HAWAII (Released to Theaters USA 1966)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì  Hawaii—classic watch—WOW! The movie is exceptionally well done. Lovely to see Max Von Sydow, Julie Andrews, and Richard  Harris in the casting line up. This movie shines. Watch for an outstanding native Hawaiian cast. The acting is really good and believable.  Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline  A strict Bible preaching minister is sent by his church to help the Hawaiian natives convert to Christianity and finds that humanitarian kindness can be as needful as strict religious doctrine.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director George Roy Hill and Arthur Hiller for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Mirisch, and Associate Producer Lewis J. Rachmil for making the film possible. Cast includes Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow, Richard Harris, Gene Hackman, Carroll O'Connor, Jocelyne LaGarde, Manu Tupou, Ted Nobriga, Elizabeth Logue. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Wonderful movie  that shows the groundwork that eventually lays the foundation for welcoming Hawaii as a full-fledged state of the United States. 

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Ben Meyers

THE WILD GEESE (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1978)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Wild Geese—ride of your life war flick—accesses the talents of three of the best 1970s professional entertainers, Richard Harris, Richard Burton, and Roger Moore. This film makes a lasting impression due to notable acting and a great presentation of story. Earns its watch both in time and money investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A group of mercenary soldiers attempt to rescue a South African president from imprisonment.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andrew McLaglen for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Euan Lloyd, Erwin Dietrich, Douglas Netter, and Chris Chrisafis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Colonel Allen Faulkner (Richard Burton), Lieutenant Shawn Fynn (Roger Moore), Captain Rafer Janders (Richard Harris), Lieutenant Pieter Coetzee (Hardy Kruger), Sir Edward Matheson (Stewart Granger), Regimental Sergeant Major Sandy Young (Jack Watson), Father Geoghegen (Frank Finlay), Medic Arthur Witty (Kenneth Griffith), Mr. Martin (Jeff Corey), Thomas Balfour (Barry Foster), President Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona), Sergeant Jock McTaggart (Ronald Fraser), and Sergeant Jesse Blake (John Kani). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a high-quality action thriller that deserves its watch. 

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Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets—another J. K. Rowling classic novel-based film—pits Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)  against new Hogwarts' supernatural entities. This sequel beautifully unfolds to reveal the next stage of the heroes' and heroine's adventures.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harry Potter and his friends discover new supernatural terrors,

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Chris Columbus. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Barnathan, David Barron, Chris Columbus, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Terrific work by music composer John Williams. Additional character/cast include: Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Dobby (Voice of Toby Jones), Fred Weasley (James Phelps), George Weasley (Oliver Phelps), Mrs. Weasley (Julie Walters), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright),  Mr. Weasley (Mark Williams), Percy Weasley (Chris Rankin), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Hagrid the Giant (Robbie Coltrane), Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Mr. Mason (Jim Norton), Mrs. Mason (Veronica Clifford),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It sustains the entertainment value of the first film by introducing intriguing, new characters (such as House Elf Dobby (Toby Jones) and Tom Riddle (Christian Coulson)) and by deepening the camaraderie  between Potter, Weasley, and Granger. 

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Ben Meyers

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—the best supernatural film ever made—teams location, special effects, pure imagination, and outstanding cast to create a classic that finally bypasses Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s 1939 film release of The Wizard of Oz. Adventurous, powerful, surprising, and new, the film’s youthful cast Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are supported by some of the best seasoned actors in the business—Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Robbie Coltrane. While the movie closely follows the J.K. Rowling novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the visual effect and the impetus that Director Chris Columbus effortlessly thrusts into each and every scene make it enthrallingly absorbing.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harry Potter continues his education toward mastery of the magical arts.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Duncan Henderson, and Mark Radcliffe for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Tom-Bartender in Leaky Cauldron (Derek Deadman), Uncle Vernon Dursley (Richard Griffiths), Professor Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), Professor Quirinus Quirrell (Ian Hart), Aunt Petunia Dursley (Fiona Shaw), Diagon Alley Boy (Ben Borowiecki), Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Molly Weasley (Julie Walters), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), Goblin Bank Teller/Professor Flitwick (Warwick Davis), Cousin Dudley Dursley (Harry Melling), and Griphook the Goblin (Verne Troyer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. WOW! This works for all ages. A great watch! 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers