AMERICAN SNIPER (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

American Sniper is one of those movies that, from its opening scenes, an audience knows it is going to be a wonderful story. It’s that rare movie that a critic will have to watch again to critique because one just wants to sit back and enjoy it rather than watch it to critique it. The writing is so very good. The dialogue lines are so human. Nothing is lost of the human element in this film. Bradley Cooper has been chosen as the perfect cast for the part of the assassin. WOW! What a film! Director Clint Eastwood has done it again by bringing us a true story and turning an already great story into an incredible piece of entertainment. The movie earns its place in the home video library and is worth a re-watch, its time, and its money investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A young man, motivated by news channel coverage of violence against the United States, decides to enlist in the Navy Seals and becomes a sniper. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Clint Eastwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper, and Peter Morgan for making the film possible. Cast includes: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Navid Negahban, and Keir O’Donell. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Clint Eastwood-directed films are some of the best on the market. This movie is no exception. Wonderful work by all involved in this production.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

21 BRIDGES (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

21 Bridges—interesting watch—accesses the talents of Chadwick Boseman and J.K. Simmons to tell its story. The movie presents well and has a well written story. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

Corruption is running high in law enforcement and one man is there to clean it out. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brian Kirk for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Robert Simonds, Gigi Pritzker, Chadwick Boseman, and Logan Coles for making the film possible. Cast includes: Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Keith David, J. K. Simmons, and Taylor Kitsch. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This film presents well and serves intrigue and action fans well. It incorporates several twists and turns into its storyline that almost serve on a ‘whodunit’ level that keep the audience guessing.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LOST CITY OF Z (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Lost City of Z—based on the true story of jungle explorer Percy Fawcett—becomes worth watching for its interesting dip into little known history of this archaeologist and jungle explorer. There are some good scenes portraying action during World War I, Robert Pattinson looks good made up with a beard; but the film seems disconnected between its story and its actors.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) searches for the lost city of Z in the jungles of Brazil.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Gray for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Felipe Aljure, Marc Butan, Lew Horwitz, Mark Huffam, Michael Ilitch Jr., Julie B. May, Glenn Murray, and Brad Pitt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson), Nina Fawcett (Sienna Miller), Jack Fawcett (Tom Holland), Arthur Manley (Edward Ashley), James Murray (Angus Macfadyen), Sir George Goldie (Ian McDiarmid), and Sir John Scott Keltie (Clive Francis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Overall, the film lacks realism, but serves to establish the persona and basic skills of explorers.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers