FOR GREATER GLORY: THE TRUE STORY OF CRISTIADA (Released to Theaters USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada—based on true events—recounts the Mexican government’s atrocities against Catholics in its violent 1920s persecution. Mexican President Calles’ (Ruben Blades) historical attempt to eliminate all Catholic religion, deport all foreign-born priests, burn Catholic churches, and kill Catholic parishioners brutally comes to life in this reality-based Mexican civil war film. Good historical rendering of what came to be known as the Cristero War. The only fault in this movie is that it does not properly show the magnitude or the impact of this war. The viewer sees this event through a small group of impacted people and does not really understand that this was a war that reduced Catholic priests from 4,500 strong to about 334 individuals, now licensed by the government, to ‘practice’ in a civil population of more than 15 million persons. The viewer does not understand that over five percent of Mexico’s population fled to the areas around Los Angeles (United States) to escape murder nor does the viewer comprehend how well the United States has functioned as a bastion against religious intolerance as it maintains quite necessary refugee cities for such persons fleeing their own governments. The viewer is not given any appreciation for the fact that the Los Angeles Mexican population is greatly founded from a population with a need to practice their faith in freedom and security without persecution from any political authority. This film is excellent, except for its reduction of a horrific, widespread political persecution to what seems a small scale challenge.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Mexican government ruthlessly attempts to eliminate the dominant religious class into subservience to the political authority.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Dean Wright for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Pablo Jose Barroso for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Andy Garcia, Oscar Isaac, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Santiago Cabrera, Rubén Blades, Bruce McGill, Adrien Alonso, Eva Longoria, and Peter O’Toole.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a terrific film that tells its story well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along 2—same level of quality as the first Ride Along movie—is a bit ‘campy’ but the comical element overrides most presentation flaws. The movie ends with a good comical scene that is more than worth watching. Kevin Hart, as in the first film, seems a little over-the-top as a casting choice to pair with Ice Cube. But, it’s refreshing to have the comedic element available and to have the easy-on-the-mind presentation. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A policeman desires to become a police detective and hopes for a recommendation from his future brother-in-law. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Ice Cube, Matt Alvarez, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, and Bruce McGill. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie has comedy and action that works on the Ice Cube and Kevin Hart-style of interaction. It has enough chuckles to make it worth a watch and serves as an easy-on-the mind watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RIDE ALONG (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ride Along—better than expected—does not have high comedic appeal but it does have its chuckles along the way. Kevin Hart and Ice Cube do not make an outstanding comedic team. One challenge is Kevin Hart’s overworking of his character against the more comfortable screen presence of Ice Cube. Watch for a guest appearance of Laurence Fishburne toward the end of the film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man wants to marry the sister of a detective and wants a recommendation to join the police force. He is invited on a ride-along to prove his worthiness. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tim Story for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Will Packer, Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, and Larry Brezner for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, and Laurence Fishburne. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film has been designed as a comedy for the adult audience. The film did not ask for its sequel, but there is one available. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers