METEOR (Theatrical Release USA 1979)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

Meteor—predictable at times, simple watch—features classic entertainers of the 1970s:  Sean Connery, Brian Keith, and Henry Fonda. The movie re-kindles appreciation for their talents. Because there have been so many movies that have followed this particular disaster for earth theme that roots itself in meteor showers, it can be interpreted almost as a ho-hum watch. But, the movie has its merits for its time period.  It serves as an easy-on-the-mind, light afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This impending disaster film is about a meteor that has potential to destroy earth. Both Russia and the United States have weapons capable of destroying the threat. The question is whether they will focus on the meteor’s destruction or will they continue to focus on each other’s differences. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ronald Neame for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arnold Orgolini, Theodore Parvin, and Run Run Shaw for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sean Connery, Natalie Wood, Karl Malden, Brian Keith, Martin Landau, Trevor Howard, Richard Dysart, and Henry Fonda. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The best part of this movie is seeing these particular actors working together. It would be a novel and good background movie to run for a party.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

TUCKER: THE MAN AND HIS DREAM (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Tucker: The Man and his Dream assembles an outstanding cast—Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, Martin Landau and Mako to tell its story. It’s a well-made biopic that educates and entertains.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man develops a car during 1948 that has safety features on it that would not be added to more conventional automobiles until years later. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing effort. Thank you to Fred Fuchs and Fred Roos for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, Martin Landau, Frederic Forrest, Mako, Bob Safford, and Dean Stockwell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie is relevant and a good study for anyone involved in making a dream come true. This is a down-to-earth movie that earns its watch.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

9 (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

9—fabulous camera work and great cinematography—becomes complicated with a difficult to follow storyline and poorly developed characters. The animation has terrific originality and with proper character development, this movie could have been in an A+ category. An audience may find itself asking, why is this film important throughout the film. On the upside, the voice casting includes some of our best—Christopher Plummer, the late Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Connelly, and Elijah Woods.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Scientist (voice of Alan Oppenheimer) creates a robot that destroys all living things on earth. The scientist creates nine rag dolls and splits his life force into nine pieces that enliven the rag dolls. The rag dolls become involved in a plan to destroy the robot and re-establish life on planet earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Shane Acker for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Timur Bekmambetov, Tim Burton, Dana Ginsburg, and Jim Lemley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: #1 (voice of Christopher Plummer), #2 (voice of Martin Landau), #5 (voice of John C. Reilly), #6 (voice of Crispin Glover), #7 (voice of Jennifer Connelly), #8/Announcer (voice of Fred Tatsciore), #9 (voice of Elijah Woods), Dictator (voice of Tom Kane), and News Caster (voice of Helen Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film fails to catch interest in its opening scenes. Despite its great camerawork, the lack of character expansion kills the film’s possibilities from the get-go.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers