WONDERSTRUCK (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Wonderstruck—terrific story—shows the talent of Director Todd Haynes. It wins at the emotional level, involves its audience, shows terrific attention to detail, deserves both kudos and bravos, and absolutely earns your time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

In 1927 Rose (Millicent Simmonds) runs away from home to find her mother. Fifty years later Ben (Oakes Fegley) searches for his father.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Todd Haynes for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Brian Bell and Sandy Powell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lillian Mayhew/Rose (Julianne Moore), Walter (Cory Michael Smith), Dr. Kincaid/Rose’s Father (James Urbaniak), Otto/Museum Guard (Damian Young), Workman (Patrick Murney), Pearl/The Maid (Lauren Ridloff), Dr. Gill/Teacher of the Deaf (Anthony Natale), Miss Conrad at the Museum (Carole Addabbo), Remy Rubin/Theater Director (Howard Seago), Stage Manager (Brian Berrebbi), and Valentin (John P. McGinty).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script, well-written, earns its right to classify as high-quality family entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

NEXT (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Next—great concept—needs a tad more story development, character development, and buffing of actor performance. Julianne Moore needs to be replaced with Sigourney Weaver, someone with a little stronger screen persona, or the script needs to give her more realistic dialogue applicable to her scenes. Her portrayal seems reminiscent of Sarah Jessica Parker’s in Did You Hear About the Morgans? It didn’t work and that is the same case here. Watch for Peter Falk’s appearance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) attracts FBI attention when the agency finds Cris routinely can see 2-minutes into the future.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lee Tamahori for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gary Goldman, Jason Koornick, and Ben Waisbren for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore), Liz Cooper (Jessica Biel), Mr. Smith (Thomas Kretschmann), Cavanaugh (Tory Kittles), Security Chief Roybal (José Zúñiga), NSA Director Wisdom (Jim Beaver), Jeff Baines (Jason Butler Harner), Kendall (Michael Trucco), Mr. Jones (Enzo Cilenti), Miss Brown (Laetitia Danielle), and Mr. Green (Nicolas Pajon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film needs improvement, but interesting to watch because of its prophetic theme. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers