AS I LAY DYING (Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

As I Lay Dying—derived from William Faulkner’s novel—uses great cinematography with unusual, simultaneous two-screen display, perfectly timed slow-motion scenes, and unique camera angles that greatly amplify the portrayal of this eerily, dark drama. The actors, superbly cast, portray this story with great attention to detail. Tim Blake Nelson displays great skill in every scene while Brady Permenter shows great promise in this movie, his first theatrical film and acting debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Addie Bundren (Beth Grant) lies dying and requests her family bury her in Jefferson, Mississippi. The journey complicates itself after a bad rain storm.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Franco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Heidi Jo Markel, Trevor Short, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darl Bundren (James Franco), Anse (Tim Blake Nelson), Cash (Jim Parrack), Dewey Dell (Ahna O’Reilly), Jewel (Logan Marshall-Green), Vardaman Bundren (Brady Permenter), Vernon Tull (Danny McBride), Dr. Peabody (Brian Lally), Cora Tull (Jennifer Kristen Howell), Eula Tull (Anna Kooris), Kate Tull (Natalie Minton), and Reverend Whitfield (Steve Nabors).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a dive into a world of poverty and ignorance. It’s not a good movie if you’re looking for a light and happy story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE HOMESMAN (Released to Theaters USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Homesman—Tommy Lee Jones and Hilary Swank—has a different western story to tell as it focuses on female lives and their ways of coping (or not coping) with the tough life on the frontier. The cast shows outstanding skill in depicting the story. Content contains  explicit sex scenes; nudity; and frank, adult dialogue. The story needs to be told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Ms. Cuddy agrees to transport three men's wives to a Christian asylum to rehabilitate them to sanity, if possible. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director/Executive Producer Tommy Lee Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer G. Hughes Abell, Deborah Dobson Bach, Michael Fitzgerald, Richard Romero, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto, Sonja Richter, Jo Harvey Allen, Barry Corbin, David Dencik, William Fichtner, Evan Jones, Caroline Lagerfelt, John Lithgow, Tim Blake Nelson, Jesse Plemons

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Maybe. This film looks at the western frontier's development and the toll it takes on females.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE INCREDIBLE HULK (Released To Theaters USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Incredible Hulk—a suitable to okay remake—has better storyline than the last film but do not expect much improvement anywhere else in the movie. Edward Norton, in looks, seems a better choice than Eric Bana and overall, gives a better interpretation of the Hulk's character. But neither Norton or Bana are as good as Mark Ruffalo who took the Hulk personality to a whole different level.  William Hurt replaces Sam Elliot. Tim Roth cannot seem to get enough evil out for his final fight with the Norton Hulk. Watch for Tim Blake Nelson as the intellectual.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

 Bruce Banner is injected with an experimental chemical that can turn him into the Hulk.  

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Louis Leterrier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stan Lee, David Maisel, and Jim Van Wyck, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Christina Cabot, Peter Mensah, Lou Ferrigno, and Paul Soles. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is an okay to suitable watch and tells a better story than the Eric Bana version. But Mark Ruffalo retains the Gold Standard in the interpretation and overall believability of the Hulk's personality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

SYRIANA (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Syriana—complicated storyline—skillfully interweaves several stories into one story. It successfully moves suspense into the front row seat, gives little reprieve, and allows no shallow excuses for that move. The drama makes this movie a one-of-a-kind story that becomes the epitome of entertainment that purposely engages the intellect and interest of sophisticated audiences. The movie particularly serves audiences who appreciate political thrillers. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Connex Oil merges with Killen Oil and causes concern within the U.S. justice system. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Stephen Gaghan for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jennifer Fox, Georgia Kacandes, and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Casting includes: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig, and Mazhar Munir. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a ‘must see’ espionage film that incorporates a diverse cast comprised of Matt Damon, George Clooney, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, and Christopher Plummer. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO (Video on Demand Release USA 2022)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì 

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio achieves a level of interpretation that varies strongly from the 1940 Disney animation of this story.  Guillermo del Toro produces a stop motion animation movie that has deep heart and over time could well attain a certain type of classic status. The animation is superb and presents beautifully on screen.  It’s a great story to add to Netflix’s collection. This film is worthy of its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A movie based on the story of Pinocchio. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Guillermo del Toro, Lisa Henson, Gary, Ungar, Alex Bulkley, and Corey Campodonico for making the movie possible. Cast includes: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Burn Gorman, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a wonderful watch for any audience 10-years old and up. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers