AS I LAY DYING (Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

As I Lay Dying—derived from William Faulkner’s novel—uses great cinematography with unusual, simultaneous two-screen display, perfectly timed slow-motion scenes, and unique camera angles that greatly amplify the portrayal of this eerily, dark drama. The actors, superbly cast, portray this story with great attention to detail. Tim Blake Nelson displays great skill in every scene while Brady Permenter shows great promise in this movie, his first theatrical film and acting debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Addie Bundren (Beth Grant) lies dying and requests her family bury her in Jefferson, Mississippi. The journey complicates itself after a bad rain storm.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Franco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Heidi Jo Markel, Trevor Short, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darl Bundren (James Franco), Anse (Tim Blake Nelson), Cash (Jim Parrack), Dewey Dell (Ahna O’Reilly), Jewel (Logan Marshall-Green), Vardaman Bundren (Brady Permenter), Vernon Tull (Danny McBride), Dr. Peabody (Brian Lally), Cora Tull (Jennifer Kristen Howell), Eula Tull (Anna Kooris), Kate Tull (Natalie Minton), and Reverend Whitfield (Steve Nabors).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a dive into a world of poverty and ignorance. It’s not a good movie if you’re looking for a light and happy story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SECURITY (Theatrical Release United States 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Security needs script rework for flow. The storyline is jerky and falls flat at several critical junctures in its story. While it places Lillian Blankenship in a favorable light that shows her talent, it does not do the same for Ben Kingsley due to his sophistication that is far beyond what this role requires. Kingsley’s character requires a Jean Reno, Robert Knepper, or Don Johnson casting. Kingsley operates more on the level of an Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, or Joe Pesci. This film has potential not fully realized; it doesn’t have everything in place that makes it a box office hit.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

United States Marine Captain Eduardo ‘Eddie’ Deacon (Antonio Banderas) needs a job, any job, to provide for his family. He finally lands a security position at a local mall. The adventure is on after he permits after-hour mall access to a young girl pleading for haven from unknown assailants.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Alain Desrochers for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Shi Jianxiang, Avi Lerner, and Steven Paul for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie (Ben Kingsley), Vance (Liam McIntyre), Dead Eyes (Cung Le), Jamie (Katherine de la Rocha), Mason (Chad Li), Johnny Wei (Jiro Wang), Ruby (Gabriella Wright), Administrator (Shari Watson), Lead Official (John Strong), Uncle Will (Andrew De La Rocha), SUV Agrent #1 (Mark Basnight), SUV Agent #2 (Atanas Srebrev), SUV Agent #3 (Steven Baduske), Patrol Car Cop (Ivailo Dimitrov), and Agent Rodriguez (Anurag Biswas).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. An Antonio Banderas fan will get an eyeful of Banderas, but it is not his best film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers