NIGHTCRAWLER (Released to the Toronto International Film Festival Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Stars ìììì

Nightcrawler—classy, smart, clever, and dangerous—tells its tale well. Jake Gyllenhaal interprets his character with such realism  that it makes the story completely believable. This is an entertaining watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), wants to be ‘somebody,’ no matter the moral cost. He finds that news stations will pay money for crimes caught on film and decides to become a crime scene photographer. He sells some of his collected/stolen items to a pawn shop owner to buy a camera. He starts filming and as greed for power and money increase, his ethics decrease.

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Dan Gilroy. Thank you to Executive Producers Betsy Danbury and Gary Michael Walters for making the film possible. Cast include: Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Paxton, Rene Russo, and Ann Cusack.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The writer caught all the nuances of character downfall when money comes at the expense of others. Very well-written script. The movie is worth its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BUDDY (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Buddy—terrific, rich, and fully complete stage settings—presents an unusual story based partially on truth. The movie may not be for everyone. But, its solidly built foundation, good writing and exceptional acting, make it worth a watch. It’s good to see Robbie Coltrane in one of his earlier films along with Alan Cummings and Rene Russo. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A woman raises and trains undomesticated animals in her home. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Caroline Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stephanie Allain, Francis Ford Coppola, Fred Fuchs, and Brian Henson for making the film possible. Cast includes: Rene Russo, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, Irma P. Hall, Peter Elliott, Mak Wilson, Lynn Robertson Bruce, Mark Sealey, Robert Tygner, Michelan Sisti, Peter Hurst, Leif Tilden, and Star Townsend. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Animal lovers, who appreciate animal training, will enjoy this movie. A good child/adult share film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers