IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (Released to Theaters USA 1967)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì  In the Heat of the Night—great writing—stretches high-wire tension from its beginning scene to its concluding scene. Don't miss this movie. It earns classic status and completely entertains with its exceptional portrayal of life in a small Mississippi town. It deserves its place in the home video library.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Mississippi town policeman, Sam Wood (Warren Oates), unknowingly arrests a Philadelphia homicide detective and then, accuses him of committing homicide in a small Mississippi town during the night. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Norman Jewison for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Walter Mirisch for making the film possible. Cast includes Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates, and Lee Grant. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a really good watch. Read a Wikipedia plotline if the last scenes are not quite clear for connection. The Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger casting choice is perfect. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

IN PURSUIT OF HONOR (Released to Television USA 1995)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  In the Pursuit of Honor—quality, bittersweet watch— is a very informative film and tells the story of men who showed honor in two instances of great compassion and kindness. WOW! What a concept for an HBO TV movie! The portrayal and presentation are good. There may be some pacing challenges in some parts of the film but that is so minor that it is not significant. It is good to see Rod Steiger cast in the movie. The movie is exceptionally well-written.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A group of USA Cavalry soldiers are ordered to take the remainder of cavalry horses to Mexico and dispose of them. But a group of soldiers decide to evade army orders and make a run for the Canadian border with the majority of them.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Ken Olin doe directing the film. Thank you to Executive Producer Jeffrey M. Hayes for making the film possible. Cast includes Don Johnson, Craig Sheffer, Gabrielle Anwar, Bob Gunton, and Rod Steiger. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good watch and tells a story of doing the honorable thing so that one does not have regrettable memories that will need to be resolved throughout one's lifetime. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SHILOH (Released to Theaters USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Shiloh has the theme of a boy who falls in love with a dog that belongs to another person and what he does to make the dog his own. This is a simple story for children. The most well-known actor in it is Rod Steiger. It works as a simple, fill-in-some-time, afternoon watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A boy becomes attached to a dog that belongs to another person. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Dale Rosenbloom for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Zane W. Levitt, Dale Rosenbloom. And Mark Yellen for making the film possible. Cast includes Scott Wilson, Blake Heron, Bonnie Bartlett, Rod Steiger, J. Madison Wright, Ann Dowd, Michael Moriarty, Shira Roth, Tori Wright, Montrose Hagins, Rachel Winfree, Amzie Strickland Frannie the Dog.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is not a high-quality watch. It's simple, a bit slow at times, and can be somewhat boring. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers