THE WINDING STREAM (South By Southwest Film Festival Austin Texas USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Winding Stream—well-done documentary—uses a nice selection of Western music to tell its story with exceptionally fine documentation of the Carter family’s musical history. It’s definitely worth a watch and introduces a terrific Western musician, Murry Hammond. See his song “I Believe, I Believe” on YouTube for an immersion into some great yodeling.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

This documentary details the Carter family’s, June Carter Cash, efforts to keep Western music at the forefront of the American identity.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Beth Harrington for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Christine Vernier and David Vernier for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Chet Atkins), Herself (Lorrie Bennett), Himself (John R. Brinkley), Herself (Peggy Bulger), Herself (Anita Carter), Herself (Carlene Carter), Herself (Helen Carter), Herself (Janette Carter), Himself (Joe Carter), Herself (Mother Maybelle Carter), and Herself (Sara Carter).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Terrific immersion into Americana. Good for the whole family.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOSPEL ROAD: A STORY OF JESUS (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus presents parts of the life of Jesus as narrated by Johnny Cash. Unfortunately, the film, although shot in Israel, is a low budget production that, while a worthy watch, does not fall into a quality watch due to weak acting and portrayal of storyline. Actor Robert Elfstrom casts as Jesus and seems a bit unsettling to see in this role. Due to its low budget, the film uses old ruins located in Israel rather than re-creating sets that would be more appropriate to the actual situations in the first century.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Johnny Cash narrates this film about the life of Jesus. Cash films in Israel.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Elfstrom for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Johnny Cash), Jesus Christ (Robert Elfstrom), Mary Magdalene (June Carter Cash), John the Baptist (Larry Lee), Peter (Paul L. Smith), Nicodemus (Alan Dater), Jesus as a child (Robert Elfstrom, Jr.), John (Gelles LaBlanc), Matthew (Terrence Winston Mannock), Judas Iscariot (Thomas Leventhal), James the Elder (John Paul Kay), Thomas (Sean Armstrong), and Andrew (Lyle Nicholson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It may be appreciated by the beginner or new Christian or one who would love to see the background scenery of Israel, but it needs revision for full effect.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers