NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND (Theatrical Release Japan 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind—Japanese anime—takes about the first hour to set up its story and the last 30 to 40 minutes to clarify many of the questions that arise while watching. The story is almost incoherent for the first half and paces itself slowly. Expect a creative watch that seems almost Star War-ish as when Lord Yupa rides his bird animal across the desert. The camerawork is suitable, the voicing is very good, the musical scores and the special effects are very well done. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lord Yupa (voice by Patrick Stewart) sits astride a large, two-legged bird (like an ostrich). Both the bird and Lord Yupa have futuristic gas masks in place. Lord Yupa dresses in a long overcoat. A wide-brimmed hat droops around his head. He leads another bird who serves as a pack mule. Lord Yupa travels to a village that is covered in a type of cobweb, dismounts, takes his rifle from its case, and forces one of the house doors open. Everything inside is covered in spider webs and is completely desolate. Lord Yupa looks at the ground at the house entrance, sees a small doll, and picks it up. The doll crumbles to pieces in his hand and Lord Yupa says, “Yet another village—dead.” The camera flashes screens to dragonfly-like creatures swarming the village. Lord Yupa steps outside, looks at the sky, immediately mounts his bird, and flees.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Toru Hara, Michio Kondo, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma for making the film possible. Cast include: Alison Lohman, Uma Thurman, Chris Sarandon, Edward James Olmos, Mark Hamill, Jeff Bennett, Tress MacNeille, and Tony Jay.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Creative, but difficult to follow during the first half of movie. The film has great voicing and animation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SAW (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Saw—intense, edge of your seat psychological thriller—sets itself up for a sequel from the get-go. The film’s conclusion twists in such a radical manner that the viewer is left stunned while thinking, “What just happened?” The film serves the mature adult audience.

Film Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

The jigsaw serial killer likes to play blood-chilling games that mostly leave players maimed and quite dead.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Wan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block, Jason Constantine, and Stacey Testro for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Adam Faulkner-Stanheight (Leigh Whannell), Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), Detective David Tapp (Danny Glover), Detective Steven Sing (Ken Leung),  Kerry (Dina Meyer), Paul (Mike Butters), Mark (Paul Gutrecht), Zep Hindle (Michael Emerson), Brett (Benito Martinez), Amanda (Shawnee Smith), and Diana Gordon (Makenzie Vega).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves the genre and plays its story well. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers