SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION* (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Shawshank Redemption delivers an unbeatable Stephen King story via Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and an excellent supporting cast. This ‘stand up and cheer for excellence’ movie, directed by Frank Darabont, quickly establishes itself as a one-of-a-kind classic film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) insists he has been wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced with two back-to-back life sentences, he must find a way to re-establish a life.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Frank Darabont for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Liz Glotzer and David V. Lester for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman), Warden Norton (Bob Gunton), Heywood (William Sadler), Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown), Tommy (Gil Bellows), and Bogs Diamond (Mark Rolston).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s a ‘must see’ for the late teen/adult audience.

*Also Known as: The Shawshank Redemption

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

DARK WATERS (Released to Theaters USA 2019)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Dark Waters—good exploration of big money versus small money—easily becomes one of the better films on the market because of story and the way the story is presented. WOW! It doesn't run like the Erin Brockovich movie but it does move along well, has good characterization, and makes its point without preaching.

Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb

Storyline

A farmer approaches Lawyer Rob Bilott and claims that his cows are dying unexpectedly. He claims that the creek near his house is contaminated by a nearby industrial plant runoff. 

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Todd Haynes for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Ruffalo, Christine Vachon, and Pamela Koffler for making the film possible. Cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Mare Winningham, and Bill Pullman.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a great watch. The scenes move along well. Although it is environmentally-themed, it uses scenes in the story to make its point rather than argumentation.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GREEN LANTERN (Released to Theaters USA 2011)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Green Lantern—Ryan Reynolds—emphasizes the importance of the ring a Green Lantern wears and also the fact that Green Lanterns do not singularly act or just act with power on earth. This movie is a suitable watch with suitable portrayal and presentation. The makeup is really great and the special effects are good.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Green Lantern alien gets injured by a dark force before crash landing on earth. Near death, he orders his ring to find the best candidate to succeed him. The ring chooses a hotshot Air Force pilot.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Martin Campbell for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Donald De Line, Greg Berlanti, and Geoff Johns for making the film possible. Cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Saarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, and Tim Robbins. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Overall, this is a suitable watch, tells a good story, and has suitable acting.   Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers