INTO THE WILD (Released to Theaters USA 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Into the Wild—message story with its message deeply hidden—is partially based on a true story of one young man's quest for the meaning of life. This movie is based on a book written by Jon Krakauer, story picked up by Sean Penn who decided to write a movie script and produce the film. This has some nudity and some sexual scenes. But besides that the film is a good watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A young man wants to find the meaning of life and how to achieve more happiness. He leaves his mother, father, sister, and material assets behind and begins hitchhiking across the United States while gradually heading toward the Alaskan wilderness. Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Sean Penn for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sean Penn, Art Linson, and Bill Pohlad for making the film possible. Cast includes Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Brian H. Dierker, Vince Vaughn, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, and Hal Holbrook.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. There is a strong message at the end of story that has been presented exceptionally well. The answer to both of his questions is given within the movie and allows any person watching the film access to the answer without needing to go on this young man's quest. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

CHARLIE’S ANGELS (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Charlie’s Angels—not the best of the Charlie’s Angels movies—does not flow like a usual spy film. But, the story is tighter and well-written. It earns its watch. Watch for a good performance by Patrick Stewart. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This action film is about the angels becoming involved with the work of an international embezzler, life-threatening computer software, murder, and espionage in an effort to keep the world safe. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Elizabeth Banks for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Doug Belgrad, Elizabeth Cantillon, Max Handelman, and Elizabeth Banks for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Djimon Hounsou, Sam Claflin, Noah Centineo, and Patrick Stewart. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fun to compare the differences between the Charlie’s Angels storylines chosen from the movies produced in 2000, 2003, and 2019. The 2019 film is much tighter in presentation and not as ‘campy’ as earlier movies. It is not as 'fun' as earlier movies. On the other hand, it has a well-written story and easily becomes a satisfying watch. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

TWILIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight—craftily made—completely wins due to the casting choice of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. That onscreen duo combine to form a uniquely electrifying effect that surpasses Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor in Gone With The Wind and Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen.  This romance completely defies the ordinary and runs to prove its originality. It’s a BRAVO for Director Catherine Hardwicke’s directorial debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) finds Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) electrifying.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Catherine Hardwicke for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Michele Imperato, Guy Oseary, and Karen Rosenfelt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Renée (Sarah Clarke), Phil (Matt Bushell), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Billy Black (Gil Birmingham), Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Tyler (Gregory Tyree Boyce), Eric (Justin Chon), Mike Newton (Michael Welch), Jessica (Anna Kendrick), Angela (Christian Serratos), Rosalie (Nikki Reed), Emmet Cullen (Kellan Lutz), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), and Jasper (Jackson Rathbone).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It compliments and enhances author Stephanie Meyers’ novel in ways that films can rarely accomplish.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers