UNCLE BUCK (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Uncle Buck—little edgy toward the end, but needful story—covers classic teenage/adult subject matter well. John Candy shows very well in this movie, has good presence in a well-written story. The movie is ‘full’ and its message not soon forgotten. The child actors are well-grounded and on-spot with the storyline. Thank you  to all involved in ensuring this 1980s film is still available for viewing. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Image 

Storyline 

An uncle is asked to take care of children while a father and mother go to care for a grandfather who has suffered a heart attack. Although, this uncle may be considered an unlikely candidate, his interest in the children’s welfare makes him the perfect choice at the perfect time. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director John Hughes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers John Hughes and Tom Jacobson, Associate Producer William H. Brown and Ramey E. Ward, for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Candy Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffman, Macaulay Culkin, Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, Garret M. Brown, Laurie Metcalf, Jay Underwood, and Brian Tarantina.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is a good teen/adult watch with healthful messages on multiple platforms. The movie is memorable, serious and comical, and an overall good watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THAT’S WHAT I AM (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

That’s What I Am—Disney high school movie ambience—turns into a great teen flick. It’s worth watching and provides a good platform for the acting talents of Ed Harris, Chase Ellison, Alexander Walters, Daniel Yelsky, Mia Rose Frampton, and Amy Madigan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Twelve-year-old Andy Nichol’s (Chase Ellison) teacher Mr. Simon (Ed Harris) teaches human dignity plus compassion equals world peace. Andy gets a firsthand demonstration how that formula works when he is paired, for completion of a school project, with Big G (Alexander Walters), a boy exiled from the mainstream school crowd since grade school. He watches Big G courageously stand up to school bully Jason Freel (Camille E. Bourgeois III). Then, he observes how Mr. Simon deals with a community that supports a rumor that Mr. Simon is homosexual.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Pavone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Denise Chamian and Michael Pavone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sherri Nichol (Molly Parker), Jim Nichol (Daniel Roebuck), Norman Grunmeyer (Daniel Yelsky), Mary Clear (Mia Rose Frampton), Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan), Dan Rainier (Renwick D. Scott II), and Irene Freel (Vanessa Cloke).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good, well-written film that makes the strong statement that it takes courage to be compassionate.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIELD OF DREAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Field of Dreams—superb concept—takes its audience on a connect-the-dots adventure that is worth its weight in gold. Kudos to Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan for giving this film its life and vibrancy. Thank you to James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and the late Burt Lancaster for showing us once again what great acting is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears a divine voice that instructs him to build a baseball field where his corn crop is growing and ‘he will come.’ Kinsella immediately complies and, despite one setback after another, unfolds a unique purpose for the baseball diamond that reveals itself bit by bit as he follows mysterious links that seem unrelated.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Phil Alden Robinson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Brian E. Frankish for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Annie Kinsella (Amy Madigan), Karin Kinsella ( Gaby Hoffmann), Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta), Mark (Timothy Busfield), Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), Dr. Archibald Graham (Burt Lancaster), Archie Graham (Frank Whaley), John Kinsella (Dwier Brown), Feed Store Farmer (James Andelin), Feed Store Lady (Mary Anne Kean), Annie’s Mother (Fern Persons), Dee (Kelly Coffield Park), Buck Weaver (Michael Milhoan), Eddie Cicotte (Steve Eastin), and Swede Risberg (Charles Hoyes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. This is an outstanding piece of entertainment. It is particularly refreshing to see the support the husband and wife give each other.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers