WONDERSTRUCK (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Wonderstruck—terrific story—shows the talent of Director Todd Haynes. It wins at the emotional level, involves its audience, shows terrific attention to detail, deserves both kudos and bravos, and absolutely earns your time and money.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

In 1927 Rose (Millicent Simmonds) runs away from home to find her mother. Fifty years later Ben (Oakes Fegley) searches for his father.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Todd Haynes for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Brian Bell and Sandy Powell for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lillian Mayhew/Rose (Julianne Moore), Walter (Cory Michael Smith), Dr. Kincaid/Rose’s Father (James Urbaniak), Otto/Museum Guard (Damian Young), Workman (Patrick Murney), Pearl/The Maid (Lauren Ridloff), Dr. Gill/Teacher of the Deaf (Anthony Natale), Miss Conrad at the Museum (Carole Addabbo), Remy Rubin/Theater Director (Howard Seago), Stage Manager (Brian Berrebbi), and Valentin (John P. McGinty).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The script, well-written, earns its right to classify as high-quality family entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MEEK’S CUTOFF (Theatrical Release Canada 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Meek’s Cutoff experimentally uses a writing technique where the audience, unfamiliar with the history behind Oregon scout and wagon train leader Stephen Meek’s decision to blaze a new wagon train trail, can interpret and debate the meaning of the final scene. For those familiar with the history, however, the final scene is known and understood. The film uses seasoned actors Bruce Greenwood and Will Patton along with some newer actors, Paul Dano and Michelle Williams, to complete its story. The cast works well together. This film does not follow a strong western ‘shoot ‘em up, ride it hard’ format.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Native American challenges lead to the blazing of a new trail by Oregon pioneers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Kelly Reichardt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Todd Haynes, Phil Morrison, Andrew Pope, Laura Rosenthal, Mike S. Ryan, Rajen Savjani, and Steven Tuttleman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Emily Tetherow (Michelle Williams), Stephen Meek (Bruce Greenwood), Soloman Tetherow (Will Patton), Millie Gately (Zoe Kazan), Thomas Gately (Paul Dano), Glory White (Shirley Henderson), William White (Neal Huff), Jimmy White (Tommy Nelson), and The Indian (Rod Rondeaux).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film relies on good acting despite its ambiguously blunt ending.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers