CLICK (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Click—rated PG-13, but works more at the ‘R’ level due to sexual references—ends with a terrific moral of the story that typifies Adam Sandler movies. The moral of the story comes packaged without preaching and adequately hides itself for the audience to unveil and understand. The movie’s Director Frank Coraci does an outstanding job of moving the story along.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) receives a remote control with power to move him into the past or into the future. He begins moving through his future life based on choices he set in motion in his present life.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Frank Coraci for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Barry Bernardi and Tim Herlihy for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Donna Newman (Kate Beckinsale), Morty (Christopher Walken), Ammer (David Hasselhoff), Ted Newman (Henry Winkler), Trudy Newman (Julie Kavner), Bill (Sean Astin), Ben Newman at 7-years old (Joseph Castanon), and Ben at 17-years old (Jonah Hill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s worth watching for the meaty moral of the story and works on a type of slapstick comedy level for the adult audience. Great work for Director Frank Coraci.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOODFELLAS (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Goodfellas irrefutably stands as testimony to Martin Scorsese’s directing ability. This high quality, gangster film—reminiscent of The Godfather series—does not falter in telling its story. Directed toward the adult audience, its script absorbs, entertains, and educates. The film contains nudity, language, violence, and sexual scenes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Henry Hill (Christopher Serrone) develops a desire to become a gangster. He begins nurturing that desire by running errands for the mob and moves on to more serious gang ‘services’.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for his directing skills. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara De Fina for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), James Conway (Robert De Niro),Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco), Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino), Frankie Carbone (Frank Sivero), Sonny Bunz (Tony Darrow), Frenchy (Mike Starr), Billy Batts (Frank Vincent), Morris Kessler (Chuck Low), Tuddy Cicero (Frank DiLeo), Henny Youngman (Henny Youngman), Janice Rossi (Gina Mastrogiacomo), Tommy’s Mother (Catherine Scorsese), Vinnie (Charles Scorsese), and Karen’s Mother (Suzanne Shepherd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is not for the faint of heart. While The Godfather rates as the classic mob movie, Goodfellas doesn’t have to tip its hat or give up its place in front of any one of the Godfather movies. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STOLEN (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Stolen—nothing new here. It’s a run-of-the-mill film for killing some time on a boring Sunday afternoon when there are no other choices to be had. No fault in acting or in direction. The timing is good; the film just lacks the ‘WOW, I haven’t seen that before’ elements of a good action-thriller.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Robbers try to break into a vault, try to steal money, friend Vincent (Josh Lucas) accidentally shoots himself in the leg while trying to escape with his buddy, Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage), to an escape van. Will puts Vincent in the van then tries to go back to get the money, but the driver of the van freaks because of approaching cops, drives off, and leaves Will in the alley with the money. Will tries to make a get-away in a stolen cop car and gets caught in a parking garage. Eight years later Vincent kidnaps Will’s daughter and the story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Simon West for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Danny Dimbort, Kristina Dubin, Cassian Elwes, Avi Lerner, McG, Jib Polhemus, Trevor Short, John Thompson, and Mary Viola for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage), Vincent (Josh Lucas), Tim Harlend (Danny Huston), Riley Jeffers (Malin Akerman), Alison Loeb (Sami Gayle), Jacobs (Edrick Browne), Fletcher (Mark Valley), Reginald (Barry Shabaka Henley), Hoyt (M.C. Gainey), and Rookie (J.D. Evermore).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers