JUNIOR BONNER (Released to Theaters USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Junior Bonner—a classic rodeo movie—excels in realism, presentation, and outstanding acting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Junior Bonner (Steve McQueen), whose specialty is riding broncs and bulls, is in the last days of his rodeo career. He has just failed riding a tough bull named Sunshine. He moves on to Prescott, Arizona, his familial home, to get ready for the Prescott rodeo. His arrogant brother, Curly Bonner (Joe Don Baker), is in mobile home real estate. Junior Bonner’s father, Ace Bonner (Robert Preston), is in the hospital for drunk driving. His mother, Elvira Bonner (Ida Lupino), is separated from her husband. Junior Bonner finds that his father wants to go to Australia. Junior Bonner bribes his manager, Buck Roan (Ben Johnson), to allow him to ride the bull, Sunshine, one more time.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Sam Peckinpah. Thank you to Producer Joe Wizan and Associate Producer Mickey Borofsky for making the film possible. Cast include: Steve McQueen, Robert Preston, Ida Lupino, Joe Don Baker, Barbara Leigh, Ben Johnson,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Be aware that this film works on a rather depressing storyline, but completely works as an exceptionally realistic portrayal of rodeo life without the support of a family and children. Excellent drama.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LAST STARFIGHTER (Released to Theaters USA 1984)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  The Last Starfighter—one of Lance Guest's earlier films—provides a suitable to okay piece of entertainment. It is a 'kind of' fun watch with a cult classic feel.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline A teenager, who lives in a trailer park, wins one of the highest scores on a sci-fi, fighter jet, arcade game. Soon an alien from outer space meets him and takes him on an adventure of a lifetime.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Nick Castle for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gary Adelson and Edward O. Denault for making the film possible. Cast includes Lance Guest, Dan O'Herlihy, Catherine Mary Stewart, and Robert Preston.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. It is not the best space movie out there, but it has a slight cult classic feel to it. It provides a suitable to okay piece of entertainment.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers