FIRST MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

First Man—whole different angle on the Moon landing—takes an old storyline and makes it fresh and original as it begins with Neil Armstrong’s personal family challenges and moves toward the successful conclusion of landing on the Moon. The movie offers an accurate picture of families involved in these activities and does not over-dramatize the events. Great cinematography enhances the enjoyment of the movie especially toward the end of the film. The story is good and the presentation is really good. The acting is good. Ryan Gosling plays his role with believability as does Claire Foy. Strong human element in this film makes it an entirely good watch from opening scenes to concluding scenes. Good family share movie. It’s good to see the portrayal of strong marriages, good friends, and good character with excellent interaction with children. It’s good to see an honest portrayal of how couples work through challenges together without breaking relationships. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Pilot Neil Armstrong, distracted by trying keep a young daughter alive, which seems to be affecting his work performance, applies for acceptance into the NASA program.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Damien Chazelle for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, and Damien Chazelle for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Christopher Abbott, and Ciaran Hinds. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a one-time watch that’s worth time and money investment.  Great work for all involved in its production. 

Video Critique Available Here

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Ben Meyers 

MUDBOUND (Theatrical Release Germany USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Mudbound works for its money. This strongly realistic story depicts how people support each other across racial lines when there is trouble and shows how conflicting agendas, coupled with both good and bad life events, work to create disparity between people. The film shows, at a basic level, what works and what does not work in real life. The film deserves praise for its different approach to racism, the needs of land owners versus sharecroppers, and how soldiers sometimes handled post-traumatic stress syndrome after World War II. The story is well supported by its cast.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two Mississippi family stories intertwine and overlap as a sharecropping family and the farm’s new owners’ family each greet their returning World War II war veterans.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Dee Rees for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Teddy Schwarzman,  Daniel Steinman, Robert Teitel, Kyle Tekiela, George Tillman, Jr., and Virgil Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Laura McAllan (Carey Mulligan), Jamie McAllan (Garrett Hedlund), Henry McAllan (Jason Clarke), Pappy McAllan (Jonathan Banks), Hap Jackson (Rob Morgan), Florence Jackson (Mary J. Blige), Rose Tricklebank (Kerry Cahill), Ronsel Jackson (Jason Mitchell), Weeks (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.), Vera Atwood (Lucy Faust), Carl Atwood (Dylan Arnold), Resl (Samantha Hoefer), and Pretty Girl (Elizabeth Ashling).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While this movie does not work at the classic film level, it’s a worthy, solid story that serves the  late teen/adult audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers