EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is intellectually perfect. Thomas Horn gives the audience perhaps one of the best child performances ever recorded on film. He plays Oskar Schell, a young boy with Asperger Syndrome symptoms, with a portrayal and interpretation of character that is flawless. Thomas Horn’s performance is supported by Tom Hanks, Max Van Sydow (Emigrants (1971)), Sandra Bullock, and Zoe Caldwell. Director Stephen Daldry outdid himself, showing remarkable understanding of how this story should proceed. He takes the audience to an uncompromising place that refuses to soften reality with fictional overtones.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nine-year-old Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn), a boy with symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome, endeavors to make sense of his father’s September 11 death through a detailed search for the owner of a key he has found in his father’s closet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Daldry for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Celia D. Costas, Mark Roybal, and Nora Skinner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Thomas Schell (Tom Hanks), Linda Schell (Sandra Bullock), Oskar’s Grandmother (Zoe Caldwell), Minister (Dennis Hearn), Homeless Man (Paul Klementowicz), Deli Waiter (Julian Tepper), Schoolboy (Caleb Reynolds), Stan the Doorman (John Goodman), The Renter (Max von Sydow), Walt the Locksmith (Stephen Henderson), Locksmith Customer (Lorna Pruce), and Abby Black (Viola Davis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It is a must see, extremely well done, mind expanding film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BLIND SIDE (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Blind Side—a classic family film worth watching a second time. Superb casting includes Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, and Lily Collins. This is an upbeat story for the whole family. One of the best entertainment movies for 2009.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) runs away from foster homes to consistently fend for himself. He finally meets a family who helps him find a life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Lee Hancock for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Timothy M. Bourne, Molly Smith, and Erwin Stoff for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw), Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), S.J. Touhy (Jae Head), Collings Tuohy (Lily Collins), Coach Cotton (Ray McKinnon), Mrs. Boswell (Kim Dickens), Denise Oher (Adriane Lenox), and Miss Sue (Kathy Bates).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Director John Lee Hancock hit the jackpot with his interpretation of Michael Lewis’ novel, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. Heart, soul, and great acting place this family movie in a category of its own.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers