MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (Released to the Toronto International Film Festival Toronto, Ontario Canada 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom—superbly done, based upon Nelson Mandela’s autobiography—becomes a study in: when law does not establish justice, then one man resorting to love, no war, and no rebellion works quite well to establish freedom from repressive governmental systems. Idris Elba’s acting for character Nelson Mandela is a little stiff, but it still works and creates a classic film. Impressive work by Director Justin Chadwick.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

Nelson Mandela's story...how Mandela grew up in a native African family, his aspirations to make his parents proud of him, his desire as a lawyer to solve the growing unrest between Africans and government, his failures and his successes as this becomes a lifelong quest, and the impact this has on his personal life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Justin Chadwick for directing efforts, Thank you to Executive Producers Basil Ford, Harvey Weinstein, François Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Philisiwe Mthethwa, Geoffrey Ohena, Sudhir Pragjee, and Sanjeev Singh for making the film possible. Cast include: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, and Riaad Moosa.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A well written film...Idris Elba makes a really good performance after 'getting' over initial stiffness.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BLACK AND BLUE (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Black and Blue—WOW! Surprise!—presents a story that leaves an impression. Tyrese Gibson and Naomie Harris work story magic. Watch for Frank Grillo’s performance. Don’t start this one expecting a ho-hum storyline. It is a film many people will miss and wonder how they missed it when they finally view it. The movie paces well and almost defines the word riveting. Terrific conclusion is short and sweet without drag. The film hits all the bells and whistles and certainly earns its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images                                                                                                                             

Storyline 

A young female police officer becomes involved with a crooked partner and black mafia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Deon Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Roxanne Avent, Glenn S. Gainor, and Joshua Throne for making the film possible. Cast includes: Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter, Reid Scott, Beau Knapp, Nafessa Williams, James Moses Black, Carsyn Taylor, Lucky Johnson, Deneen Tyler, Michael Papajohn, Nelson Bonilla, and Frankie Smith. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is the right film for a night out with friends. Realistic and engages attention. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

 

Ben Meyers

THE SOUND OF 007 (Video on Demand (VOD) World-Wide 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Sound of 007—in an eclectic way, almost as if it plays the full range of keys on a piano and surprisingly turns out a pleasant and thoroughly complete piece—works at and stays at the creative music level both in organization and presentation. There is a small bit of eeriness that runs at the fringes making an audience feel as if they are getting a sneak view of something rarely seen and not meant to be seen by core, movie-going audiences. Something there, but not there. The interviews are great and the film uses a zig-zag pattern to tell about making Bond music that works as well as dodging bullets using the same technique. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This documentary provides a good, behind-the-scenes look at the changes to the James Bond 007 sound through the decades and as influenced by various James Bond stories. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mat Whitecross for directing effort. Thank you to Producer John Battsek for making the film possible. Cast includes: Daniel Craig, Michael Caine, Rami Malek, Naomie Harris, Sam Mendes, Hans Zimmer, Tina Turner, Cary Fukunaga, Martin Campbell, Maryam d’Abo, Tom Jones, Marc Forster, and Billie Eilish. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is both an informative and educational watch that movie buffs will particularly enjoy. 

Video Critic Available Here:

 Ben Meyers