THE TREE OF LIFE (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì  The Tree of Life—odd and difficult to follow—needs a good, thorough plotline read (see Wikipedia) and some research into the original intent to produce. It's completely intellectual, relies heavily on metaphors and similes, has really good cinematography, and quickly polarizes audiences into 'loved it', 'hated it' opinions.  It's difficult to find its overarching principle.  It definitely invites after viewing discussion. Director Terrence Malick understands something in this artistic production that will completely "blow right over the heads' of most audiences. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images   Storyline   Its the story of life in metaphors and similes as experienced through the O'Brien family.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Terrence Malick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Donald Rosenfeld for making the film possible. Cast includes Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, Hunter McCracken, Laramie Eppler, Tye Sheridan, Fiona Shaw, Jessica Fuselier, Nicholas Gonda, and Will Wallace.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is highly intellectualized, artistic production that may 'blow right over the heads' of most audiences.  Nothing lacking in portrayal, presentation, and acting.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì 

X-Men: Dark Phoenix—odd storyline and concept—defies reason and raises strong questions about its storyline and outcome. There is a complete absence of order, law, and adherence to goodness in this story. How did this story make it to the big screen? Who is Dark Phoenix? Maybe the better question is: who and what exactly are the X-Men? Superheroes or supervillains? It seems they are more about death than life.  This film lacks a cohesive storyline to the other films that an audience can relate to. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The young Dark Phoenix cannot control her X-Men powers and becomes a challenge to her family, her school, and to her fellow X-Men. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Simon Kinberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Tom Hallowell for making the film possible. Cast includes: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, and Jessica Chastain. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. It is what it is. The movie runs on an exceptionally dark theme that defies reason. It’s a movie that does not leave an audience with a good feeling or feeling good about what they just saw. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

INTERSTELLAR (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Interstellar—fabulously written—has an exceptionally creative and interesting storyline. The movie accesses the talents of Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, John Lithgow, Michael Cain, Timothée Chalamet, Matt Damon, Makenzie Foy, Casey Affleck, and Jessica Chastain. Watch for short cameos of David Oyelowo, William Devane, and Ellen Berstyne. Director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, and The Prestige) works magic with a story that, under different direction, would have been lost in the realm of unintelligible. Instead, he worked the very good writing and good cast into a highly watchable movie that provides a welcomed stretch to the imagination. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A little girl encounters a ghost in the family library and finally discovers who it is.

 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, and Lynda Obst for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Caine, and Matt Damon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderfully written story and supports itself on great acting. 

Home Video Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

THE MARTIAN (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Martian—WOW!—easily becomes an excellent addition to the home video library. The star-studded, hot-ticket cast (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Donald Glover, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Benedict Wong (from Marvel Comics)) are well-mixed. Jeff Daniels shows his versatility when one thinks of him in this movie versus Dumb and Dumber or State of Play.  The movie earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A team works to rescue a man left behind on Mars. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Drew Goddard for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peňa, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Mackenzie Davis, and Donald Glover. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a wonderful sci-fi movie and worth its watch; a well-done film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers