THE GODFATHER: PART II (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Godfather: Part II—even better than the first Godfather due to backstory additions and continued outstanding casting choices—makes the story untouchable for criticism. It’s perfection at every juncture with unbelievably smooth transitions between past, present, and predictable future scenes. Director Francis Ford Coppola capitalizes on the talents of Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert DeNiro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, and Michael V. Gazzo to create a BRAVO! BRAVO! film that literally walks away with six Oscar Awards. This movie holds nothing back. Heavy on violence with some language, the film shows for an adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Corleone Family’s story continues with Michael Corleone as the new Don.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Evans and Producer Francis Ford Coppola for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael (Al Pacino), Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Kay (Diane Keaton), Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), Fredo Corleone (John Cazale), Connie Corleone (Talia Shire), Hyman Roth (Lee Strasberg), and Frankie Pentangeli (Michael V. Gazzo).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Don’t miss it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

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

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA (Released to Switzerland 2016)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The War with Grandpa—presents as a comedy—has little comedy. This is a war where everyone loses. It has a good cast: Oakes Fegley, Christopher Walken, Cheech Marin and Uma Thurman, but it does show a situation where someone should have stepped in long before the climax reveals itself. There are some original comedic points; but overall, it is not a high quality storyline.   Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb Storyline A woman believes her father can't take care himself anymore. So she brings him to her house and makes her son's room into his room; but her son is not happy.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Tim Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marvin Peart, Rosa Morris Peart, and Phillip Glasser for making the film possible. Cast includes Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Oakes Fegley, Laura Marano, Cheech Marin, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Walken.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is well-acted and has good portrayal, but no one 'wins' in this movie. It is meant to be a comedy, but seems to fall flat in storyline.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

STARDUST (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Stardust—high potential—fails to deliver due to poor character development, lack of backstory, average acting, complicated storyline, and weak foundation. The movie begins with highly imaginative scenes that support themselves on high budget stage sets, but the excellent stage sets cannot establish the storyline and the meaning of each scene becomes quickly lost. The film deserves its 3.8 stars because of the highly imaginative scenes, but fails in its meaningful delivery.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Magical kingdoms, falling stars, kings, princes, witches, princesses, jewels, Babylon candles, and voodoo dolls work together to establish rightful rulers to thrones.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Matthew Vaughn for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Stephen Marks, Peter Morton, Kris Thykier, and David Womark for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Yvaine (Claire Danes), Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox), Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), Prince Septimus (Mark Strong), Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro), Prince Primus (Jason Flemyng), Princess Una/Slave Girl (Kate Magowan), Ditchwater Sal (Melanie Hill), and Narrator (voice of Ian McKellen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film needs backstory to explain and fill in the gaps of its complicated story. Read a plotline before you go.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers