THE DARK KNIGHT (Released to Theaters in the USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Dark Knight, a winner from ‘go’ partially because Heath Ledger, as The Joker, becomes the King of Crime and because the casting choice of Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, and Eric Roberts is perfect all the way around. Great acting and portrayal make the movie ‘just plain fun to watch.’ Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for a sequel worth watching more than once.

Film, Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Batman (Christian Bale) tangles with mob bosses and The Joker over Gotham City’s soul.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Nolan for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kevin De La Noy, Benjamin Melniker, Thomas Tull, and Michael E. Uslan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), Joker (Heath Ledger), Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Alfred (Michael Caine), Rachel (Maggie Gyllenhaal), Gordon (Gary Oldman), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Ramirez (Monique Gabriela Curnen), Wuertz (Ron Dean), Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), Lau (Chin Han), Mayor (Nestor Carbonell), Maroni (Eric Roberts), Chechen (Ritchie Coster), Mike Engel (Anthony Michael Hall), and Stephens (Keith Szarabajka).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Sit back and enjoy the ride in this Christopher Nolan directed film. It’s worth your time and your money.

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Ben Meyers

TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1—the fourth film release in the Twilight Saga—provides drama and romance far above average levels. This winning story, completely unique, elevates creativity to beyond normal expectations. Expect to be led into an almost forced, must see attendance for its sequel and final film in the series, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2. Who would have thought that a vampire series could capture our imagination the way this series has? Great work for Director Bill Condon.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) marry, honeymoon, and have their first child.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bill Condon for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Billy (Gil Birmingham), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Renee (Sarah Clarke), Phil (Ty Olsson), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli), Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser), Emmett Cullen (Kellan Lutz), Rosalie Hale (Nikki Reed), Unsavory Man (Christian Sloan), Unsavory Man (James Pizzinato), and Unsavory Man (Ian Harmon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A ‘weird coolness’ brings audience enthrallment to its max that causes begging for ‘more, please’. Great work for all involved.

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Ben Meyers

TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2012)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 executes the romance/action/drama/fantasy genres with finesse. Terrific story from beginning to end, the movie provides a great ending to the Stephanie Meyer book series, Twilight. This film series displays romance with a keen edge—no vapid, insipid, uninspired, or colorless scenes found in this series. It’s a series that has obtained classic status that will endure for centuries.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart) become the target of the Volturi when their daughter Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) is born.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Bill Condon for making the film possible. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty Bowen, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan, and Guy Oseary for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli), Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser), Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene), Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone), Emmett Cullen (Kellan Lutz), Rosalie Hale (Nikki Reed), Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Sam Uley (Chaske Spencer), Irina (Maggie Grace), Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower), Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl), and Aro (Michael Sheen).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The final scenes for Edward and Bella’s life outcome are excellently executed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEPRECHAUN 4: IN SPACE (Video Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.5|5.0 Starsìì

Leprechaun 4: In Space fails to keep a steady, energetic pace which, in turn, affects its overall ability to match or exceed the entertainment value of other films in this series. Despite the terrific costuming of Dr. Mittenhead and Metal Head, the lack of steady pacing affects the story’s quality. Even with the efforts by the leprechaun character  (played by Warwick Davis) and the promising premise that the story starts on, it becomes just another film in the series.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline­

The leprechaun attempts to establish power through marrying a princess from an outer space kingdom.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brian Trenchard-Smith for making the film possible. Thank you to Executive Producers Mark Amin and Andrew Hersch in for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leprechaun (Warwick Davis), Books (Brent Jasmer), Tina (Jessica Collins), Dr. Mittenhand (Guy Siner), Harold (Gary Grossman), Princess Zarina (Rebecca Carlton), Metal Head (Tim Colceri), Sticks (Miguel A. Nuñez Jr.), Delores (Debbe Dunning), Danny (Mike Cannizzo), Mooch (Rick Peters), Kowalski (Geoff Meed), Lucky (Ladd York), and Computer Voice (voice of James Quinn).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If the goal is to follow the evil progression of the leprechaun to his final dramatic scenes, this film is a necessary watch to finish the series. Hopefully, the next film in the series, Leprechaun in the Hood, will improve on this film.

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Ben Meyers

THE CARE BEARS MOVIE (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

The Care Bears Movie—sweet, loving, predictable, just for children—gets into its story by showing children what our world should be like. Thank you to Director Arna Selsnick for a terrific ‘what if’ film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Care Bears find another opportunity to care-a-lot about people.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Arna Selznick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jack Chojnacki, Lou Gioia, Carole MacGillvray, and Robert Unkel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Cherrywood (voice of Mickey Rooney), The Spirit (voice of Jackie Burroughs), Love-a-Lot Bear (voice of Georgia Engel), Jason (Sunny Besen Thrasher), Friend Bear/Champ Bear/Swift Heart Rabbit (voice of Eva Almos), Funshine Bear/Share Bear (voice of Patricia Black), Birthday Bear/Cheer Bear/Baby Tugs Bear (voice of Melleny Melody), Grumpy Bear (voice of Bob Dermer), Mrs. Cherrywood (voice of Jayne Eastwood), Secret Bear (voice of Anni/Eve Evans), Bedtime Bear (voice of Gloria Figura), Kim (voice of Cree Summer), Mr. Fetuccini (voice of Brian George), Wish Bear (voice of Janet-Laine Green), and Lotsa Heart Elephant/Gentle Heart Lamb (voice of Luba Goy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film works to interpret the Care Bear personalities onscreen. This easily becomes a good and safe watch for children, especially children whose parents/guardians read The Care Bear stories to them.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEPRECHAUN IN THE HOOD (Video Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.1|5.0 Starsììì

Leprechaun in the Hood—better than its precursor—rates as the best in the Leprechaun series to date. This film has a solid storyline and concept. Improved portrayal of character and the inclusion of Ice-T add spice and a little ‘bling’ to this part of the Leprechaun series.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mack Daddy (Ice-T) and a friend discover a room full
of gold that also includes the statue of a leprechaun. The second the leprechaun becomes free, the horror begins.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Rob Spera for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Bruce David Eisen, Darin Spillman, and Mike Upton for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leprechaun (Warwick Davis), Postmaster P. (Anthony Montgomery), Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nall), Butch (Red Grant), Jackie Dee (Dan Martin), Fontaine Rivera (Lobo Sebastian), Reverend Hanson (Ivory Ocean), Chow Yung Pi (Jack Ong), Slug (Barima McKnight), Post’s Mother (Bebe Drake), Jackie Dee’s Wife (Donna M. Perkins), Waitress #1 (Daya Vaidya), Waitress #2 (Chloe Hunter), and Waitress #3 (Lori J. Jones).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Leprechaun horror series develops and matures its own unique place within horror genre entertainment as it moves along through the development of its series. Though it is not the best of the best within this genre, it works and continually improves.

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Ben Meyers

THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pink Panther Strikes Again runs the judgmental gauntlet line from great to good. A mixture of Peter Sellers’ charisma liberally laced with his inherent comedic abilities makes the movie a worthy watch. Inspector Clouseau’s ‘inevitable evasion from disaster’ makes Pink Panther films a reliable source for ‘just plain fun, sit back and enjoy the ride’ entertainment with the steady promise of ‘always easy on the mind, no work required here.’

Film Poster Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) once again makes tracks across Europe and parts of the Middle East while creating and leaving chaos in his wake.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Blake Edwards for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Blake Edwards for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chief Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers), Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), Olga (Lesley-Anne Down), Cato (Burt Kwouk), Drummond (Colin Blakely), Quinlan (Leonard Rossiter), Francois (André Maranne), Secretary of State (Byron Kane), The President (Dick Crockett), Dr. Hugo Fassbender (Richard Vernon), Margo Fassbender (Briony McRoberts), McClaren (Dudley Sutton), and Dr. Zelmo Flek (Murray Kash).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While not on par with Peter Sellers’ final Pink Panther film, this movie stays true to the Pink Panther stamp.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MR. MAJESTYK (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Mr. Majestyk has audaciousness embraced in every scene, as only Charles Bronson can deliver it. Charles Bronson always brings something to the big screen that no one else ever does and establishes a career on it. The story here is simple, but comes across as one shot blast after another and has Bronson ‘spunk’ stamped all over it. That Charles Bronson attitude—never looking back, down to earth, one-man-justice-thrill ride—is there for everyone to see in all its glory. Thank you to Director Richard Fleischer for a film that puts him at the top of Ben Meyers’ list of best directors to investigate and see what else he has to offer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vince Majestyk (Charles Bronson) needs to get his watermelon crop harvested and runs into mob challenges.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Richard Fleischer for directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Walter Mirisch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vince Majestyk (Charles Bronson), Frank Renda (Al Lettieri), Nancy Chavez (Linda Cristal), Wiley (Lee Purcell), Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo), Gene Lundy (Taylor Lacher), Detective Lieutenant McAllen (Frank Maxwell), Larry Mendoza (Alejandro Rey), Deputy Harold Richie (Jordan Rhodes), Julio Tomas (Bert Santos), Ron Malone (Howard Beasley), and Press Photographer (Ken Bell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a classic for 'one man justice' fans that supersedes all other films within that same theme. This movie works as a very enjoyable watch that is worth more than one viewing.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALIENS: ZONE OF SILENCE (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Aliens: Zone of Silence—well acted, interesting story presented in ‘found footage’ format—somehow works even though nothing seems relevant, having a reason to be told, or new. The ending seems blunt almost as if stating there will be a sequel. The concept has been thought out very well. The presentation works at the level of the 2010 Norwegian film release of Troll Hunter.

Film Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Storyline

A young woman finds aliens in the desert.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andy Fowler for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers John Bosher, Guy Botham, Jonathan Bross, Dan Carrillo Levy, Chris Charles, Jorge Garcia Castro, Guia Invernizzi, Tony Perez, and Jorge Vergara for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Morgan (Sarah Hester), Hal (Peter Gesswein), Alex (Jed Maheu), Goose (Vince Tula), Cop (Marcos Cline-Márquez), Abductee (Werdna Relwof), Presence (Henry Baring-Fowler), and Young Hal (Dane Perkins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a film that specifically targets the alien fan audience. It has good attention to detail for its rather small storyline. The format makes the acting seem particularly realistic. Definitely worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

LEPRECHAUN BACK 2 THA HOOD (Video Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

Leprechaun Back 2 Tha Hood—improves on the series—shows in more detail the way persons living in the hood think and process incoming life information. Warwick Davis becomes more threatening and increasingly bloodthirsty with each film and deals out some unique gore scenes that place him as a forefront runner to do another leprechaun movie. The script is well-written and for the gore-horror fan, the film is worth the watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl finds gold, splits it with her friends, and they all become targets of the Leprechaun as he sets out to re-accumulate what was distributed.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Ayromlooi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block and Phyllis Cedar for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Leprechaun (Warwick Davis), Emily Woodrow (Tangi Miller), Rory (Laz Alonso), Jamie Davis (Page Kennedy), Lisa Duncan (Sherrie Jackson), Esmeralda (Donzaleigh Abernathy), Watson (Shiek Mahmud-Bey), Cedric (Sticky Fingaz), Chanel (Keesha Sharp), Yolanda (Sonya Eddy), Thompson (Beau Billingslea), Whitaker (Christopher Murray), Doria (Vickilyn Reynolds), and Father Jacob (Willie C. Carpenter).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The Leprechaun series varies in quality of presentation and in fulfilling its voyages into the realm of horror. This film did quite well partially due to the inclusion of ‘the hood’ as its primary setting and showing the everyday lifestyle of persons with that upbringing who were not able to get out.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

RELIGULOUS (Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario Canada 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Religulous—interesting look into religious world views—takes the viewer on a journey around the world while asking questions about the usefulness or non-usefulness of religion. Another look at religion from the viewpoint of a person who does not seem to refute the god-factor, but seems to want to believe it does not exist. Bill Mahr seems to advise the audience to be philosophically doubtful about the way we think about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and then seems to take a position that much of what is believed within those orders of religion as written in books hundreds or even thousands of years ago can be refuted by a rational mind, de-structured, and reconstructed with something more logical. The interviews are fairly well done and seem to set some interviewees on edge; but decorum, for the most part, is managed for the camera’s sake. It’s a good, educational walk. Great work for Director Larry Charles.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Bill Mahr examines religion using Socratic methodology and refutation.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Larry Charles for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jesse Johnston and Charlie Siskel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Bill Maher), Himself (Tal Bachman), Himself (Jonathan Boulden), Himself (Steve Burg), Himself (Francis Collins), Himself (George Coyne), Benjamin Creme (Himself), Himself (Jeremiah Cummings), Himself (Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda), Herself (Fatima Elatik), Himself (Yahuda Etzion), Himself (Reginald Foster), and Himself (Mohamed Junas Gaffar).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s important to examine, through discussion, all sides of an issue.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE (Theatrical Release USA 1970)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Cross and the Switchblade—a good example of how religion can work within troubled communities to break serious challenges—works to establish Christianity as a healing force. While not a strong film in scripting, dialogue, and acting it does make its point. Watch for Eric Estrada from Chips and a very believable Pat Boone.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story of how Teen Challenge began.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Murray for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Dick Ross for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: David Wilkerson (Pat Boone), Nicky Cruz (Erik Estrada), Rosa (Jacqueline Giroux), Little Bo (Jo-Ann Robinson), Israel (Dino DeFilippi), Abdullah (Don Blakely), Big Cat (Gil Frazier), Sergeant Delano (Don Lamond), Hector Gomez (Sam Capuano), Mingo (Alex Colon), Moonlight (Hechter Ubarry), Augie (Stew Silver), Graciela Gomez (Dorothy James), Pusher (David Connell), Angela (Michelle Galjour), and Norma (Jackie Cronin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It has purpose and realizes that purpose.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

EXPEDITION CHINA (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Expedition China contains terrific film footage of rare animals in their natural environments. It’s G-rated entertainment. Appreciation for camera crews and what they do to get that perfect video shot becomes a high point of this movie. Don’t expect a storyline or points to be made. It’s about viewing beauty.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Image

Storyline

This film focuses on Chinese animals in their natural habitat.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ben Wallis for directing the movie. Additional characters/cast include: Maggie Q.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great work for Director Ben Wallis.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KRONK’S NEW GROOVE (Video Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Kronk’s New Groove—great animated story, worth watching—uses the outstanding voices of Patrick Warburton, David Spade, Tracy Ullman, Eartha Kitt, John Goodman, and John Mahoney to tell its story. This is a Disney animation that doesn’t quite make the Disney A-grade list.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kronk works to win his father’s approval.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Saul Blinkoff and Elliot M. Bour for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Peter Denomme for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kronk (voice of Patrick Warburton), Ms. Birdwell (voice of Tracey Ullman), Yzma (voice of Eartha Kitt), Kuzco (voice of David Spade), Pacha (voice of John Goodman), Chicha (voice of Wendie Malick), Papi (voice of John Mahoney), Rudy (voice of John Fiedler), Skinny Old Man/Stout Old Man/Gollum Rudy (voice of Jeff Bennett), Bucky (voice of Bob Bergen), Waitress (voice of Patti Deutsch), Chaca (voice of Jessie Flower), Huayna (voice of Anthony Ghannam), and Tipo (voice of Eli Russell Linnetz).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a fair to middling child/adult share film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

GODZILLA: CITY ON THE EDGE OF BATTLE (Theatrical Release Japan 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.4|5.0 Starsììì

Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle—the sequel of the 2017 production of Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters—suffers from lack of universal appeal due to a storyline that Japanese culture may relate to well, but a universal audience may find incomprehensible with a hard-to-follow storyline. Do some research and read a comprehensible plot before you go to increase enjoyment of the film.

Storyline

Survivors from an original encounter with Godzilla are helped by natives and go on to re-battle another Godzilla.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Hiroyuki Seshita and Kôbun Shizuno for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Yoshihiro Furusawa for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Belu-Be (voice of Rich Brown), Adam Bindewald (voice of Robbie Daymond), Metphies (voice of Lucien Dodge), Bilusaludo Soldier (voice of Hayato Fujii), Controller (voice of Frank Gerrish), Yuko Tani (voice of Kana Hanazawa), Miana (voice of Rachelle Heger), Unberto Mori (voice of Ken’yû Horiuchi), Josh Emerson (voice of Haruki Ishiya), Adam Bindewald (voice of Yuki Kaji), Controller (voice of Naoko Komatsu), Rilu-Elu Belu-Be (voice of Kenta Miyake), Haruo Sakaki (voice of Mamoru Miyano), Halu-Elu Dolu-Do (voice of Kazuya Nakai), Miana (voice of Ari Ozawa), and Soldier (voice of Bill Rogers).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. If the series has been started, there may be a desire to finish. But the film suffers from cultural barriers and lacks the ability to easily cross international and cultural borders. Better films along the ‘giant animal attacks humans’ theme are the Jurassic Park films one and two.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE MASTER TOUCH (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.9|5.0 Starsìì

The Master Touch—predictable story accompanied with weak acting—contains one hook to keep an audience engaged: will Kirk Douglas and Guiliano Gemma’s characters get caught? The fact that we care is an ode to the charisma that drove Kirk Douglas’ career throughout his long and prolific life.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A safecracker doesn’t learn a lesson from prison and plans one last job after his release.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michele Lupo for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Manolo Bolognini for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Steve Wallace (Kirk Douglas), Marco (Giuliano Gemma), Anna (Florinda Bolkan), Miller (Wolfgang Preiss), Detective Hoffman (Reinhard Kolldehoff), Miller’s Lieutenant (Romano Puppo), Eric (Bruno Corazzari), and Murdered Security Guard (John Bartha).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers