THE AVIATOR (Released to Theaters New York, New York, USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Aviator uses Leonardo DiCaprio to tell its version of the life and times of Howard Hughes—engineer, inventor, and film maker. It accomplishes its task well while completely entertaining its audience with wide views into the lifestyle of a bigger-than-life American.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Schwartz, Colin Cotter, Leonardo DiCaprio, Volker Schauz, Rick Yorn, Chris Brigham, Aslan Nadery, and Bob and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Thank you to Music Composer Howard Shore and Script Writer John Logan. Cast includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani, and Jude Law.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Leonardo DiCaprio does a wonderful job in his portrayal of Howard Hughes.

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

DJANGO UNCHAINED (Released to Theaters USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Django Unchained—a type of spaghetti western a la Quentin Tarantino flick—delivers blood, blood, and more blood. It’s a rough, rowdy story for the adult audience that relies on an unlikely storyline filled with gore and revenge.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Django (Jamie Foxx) and Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) team together as bounty hunters when Dr. Schultz, disguised as a traveling dentist, asks to buy Django. When the traders refuse to sell, Dr. King Schultz kills two of the traders and injures another. The slaves kill the remaining injured trader. Dr. King Schultz then asks Django what he knows about the Brittle Brothers. Django can identify the Brittle Brothers. Dr. Schultz has a warrant for their arrest and offers Django freedom in exchange for help with hunting/identifying the brothers. After capturing the Brittle Brothers, Django becomes an apprentice to Dr. King Schultz to learn the bounty hunting trade. Django has talent for the business and soon earns money. He desires to find his slave wife and buy her freedom. Dr. King Schultz agrees to help Django find his wife and the real story begins.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Quentin Tarantino for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Shannon McIntosh, Michael Shamberg, James W. Skotchdopole, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Cast include: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Dennis Christopher, James Remar, David Steen, and Dana Gourrier.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. All the expected Quentin Tarantino story telling techniques are present in this flick. It will not disappoint Tarantino fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RICHARD JEWELL (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì Richard Jewell—really good movie, produced and directed by Clint Eastwood—shows how courage, determination, and justice can prevail in the most unlikely of circumstances. This very good movie provides excellent after-viewing discussion among friends. Good addition for home video libraries. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A young security guard saves concert goers from a pipe bomb planted by a terrorist and then a reporter plants a story that the guard himself planted the bomb.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tim Moore,  Jessica Meier, Kevin Misher, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, Jonah Hill, and Clint Eastwood for making the film possible. Cast includes Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, and Paul Walter Hauser. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good watch with the Director/Producer Clint Eastwood focus on true stories where justice is established. Worth its watch, its monetary investment, and its time investment.  Video Critique Available Here:  Ben Meyers