NOAH (Released to Theaters USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Noah stands among the best of movies for cinematic themes, wonderfully picturesque camera shots, and good story lines. The script elaborates on the Biblical story of Noah using a combination of longstanding written and oral traditions that intertwine Biblical characters in a provocative way that holds audience interest from beginning to end. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Noah (Russell Crowe), after being informed in a dream that there will be a flood, goes to Grandfather Methuselah (Anthony Hopkins) to ask advice. Methuselah has had the same vision and gives Noah a seed for the lumber that Noah will need to use for building the ark. Noah plants the seed and grows a forest. The building of the ark, as with any endeavor, has its opponents. Tubal-cain (Ray Winstone) wars on Noah, breaches the ark, and enters it as the waters are flooding the land around him. The rest of the story involves Tubal-cain’s attempt to divide Noah’s family, the leaving of the ark, and a resolution for finding a mate for one of Noah’s sons.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Darren Aronofsky. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Brigham and Ari Handel for making the movie possible. Additional character/cast include: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winston, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Anthony Hopkins.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is a good resource for accessing 'the rest of the story'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TOP GUN: MAVERICK (Theatrical Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Top Gun: Maverick—WOW!—has terrific action, storyline, and dialogue lines. The story has come to its maturity and presents onscreen at a much higher level than the original Top Gun movie. Tom Cruise takes this film to the next level in entertainment value with his terrific supporting cast. It easily becomes one of the better military films marketed and easily establishes itself as a prime candidate for addition to the home video library. It has entertainment value written all over it. 

Film Poster of Google Images 

Storyline 

This war film is about precision air fighters who must remove a set of targets perceived as dangerous to world safety. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Joseph Kosinski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, and David Ellison for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer. 

Buy a Ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie defines great storytelling and improves vastly on the first Top Gun movie. It shows maturity, values courage and loyalty, and the importance of rehearsal and training. Wonderful work for all involved in production. Incredibly well-written piece of entertainment.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers