THE PIXAR STORY (Newport Beach International Film Festival Newport Beach California USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pixar Story—one of those loveable documentaries that an audience wishes would never end—deals heart, soul, and power through the screen by the bucketful. This documentary is so well done that it becomes one of those Bravo! Please use this model for all future documentaries. It is sweet to watch how Director Leslie Iwerks put this enthralling documentary together. Best in show for 2008.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Pixar’s beginning to its maturity.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Leslie Iwerks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Leslie Iwerks for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Narrator (voice of Stacy Keach), Himself (John Lasseter), Himself (Brad Bird), Himself (John Musker), Himself (Ron Clements), Himself (Ollie Johnston), Himself (Frank Thomas), Himself (Randy Cartwright), Himself (Ron Miller), and Himself (Glen Keane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie gives kudos to Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, and the many other incredible minds who put together a unique and ground-breaking animation studio that still produces the best of the best animated movies in the United States. This documentary is well worth the investment of time and money.

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Ben Meyers

THE 4TH COMPANY (Guadalajara International Film Festival Jarlisco Mexico 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The 4^th Company—brutal, gruesome Mexican prison realism—bases itself on real life events. This film serves the mature adult audience and completely deserves a 5.0-star rating for acting, portrayal of storyline, and realistic interpretation of Mexican prison life.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Mexican penal system sports its own football team.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Mitzi Vanessa Arreola and Amir Galván Cervera for directing effort. Thank you to

Executive Producers Erwin Neumaier and Sandra Paredes for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Zambrano (Adrian Ladron), Combate (Andoni Gracia), Palafox (Hernan Mendoza), Quinto (Gabino Rodriguez), Florecita (Dario T. Pie), Chaparro (Manuel Ojeda), El Tripas (Carlos Valencia), Burrero (Raymundo Reyes Morena), Sigueiros (Juan Carlos Flores), Marrón (Horacio Garcia Rojas), Entrenador Patino (Guillermo Rios), Antollin (Erando González), El Negro (Josepho Rodriguez), Memo López Jose Sefami), and Custodio Bartolo (Julio Casado).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The movie is a rough watch.

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Ben Meyers

DR. NO (Theatrical Release UK 1962)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Dr. No—the first James Bond movie—had so much entertainment value that it demanded rapid release of three more Bond stories: From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, and Thunderball and was followed by an additional 20 movies with another scheduled for a 2019 release. This film is as entertaining as any single Bond film in the rest of the series. It features Sean Connery as James Bond, does not disappoint, and is completely worth watching despite its age. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

James Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to Jamaica to investigate the assassination of British Secret Intelligence Agent John Strangways.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Terence Young for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), Felix Leiter (Jack Lord), ‘M’ (Bernard Lee), Professor Dent (Anthony Dawson), Miss Taro (Zena Marshall), Quarrel (John Kitzmiller), Sylvia Trench (Eunice Gayson),and  Miss Moneypenny (Lois Maxwell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great acting by all involved.

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Ben Meyers

BRAD’S STATUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Brad’s Status—intellectual drama that examines one man’s life against those of seemingly more accomplished friends—serves up a depressing look at life at the mundane level. While the acting is very good, this film does not serve up a traditional entertainment piece.

Film, Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Middle-aged Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) confronts crisis as he faces his life’s accomplishments against those of his peers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mike White for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Esberg, Carla Hacken, Mark Kamine, John Penotti, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Toll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Troy Sloan (Austin Abrams), Melanie Sloan (Jenna Fischer), Craig Fisher (Michael Sheen), Billy Wearslter (Jemaine Clement), Jason Hatfield (Luke Wilson), Ananya (Shazi Raja), Maya (Luisa Lee), Nick Pascale (Mike White), Xavier (Xavier Grobet), Chris Kanew (Adam Capriolo), Cherie Parkinson (Felicia Shulman), Harvard Mother (Jane Wheeler), Admission Officer (Karl Graboshas), Admissions Receptionist (Jon Bernad), Busker (Jonah Carson), Female Professor (Susan Glover), Azalia’s Hostess (Meghan Gabruch), and Mark (Kenny Wong).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film seems created to provoke thought rather than entertain. It’s classified as a comedy-drama, but offers little hope for a life beyond the here and now for the main character while working more on the darker side of comedy rather than the lighter side of comedy. Not a traditional Ben Stiller flick.

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Ben Meyers

TRAINING DAY (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Training Day—one of Denzel Washington’s best performances—allows him to show great skill in portraying the character of Alonzo Harris, a corrupt Los Angeles Narcotics Police Officer. Perfectly supported by Actor Ethan Hawke, the film does not flinch in its portrayal of corruption within a law enforcement’s narcotics department. The film’s violence, language, and overall toughness place it in the mature adult category; but its level of realism puts it in a class of its own.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Los Angeles Narcotics Officer Alonzo (Denzel Washington) introduces fellow officer Jake (Ethan Hawke) to murder and theft during duty.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Antoine Fuqua for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman and Davis Guggenheim for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Roger (Scott Glenn), Stan Gursky (Tom Berenger), Doug Rosselli (Harris Yulin), Lou Jacobs (Raymond J. Barry), Smiley (Cliff Curtis), Paul (Dr. Dre), Blue (Snoop Dog), and Sandman’s Wife (Macy Gray).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. While this adult film shows enough violence to place it in the ‘no desire to see it twice’ class, it deserves its rating due to its realism and refusal to step down from Director Antoine Fuqua’s vision and skill in directing a tough story to tell. The movie’s overall perfection in flow and acting cannot be ignored.

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Ben Meyers

I YAM WHAT I YAM: THE STORY OF POPEYE THE SAILOR (Released by Warner Brothers Worldwide 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

I Yam What I Yam: The Story of Popeye the Sailor—great short documentary—tells in a time-friendly manner how Popeye got started, how he managed long popularity, and how he changed over the years. Great interviews and good documentation mark this movie as a worthwhile watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images

Storyline

Documentary that traces the life and longevity of the popular animated character, Popeye, the sailor man.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Constantine Nasr and Mark Nassief for directing effort. Thank  you to Narrator Tom Kinny for narration effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This documentary delivers much information in a short time frame (43 minutes)—efficient watch that increases knowledge.

 

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Ben Meyers

ALARM (YouTube Release USA 2012)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Alarm—short film—projects a prolonged battle with multiple alarm clocks. The battle becomes a bit monotonous as it repeats itself over and over and over throughout the animated project.

Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube images

Storyline

 A young man battles multiple alarm clocks to start his day on time.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jang Mu Hyun for directing effort. Thank you to animators Choo Jung Woo and Jang Mu Hyun for animation effort.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The concept is unusual and a bit redundant.  

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Ben Meyers

BORN STRONG (All Media Release Worldwide 2017)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Born Strong—interesting and informative—showcases the strongest men in the world with high WOW! factor. It Is surprising to see the level of involvement of Arnold Schwarzenegger in weight lifting outside of his well-known body building competitions. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This movie features the 4 strongest men in the world and the Arnold Strongman Competition.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gary Cohen and Ross Hockrow for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Gary Cohen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eddie Hall, Hafbor Julius Bjornsson, Brian Shaw, and Zyndrunas Savickas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Good inspirational movie for anyone who wants to live this lifestyle and inspiring to see the amount of weight men can pull and lift.

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Ben Meyers

THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Addams Family—animated film—plays well on screen partially to excellent choices in voice casting and partially due to the welcome prequel to the Addams story and the different take on the Addams family story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Addams family moves to the suburbs.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jason Cloth, Joe Earley, Aaron L. Gilbert, Kevin Miserocchi, and Andew Mittman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Gomez Addams (Voice of Oscar Isaac), Morticia Addams (Voice of Charlize Theron) Wednesday Addams (Voice of Chloe Grace Moretz), Pugsley Addams (Voice of Finn Wolfhard), Uncle Fester (Voice of Nick Kroll), It (Voice of Snoop Dogg), Grandma (Voice of Bette Midler), Margaus Needler (Voice of Bette Midler), Grandma Frump (Voice of Catherine O’Hara), Glenn (Voice of Tituss Burgess), Great Auntie Sloom (Voice of Jenifer Lewis), Parker (Voice of Elsie Fisher), Lurch/Priest/Spirit of the House/Dr, Lambe (Conrad Vernon), and Denise (Voice of Aimee Garcia). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. An enjoyable watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

28 DAYS LATER (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

28 Days Later—another zombie movie—still manages to entertain. It will not disappoint the zombie story movie fan base.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Storyline

 Survivors of a virus look for sanctuary.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Danny Boyle for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Andrew Macdonald for  making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Activist (Alex Palmer), Activist (Bindu De Stoppani), Activist (Jukka Hiltunen), Scientist (David Schneider), Jim (Cillian Murphy), Infected Patient (oby Sedgewick), Selena (Naomie Harris), Mark (Noah Huntley), Jim’s Father (Christopher Dunne), Jim’s Mother (Emma Hitching), Mr. Bridges (Alexander Delamere), Mr. Bridge’s Daughter (Kim McGarrity), Frank (Brendan Gleeson), Hannah (Megan Burns), and Infected Kid (Justin Hackney).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. There is some nudity in the film, but this movie works for zombie fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

THE X FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The X Files: I Want to Believe—classic X-Files story turned into a movie—has the typical format that the television series used and will satisfy the X-Files fan. The main roles are reprised by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Director Chris Carter did an outstanding job re-capturing the original flavor and intent of the show. The acting is good; the portrayal is great; the suspense is the same.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Russians kidnap people for medical experimentation and Mulder with Scully are on the case.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Chris Carter for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Brent O’Connor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), ASAC Dakota Whitney (Amanda Peet), Father Joseph Crissman (Billy Connolly), Agent Mosley Drummy (Xzibit), Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi), Callum Keith Rennie (2^nd Abductor), Father Ybarra (Adam Godley), Gaunt Man (Alex Diakun), 2^nd Victim (Nicki Avcox), 1st Abductor (Fagin Woodcock), Christian Fearon (Marco Niccoli), Margaret Fearon (Carrie Ruscheinsky), Blair Fearon (Spencer Maybee), and Female Assistant (Veronika Hadrava).

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is well made and entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

47 Meters Down: Uncaged—very effective shark attack scenes—may not be Jaws, but still delivers 'horror and gross' with its use of slow motion camera work that capitalizes itself with rapid repeat as one swimmer after another goes down. WOW! photography…some of the best. Be aware that the screaming, even though there is good reason for it, becomes monotonous so that an audience may wish there was more storyline rather than redundant shark appearance. Many of the scenes could have shortened to introduce a few secondary stories to create more depth to the movie. The film, despite it reliance on horror and mayhem in ocean water, does have a terrific conclusion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Sharks attack humans in underwater caves.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Johannes Roberts for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Byron Allen, Andrew Boucher, Mark Borde, Chris Charalambous, Cion, Will Clarke, Mark DeVitre, Carolyn Folks, Wayne Mark Godfrey, Robert Jones, Christophe Lannic, Keith Levine, Simon Lewis, Andy Mayson, Duncan McWilliam, Mike Runagall, Matthew Signer, Lee Vandermolen, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the movie possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lisa (Mandy Moore), Kate (Claire Holt), Javier (Chris Johnson), Louis (Yani Gellman), Ben (Santiago Segura), and Captain Taylor (Matthew Modine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is the next film in the 47-meters Down series and evokes the emotion of horror as it is meant to do.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MY SPY (Theatrical Release Canada 2020)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

My Spy—not the best of films, but has some goodness to it and earns a watch. One of Dave Baustista’s better works as a CIA Agent with heart. Bautista relaxes and shows a very likable personality in this movie as he works with spunky Chloe Coleman. Kristen Schaal performs outstandingly as support cast for the two, while Ken Jeong seems an awkward cast, but still manages to perform his part well. The story works as: fairly well written and serves an easy-on-the-mind, sweet film. The execution of the film moves along well and keeps its audience involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A professional CIA agent finds himself entangled with a young, wannabe CIA agent.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Segal for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Adrian Alperovich, Michael Flynn, Adam Fogelson, Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber, and Rachel Shane for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: JJ (Dave Bautista), Sophie (Chloe Coleman), Marquez (Greg Bryk), David Kim (Ken Jeong), Christina (Nicola Correia-Damude), Carlos (Devere Rogers), Todd (Noah Dalton Danby), General Gregovich (Vieslav Krystyan), Hassan (Basel Daoud), Azar (Ali Hassan), Selma (Olivia Dépatie), Emmy (Keller Viaene), and Koll (Jean-Michel Nadeau).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. The movie catches the heart and serves as a fun watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RISEN (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Risen—opening scenes do not give a good hint whether the movie will rise to the top or fall flat—leaves it audience with the feeling that they were not entertained because of its less than impactful delivery. The strongest actors are Joseph Fiennes and Cliff Curtis. Curtis, who plays Jesus, does not have a large part in the movie but has been well-chosen by the casting department as he comes across as non-ostentatious. That humble, simple delivery allows an authenticity to his interpretation of his character that serves the movie well.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline 

A Roman leader is given an order to find the missing body of Jesus. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Kevin Reynolds for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Holroyd and Robert Huberman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), Lucius (Tom Felton), Pilate (Peter Firth), Yeshua (Cliff Curtis), Mary Magdalene (Maria Botto), Joses (Luis Callejo), Joseph of Arimathea (Antonio Gil), Polybius (Richard Atwill), Peter (Stewart Scudamore), Quintus (Andy Gathergood), Bartholomew (Stephen Hagan), John (Mish Boyko), Thomas/Dydimus (Jan Cornet), Simon the Canaanite (Joe Manjón), and Thaddeus (Pepe Lorente). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The concept is interesting as it explores the Roman side of the story of the aftereffects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But, other than an examination of the possibilities of that concept, this film can be skipped. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai across the 8^th Dimension breaks the speed record in its wild and crazy ride through the lands of weird and unclear. Read a plotline before you go to understand what the story is going to deliver. The movie will, undoubtedly become a cult classic if for no other reason than its outlandish title.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Buckaroo Banzai works to keep 8^th dimension aliens from doing harm to earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director W.D. Richter for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Sidney Beckerman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller), Lord John Whorfin/Dr. Emilio Lizardo (John Lithgow), Penny Priddy (Ellen Barkin), New Jersey (Jeff Goldblum), John Bigbooté (Christopher Lloyd), Perfect Tommy (Lewis Smith), John Emdall (Rosalind Cash), Professor Hikita (Robert Ito), Reno Nevada (Pepe Serna), President Widmark (Ronald Lacey), Secretary of Defense (Matt Clark), Rawhide (Clancy Brown), General Catburd (William Traylor), John Parker (Carl Lumbly), John O’Connor (Vincent Schiavelli), John Gomez (Dan Hedaya), Senator Cunningham (Mariclare Costello), Casper Lindley (Bill Henderson), Scooter Lindley (Damon Hines), and Pinky Carruthers (Billy Vera).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Interesting due to its unorthodox delivery, the film may deserve a watch just for its complete disconnect to anything familiar.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREATER (Limited Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Greater relies on the acting of Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. The movie has some transitioning challenges between present and past scenes so that an audience may become confused. It takes several seconds to resolve the confusion and definitely downgrades the effectiveness of the story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

It’s a biographical drama about walk-on player, Brandon Burlsworth.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David L. Hunt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers  Neal McDonough and Brian Reindl for  making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marty Burlsworth (Neal McDonough), Barbara Burlsworth (Leslie Easterbrook), Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio), Leo Burlsworth (Michael Parks), The Farmer (Nick Searcy), Coach Tice (Peter Gray Lewis), Coach Bender (Fredric Lehne), Coach Ford (M.C. Gainey), Pastor Rick (Wayne Duvall), Anthony Lucas (Texas Battle), Coach Ford (M.C. Gainey), Pastor Rick (Wayne Duvall), Anthony Lucas (Texas Battle), Coach Nutt (Mark Dobies), Grant Garrett (Grant Cook), and Nathan Ward (Josh Emerson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is what it is. This film runs the gauntlet between like/don’t like. Either way, it is watchable, especially for sports fans.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Murder on the Orient Express performs at a higher entertainment value than the 1974 version of this story. Kenneth Branagh interpreted Hercule Poirot well. It is worth a single watch when in the mood for a whodunit story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Poirot attempts to solve another murder.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kenneth Branagh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Matthew Jenkins, Dillon Kivo, James Prichard, Aditya Sood, and Hilary Strong for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Young Policeman (Paapa Essiedu), Young Boy (Yassine Zeroual), Hotel Waitor (Asan N’Jie), British Police Chief Inspector (Michael Rouse), Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), Rabbi (Elliot Levey), Priest (David Annen), Imam (Joseph Long), Armed Policeman (Andy Apollo), British Military Escort (Hadley Fraser), Miss Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley), Dr. Arbuthnot (Leslie Odom Jr.), Arab Shipmate (Ziad Abaza), Waiter (Nari Blair-Mangat), Waiter (Luke Brady), Old Turk Baker (Miltos Yerolemou), Bouc (Tom Bateman), Prostitute (Kathryn Wilder), Aynesworth (Gerard Horan), Biniamino Marquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Pilar Estravados (Penélope Cruz), Maitre d’ (Richard Clifford), Edward Ratchett (Johnny Depp), Edward Henry Masterman (Derek Jocobi), Count Rudolph Andrenyl (Sergei Polunin), Italian Fan (Adam Garcia), Countess Elena Andrenyl (Lucy Boynton), Caroline Hubbard (Michelle Pfeiffer), Princess Dragomiroff (Judi Dench), Hildegarde Schmidt (Olivia Colman), and Gerhard Hardman (Willem Dafoe).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While not a great watch, it satisfies the need to see a murder mystery movie for an adult audience. It most likely will be too slow for the younger members of a family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers