AD ASTRA (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Ad Astra—excellent casting with Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, and Donald Sutherland—runs slowly to the point that the good presentation seems squandered. The conclusion ends on a solemn note which is unexpected, but it ends well. The special effects for the space scenes are not as good as the 2013 movie Gravity with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney but the depth of space is enjoyable to see…spectacular. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

An astronaut goes to rescue his father and finish his father’s mission. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director James Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, James Gray, Anthony Katagas, Rodrigo Teixeira, and Arnon Milcan. Cast includes: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, and Donald Sutherland. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. Brad Pitt’s acting is good, and the story is well-written. The presentation is good. The movie runs slowly. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE LOST CITY OF Z (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Lost City of Z—based on the true story of jungle explorer Percy Fawcett—becomes worth watching for its interesting dip into little known history of this archaeologist and jungle explorer. There are some good scenes portraying action during World War I, Robert Pattinson looks good made up with a beard; but the film seems disconnected between its story and its actors.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) searches for the lost city of Z in the jungles of Brazil.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Felipe Aljure, Marc Butan, Lew Horwitz, Mark Huffam, Michael Ilitch Jr., Julie B. May, Glenn Murray, and Brad Pitt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson), Nina Fawcett (Sienna Miller), Jack Fawcett (Tom Holland), Arthur Manley (Edward Ashley), James Murray (Angus Macfadyen), Sir George Goldie (Ian McDiarmid), and Sir John Scott Keltie (Clive Francis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, the film lacks realism, but serves to establish the persona and basic skills of explorers.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers