AS I LAY DYING (Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

As I Lay Dying—derived from William Faulkner’s novel—uses great cinematography with unusual, simultaneous two-screen display, perfectly timed slow-motion scenes, and unique camera angles that greatly amplify the portrayal of this eerily, dark drama. The actors, superbly cast, portray this story with great attention to detail. Tim Blake Nelson displays great skill in every scene while Brady Permenter shows great promise in this movie, his first theatrical film and acting debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Addie Bundren (Beth Grant) lies dying and requests her family bury her in Jefferson, Mississippi. The journey complicates itself after a bad rain storm.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Franco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Heidi Jo Markel, Trevor Short, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darl Bundren (James Franco), Anse (Tim Blake Nelson), Cash (Jim Parrack), Dewey Dell (Ahna O’Reilly), Jewel (Logan Marshall-Green), Vardaman Bundren (Brady Permenter), Vernon Tull (Danny McBride), Dr. Peabody (Brian Lally), Cora Tull (Jennifer Kristen Howell), Eula Tull (Anna Kooris), Kate Tull (Natalie Minton), and Reverend Whitfield (Steve Nabors).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a dive into a world of poverty and ignorance. It’s not a good movie if you’re looking for a light and happy story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rise of the Planet of the Apes—stands the test of time—works due to some terrific rewriting of the script. WOW! This movie plays with the third and fourth films of the original series and combines them into a more plausible story than the original series did. The upgrade completely works because it plays with current time for a launch into future events. Watch for terrific computer generated, realistic apes. The movie deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: An intelligent ape who leads a group of apes into a rebellion against humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rupert Wyatt for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, and Andy Serkis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. What a concept! The movie completely satisfies Planet of the Ape movie fans. Watch for John Lithgow, James Franco, David Oyelowo as well as listening for the voicing of Andy Serkis for the character Caesar. One of the best remakes on par with the original series. Wow! Good job on turning the story inside/out. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

THE VAULT (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Vault—interesting with a bit of intrigue, a little creepy with its own ‘cool’—does not have the best of acting, but keeps the audience wondering how the story will play out. It needs a sequel as the ending leaves unanswered questions; but due to an extremely low box office take, that sequel seems unlikely. The movie seems slightly reminiscent of the 2002 film 28 Days Later (2002). This movie suits Ben Meyers’ choices for fair to middling afternoon watches.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A bank robbery turns up a meager $70,000 until an assistant manager reveals there is $6,000,000 stored under the bank in an old vault.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Dan Bush for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Adler, Michael Becker, Lee Broda, Jamie Carmichael, Joseph Dang, Jon Graham, Dana Guerin, Michael Guerin, Jeff Gum, Gary Matthew, Alexander Motlagh, Dmitry Paniotto, Darby Parker, Scott Read, Jeff Rice, Shaun Sanghani, Greg Scott, and John R. Sherman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ed Maas (James Franco), Michael Dillon (Scott Haze), Vee Dillon (Taryn Manning), Leah Dillon (Francesca Eastwood), Susan Cromwell (Q’orianka Kilcher), Officer James Aiken (Jeff Gum), Detective Tom Iger (Clifton Collins Jr.), Cyrus (Keith Loneker), Mary (Jill Jane Clements), Kramer (Michael Milford), Lauren (Debbie Sherman), Kirkham (Conal Byrne), and Nancy (Lee Broda).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works as a good fill-in-some-time flick.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers