BATMAN BEGINS (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Batman Begins thrives on marvelous special effects and its terrific storyline. The choice of European stars Christian Bale and Michael Caine blow the movie over the top for a 100-percent-quality piece of entertainment. Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Ken Watanabe, and Mark Boone Junior supply all that is necessary for Director Christopher Nolan to completely outdo all previous renditions of Batman’s story. As always, there are the ‘I wonder why’ scenes that Batman movies are renowned for: why a drug blown into a receiver’s face affects only that person and no one else; why some main characters are not impacted by a drug that seriously affects all of Gotham City’s inhabitants. Despite this, the film establishes itself as one of the best Batman stories told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) intends to avenge his parents’ deaths; but enters the crime fighting world on a much larger scale than a single avenging.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale), Alfred (Michael Caine), Ducard (Liam Neeson), Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), Dr. Jonathan Crane (Cillian Murphy), Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson), Earle (Rutger Hauer), Ra’s Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe), Flass (Mark Boone Junior), Thomas Wayne (Linus Roache), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Christian Bale interprets Batman at levels unknown until the release of this film. This movie takes the ‘hokey-ness’ out of the typical Batman character from Andy Warhol’s Batman and Dracula (1964) to Adam West’s Batman the Movie (1966) to actors Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Ben Affleck, and George Clooney’s renditions of the Batman persona. It’s a quality story supported with quality acting. The film is suitable for all ages.

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Ben Meyers

EMPIRE OF THE SUN (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Empire of the Sun—incredibly good watch—shows exceptional acting skill in one of Christian Bale’s early acting works. His supporting cast of John Malkovich and Joe Pantoliano become the perfect choices  to balance the story’s well-written and well-timed script. The haunting musical score works at the unforgettable level and features Christian Bale performing a WOW! musical piece that literally sets the tone for the entire movie. GREAT work for Director Steven Spielberg. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young boy becomes separated from his parents during wartime and must find a way to survive.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall for making the film possible. Cast includes: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, and Nigel Havers.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This finely crafted story becomes an outstanding example of the talents of Christian Bale and Steven Spielberg’s abilities to WOW! their audiences. The movie deeply touches the human spirit and involves its audience on a profound emotional level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FORD V FERRARI (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì 

Ford v Ferrari earns its place on Ben Meyers Movie Critics’ Best Films list. It deserves its WOW! and BRAVO! and could easily be watched more than once. Great acting by Matt Damon and Christian Bale who team beautifully in this film. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The story of competition between automakers as well as a good look at the development of the Ford GT40. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to James Mangold for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chemin, Jenno Topping, and James Mangold for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, and Josh Lucas. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a film that makes its audience feel like they get a true insider view into the auto racing world. Excellent entertainment ride. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TERMINATOR SALVATION (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Terminator Salvation needs improvement in strength of presentation, believability, and camera work. It's good to see Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Common, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Helena Bonham Carter in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After the nuclear holocaust, the survivors form a resistance to the terminators and Skynet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director McG for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeanne Allgood, Kathy Chasen-Hay, Chrystal Dowd, Sean Cushing, Peter D. Graves, Mario Kassar, Janet Lewin, Dan Lin, Emma McGuinness, Joel B. Michaels, MIchael Pardee, Jon Silk Stefan Sonnenfeld, and Andrew G. Vajna for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, Helena Bonham Carter, Anton Yelchin, Jadagrace, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Common.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Terminator has been presented in installments. This is the fourth installment of the series. For those who are following the series, this is the next in the series. Hopefully, the next film, Terminator Genisys, can restore the former glory of the series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers