OUR SOULS AT NIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Our Souls at Night, when critiqued strictly on acting and portrayal, performs at a high level of competence due to the two lead performers’—Robert Redford and Jane Fonda—acting abilities. However, when examining the premise upon which the story unfolds, much discussion can be raised about the value of the storyline itself. While the overall story flows smoothly and ends happily, questions arise over the story’s basic premise and the movie thereby becomes a great 'after movie discussion' film. For example, does the choice of the two main actors promote moral behavior? Does it help to establish clean thinking within the community at large? Do personal image and moral reputation matter? Does a contractual marriage arrangement have value in advanced age groups? Does placing two seasoned persons in close proximity and in a setting conducive to sexual contact, without the benefit of marriage, matter? Is this a viable solution to loneliness in advanced age? Are seasoned citizens beyond responsibility to set moral example to younger generations? Depending upon the audiences’ viewpoints and answers to any one of these questions, the movie will ultimately be rated as a winning piece of entertainment or as a distorted rationalization of adult choices. At the least, the movie plants a seed in the audience mind. One question is: What is the desired fruitage from this planted seed?

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Widow (Jane Fonda) asks widower (Robert Redford) to help combat loneliness by establishing a long-term platonic ‘sleep over’ relationship.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Ritesh Batra for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Pauline Fischer and Ben Ormand for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Holly (Judy Greer), Addie Moore (Jane Fonda), Louis Waters (Robert Redford), Jamie (Iain Armitage), Dorlan (Bruce Dern), Gene (Matthias Schoenaerts), Ruth (Phyllis Somerville), Actress (Leana Lewis), Realtor (Audrey Walters), Café Teenager (Hawley Penfold), and Actor (Michael Love Toliver). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is an interesting mature adult romance, but not Ben Meyers’ first pick for a love/friendship story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

HICKOK (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 1.8|5.0 Starsì

Hickok—Hollywood’s attempt to revive the Western film genre—fails miserably despite an excellent cast that relies on the talents of Luke Hemsworth, Trace Adkins, Bruce Dern, and Kris Kristofferson. Though Luke Hemsworth can play within this genre, his assigned dialogue lines are unrecoverable. Trace Adkins, despite working within the field of western music, does not pull anything out of his assigned scenes. In reviewing all casting choices, Bruce Dern has the strongest presence onscreen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipeda

Storyline

Wild Bill Hickok’s (Luke Hemsworth) story gets retold once again.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Timothy Woodward, Jr. for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Gerry, Daisy Hamilton, Marcy Levitas Hamilton, Strath Hamilton, Strathford Hamilton, and J.D. Seraphine for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Phil Poe (Trace Adkins), George Knox (Kris Kristofferson), Doc Rivers O-Roark (Bruce Dern), Mattie (Cameron Richardson), John Wesley Hardin (Kaiwai Lyman), Joey (Hunter Fischer), Sherif Akers (Robert Catrini), and The Kid (Britain Simons). Additional characters/cast include: Mrs. Knox (Heather Alexander), Lou-Ann (Kimberly Alexander), Horse Rider (Shane P. Allen), and The Stranger (Terral Altom).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The movie is a disaster from the get-go. Don’t waste time or money on this film. Try the 1995 Wild Bill instead. Additional good western movies are: The Missing or True Grit (John Wayne version).

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers