NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Nicholas Nickleby, a story revisited by both British and American studios since 1903, need not bow its head in shame to any of its multiple predecessors. The film relies on the excellence of Christopher Plummer, Jim Broadbent, Nathan Lane, Jamie Bell, Anne Hathaway, Timothy Spall, and Alan Cummings to portray its story. Kudos to Director Douglas McGrath for another outstandingly directed film. Everything works in this Charles Dickens’ classic.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Good faith and justice win over evil scheming and greed as youthful Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) finds his way in the world.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Douglas McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gail Egan, Michael Hogan, and Robert Kessel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mrs. Nickleby (Stella Gonet), Mr. Nickleby (Andrew Havill), Child Nicholas Nickleby (Henry McGrath), Boy Nicholas Nickleby (Hugh Mitchell), Child Kate Nickleby (Poppy Rogers), Young Kate Nickleby (Jessie Lou Roberts), Kate Nickleby (Romola Garai), Newman Noggs (Tom Courtenay), Ralph Nickleby (Christopher Plummer), Madeline Bray (Anne Hathaway), Mr. Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), Mr. Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), Parent (Angela Curran), Smike (Jamie Bell), and Mrs. Squeers (Juliet Stevenson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The storyline does not lose on the kindness level and runs on a perfectly executed script. Bravo to all involved in the film’s release.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KNIVES OUT (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Knives Out—murder mystery—uses a typically British approach to its story that can be especially appreciated due to the strong casting choices. Daniel Craig is given the role of main detective, Benoit Blanc. The audience will immediately ask for another story based on his performance alone. The movie flanks him with the power performance of Jamie Lee Curtis and a cast that ranks itself into softer personalities that balance those actors’ personalities. This film is like a ‘walk in the woods’ ...one doesn't know what is going to happen next. The film’s very defined conclusion wraps it up perfectly. One may feel as if a boomerang came whizzing out of nowhere to wind round the neck. Watch for a terrific performance by Christopher Plummer that sets the story up. This movie is an Amazon production. The sequel movie is a Netflix production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

A writer is found dead in his home after arguing with his family.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rian Johnson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ram Bergman and Rian Johnson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has a fine, unexpected twist at the end that makes it worth watching. The movie has a sequel film, Glass Onion, which also features Daniel Craig who reprises the role of Benoit Blanc, the detective.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

SYRIANA (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Syriana—complicated storyline—skillfully interweaves several stories into one story. It successfully moves suspense into the front row seat, gives little reprieve, and allows no shallow excuses for that move. The drama makes this movie a one-of-a-kind story that becomes the epitome of entertainment that purposely engages the intellect and interest of sophisticated audiences. The movie particularly serves audiences who appreciate political thrillers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Connex Oil merges with Killen Oil and causes concern within the U.S. justice system. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Gaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jennifer Fox, Georgia Kacandes, and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Casting includes: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig, and Mazhar Munir. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘must see’ espionage film that incorporates a diverse cast comprised of Matt Damon, George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, and Christopher Plummer. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

9 (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

9—fabulous camera work and great cinematography—becomes complicated with a difficult to follow storyline and poorly developed characters. The animation has terrific originality and with proper character development, this movie could have been in an A+ category. An audience may find itself asking, why is this film important throughout the film. On the upside, the voice casting includes some of our best—Christopher Plummer, the late Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Connelly, and Elijah Woods.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Scientist (voice of Alan Oppenheimer) creates a robot that destroys all living things on earth. The scientist creates nine rag dolls and splits his life force into nine pieces that enliven the rag dolls. The rag dolls become involved in a plan to destroy the robot and re-establish life on planet earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Shane Acker for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Timur Bekmambetov, Tim Burton, Dana Ginsburg, and Jim Lemley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: #1 (voice of Christopher Plummer), #2 (voice of Martin Landau), #5 (voice of John C. Reilly), #6 (voice of Crispin Glover), #7 (voice of Jennifer Connelly), #8/Announcer (voice of Fred Tatsciore), #9 (voice of Elijah Woods), Dictator (voice of Tom Kane), and News Caster (voice of Helen Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film fails to catch interest in its opening scenes. Despite its great camerawork, the lack of character expansion kills the film’s possibilities from the get-go.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY DOG TULIP (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

Wow. My Dog Tulip is a surprisingly excellent story as interpreted with quaint, hand-drawn characters animated by Paul and Sandra Fierlinger. Despite some scenes which may not be appropriate for younger audiences, the story plays well with Christopher Plummer narrating J. R. Ackerley’s narrative about a rescued female German Shepherd named Tulip.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film poignantly details the conflicts and simple moments that J. R. Ackerley (Christopher Plummer) shares with Tulip while Tulip gradually ingratiates herself into the elevated position of ‘Man’s Best Friend’.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Paul Fierlinger and Sandra Fierlinger for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Howard Kaminsky, Frank Pellegrino, and Norman Twain for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: J.R. Ackerly (voice of Christopher Plummer), Nancy/Greengrocer’s Wife (voice of Lynn Redgrave), Ms. Canvenini (voice of Isabella Rossellini), Mr. Plum/Pugilist (voice of Peter Gerety), Army Veterinarian (voice of Paul Hecht), Captain Pugh/Mr. Blandish (voice of Brian Murray), and Bicyclist/Rude Veterinarian (voice of Euan Morton).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Directors and writers of the screenplay, Paul and Sandra Fierlinger, show adept skill in telling a simple and yet complex story in a manner entertaining for the adult mind. Christopher Plummer’s voice welcomes viewers into the story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers