X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì 

X-Men: First Class—suitable, but not as outstanding as expected—has an oddly chosen cast. The script varies widely in quality….good in some places, poor in other places. Overall, the movie does not have consistency in delivery. The movie still retains that comic book campy, comical, cheesiness which haunts these type of movies.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

In Auschwitz concentration camp, a young boy finds he has the power to bend metal gates. Others find talents they have to teleport, produce cyclones, and shapeshift.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Matthew Vaughn for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, and Gregory Goodman for making the film possible. Cast includes: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Oliver Platt, and Kevin Bacon. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This movie tells a back story of Charles Xavier/Professor X and Eric Lensherr/Magneto, Raven/Mystique, and Hank/Beast among others of the X-Men characters featured in sequels made before this film. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince This is one of the best Harry Potter movies produced yet. Looks like JK Rowling may win the title for writing the longest running movie series since George Lucas’ Star Wars. This is really a great concept for a movie and with its outstanding casting, it will make a good entertainment choice for years. Great work for Director David Yates for making a movie worth watching over and over again. Let’s see how well he performs on the final two movies, Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

As Lord Voldemort increases his power over the Muggle and Wizarding worlds, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) finds himself once again drawn into a tight web of political and clandestine activity to create balance between good and evil.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director David Yates for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Lionel Wigram for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Professor Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Fenrir Greyback (Dave Legeno), Waitress (Elarica Johnson), Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), Lily Potter (Geraldine Somerville), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Molly Weasley (Julie Walters), and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), and Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie performs well with a great story and wonderful actors.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers