SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION* (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Shawshank Redemption delivers an unbeatable Stephen King story via Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and an excellent supporting cast. This ‘stand up and cheer for excellence’ movie, directed by Frank Darabont, quickly establishes itself as a one-of-a-kind classic film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) insists he has been wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced with two back-to-back life sentences, he must find a way to re-establish a life.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Frank Darabont for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Liz Glotzer and David V. Lester for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman), Warden Norton (Bob Gunton), Heywood (William Sadler), Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown), Tommy (Gil Bellows), and Bogs Diamond (Mark Rolston).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a ‘must see’ for the late teen/adult audience.

*Also Known as: The Shawshank Redemption

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IN PURSUIT OF HONOR (Released to Television USA 1995)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  In the Pursuit of Honor—quality, bittersweet watch— is a very informative film and tells the story of men who showed honor in two instances of great compassion and kindness. WOW! What a concept for an HBO TV movie! The portrayal and presentation are good. There may be some pacing challenges in some parts of the film but that is so minor that it is not significant. It is good to see Rod Steiger cast in the movie. The movie is exceptionally well-written.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A group of USA Cavalry soldiers are ordered to take the remainder of cavalry horses to Mexico and dispose of them. But a group of soldiers decide to evade army orders and make a run for the Canadian border with the majority of them.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ken Olin doe directing the film. Thank you to Executive Producer Jeffrey M. Hayes for making the film possible. Cast includes Don Johnson, Craig Sheffer, Gabrielle Anwar, Bob Gunton, and Rod Steiger. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good watch and tells a story of doing the honorable thing so that one does not have regrettable memories that will need to be resolved throughout one's lifetime. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

PATCH ADAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Patch Adams—Robin Williams—sells the idea of a way for medical doctors to act in a more compassionate way with hospital staff and patients. This movie may not be an A-grade film, but it tells a need-to-be-told story.  Well-written and presented, the movie more than deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man develops a desire to become a doctor and introduces unorthodox ways of treating patients. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom Shadyac for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mike Farrell, Barry Kemp, Marvin Minoff, Charles Newirth, and Marsha Garces Williams. Cast includes Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton, Josef Sommer, Irma P. Hall, Frances Lee McCain, Harve Presnell, Daniella Kuhn, Peter Coyote, James Greene, Michael Jeter, and Harold Gould. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a wonderful film to watch, has heart, and makes the audience think about the medical profession in a different way. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers