JULIA (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Julia—full and complete—is one of those World War II films easily missed. The movie explores the depth of lifelong female friendship, loyalty, and love’s capacity to walk through life-threatening doors in order to fulfill the requirements of such a friendship.  The film increases its complexity by not only examining the relationship between Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave but also the professional working and physical romance between best friends Jane Fonda and Jason Robards. The story is wonderful and clean other than a suggestive scene between Fonda and Robards.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Julia (Vanessa Redgrave) and Lillian (Jane Fonda) are lifelong friends who maintain close contact until they become involved in developing separate careers—Julia studies medicine and Lillian studies writing. When Julia becomes deeply involved in the European anti-Nazi movement, she eventually enlists the aid of her friend Lillian to smuggle valuables into Germany.  

Additional Thanks 

Thank You to Director Fred Zinnemann. Thank you to Executive Producer Julien Derode for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Jason Robards, Maximilian Schell, Hal Holbrook, Rosemary Murphy, Meryl Streep, Dora Doll, Elisabeth Mortensen, John Glover, Lisa Pelikan, and Susan Jones.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is surprisingly powerful. Worth watching

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH (Released to Theaters USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì Gremlins 2: the New Batch—suitable, afternoon watch—has a little horror mixed with a little comedy. Be entertained by outstandingly slimy monsters with mouths full of quite sharp teeth. Watch for cameo appearances of movie critic Leonard Maltin and wrestler Hulk Hogan. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Things get out of hand when a janitor accidentally gets gizmo wet.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Joe Dante for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Michael Finnell for making the film possible. Cast includes Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Robert J. Prosky,  Robert Picardo, and Christopher Lee.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This movie works at the suitable to okay level with a general cult movie styling. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers