THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring—the first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy—stands as one of the best movies ever made. Not many movies can exceed the story telling quality of this film. The movie, so richly written and portrayed, requires a keen eye, full knowledge, and understanding of content to even begin scratching the surface of its many levels. Hidden secrets are too numerous to catch in one viewing. Director Peter Jackson does something that few directors would attempt and masterfully pulls it to complete success. He dares to enter the world of the epic story and elevates it to its proper status. ENCORE! Thank you to Peter Jackson for his more than adequate rendering of J.R.R. Tolkien’s worlds on the big screen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) comes into possession of the One Ring capable of ruling all things and takes a journey to Mount Doom, the one place where it can be destroyed.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Lynne, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Ring (voice of Alan Howard), Everard Proudfoot (voice of Noel Appleby), Sam (Sean Astin), Sauron (Sala Baker), Boromir (Sean Bean), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Pippin (Billy Boyd), Celeborn (Marton Csokas), Mrs. Proudfoot (Megan Edwards), Gondorian Archivist (Michael Elsworth), and Gil-galad (Mark Ferguson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is to the movie industry what Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are to the world of art.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

TROY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Stars ììì

Troy, interesting, does a much better job of telling the classic, god-related story than many other films within this genre. The acting is suitable to good and the presentation/portrayal work at the same level. The writing department writes from an angle that greatly enhances previous attempts to portray this story with some very good dialogue lines about who should fight wars between kings. There are unnecessary nudity and sexual scenes in the movie. But, overall, the movie makes some valid points about war and makes way for good, after viewing discussion.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The movie tracks the events that led to the Grecian attack on Troy over Helen. 

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Producer Wolfgang Petersen. Thank you to Producers Diana Rathbun and Colin Wilson for making the film possible. Cast include: Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis, Jacob Smith, Brad Pitt, John Shrapnel, Brendon Gleeson, Diane Kruger, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and Siri Svegler.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is a suitable watch and tells a fairly good story. Watch for Actor Peter O’Toole in his later life professional work and the support of Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Brian Cox, Brenden Gleeson, Brad Pitt, Sean Bean, and Diane Kruger.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl—unforgettable and rewatchable—This first film displays superb cinematography with such realistic special effects that, fifteen years later, still stand as great examples of the best effects the entertainment industry affords. Especially watch for the skeletons and decomposing pirate bodies. Johnny Depp, at his typical Johnny Depp best, pushes this storyline into outstanding. No wonder Disneyland specifically used this movie's theme to create one of its famous park rides. Great work for all involved in producing the film. Special mention to the terrific talents of Director Gore Verbinski. Outstanding work.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Governor Swann (Jonathan Pryce) and his daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) become involved with the Pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), the crew of a ghost ship, the son of famous pirate Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), an old curse, and a special medallion.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gore Verbinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul Deason, Bruce Hendricks, Chad Oman, and Mike Stenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Norrington (Jack Davenport), Pintel (Lee Arenberg), Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook), Lieutenant Gillette (Damian O’Hare), Murtogg (Giles New), Mullroy (Angus Barnett), Cotton (David Bailie), and Twigg (Michael Berry, Jr.).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a family-friendly film with all-encompassing entertainment value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers