THE MALTESE FALCON (Released to Theaters USA 1941)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  The Maltese Falcon—unique—shows the acting capability of Humphrey Bogart to good advantage. Even though the movie is aged and uses black and white color, its classic feel still shows effect. It is well-written.  Good work for all involved in production of this mystery/detective movie. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  A detective is visited by a woman who wants to get in touch with her sister.     Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Huston for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Hal B. Wallis and Associate Producer Henry Blanke for making the film possible. Cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Barton MacLane, Lee Patrick, Ward Bond, Jerome Cowan, Elisa Cook Jr., James Burke, and Murray Alper.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This film noir movie concludes oddly, but earns its watch.  Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

CASABLANCA (Relased to Theaters USA 1942)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  Casablanca—WOW! classic movie—exemplifies the importance of high quality writers in building good movies. The portrayal and  presentation run from great to good. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman show extremely well in close facial shots. The film may get a little slow at times but that does not hinder the overall feel of the film and the 'take-home' satiation that money and time are well invested in viewing this movie. This film is in black and white but that adds to the quality of the film. The camera work is exceptional as it optimizes the sense of suspense and emotion with excellent timing.  Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia Storyline   A man runs a club in Casablanca, Morocco, Africa during WWII. A former girlfriend walks in, memories flood back, and the story is on.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Michael Curtiz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jack L. Warner, and Producer Hal B. Wallis for making the film possible. Cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It is a B-grade film but it works for its money by telling a creative, high quality story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA (Theatrical Release USA 1954)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, for its age, has some surprisingly good sea and island photography and good sets built for the depiction of the submarine, both inside and out. The acting works at the good to fair level with James Mason playing the perfect villain and Kirk Douglas as the brash, younger man. It’s great to see Peter Lorre in this movie as well as Paul Lukas. This is a simple adventure film that is adventurous. It shows some remarkable creativity in its depiction of the submarine and the scuba suits. The story has a good conclusion. The film could easily be watched a second time. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

This action film is about: A professor and his assistant who go to sea to seek a monster. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Richard Fleischer for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Cast includes: Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas, and Peter Lorre. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While the film is somewhat dated, it still offers good entertainment value. It is intriguing to see a fictional film that plays within technologies that we now take for granted when at the time were more novel ideas for general audiences.  The movie serves as a good, easy-on-the-mind, afternoon watch that can be shared by the whole family. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers