RENT (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Rent—controversial—introduces viewers to New York’s East Village slum life. Well-acted by six of the original Broadway musical theatre performers, the film begins its theme of ‘needing love’ with emphasis on love in the moment without thought to later consequences. Lasting love seems to be the last thing served up in this depressingly sad film. Rent defines a lifestyle, a mindset, and a philosophical approach to life without dumbing down the reality of those choices.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Bohemian lifestyles, where anything goes, stand up under the limelight and allow a completely thorough investigation.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Chris Columbus for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Allan S. Gordon, Kevin McCollum, Lata Ryan, and Jeffrey Seller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mark Cohen (Anthony Rapp), Roger Davis (Adam Pascal), Mimi Marquez (Rosario Dawson), Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin), Angel Dumott Schunard (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), Maureen Johnson (Idina Menzel), and Joanne Jefferson (Tracie Thoms).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Without the music, this story becomes a tragedy hard to bear. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK (Theatrical Release USA 1992)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York—a treasure and rewatchable movie with holiday tradition written all over it—has even more depth to its story than the first film. WOW! What a film to watch. This film is a good addition to the family home video library along  with the first film. It has just the correct admixture of comedy, thoughtful action toward family, and the homeless. Watch for a terrific scene in a toy store that finds fulfillment later in the movie. Macaulay Culkin reprises his role as Kevin McCallister. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy gets separated from his family and lands in New York as an unaccompanied minor. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer John Hughes for making the film possible. Cast includes: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Tim Curry, Brenda Fricker, and Catherine O’Hara. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. WOW! It’s a good holiday tradition watch film. It plays well for youth and adult audiences. young and old alike. Heavy slapstick humor delivers a treasure chest of wonder, fun, and laughter. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BICENTENNIAL MAN (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bicentennial Man—thought-provoking, exceptionally creative, fresh—entertains deeply. The movie asks an important question about what makes a human, human. Who and what deserves ‘rights’? The movie concludes with an answer which provides good after-viewing discussion. Terrific Robin Williams film who acts with Sam Neil, Wendy Crewson, Embeth Davidtz, Oliver Platt, and Kirsten Warren. There are some unnecessary sexual scenes, but, for the most part, the film earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A home robot purchaser finds his robot is an anomaly and works with it to promote better human interaction. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Chris Columbus for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz, Laurence Mark, Neal Miller, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Michael Barnathan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Wendy Crewson, and Oliver Platt. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie provokes thought about the differences between humans, machines, freedom to act, and rights of life. The film is completely entertaining and more than earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets—another J. K. Rowling classic novel-based film—pits Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)  against new Hogwarts' supernatural entities. This sequel beautifully unfolds to reveal the next stage of the heroes' and heroine's adventures.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harry Potter and his friends discover new supernatural terrors,

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Chris Columbus. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Barnathan, David Barron, Chris Columbus, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Terrific work by music composer John Williams. Additional character/cast include: Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Dobby (Voice of Toby Jones), Fred Weasley (James Phelps), George Weasley (Oliver Phelps), Mrs. Weasley (Julie Walters), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright),  Mr. Weasley (Mark Williams), Percy Weasley (Chris Rankin), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Hagrid the Giant (Robbie Coltrane), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Mr. Mason (Jim Norton), Mrs. Mason (Veronica Clifford),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It sustains the entertainment value of the first film by introducing intriguing, new characters (such as House Elf Dobby (Toby Jones) and Tom Riddle (Christian Coulson)) and by deepening the camaraderie  between Potter, Weasley, and Granger. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—the best supernatural film ever made—teams location, special effects, pure imagination, and outstanding cast to create a classic that finally bypasses Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s 1939 film release of The Wizard of Oz. Adventurous, powerful, surprising, and new, the film’s youthful cast Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are supported by some of the best seasoned actors in the business—Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Robbie Coltrane. While the movie closely follows the J.K. Rowling novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the visual effect and the impetus that Director Chris Columbus effortlessly thrusts into each and every scene make it enthrallingly absorbing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harry Potter continues his education toward mastery of the magical arts.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Duncan Henderson, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Tom-Bartender in Leaky Cauldron (Derek Deadman), Uncle Vernon Dursley (Richard Griffiths), Professor Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Professor Quirinus Quirrell (Ian Hart), Aunt Petunia Dursley (Fiona Shaw), Diagon Alley Boy (Ben Borowiecki), Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Molly Weasley (Julie Walters), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), Goblin Bank Teller/Professor Flitwick (Warwick Davis), Cousin Dudley Dursley (Harry Melling), and Griphook the Goblin (Verne Troyer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. WOW! This works for all ages. A great watch! 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers