PATCH ADAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Patch Adams—Robin Williams—sells the idea of a way for medical doctors to act in a more compassionate way with hospital staff and patients. This movie may not be an A-grade film, but it tells a need-to-be-told story.  Well-written and presented, the movie more than deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man develops a desire to become a doctor and introduces unorthodox ways of treating patients. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tom Shadyac for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mike Farrell, Barry Kemp, Marvin Minoff, Charles Newirth, and Marsha Garces Williams. Cast includes Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton, Josef Sommer, Irma P. Hall, Frances Lee McCain, Harve Presnell, Daniella Kuhn, Peter Coyote, James Greene, Michael Jeter, and Harold Gould. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a wonderful film to watch, has heart, and makes the audience think about the medical profession in a different way. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ERIN BROCKOVICH (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

Erin Brockovich—inspiring movie—easily turns itself into a classic film watch. Julia Roberts makes, what could have easily been a boring watch, into an over-the-top entertainment piece and, without making it a message movie, makes several points easily received. WOW! The movie is so incredibly easy to watch. It flows.  The supporting cast, Albert Finney and Aaron Eckhart, frame Julia Roberts so well. This film is a blockbuster. Fabulous storytelling, great acting, and unexpectedly good story make this a treat for movie fans. Great work for all involved. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A woman with a high school diploma, a huge heart to help others, and a desire to work long hours makes a life for herself and others. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, and Stacey Sher for making the film possible. Casting includes: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney,Aaron Eckhart, Marg Helgenberger, Tracey Walter, and Peter Coyote. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. this is a wonderful film and is a keeper for the home video library. Great work for all involved. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS IN THE ROOM (All Medias Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room—documentary—works on a predefined format as an attempt to establish how and why Enron went bankrupt. The movie has been well formulated and cycles around an easily understandable presentation. Take care choosing this as a family watch as there are exceptionally pornographic scenes thrown into the middle of the film. For the most part, it serves as a good watch for the adult audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

The documentary examines the path of Enron from its beginning to its demise. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Alex Gibney for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alex Gibney, Jason Kliot, Susan Motamed, and Alison Ellwood for making the film possible. Narration by Peter Coyote. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is well put together and follows a pre-defined path. Except for the introduction of unnecessary pornographic scenes in the middle of the movie, it is completely watchable.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (Released to Theaters USA 1982)

Ben Meyers’ rating 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—one of the best movies of 1982—is another Steven Spielberg-directed, cultural phenomenon. This classic family film provides a strong acting platform for introducing the acting talents of young Henry Thomas. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial works as an outstanding movie selection for all audiences and a terrific child/adult share movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Elliott (Henry Thomas), a 10-year-old boy, finds an alien in his back yard. His older brother, Michael (Robert MacNaughton), his little sister Gertie, (Drew Barrymore), and his mother, Mary (Dee Wallace), find their lives changed forever.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional cast/characters include: Mary (Dee Wallace), Keys (Peter Coyote), Michael (Robert MacNaughton), Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Greg (K.C. Martel), Steve (Sean Frye), Tyler (C. Thomas Howell), and Pretty Girl (Erika Eleniak).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a childhood classic that will become as much a part of the nursery library as collections of Disney animation films, Beatrice Potter stories, Hans Christian Andersen tales, and the illustrated Berenstain Bear stories.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers