SCHOOL OF ROCK (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

School of Rock—offbeat and entertaining—allows Jack Black plenty of opportunity to show the audience his full comedic range. His supporting cast creates the perfect venue to allow him to explode to higher entertainment levels as he leads and they follow a most unlikely path to become full-fledged rock musicians. Rocking is what Jack Black (as character Dewey Finn) does. As he leads a music class to explore this part of the music world, a great story is born that is both unique and engaging.

Film Poster  Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) doesn’t have a job. Desperate, he pretends to be a fifth grade teacher, is accepted, and trains the class to win a musical contest called Battle of the Bands.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Linklater for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Scott Aversano and Steve Nicolaides for making the film possible. Additional recognition needs to go to Composer Craig Wedren and Writer Mike White. Cast include: Jack Black, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Sarah Silverman, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Miranda Cosgrove, Kevin Alexander Clark, Robert Tsai, Maryam Hassan, and Zackary Infante.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s Jack Black at his best in a terrific, upbeat piece of entertainment. No lack found in this film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

STORMBREAKER (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Stormbreaker—great idea—uses Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) as the lead actor. He has good screen presence and exhibits high potential for additional films. The movie works as B-grade, intrigue entertainment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This spy action film is about a young man who is recruited by MI6 to infiltrate a supercomputer organization to discover any ulterior motive in donating high tech systems free of charge to British school systems. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Geoffrey Sax for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, and Steve Christian for making the film possible. Cast includes: Sarah Bolger, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen Fry, Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Alex Pettyfer, Missi Pyle, Andy Serkis, Alicia Silverstone, Ashley Walters, and Mickey Rourke.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Despite its initial failure in theaters, the movie follows the strict protocols of superior spy films and earns its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers