THE MOSQUITO COAST (Released to Theaters USA 1986)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Mosquito Coast, after viewing, seems a ridiculous story. But it has impact and the mind, as it continues to unravel the story, concludes that this movie’s story will not allow the audience to forget it any time soon. It is novel and requires involvement to follow the storyline. It is almost rewatchable. Watch for a terrific cast that includes Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix, and Jadrien Steele. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An inventor decides to leave America and establish a new home on the Mosquito Coast. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Peter Weir for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jerome Hellman for making the film possible. Cast includes Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix, Jadrien Steele, Hilary Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Jason Alexander, Dick O'Neill, Alice Heffernan-Sneed, Tiger Haynes, William Newman, Andre Gregory, Melanie Boland, and Martha Plimpton.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. The storyline is worth watching. It’s an unusual film but has a unique impact and will not soon be forgotten as it moves through its interpretation of a specific personality type. 

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

F9: THE FAST SAGA (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

F9: The Fast Saga—not as good as the previous three films—still consistently holds the expected story and serves action fans well. Casting did a great job of choosing John Cena as Dominic’s younger brother. Neither actor overshadows the other and the power balance is preserved. Good choice to move forward in future releases. A dip into Dominic Toretto's past in the introduction into the story is well done, but after that it seems almost run-of-the-mill until it gains pace as John Cena comes into the picture. The movie has a great conclusion and has already prepared the audience for Fast X  in the  mid-credit scene at the end of the movie. Good watch that revolves around family events in a racing world. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action drama film is about: Dominic and crew are on a mission to save Mr. Nobody. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeffrey Kirshchenbaum, Joe Roth, Clayton Townsend, and Samantha Vincent for making the film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. For Fast and Furious fans, this movie provides some background to Dominic’s family story to include his father and his brother. The movie earns its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers 

NATIONAL TREASURE 2: BOOK OF SECRETS (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets plays as well as the first film in the series partially due to outstanding casting and partially due to a good storyline. Watch for Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, and Helen Mirren interpreting their roles with strong skill. This movie does not disappoint and earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Civil War secret leads to a treasure trove. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Jon Turteltaub for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Jon Turteltaub for making the film possible. Casting includes: Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Bruce Greenwood, and Helen Mirren. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie serves Nicolas Cage fans and Jon Voight fans well. It’s worth its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ANNE FRANK: PARALLEL STORIES (Theatrical Release Italy 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Anne Frank: Parallel Stories has interesting interviews from female women who survived the Holocaust and provides a surprisingly large selection of interviewees. Helen Mirren seems an odd choice for narrator of this documentary fiction due to her high-level actress status…almost a little intimidating and overwhelming in this role. The documentary is freshly updated due to its presentation; the camerawork uses good transitions between each new scene. The documentary fiction serves an audience who has not seen or been aware of the Anne Frank story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

The Anne Frank story gets a fresh review as a fiction documentary.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Sabina Fedeli and Anna Migotto for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Franco Di Sarro, Didi Gnocchi, 3D Produzioni, Nexo Digital, Anne Frank Fonds, and RAI Cinema for making the film possible. Cast includes: Helen Mirren, Arianna Szorenyl, Fanny Hochbaum, Sarah Lichtsztein-Montard, Andra Bucci, Helga Weiss, and Martina Gatti. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This fiction documentary educates and could easily serve as a good film to introduce anyone 10-years and up to the Anne Frank story. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers