J. EDGAR (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

J. Edgar—a Clint Eastwood-directed film—focuses on the rise to power of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover. While the film gives a loose, fictional account of J. Edgar Hoover’s life, the movie provides an interesting interpretation of J. Edgar Hoover’s relationship with both his mother, Annie Hoover, and his friend, Clyde Tolson. Kudos to the Makeup Department for outstanding artistry in the transition from youth to old age for J. Edgar Hoover and Clyde Tolson. This film moves well and provides good adult entertainment value.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

J. Edgar Hoover’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) life and times as he works through events such as the Lindbergh baby’s kidnapping and several presidential administrations are punctuated with views into his private life and his life before the FBI.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Erica Huggins and Tim Moore for making the film possible. Additional Cast include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, Josh Hamilton, Geoff Pierson, Cheryl Lawson, Kaitlyn Dever, Gunner Wright, David A. Cooper, Ed Westwick, Naomi Watts, and Jeffrey Donovan.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is completely entertaining.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

While We’re Young takes its time to get into its story. The viewer repeatedly finds itself sitting on the sidelines waiting for the characters that Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts portray to ‘get it’ and move on. At the same time, the sweet taste of the underlying story theme becomes difficult to ignore and by the middle of the movie gathers its own force as the main characters race toward a seemingly inevitable conclusion. Casting creates an interesting dichotomy with the placement of Ben Stiller with Adam Driver. They work together like salt around the rim of a good Margarita. Adam Driver (J. Edgar, Lincoln, Llewelyn Davis, Tracks) shows exceptional talent and is worth keeping an eye on for future films. Watch for Amanda Seyfried from Les Misérables.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Josh (Ben Stiller) and his wife Cornelia (Naomi Watts) do not make the approach to middle age and the transition into family life in the usual straight forward fashion. They take a detour that involves returning to youth by developing a relationship with Jamie (Adam Driver) and his wife Darby (Amanda Seyfried), a much younger couple.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Noah Baumbach for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Noah Baumbach, Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, and Lila Yacoub for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marina (Maria Dizzia), Fletcher (Adam Horovitz), Tim (Matthew Maher), Ira Mandelstam (Peter Yarrow), Ira’s Wife (Bonnie Kaufman), Frank (Hector Otero), New School Woman (Deborah Eisenberg), Tipper (Dree Hemingway), Benny (Matthew Shear), Elise (Annie Baker), Pepper (Quincy Tyler Bernstine), and Music Class Band (James Manzello).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Ben Stiller has an irresistible screen presence that carries every film in which he stars. This film is no exception to that rule. However, the story runs slowly, seems quite boring at times, and lacks the usual Ben Stiller comedic effect. 

Video Review Available Here:

Ben Meyers