LINCOLN (American Film Institute Film Festival Hollywood California USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Lincoln—very smartly written political script—portrays American President Abraham Lincoln as a more than astute politician deeply committed to ensuring future generations of African slaves their personal rights to freedom while defining American destiny. The film becomes another Steven Spielberg classic that not only entertains, but teaches and inspires. Daniel Day-Lewis (My Left Foot and Last of the Mohicans) is, as usual, at the top of his form, as he interprets the character of Abraham Lincoln. Sally Fields, brilliantly cast as Mrs. Lincoln, creates an absolutely perfect male/female tension between herself and Daniel Day-Lewis. The movie deserves an A+ rating across the board. The script, deeply thoughtful, makes its audience feel like we purchased insider seats on the actions that changed the course of a nation’s conscience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan King, Daniel Lupi, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Seward (David Strathairn), Robert Lincoln (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), W. N. Bilbo (James Spader), Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), and Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is a class act. Good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

JULIA (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Julia—full and complete—is one of those World War II films easily missed. The movie explores the depth of lifelong female friendship, loyalty, and love’s capacity to walk through life-threatening doors in order to fulfill the requirements of such a friendship.  The film increases its complexity by not only examining the relationship between Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave but also the professional working and physical romance between best friends Jane Fonda and Jason Robards. The story is wonderful and clean other than a suggestive scene between Fonda and Robards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Julia (Vanessa Redgrave) and Lillian (Jane Fonda) are lifelong friends who maintain close contact until they become involved in developing separate careers—Julia studies medicine and Lillian studies writing. When Julia becomes deeply involved in the European anti-Nazi movement, she eventually enlists the aid of her friend Lillian to smuggle valuables into Germany.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank You to Director Fred Zinnemann. Thank you to Executive Producer Julien Derode for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Jason Robards, Maximilian Schell, Hal Holbrook, Rosemary Murphy, Meryl Streep, Dora Doll, Elisabeth Mortensen, John Glover, Lisa Pelikan, and Susan Jones.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is surprisingly powerful. Worth watching

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INTO THE WILD (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Into the Wild—message story with its message deeply hidden—is partially based on a true story of one young man's quest for the meaning of life. This movie is based on a book written by Jon Krakauer, story picked up by Sean Penn who decided to write a movie script and produce the film. This has some nudity and some sexual scenes. But besides that the film is a good watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A young man wants to find the meaning of life and how to achieve more happiness. He leaves his mother, father, sister, and material assets behind and begins hitchhiking across the United States while gradually heading toward the Alaskan wilderness. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Sean Penn for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Penn, Art Linson, and Bill Pohlad for making the film possible. Cast includes Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Brian H. Dierker, Vince Vaughn, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, and Hal Holbrook.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. There is a strong message at the end of story that has been presented exceptionally well. The answer to both of his questions is given within the movie and allows any person watching the film access to the answer without needing to go on this young man's quest. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers