THE MECHANIC (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

The Mechanic—one of Charles Bronson’s best performances—gritty, intense adult film explores the world of professional assassins with stark, realistic, and shocking thoroughness. Bronson, as usual, delivers an outstanding performance that is well-supported by a terrific script and a perfect casting choice of Jan-Michael Vincent as the ultimate protagonist. Completely entertains and surprises at every level. Great work for Director Michael Winner.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A professional hitman breaks organizational rules with severe consequences.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Winner for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson), Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent), Harry McKenna (Keenan Wynn), The Girl (Jill Ireland), Louise (Linda Ridgeway), The Man (Frank DeKova), Intern (James Davidson), Policeman (Lindsay Crosby), Messenger (Steve Cory), and Yamoto (Tak Kubota).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Do not miss this film. As entertaining in 2019 as it was in 1972. It belongs in the home video library.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WATERMELON: A CAUTIONARY TALE (YouTube Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Watermelon: A Cautionary Tale—interesting concept—has good animation and a strong storyline. This short film works more within the horror genre with strong links to a Tim Burton style of creativity which gives it a uniqueness of its own. This short film is a team product of Kefei Li and Connie Qin He from Ringling College of Art and Design with musical scoring by Antonius Nazareth.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young boy eats a watermelon seed that grows in his belly.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Kefei Li and Connie Qin He for making the short film possible. Additional thank you for musical scoring by Antonius Nazareth.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This short’s conclusion can be interpreted in a variety of ways and may not be the best conclusion for children’s viewing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GOSPEL ROAD: A STORY OF JESUS (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus presents parts of the life of Jesus as narrated by Johnny Cash. Unfortunately, the film, although shot in Israel, is a low budget production that, while a worthy watch, does not fall into a quality watch due to weak acting and portrayal of storyline. Actor Robert Elfstrom casts as Jesus and seems a bit unsettling to see in this role. Due to its low budget, the film uses old ruins located in Israel rather than re-creating sets that would be more appropriate to the actual situations in the first century.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Johnny Cash narrates this film about the life of Jesus. Cash films in Israel.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Elfstrom for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Johnny Cash), Jesus Christ (Robert Elfstrom), Mary Magdalene (June Carter Cash), John the Baptist (Larry Lee), Peter (Paul L. Smith), Nicodemus (Alan Dater), Jesus as a child (Robert Elfstrom, Jr.), John (Gelles LaBlanc), Matthew (Terrence Winston Mannock), Judas Iscariot (Thomas Leventhal), James the Elder (John Paul Kay), Thomas (Sean Armstrong), and Andrew (Lyle Nicholson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It may be appreciated by the beginner or new Christian or one who would love to see the background scenery of Israel, but it needs revision for full effect.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THAT’S WHAT I AM (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

That’s What I Am—Disney high school movie ambience—turns into a great teen flick. It’s worth watching and provides a good platform for the acting talents of Ed Harris, Chase Ellison, Alexander Walters, Daniel Yelsky, Mia Rose Frampton, and Amy Madigan.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Twelve-year-old Andy Nichol’s (Chase Ellison) teacher Mr. Simon (Ed Harris) teaches human dignity plus compassion equals world peace. Andy gets a firsthand demonstration how that formula works when he is paired, for completion of a school project, with Big G (Alexander Walters), a boy exiled from the mainstream school crowd since grade school. He watches Big G courageously stand up to school bully Jason Freel (Camille E. Bourgeois III). Then, he observes how Mr. Simon deals with a community that supports a rumor that Mr. Simon is homosexual.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Pavone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Denise Chamian and Michael Pavone for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sherri Nichol (Molly Parker), Jim Nichol (Daniel Roebuck), Norman Grunmeyer (Daniel Yelsky), Mary Clear (Mia Rose Frampton), Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan), Dan Rainier (Renwick D. Scott II), and Irene Freel (Vanessa Cloke).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a good, well-written film that makes the strong statement that it takes courage to be compassionate.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BEWITCHED (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

Bewitched becomes an entertainment treat largely due to the acting talents of Will Farrell playing the part of Jack Wyatt/Darrin and Nicole Kidman playing the part of Isabel Bigelow/Samantha. Michael Caine is a little too sophisticated, and therefore seems misplaced, while playing his part of Nigel Bigelow, Isabel Bigelow’s father. It seems John Hurt, Christopher Lee, or even Sean Connery would have been a better casting choice for that part.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The film tells the story of Isabel Bigelow, a real life witch, who moves to Los Angeles to begin a new life. In the meantime, Hollywood has decided to reboot the television series Bewitched and is looking for someone to play the part of Samantha. They cannot find someone who can twitch her nose well; but, Jack Wyatt discovers Isabel Bigelow in a bookstore and convinces her to audition for the part of Samantha in the Bewitched television series remake. The result becomes a comedy as spells, magical mayhem, romance, and a little witchery rule the days and nights.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director, Producer and Writer Nora Ephron. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven H. Berman, Bobby Cohen, and James W. Skotchdopole for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Iris Smythson/Endora (Shirley MacLaine), Ritchie (Jason Schwartzman), Maria Kelly (Kristen Chenoweth), Nina (Heather Burns), Larry (Jim Turner), Stu Robison (Stephen Colbert), Jim Fields (David Alan Grier), Joey Props (Michael Badalucco), Aunt Clara (Carole Shelley), Uncle Arthur ( Steve Carell), Sheila Wyatt (Katie Finneran), James Lipton (James Lipton), and Conan O’Brian (Conan O’Brian).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie is good, clean fun.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers