THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR (Released to Theaters USA 1975)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Three Days of the Condor—very good story—is structured well. The acting, presentation, and portrayal are very good.  It's good to see the eclectic casting mix: Robert Redford, Max Von Sydow, Faye Dunaway, and Cliff Roberts.  That mix aids the surprise elements to maximize and enhances the deadliness of the game that is played. There are some sex scenes, but they are easy to skip. This movie is suspenseful and keeps its audience guessing through its conclusion.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A reader for the CIA is caught in a web of political intrigue and has to find a way to survive assassins.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Sydney Pollack for directing effort. Thank you to Stanley Schneider for making the film possible. Cast includes Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, and Max Von Sydow.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a good overall watch for the adult audience with a terrific, novel approach to its story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HIROSHIMA: OUT OF THE ASHES (Released to Television USA 1990)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Hiroshima: Out of  the Ashes—television film—works at a higher level of quality than many television movies. This story gives a look at the other side of the mirror of the Hiroshima story and the aftermath. It does not finish the story suggesting there is more but not showing the more. Be aware that the death scenes and lingering life scenes are vivid and horrific.  Watch for some of our best actors...Pat Morita from the Karate Kid movie series, Max Von Sydow, and Mako in the cast. The movie is recommendable and noteworthy.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline   A pregnant woman. her sister, a small boy, and a grandfather live a quiet, life in Japan. Then the atomic bomb hits Hiroshima and now they have to 'pick up the pieces' of lives shattered in the aftermath of 1945.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Peter Werner for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Greenwald for making the film possible. Cast includes Max von Sydow, Judd Nelson, Mako, Tamlyn Tomita, and Pat Morita.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a film that tells a simple and important story. It's worth its watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HAWAII (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Hawaii—classic watch—WOW! The movie is exceptionally well done. Lovely to see Max Von Sydow, Julie Andrews, and Richard  Harris in the casting line up. This movie shines. Watch for an outstanding native Hawaiian cast. The acting is really good and believable.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A strict Bible preaching minister is sent by his church to help the Hawaiian natives convert to Christianity and finds that humanitarian kindness can be as needful as strict religious doctrine.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director George Roy Hill and Arthur Hiller for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Mirisch, and Associate Producer Lewis J. Rachmil for making the film possible. Cast includes Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow, Richard Harris, Gene Hackman, Carroll O'Connor, Jocelyne LaGarde, Manu Tupou, Ted Nobriga, Elizabeth Logue. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Wonderful movie  that shows the groundwork that eventually lays the foundation for welcoming Hawaii as a full-fledged state of the United States. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DUNE (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Dune—intriguing, high fantasy, science fiction movie—has exceptionally high quality actors. Be prepared for an exceptionally well-written story. The desert scenes completely work. This is a classic that deserves its place in the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A power struggle results in a war that takes much courage to enter and to attempt to win. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Lynch for directing effort. Thank you to Raffaella De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Cast includes: Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, Jose Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Richard Jordan, Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Silvana Mangano, Everett McGill, Kenneth McMillan, Jack Nance, Sian Phillips, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Smith, Patrick Stewart, Sting, Dean Stockwell, Max von Sydow, Alicia Witt, and Sean Young. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Intriguing, inspirational, well-made entertainment piece. This is a keeper and earns its watch.                     

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers