GOODFELLAS (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

Goodfellas irrefutably stands as testimony to Martin Scorsese’s directing ability. This high quality, gangster film—reminiscent of The Godfather series—does not falter in telling its story. Directed toward the adult audience, its script absorbs, entertains, and educates. The film contains nudity, language, violence, and sexual scenes.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Henry Hill (Christopher Serrone) develops a desire to become a gangster. He begins nurturing that desire by running errands for the mob and moves on to more serious gang ‘services’.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Martin Scorsese for his directing skills. Thank you to Executive Producer Barbara De Fina for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), James Conway (Robert De Niro),Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco), Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino), Frankie Carbone (Frank Sivero), Sonny Bunz (Tony Darrow), Frenchy (Mike Starr), Billy Batts (Frank Vincent), Morris Kessler (Chuck Low), Tuddy Cicero (Frank DiLeo), Henny Youngman (Henny Youngman), Janice Rossi (Gina Mastrogiacomo), Tommy’s Mother (Catherine Scorsese), Vinnie (Charles Scorsese), and Karen’s Mother (Suzanne Shepherd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is not for the faint of heart. While The Godfather rates as the classic mob movie, Goodfellas doesn’t have to tip its hat or give up its place in front of any one of the Godfather movies. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OPERATION DUMBO DROP (Released to Theaters USA 1995)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Operation Dumbo Drop—Danny Glover, Ray Liotta, and Dennis Leary—has a likeableness that permeates its core. The movie deserves a watch.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Vietnamese village is going to celebrate a festival, but the Viet Cong find that the villagers are possibly cooperating with the USA. So the Viet Cong kill the one thing that makes the festival work, their prize elephant. A Green Beret, who works with the village and his replacement, organize a team to replace the elephant.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Simon Wincer for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Diane Nabatoff and David Madden for making the film possible. Cast includes Danny Glover, Ray Liotta, Denis Leary, Doug E. Doug, and Corin Nemec. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is an unusual story backed with a great cast. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE TALE (Released to Theaters Canada 2007)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale—odd casting mix—redundantly shows one sword fighting scene after another rather than building a solid and interesting basic story that is novel and unique. This results in a slow movie. The acting is suitable to okay. The costuming department overly performs and produces soldiers who are supposed to look frightening and just can't quite get there. Movie Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A farmer and the friend who raised him fight an evil warlock and Krug. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Uwe Boll for directing cffort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stephen Hedyes, Wolfgang Herold, and Chet Holmes for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Leelee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Ron Perlman, Claire Forlani, Kristanna Loken, Matthew Lillard, Brian White, Ray Liotta, and Burt Reynolds. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. 'Diehard' Statham fans will see many high action scenes, but this film is redundant and slow.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

FIELD OF DREAMS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Field of Dreams—superb concept—takes its audience on a connect-the-dots adventure that is worth its weight in gold. Kudos to Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan for giving this film its life and vibrancy. Thank you to James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and the late Burt Lancaster for showing us once again what great acting is.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears a divine voice that instructs him to build a baseball field where his corn crop is growing and ‘he will come.’ Kinsella immediately complies and, despite one setback after another, unfolds a unique purpose for the baseball diamond that reveals itself bit by bit as he follows mysterious links that seem unrelated.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Phil Alden Robinson for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Brian E. Frankish for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Annie Kinsella (Amy Madigan), Karin Kinsella ( Gaby Hoffmann), Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta), Mark (Timothy Busfield), Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), Dr. Archibald Graham (Burt Lancaster), Archie Graham (Frank Whaley), John Kinsella (Dwier Brown), Feed Store Farmer (James Andelin), Feed Store Lady (Mary Anne Kean), Annie’s Mother (Fern Persons), Dee (Kelly Coffield Park), Buck Weaver (Michael Milhoan), Eddie Cicotte (Steve Eastin), and Swede Risberg (Charles Hoyes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. This is an outstanding piece of entertainment. It is particularly refreshing to see the support the husband and wife give each other.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers