TROY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Troy, interesting, does a much better job of telling the classic, god-related story than many other films within this genre. The acting is suitable to good and the presentation/portrayal work at the same level. The writing department writes from an angle that greatly enhances previous attempts to portray this story with some very good dialogue lines about who should fight wars between kings. There are unnecessary nudity and sexual scenes in the movie. But, overall, the movie makes some valid points about war and makes way for good, after viewing discussion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie tracks the events that led to the Grecian attack on Troy over Helen. 

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Producer Wolfgang Petersen. Thank you to Producers Diana Rathbun and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast include: Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis, Jacob Smith, Brad Pitt, John Shrapnel, Brendon Gleeson, Diane Kruger, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and Siri Svegler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is a suitable watch and tells a fairly good story. Watch for Actor Peter O’Toole in his later life professional work and the support of Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Brian Cox, Brenden Gleeson, Brad Pitt, Sean Bean, and Diane Kruger.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

101 DALMATIANS (Released to Theatrical USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

101 Dalmatians is a little short in time length, but makes up for that in its Wow! factor. This movie is a great, live-action remake of the animated movie of the same name. The terrific acting of Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil makes this movie work beyond expectations. She creates an unforgettable character. Her henchmen, acted by Mark Williams and Hugh Laurie, are perfectly rendered. Watch for some of the best costuming of any film from 2009. Kudos to the Rosemary Burrows and Anthony Powell costuming department.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) desires the spotted fur from Dalmatian puppies to make clothing.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Herek for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Edward S. Feldman and Bill Ryan for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, John Shrapnel, and Alonzo Tim McInnerny.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script by John Hughes is well-written and makes a good, solid foundation for Director Stephen Herek to perform the magic that makes this film one that can be watched over and over by the child and adult. It’s a good home library addition.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GLADIATOR (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Gladiator—good, well-told, well-written story—wisely chose  Russell Crowe as the lead actor. That choice made this film work. The movie also shows Richard Harris in the latter part of his career. It is a good pick and a great reminder of past, prime-time entertainment for the audience who appreciates Roman history films. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Rome, Italy is under the rule of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Particularly pleased with General Maximus’ (Russell Crowe) victories over the difficult Germania borderlands, he offers the rule of the Roman Empire to General Maximus over his own son Commodus’ inherent rights. The greatly angered Commodus murders his father and takes vengeance on General Maximus’ family by ruthlessly murdering them. General Maximus ends up in Zucchabar where he is trained to fight in gladiator arenas. He works his way back to Rome through skillful fighting, performs in front of Emperor Commodus, and turns the Roman Empire against its own reigning Emperor.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Ridley Scott. Thank you to Executive Producers Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes, and Ridley Scott for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), Proximo (Oliver Reed), Gracchus (Derek Jacobi), Juba (Djimon Hounsou), Falco (David Schofield), Gaius (John Shrapnel), Quintus (Tomas Arana), Hagen (Ralf Moeller), Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark), Cassius (David Hemmings), Cicero (Tommy Flanagan), and Tigris (Sven-Ole Thorsen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good watch and tells its story well. This movie works as a big budget film with an epic story to tell. This film could use a little better presentation to move the movie into a higher interest level.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers