NOAH (Released to Theaters USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Noah stands among the best of movies for cinematic themes, wonderfully picturesque camera shots, and good story lines. The script elaborates on the Biblical story of Noah using a combination of longstanding written and oral traditions that intertwine Biblical characters in a provocative way that holds audience interest from beginning to end. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Noah (Russell Crowe), after being informed in a dream that there will be a flood, goes to Grandfather Methuselah (Anthony Hopkins) to ask advice. Methuselah has had the same vision and gives Noah a seed for the lumber that Noah will need to use for building the ark. Noah plants the seed and grows a forest. The building of the ark, as with any endeavor, has its opponents. Tubal-cain (Ray Winstone) wars on Noah, breaches the ark, and enters it as the waters are flooding the land around him. The rest of the story involves Tubal-cain’s attempt to divide Noah’s family, the leaving of the ark, and a resolution for finding a mate for one of Noah’s sons.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Darren Aronofsky. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Brigham and Ari Handel for making the movie possible. Additional character/cast include: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winston, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Anthony Hopkins.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is a good resource for accessing 'the rest of the story'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

AMISTAD (Relelased to Theaters USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Stars ìììì

Amistad, based loosely on the true story of a slave mutiny aboard the 1839 slave ship, Amistad, takes us into the courtroom as 50 captured African slaves fight for their freedom and right to return to Africa. The incident involves the United States Supreme Court as well as President Martin Van Buren (Nigel Hawthorne). It’s a true-to-form Stephen Spielberg classic about greed, power, and evil being thwarted by the few just individuals who fight for right. The tale is told through the eyes of Cinque (Djimon Hounsou), the leader of the African ship revolt.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Steven Spielberg. Thank you to Executive Producers Laurie McDonald and Walter Parkes for making the film possible. Cast include: Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman, Stellen Skarsgård, Anthony Hopkins, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, and Razaaq Adoti.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This watch works well for Steven Spielberg fans. 

Video Available Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BOBBY (Released to Theaters USA 2006)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Bobby—high quality movie—works with an ensemble (all-star) cast. The primary focus is exploring lives of persons who were present at his final speech. This technique makes the watch exceptionally interesting and intriguing. WOW! What a storyline. This is more than worth watching and tells an important story well. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  The final hours of Robert F. Kennedy's life and the lives of persons who were present during his final speech are intertwined into one story. Additional Thanks Thank you to Emilio Estevez for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Edward Bass, Holly Wiersma, and Michel Litvak for making the film possible. Cast includes Harry Belafonte, Joe Bryant, Nick Cannon, Emilio Estevez, Laurence Fishburne, Dave Fraunces, Jeridan Frye, Spencer Garrett, Brian Geraghty, Heather Graham, Anthony Hopkins, and Helen Hunt.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is an important, educational watch and tells its story well by telling several stories as one. It has an ensemble cast that enhances the value of the movie. This movie is a good addition to the home video library. Director Emilio Estevez's large vision for this movie is completely realized. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

ONE LIFE (Released to Theaters USA 2023)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

One Life—WOW!—is a 'need to be told' story. Anthony Hopkins, terrific performer, gives one of the best performances of his career. Helena Bonham Carter gives a beautiful peek into the complexity of her essence. Watch for the terrific performance by Johnny Flynn as Young Nicky Winton. This movie is a good example of what makes movie fans want to pay money for their ticket. The story is inspirational and meaningful. Watch for a cameo appearance of Jonathan Pryce.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

During the early years of Hitler's invasion of Europe, a British citizen finds that refugees fleeing to Czechoslovakia are in dire need of help. He feels compelled to help and takes on the daunting task of rescuing and transporting nearly a thousand children to safety. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Hawes for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Simon Gillis, Peter Hampden, Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, Barbara Winton, and Eva Yates for making the film possible. Cast includes: Anthony Hopkins, Lena Olin, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Steed, Matilda Thorpe, Daniel Brown, Alex Sharp, Jirí Smek, Romola Garai, and Barbora Váchová. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Thank you to everyone involved in re-telling this story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Transformers: The Last Knight has the highest rating of any Transformers movie to this date on Ben Meyers International Movie Critics. WOW! This Transformers movie hit all the bells and whistles with terrific special effects, acting, and presentation. Mark Wahlberg is the perfect casting choice for this movie series. The story is more complicated, but not so complicated to become unintelligible. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

In King Arthur’s time, the wizard Merlin is given a staff to help King Arthur win a deadly battle. Later, Merlin hides the staff. In current times, the war between earth and the transformers continues and a need to find and use the staff arises. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lorom DeSanto, Don Murphy, and Ian Bryce for making the film possible. Cast includes: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel, Laura Haddock, Santiago Cabrera, Isabela Mersed, Jarrod Carmichael, Stanley Tucci, Liam Garrigan, Martin McCreadie, Rob Witcomb, Marcus Fraser, John Hollingworth, and Daniel Adegboyega.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The special effects are at the WOW! level and are presented very well. This movie is more than worth watching. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RITE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Rite bases itself on the true story of Father Gary Thomas, an American exorcist. The film is well portrayed and is worth at least one ticket. This is another good film for veteran Dutch actor Rutger Hauer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), a new priest, travels to Rome to learn exorcism and successfully exorcises Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mikael Håfström for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Robert Bernacchi, Richard Brener, and Merideth Finn for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Angeline (Alice Braga), Father Xavier (Ciarán Hinds), Father Matthew (Toby Jones), Istvan Kovak (Rutger Hauer), Rosaria (Marta Gastini), Aunt Andria (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), Francesca (Arianna Veronesi), Vincenzo (Andrea Calligari), Eddie (Chris Marquette), Nina (Torrey DeVitto), and Young Michael (Ben Cheetham).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is worth at least one view.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers