ALONG CAME POLLY (Released to Theaters USA 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

Along Came Polly—a different romantic comedy—evaluates the risk of marriage and the difficulty of finding that person who will match well. It's a movie that does not soon leave the memory and causes reflection for several days after viewing. Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston work  well together...terrific choice by the casting department. The movie is tailored for the adult audience. There are some sex scenes and sexual references that could have been a little more discreet....but these scenes actually move the story forward rather than having been added as an after-thought. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin are great additions to the cast. Watch for some cameo appearances of Kevin Hart in his earlier work. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

 After a man leaves his wedded wife on their honeymoon because she cheated on him, he accidentally runs into a former female classmate from high school.  

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Hamberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Jane Bartelme, Dan Levine for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, and Alec Baldwin. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. After viewing, certain scenes from the movie recur in the mind and the realization that this lightly drawn comedy has a sophisticated approach to the subject of romance and the adjustments people  may make to further harmony in those relationships is well-drawn. It's a suitable watch for the aphorism of  'opposites attract'.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

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