THE BOOK THIEF (Released to the Mill Valley Film Festival, San Rafael California, USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Book Thief, a poignant tale of tragic endings and new beginnings, becomes that exceptional story that one will not soon forget due to the thoughtful, mindful way in which the script presents itself to its audience. There is a twist in the story as the identity of the Narrator (Roger Allam) is revealed which provides the perfect ending to a smoothly written and well-told tale.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

World War II story about the young foster girl, Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse), who loves to  read. Everything in her young life helps her read—her kindly foster father; a well-stocked library from which she, without permission, ‘borrows’ books; a Jewish refugee hiding in the family’s basement; and her schooling. 

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Brian Percival. Thank you to Executive Producer Redmond Morris for making the film possible. Cast include: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer, Sandra Nedeleff, and Nico Liersch.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Reminds one of the important things in life and how those events can lead to a beautiful life, well-lived.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl—unforgettable and rewatchable—This first film displays superb cinematography with such realistic special effects that, fifteen years later, still stand as great examples of the best effects the entertainment industry affords. Especially watch for the skeletons and decomposing pirate bodies. Johnny Depp, at his typical Johnny Depp best, pushes this storyline into outstanding. No wonder Disneyland specifically used this movie's theme to create one of its famous park rides. Great work for all involved in producing the film. Special mention to the terrific talents of Director Gore Verbinski. Outstanding work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Governor Swann (Jonathan Pryce) and his daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) become involved with the Pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), the crew of a ghost ship, the son of famous pirate Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), an old curse, and a special medallion.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gore Verbinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Deason, Bruce Hendricks, Chad Oman, and Mike Stenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Norrington (Jack Davenport), Pintel (Lee Arenberg), Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook), Lieutenant Gillette (Damian O’Hare), Murtogg (Giles New), Mullroy (Angus Barnett), Cotton (David Bailie), and Twigg (Michael Berry, Jr.).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a family-friendly film with all-encompassing entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE KING’S SPEECH (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The King’s Speech—a ‘don’t miss it’ inspirational film—utilizes the talents of an outstanding cast that includes: Colin Firth, Geoffery Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, and Timothy Spall. Director Tom Hooper allows room for a full expansion of the casts’ talents. The film is a family watch film that provides opportunity for much educational conversation before and after watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

King George VI (Colin Firth) needs to overcome a serious speech impediment in order to speak to the English people publicly. He engages Geoffrey Rush (Lionel Logue) to help him.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tom Hooper for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Brett, Mark Foligno, Geoffrey Rush, Tim Smith, Bob Weinstein, and Harvy Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: King George VI (Colin Firth), Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), Archbishop Cosmo Lang (Derek Jacobi), Equerry (Robert Portal), Private Secretary (Richard Dixon), Chauffeur (Paul Trussell), BBC Radio Announcer (Adrian Scarborough), Robert Wood (Andrew Havill), and BBC Technician (Charles Armstrong).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s an excellent watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers