BOURNE LEGACY (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bourne Legacy—spinoff from the original Bourne series—is not as good as the first three Bourne movies but still serves as a good thriller film.  Watch for terrific acting by Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz and some very nice background scenery with good camerawork. The movie is more than worth watching and it is a treat to see another character that can run alongside the original Bourne stories. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This espionage action film is about: An espionage agency decides to close down an operation and eliminate all operatives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tony Gilroy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Jeffrey Weiner, and Ben Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach, Oscar Isaac, Joan Allen, Albert Finney, David Strathairn, and Scott Glenn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This espionage film relies on terrific stage settings, good presentation, and a well-written script. It completely serves the espionage movie fan as a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

GODZILLA (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Godzilla seems like a reboot of the 1998, Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno, version of the Godzilla story. It is the second Godzilla film produced in the United States. This film replaces the original cast with Brian Cranston, Ken Watanabe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elisabeth Olsen, Sally Hawkins, and David Strathairn. The movie works at the okay to suitable level and has suitable special effects that show Godzilla fighting a new antagonist, the MUTO (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism). This movie is better in some ways and not so good in other ways from the 1998 Godzilla film, but look for terrific animation of the monsters. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Godzilla fights MUTO—a massive, unidentified, terrestrial organism. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gareth Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Mary Parent, and Brian Rogers for making the film possible. Cast includes: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, and Bryan Cranston. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie is the first film in the new Godzilla film series. The film does not inspire a watch for the sequel; however, one may be curious to see if there is an improvement in the storyline for the next movie. The fourth film in this new series may be in the works for a 2024 release.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Bourne Ultimatum is the third film in a series of five films with the fifth film, Jason Bourne, producing in 2016. This series of movies is surprisingly consistent in both quality and presentation. The writing is outstanding, the dialogue is intriguing, and the acting above average. Bourne Ultimatum earns its recommendation as a movie ‘more than worth watching.’ Matt Damon, as character Jason Bourne, does not overplay his role and delivers a sensible, believable, well-thought-out presentation of the main character’s challenges to survive in a world where so many facts are missing. Complicated, multi-faceted, and interesting, this movie requires audience involvement and active mental engagement. The movie is both gripping and intellectually driven. It provides good entertainment value for both time and money investment. Kudos to Director Paul Greengrass for keeping the story on target.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Jason Bourne continues to unravel clues to his past. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, and Paul Sandberg for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Albert Finney, and Joan Allen. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s unusual to find a series piece that holds interest and produces consistent entertainment fare. This movie, as were the first two Bourne films, is more than worth watching and easily becomes a ‘must see’ movie.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers