OLIVER TWIST Released to Theaters USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Oliver Twist— remake of the 1968 Oliver!—is a part of many  remakes of the Charles Dickens' 1838 novel, Oliver Twist. The years of remakes include 1909 through 1948, 1968, 1982, 1997, and 2003.  There is also a modernized film after Oliver Twist (2005) named Twist (2021). This 2005 movie, Oliver Twist, is about the same quality as the 1968 Oliver!, but it is not as likeable or believable as the 1968 Oliver!  However, this movie, Oliver Twist (2005) is not a musical like Oliver! (1968). So, if an audience does not care for  musicals this remake may be a preferable watch.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Oliver Twist gets sent to another home away from the orphanage because he wants more food.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Roman Polanski for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Roman Polanski, Robert  Benmussa, and Alain Sarde for making the film possible. Cast includes Barney Clark, Ben Kingsley, Jamie Foreman, Leanne Rowe, Mark Strong, and Edward Hardwicke.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. Oliver Twist (2005) is an okay/suitable film  in story and acting.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

THE PIANIST (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pianist transforms a piece of history into a gripping, living, on-screen story thanks to the efforts of Director Roman Polanski. This film is an example of why people go to the movies—an outstanding story coupled with great acting. It is not often that actors succeed so well in accurate portrayal of a storyline. The storyline is fantastic. It depicts war’s realism with unflinching staunchness.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a Polish Jewish pianist, barely survives World War II atrocities while his entire family is destroyed.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roman Polanski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Timothy Burrill, Henning Molfenter, and Lew Rywin for making the film possible. Additional character/cast include: Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody), Dorota (Emilia Fox), Jurek (Michal Zebrowski), Henryk (Ed Stoppard), Mother (Maureen Lipman), Father (Frank Finlay), Halina (Jessica Kate Meyer), Regina Julia Rayner), and SS Slapping Father (Wanja Mues).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For anyone looking for a movie about courageous survival against all odds, this is that story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers