SINATRA BEING FRANK (Video Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Sinatra Being Frank—Frank Sinatra’s life lightly re-examined—does little justice to this legendary musician and his deep contribution to the music industry. The interviews seem ‘thrown together’ without coordination and lack that formal presentation that mark the good documentary. It almost seems that no one had deep interest in re-visiting Sinatra’s life and the documentary is treated as if assigned as a school project without respect or care to the professional presentation. This creates a certain darkness to this documentary that is irretrievable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Frank Sinatra’s life, from childhood through late life, receives another documentary-style examination through archival footage.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to A. Simon Napier for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Andrew Crossley, Duncan Napier-Bell, Terry Stone, and Richard Turner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Alice Cooper), Himself (Tony DeSare), Himself (Paul Gambaccini), Himself (Roger Moore), Narrator (Tony Oppedisano), Himself (Tim Rice), Himself (Louis Walsh), and Himself (Frank Warren).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For an afternoon fill-in-some-spare-time-81-minute-watch, it’s a quick revisit through the superficial highlights of this legendary musical performer’s life.

Video Critique Available Here:

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. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers