THE GREAT DEBATERS (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  The Great Debaters—Denzel Washington—is a quality watch from its beginning to its conclusion. It takes a bit of time to get into its story, but do not give up on this one. It's a winner from the get-go and turns into a  'must see' that is a perfect addition to the home video library while giving terrific opportunity for before and after viewing family discussion...a good family share movie that emphasizes the importance of handling dialogue well and standing up for rights in a dignified manner. This is a true story...inspirational and very worthy.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline A true story of Mr. Melvin Tolson, a teacher at a college in Texas, who teaches students how to debate other students effectively and well.  Additional Thank Thank you to Director Denzel Washington for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Todd Black, Kate Forte, Joe Roth, and Oprah Winfrey for making the film possible. Cast includes Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, John Heard, and Kimberly Elise.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It's difficult to understand where this film is going at first until the students are given the green light to debate other students at other colleges and universities, then the brilliance and clarity of points very well made, make it shine. Great work for all involved. Thank you for a great watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

DEATH WISH (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Death Wish—Bruce Willis remake of the 1974 Charles Bronson's first Death Wish movie—bases its story in vigilante action when law agencies fail their duty. Bruce Willis plays cold in some sentimental scenes. He doesn't pull the power that Bronson did. Additionally, he plays softer in vigilante scenes. It does not open with the raunchy beginning scenes as did the Bronson film. The main character role for Paul Kersey is a medical doctor in this film, in the original Bronson film, he is an architect.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Paul Kersey’s wife and daughter end in the hospital after a break-in of his house by robbers. When Paul cannot find justice with the police, he does it himself.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director/Producer Eli Roth for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Ilona Herzberg, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone, Dean Norris, Beau Knapp, Kimberly Elise, Len Cariou, Jack Kesy, and Ronnie Gene Blevins,. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Maybe. It is a suitable to okay watch, but does not have the same power as the Bronson film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers