THE HURT LOCKER (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Hurt Locker—in 131 short minutes—sets the higher defining mark for war movie production. The inside of the warrior’s mind, the way wars are fought, and the dedication of soldiers during conflict—the movie quickly moves itself into a film that may be watched more than once as a great war movie. The Hurt Locker hits the jackpot for great acting with Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie. The great script by Mark Boal and outstanding direction by Kathryn Bigelow turn out a unique film that will be well appreciated by hardcore war movie fans.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner), the new explosive ordinance disposal team leader, causes concern within the ranks due to his seemingly reckless behavior.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Kathryn Bigelow for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Tony Mark for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie), Specialist Owen Eldrige (Brian Geraghty), Sergeant Matt Thompson (Guy Pearce), Contractor Team Leader (Ralph Fiennes), Colonel Reed (David Morse), Connie James (Evangeline Lilly), Colonel John Cambridge (Christian Camargo), and Black Suit Man (Suhail Aldabbach).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While war movies often run as B-grade entertainment, this movie pushes itself into higher level story telling.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Released to Theaters USA 2000)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Rules of Engagement—inspired by true events— is about a military engagement and moves into a military courtroom for court examination of that engagement. This movie provides suitable entertainment and a look into military law. It's worth a watch; serves a mellow, interesting, and suitable story.  Watch for some of our best actors as they play the roles of protagonist and antagonist while resolving this court case: Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood, Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  An American commander orders his soldiers to open fire on protesters who are firing at his troops. Afterward, military court opens to investigate and possibly prosecute him for misconduct.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director William F. Friedkin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Adam Schroeder and Jim Webb for making the film possible. Casting includes Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Greenwood, Anne Archer, Blair Underwood, Philip Baker Hall, and Dale Dye.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This military trial case provides a nicely done view into the proceedings of a military court case and its final resolution. It's a good pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

IRON MAN 3 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Iron Man 3—concludes the Iron Man series—wisely reprises Robert Downey Jr. in his role as Iron Man. Downey Jr. does not miss one opportunity to continue to develop the personality of Iron Man to its maximum. The villains are well-chosen with Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce. Watch for William Sadler and Don Cheadle. This Iron Man works at an eclectic level that requires mental attention and a quick ear to follow the plotline. The movie lacks nothing and provides good entertainment.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Iron Man fights against a force intent on destroying him. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shane Black for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, William Sadler, Miguel Ferrer, Jon Favreau, and Ben Kingsley 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Robert Downey Jr., as usual, is superb. This is another great Iron Man watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers