THE LOVELY BONES (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lovely Bones—another Peter Jackson-directed classic—deals with the serial killer persona and how that can be enabled. The story runs with a strong spiritual background that helps relieve its gruesome reality. A Bravo! Bravo! film that needs to be watched if for nothing else than education concerning this personality type and as a precautionary tale.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) makes a deadly mistake and ends up a victim of serial killer George Harvey (Stanley Tucci).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Ken Kamins, Tessa Ross, Steven Spielberg, and James Wilson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg), Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz), Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon), Len Fenerman (Michael Imperioli), Lindsey Salmon (Rose McIver), Buckley Salmon (Christian Ashdale), Ray Singh (Reece Ritchie), Ruth Connors (Carolyn Dando), Holly (Nikki SooHoo), Samuel Heckler (Andrew James Allen), and Brian Nelson (Jake Abel).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Hard-to-get-through, unpalatable, but must be told, subject matter serves the late teen/adult audience. It takes an outstanding set of producers and directors to balance earthly savageness with the kindness of heaven, but the right people were involved to perfectly balance this hard-to-be-told story. Kudos to Director Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Pictures, WingNut Films, and Film4 Productions.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BOURNE LEGACY (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Bourne Legacy—spinoff from the original Bourne series—is not as good as the first three Bourne movies but still serves as a good thriller film.  Watch for terrific acting by Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz and some very nice background scenery with good camerawork. The movie is more than worth watching and it is a treat to see another character that can run alongside the original Bourne stories. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This espionage action film is about: An espionage agency decides to close down an operation and eliminate all operatives. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Tony Gilroy for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Jeffrey Weiner, and Ben Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach, Oscar Isaac, Joan Allen, Albert Finney, David Strathairn, and Scott Glenn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This espionage film relies on terrific stage settings, good presentation, and a well-written script. It completely serves the espionage movie fan as a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

BLACK WIDOW (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Black Widow—wannabe 'big impact'—needs script improvement to create better impact. Unfortunately, the movie lacks the power to push it into the category of ‘I wanna own it’.  Some of the action seems dampened and this movie leans more toward non-gross, palatable violence. Scarlett Johansson continues to work her role as Black Widow. David Harbour is an interesting pick for her father as is Rachel Weisz for her mother. This film is an okay watch but it does not pull the consistency necessary to add POP! value. The conclusion could have been ‘beefed up’ and the after credit scenes do not help this movie. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Black Widows make a launch to free themselves from mind control. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Cate Shortland for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Kevin Feige for making the film possible. Cast includes: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, Olga Kurylenko, William Hurt, Ray Winstone, and Rachel Weisz. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It's a watch for its overall storyline, the origin of Black Widow, and some of the action scenes. It suffices but the story and  portrayal need improvement. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE FOUNTAIN (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

The Fountain—difficult to understand due to the introduction of high spirituality ideas—can seem convoluted to the uninitiated audience. The acting is excellent with the team of Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A medical researcher endeavors to save his dying wife. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Aaron Aronofsky for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Arnon Milchan, Iain Smith, and Eric Watson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, and Ellen Burstyn. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is a story that is something wonderful shrouded in mystery. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DENIAL (All Medias Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Denial—sophisticated—presents ‘no shab’ entertainment value. Dialogue lines work at a higher level and deliver with force and impact. Acting team of Rachel Wiesz, Timothy Spall, and Tom Wilkinson deliver. The movie easily earns the investment of time and money. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This biographical legal drama film is about a woman who struggles to refute a holocaust denier’s claims. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Mick Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff for making the film possible. Cast includes: Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson, Timothy Spall, Andrew Scott, Jack Lowden, Caren Pistorius, and Alex Jennings. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film works at a high intellectual level and completely delivers. The movie especially appeals to audiences who appreciate legal dramas.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers