THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (Theatrical Release UK 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The World Is Not Enough—introduces a modernity that moves Bond into the computer age with welcome new technological gadgetry. Desmond Llewellyn, as Q, makes the statement that he is retiring from M16 which will leave room for the introduction of John Cleese as Q in the 2002 release of Die Another Day, which will be Pierce Brosnan’s last James Bond film. It will take four years to find a replacement for Brosnan. Eon Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer will find Daniel Craig for Casino Royale and the James Bond series will be back in business. This film serves the James Bond series in a predictable manner and is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) protects Elektra King (Sophie Marceau), the daughter of assassinated Sir Robert King (David Calder), who has plans of her own.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Michael Apted for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Renard (Robert Carlyle), Dr. Christmas Jones (Denise Richards), Valentin Zukovsky (Robbie Coltrane), M (Judi Dench), Q (Desmond Llewelyn), R (John Cleese), Cigar Girl (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), Miss Moneypenny (Samantha Bond), Bill Tanner (Michael Kitchen), Charles Robinson (Colin Salmon), Bullion (Goldie), Dr. Molly Warmflash (Serena Scott Thomas), Davidov (Ulrich Thomsen), Gabor (John Seru), Colonel Akakievich (Claude Oliver Rudolph), and Lachaise (Patrick Malahide).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film moves along well and is worth watching.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

J. EDGAR (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

J. Edgar—a Clint Eastwood-directed film—focuses on the rise to power of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover. While the film gives a loose, fictional account of J. Edgar Hoover’s life, the movie provides an interesting interpretation of J. Edgar Hoover’s relationship with both his mother, Annie Hoover, and his friend, Clyde Tolson. Kudos to the Makeup Department for outstanding artistry in the transition from youth to old age for J. Edgar Hoover and Clyde Tolson. This film moves well and provides good adult entertainment value.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

J. Edgar Hoover’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) life and times as he works through events such as the Lindbergh baby’s kidnapping and several presidential administrations are punctuated with views into his private life and his life before the FBI.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Erica Huggins and Tim Moore for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, Josh Hamilton, Geoff Pierson, Cheryl Lawson, Kaitlyn Dever, Gunner Wright, David A. Cooper, Ed Westwick, Naomi Watts, and Jeffrey Donovan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is completely entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK* (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Chronicles of Riddick—almost works as a cult classic—has Vin Diesel and his supporting cast working at the same level of quality as in the first film in the series.  The movie is what it is…somewhat entertaining…and allows a continuation of Riddick’s story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Riddick is a fugitive and tries to stay alive while establishing some kind of life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Twohy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Vin Diesel and Scott Kroopf for making film possible. Cast includes: Vin Diesel, Colm Feore, Keith David, Thandiwe Newton, Alexa Davalos, Judi Dench, Linus Roache, Nick Chinlund, and Yorick van Wageningen, and Karl Urban. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is what it is…not great but the kind of a film that one goes to see because it is ‘kind of entertaining’ despite its lame presentation, storyline, and general ‘bad-ness’ or maybe just to see Vin Diesel.

*Also Known as Riddick 2: Günlükler 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers