still relies on repetitive computer action over and over throughout its storyline. Watching it now makes one wonder why it was made…was it just to show off new technology? It is what it is...an academic study of the history of computer animation technique as used in the entertainment industry. This movie makes one appreciate the significant contributions entertainment has made toward sophisticated computer work. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A game inventor needs to prove he invented a game. While trying to hack into a computer for that information, he accidentally gets sucked into the computer. and the adventure is on. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Lisberger for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Donald Kushner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner, Cindy Morgan, and Barnard Hughes. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The movie becomes a great academic study, but for average audiences the film has dated itself over the last 40 years.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIRST BLOOD (Theatrical Release USA 1982)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

First Blood—terrific Sylvester Stallone film—shows Stallone at his best as he depicts a warrior endeavoring to manage in a society that does not value or respect warrior skills. Stallone has a strong supporting cast that includes David Caruso, Richard Crenna, and Brian Dennehy (Teasle). The movie is an involving watch that provides terrific after watching discussion material. This is a ‘do not miss’ movie for an adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A military veteran gets into trouble with a small town sheriff. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ted Kotcheff for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Buzz Feitshans for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, and Brian Dennehy. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie runs on a provocative theme that provides good discussion material afterwards about veterans, their place in society, how they are valued, and the difficulty of re-adjusting to normal life after serving in wartime situations. The movie more than serves the Sylvester Stallone fanbase with complete entertainment value. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE SHADOW RIDERS (Television Release USA 1982)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Shadow Riders—action western—explores the abduction of human slaves that are ferried from the United States into Mexico during America’s old west period. Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott work their magic to tell a very solid, good story that completely appeals to western movie fandom. Watch for guest star, Ben Johnson. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A wagon, full of United States citizens, is on its way to slavery in Mexico and desperately needs someone who cares enough to save them from their plight. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Andrew V. McLaglen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jim Byrnes and Producers Dennis Durney and Verne Nobles for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, Dominique Dunne, and Katharine Ross. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film is a very good watch for the action-western fan and especially for fans of Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott. Good, solid entertainment that relies on a well-written script and good portrayal of that script. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (Released to Theaters USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—one of the best movies of 1982—is another Steven Spielberg-directed, cultural phenomenon. This classic family film provides a strong acting platform for introducing the acting talents of young Henry Thomas. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial works as an outstanding movie selection for all audiences and a terrific child/adult share movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Elliott (Henry Thomas), a 10-year-old boy, finds an alien in his back yard. His older brother, Michael (Robert MacNaughton), his little sister Gertie, (Drew Barrymore), and his mother, Mary (Dee Wallace), find their lives changed forever.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional cast/characters include: Mary (Dee Wallace), Keys (Peter Coyote), Michael (Robert MacNaughton), Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Greg (K.C. Martel), Steve (Sean Frye), Tyler (C. Thomas Howell), and Pretty Girl (Erika Eleniak).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a childhood classic that will become as much a part of the nursery library as collections of Disney animation films, Beatrice Potter stories, Hans Christian Andersen tales, and the illustrated Berenstain Bear stories.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers