HUGO (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Hugo—partially based on the true story of filmmaker Georges Méliès—starts slow, but rapidly displays a certain artistic quality that defies traditional film treatment. The film becomes a credit to Georges Méliès’ life and contribution to film, but does it in such a way that audiences may be caught off guard. It is not until the end of the film that one may realize that somehow, someway there has been exposure to something surreal. Director Martin Scorcese reminds an audience of all the reasons  movies are loved. The wonder of seeing people on the rolling screen and the power of being taken places that one cannot always go without the media of film...kudos to Director Martin Scorsese for remembering Georges Méliès’ time in history and bringing that moment in time back to life in such a vibrant, unexpected way. The film embodies the delight one experiences when finding a single violet in an unending field of green grass.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), who is trying to fix an animatron, gets his notebook taken from him by Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley) who accuses him of stealing items from his toy shop. Hugo desperately needs the notebook. Georges Méliès gives Hugo a job as janitor in his toy shop in return for the notebook. When Hugo finally finishes the last repair on the animatron, he winds it up and it works, then stops. Hugo finds that the animatron needs a heart-shaped, pointed key. Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz), who lives in the same house as Georges Méliès, oddly enough wears a heart-shaped key as a necklace. Hugo shows her the animatron. The key fits the animatron and the animatron begins to draw something, but stops. Then it starts up again and draws a picture representing an old movie, A Trip to The Moon. The animatron also includes the signature of Georges Méliès. Hugo asks Isabelle to help him sneak into the house of Georges Méliès to see how the drawing relates to Georges Méliès.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Martin Scorsese. Thank you to Executive Producers David Crockett, Barbara De Fina, Christi Dembrowski, Georgia Kacandes, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, and Charles Newirth for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen), Uncle Claude (Ray Winstone), Lisette (Emily Mortimer), Monsieur Labisse (Christopher Lee), Mama Jeanne (Helen McCrory), Rene Tabard (Michael Stuhlbarg), Madame Emilie (Frances de la Tour), Monsieur Frick (Richard Griffiths), and Hugo’s Father (Jude Law).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s artistic—a complete bouquet of the finest roses to the film industry’s efforts to improve our lives by providing/allowing/giving the gift of on-demand entertainment for every person, not just the select few. Do a little research on Director Georges Méliès before you go to get the most from this inspiring film.

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Ben Meyers

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—really good take on the remake of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—presents a more expansive view of Willy Wonka’s life and why he became a chocolatier; but, once again the remake is not as good as the original. Johnny Depp seems nervous, not quite at home in his Willy Wonka character; but, as always, rises to the occasion and still manages to pull off a good rendition of the Willy Wonka personality. The rest of the cast could not compare with the original casting for this film. There’s a certain indefinable ‘heart’, call it innocence if you will, that permeates the original production that has been lost in the remake.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Charlie, an impoverished child, with a large propensity for humility, receives a Willy Wonka bar that contains a coveted Golden Ticket which allows the bearer of the ticket access to a personal tour of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The real competition, as Charlie eventually finds out, has nothing to do with winning the Golden Ticket, but a great deal to do with personal ethics, morality, and codes of conduct that uniquely put humans in places for prospering and doing well.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Tim Burton. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Graham Burke, Michael Siegel, Patrick McCormick, and Liccy Dahl for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), Grandpa Joe (David Kelly), Mrs. Bucket (Helena Bonham Carter), Mr. Bucket (Noah Taylor), Mrs. Beauregarde (Missi Pyle), Mr. Salt (James Fox), Oompa Loompa (Deep Roy), Dr. Wonka (Christopher Lee), Mr. Teavee (Adam Godley), Mrs. Gloop (Franziska Troegner), and Violet Beauregarde (AnnaSophia Robb).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The original is better than the remake; but either movie makes a great child/adult share with much opportunity for discussion about the meaning of the movie after the watch.

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Ben Meyers

WHAT ABOUT BOB? (Theatrical Release USA 1991)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

What About Bob?—This is a ‘Best, Peak-of-their-Career’ work for both Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. The comedic timing is perfect. The script is outstanding. The film is perfect from beginning to end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) becomes a newly transferred patient to psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) just before Dr. Marvin leaves for a month long, family vacation. Dr. Marvin suggests that Bob read Dr. Leo’s newly published book “Baby Steps” and sends Bob ‘baby stepping’ right out the door of his office with the understanding that treatment will begin after Dr. Marvin returns from vacation. But, Bob has better plans for treatment than just reading a book.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Frank Oz. Thank you to Producer Laura Ziskin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fay Marvin (Julie Hagerty), Sigmund ‘Siggy Marvin (Charlie Korsmo), Anna Marvin (Kathryn Erbe), Mr. Guttman (Tom Aldredge), Mrs. Guttman (Susan Willis), Phil (Roger Bowen), Lily Marvin (Fran Brill), Carswell Fensterwald, M.D. (Brian Reddy), Dr. Catherine Tomsky (Doris Belack), and Marie Grady (Melinda Mullins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Wow! Director Frank Oz did a fantastic job directing this movie! It is a winner from the get-go.

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Ben Meyers

PAULIE (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Paulie—so lovable that it’s worth every bit of the Ben Meyers’ 4.2 Star rating. It deserves every accolade it gets. The concept of a talking parrot is freshly done, such a great idea, and is complimented by Tony Shalhoub skills as an actor. The script is great. It is absolutely a film that works for your family, both children and adults, 10 years of age and up.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Misha Vilyenkov (Tony Shalhoub), a Russian immigrant, is hired by scientists as a janitor and is shown around the basement of a building by Virgil (Bill Cobbs), another janitor. Misha sees a parrot called a Blue-Crowned Conure in the corner of the basement and asks Virgil about it. Virgil tells him to not mess with him and finishes giving the tour of the basement. Later that day, Misha is polishing a hallway and makes it down to the basement and finds that the parrot can talk and sing some songs. But, this is not any ordinary talking parrot that hears words and repeats words. It can actually talk like a human. Misha tells one of the scientists about the parrot. But, the bird fails to perform in front of the scientist. When Misha is alone again with the parrot, he asks the parrot why it did not talk and the bird tells him why. The film is based on the parrot’s story, why it is in the basement of a science building, and how Misha helps right a serious wrong.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director John Roberts. Thank you to Executive Producer Ginny Nugent for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Ivy (Gena Rowlands), Ignacio (Cheech Marin), Dr. Reingold (Bruce Davison), Adult Marie Alweather (Trini Alvarado), Benny (Jay Mohr), Artie (Buddy Hackett), Marie Alweather (Hallie Kate Eisenberg), Warren Alweather (Matt Craven), Ruby and Lupe (voice of Tia Texada), and Lila Alweather (Laura Harrington).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a ‘best’ family movie with a lovable storyline. Refreshing.

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Ben Meyers

TEARS OF THE SUN (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Tears of the Sun—based on a real life Canadian-Columbian rescue event—turns into a superb, worth a second watch movie. Strong violence and some partial nudity.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a Nigerian rebel uprising, United States Navy Seal Lieutenant A. K. Waters (Bruce Willis) receives command to lead his team into the Nigerian jungle to rescue and evacuate Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks (Monica Bellucci) and her colleagues, Mission Priest (Pierrino Mascarino), Sister Grace (Fionnula Flanagan), and Sister Siobhan (Cornelia Hayes O’Herlihy), from the hospital/mission where they serve.  When the Navy Seal team arrives, Dr. Kendrick requests that her patients be included in the rescue attempt. Patients, able to walk, accompany the Navy Seal team and Dr. Kendricks on the 7 ½ mile trek to the helicopter evacuation point. When they arrive for evacuation, Lieutenant Waters follows through with his original order to primarily evacuate Dr. Kendricks and leaves all patients on ground. The evacuation flight path includes a view of the now destroyed mission/hospital compound where all remaining personnel, who voluntarily remained to care for the patients who could not travel, have been ruthlessly murdered by rebel troops. Ignoring his primary directive, Lieutenant Waters returns to the evacuation point, loads as many of the abandoned patients, who had initially traveled into the jungle, into the helicopter as he can, and asks his team to lead the rest of the patients through the jungle to a safe area. Rebel troops pursue as the Navy Seal team endeavors to find a safe point where they can be evacuated.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Antoine Fuqua. Thank you to Executive Producer Joe Roth for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James ‘Red’ Atkins (Cole Hauser), Ellis ‘Zee’Pettigrew (Eamonn Walker), Kelly Lake (Johnny Messner), Michael ‘Slo’ Slowenski (Nick Chinlund), Demetrius ‘Silk’ Owens (Charles Ingram), Danny ‘Doc’ Kelley (Paul Francis), Jason ‘Flea’ Mabry (Chad Smith), and Colonel Idris Sadick (Malick Bowens).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. A special ops movie with Bruce Willis that is superb. Period.

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Ben Meyers

THE ROAD TO EL DORADO (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Road to El Dorado—good animated movie, worth watching—turns into a decent child/adult share movie.

Storyline

Two wanted men, Tulio (voice by Kevin Kline) and Miguel (voice by Kenneth Branagh), win a map from some tough guys and head to the New World to find the legendary El Dorado.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Eric ‘Bibo’ Bergeron, Will Finn, Don Paul, David Silverman, and Jeffrey Katzenberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Jeffery Katzenberg and Co-executive Producer Bill Damaschke for making the film possible. Cast include: Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez, Armande Assante, Edward James Olmos, and Jim Cummings.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A magical and adventuresome film for everyone 10+ age.  Good animation with a worthy storyline.

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Ben Meyers

BROTHER BEAR 2 (DVD Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.3|5.0 Starsììì Brother Bear 2—old theme—relies on the Shrek idea of changing one's natural being to experience romance. Not a new concept...think of Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid...the list goes on and on, this time it's a girl and a bear. One wonders what is a child's 'take home' message? Many of the transition scenes are jarring. The music is probably the best part of the film. Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kenai (voice of Patrick Dempsey), who now lives as a cave bear, remembers when he was human.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ben Gluck for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Jim Ballantine and Carolyn Bates for making the film possible. Cast include: Mandy Moore, Jeremy Suarez, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara,  Wanda Sykes, Wendie Malick, and Kathy Najimy.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. This sequel movie has a weak story. It does not reach basic standards of quality.

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Ben Meyers

PHILOMENA (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Philomena is: phenomenal and worth the ground it sits on. A best film for Judi Dench and Steve Coogan who make an inseparable team on screen. This movie bases its true story on Philomena Lee and her son Anthony Lee (name later changed to Michael Hess). It has a mature, but cleanly written, well-directed script.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Eighteen-year-old Philomena (Sophie Kennedy Clark) attends a carnival, meets a young man, and gets pregnant. Her widowed father sends her to the Catholic Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, Ireland where she gives birth, works, and has access to her child until he is about 3 to 4 years of age. The abbey sells her son to an American Catholic family. Philomena (Judi Dench) throughout her adult life looks for her child and finally with the help of British Journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) finds a trail that leads to America.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Stephen Frears. Thank you to Executive Producers Carolyn Marks Blackwood, Steve Coogan, François Ivernel, Christine Langan, Cameron McCracken, and Henry Normal for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mary (Mare Winningham), Sister Hildegarde (Barbara Jefford), Mother Barbara (Ruth McCabe), Pete Olsson (Peter Hermann), and Michael (Sean Mahon).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is well portrayed with some serendipitous additions of scenes of a British woman’s first exposure to American culture which gives a precious, deeper insight into Philomena’s basic character. It’s a treat to see her masterful acceptance of each step in her difficult journey.

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Ben Meyers

BLACK HAWK DOWN (Los Angeles California Limited Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Black Hawk Down—superb Ranger and Delta Force war flick—emphasizes just how good special effects can support a film. With some of the best special effects that the movie business has to offer, Ridley Scott outshines competition with a film that not only contains lots of action but adds just the right amount of heart and emotional appeal.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After Somalia enters civil war and United Nations personnel are attacked, United States Ranger, Delta, and SOAR forces are deployed to take out the country’s new president. In the process two Black Hawk helicopters, Super Six-One and Super Six-Four, are shot down by terrorists. With ground forces unable to reach the crash sites, the battle around the two Black Hawks becomes a bitter struggle between life and death.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director Ridley Scott. Thank you to Executive Producers Branko Lustig, Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, and Simon West for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eversmann (Josh Hartnett), Grimes (Ewan McGregor), McKnight (Tom Sizemore), Hoot (Eric Bana), Sanderson (William Fichtner), Nelson (Ewen Bremner), Garrison (Sam Shepard), Kurth (Gabriel Casseus), Wex (Kim Coates), Schmid (Hugh Dancy), Durant (Ron Eldard), Beales (Ioan Gruffudd), Yurek (Tom Guiry), and Smith (Charlie Hofheimer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Beyond words. One of the best, if not the best, war movie productions. It’s an ‘I can feel it movie.’

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Ben Meyers

BROTHER BEAR (Released to Theaters USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Brother Bear runs on a ‘protect and save wildlife/plant life’ theme. It’s a fair to middling animated film for children.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Kenai (voice Joaquin Phoenix), the youngest of three brothers, Sitka (voice D.B. Sweeney), the oldest, and Denahi (voice Jason Raize), the middle brother, play, ride canoes, and catch fish together. The two eldest brothers catch a basket full of salmon and then leave to go to a ceremony. Kenai ties the basket to a tree and hurries to go to the ceremony, too. He notices that the basket has fallen to the ground, but follows after his older brothers anyway. At the ceremony Kenai, the youngest brother, is nominated as the Bear of Love. When the brothers come back to the salmon basket, it is missing. Kenai goes after the basket and gets into a duel with a bear. His brothers come to help, but in the process the oldest brother attempts to save the two youngest brothers by taking his spear and breaking the mountain ice around himself and the bear. The bear and older brother cascade to the river below. The bear makes it out of the freezing water, but the oldest brother does not surface. When the two younger brothers only find their older brother’s skin coat, Kenai wants revenge and, against his middle brother’s advice, goes after the bear. He provokes the bear into another duel and the story is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Chuck Williams for making the film possible. Cast include: Jeremy Suarez, Harold Gould, Joan Copeland, Rick Moranis, and Dave Thomas.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works for a young audience. It is a message feature, not made for pure entertainment.

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Ben Meyers

ST. VINCENT (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Stars ìììì

St. Vincent—a mature story that delves into compassion from a completely different but exceptionally realistic angle—examines goodness from the side of life where rough, tough things happen to good people who continue to cope with life’s more troubling problems while supporting each other in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Bill Murray is EXCEPTIONAL in this film with Melissa McCarthy and Jaeden Lieberher as perfect contrasts to his character. The films contains some up front graphic sex scenes and explores the sex industry within its own framework while also employing mature dialogue, but it is a story that needs to be told.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vincent de Van Nuy (Bill Murray) seems to be, by most ethical standards, a lost soul without its clean ‘Good Housekeeping’ seal of approval required to fare well in society. He lives day by day the best he can; but as his story unveils itself, we find that his efforts to live are carefully orchestrated acts that involve helping others move through their exceptionally difficult lives.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Theodore Melfi. Thank you to Executive Producers G. Mac Brown, Don Cheadle, Kay Liberman, Dylan Sellers, and Kathryn Tyrus-Adair for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher), Daka (Naomi Watts), Brother Geraghty (Chris O’Dowd), Zucko (Terrence Howard), Nurse Ana (Kimberly Quinn), Coach Mitchell (Lenny Venito), Terry (Nate Corddry) Ocinski (Dario Barosso), Sandy (Donna Mitchell), and Shirley (Ann Dowd).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is one of Bill Murray’s best films. It has heart.

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Ben Meyers

THE ROCK (Theatrical Release USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Rock—a straight forward action thriller—bases its entertainment strength on the casting selections of Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage. Their acting skills make up for the rest of the cast who, at times, seem a little ‘stiff’ with their parts. Parts of this movie seem almost ‘silly’ or nonsensical. The film contains some sexual content.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chemical Weapons Expert Dr. Stanley Goodspeed (Nicholas Cage) and former British Spy John Mason (Sean Connery) take down U.S. Force Recon Marine Frank Hummel (Ed Harris) and his crew of military thugs who, after having stationed themselves in San Francisco’s Alcatraz Prison, threaten to launch rockets laden with deadly chemicals into San Francisco.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Michael Bay. Thank you to Executive Producers Sean Connery, Louis A. Stroller, and William Stuart for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Major Tom Baxter (David Morse), Ernest Paxton (William Forsythe), Commander Anderson (Michael Biehn), Marine Captain Hendrix (John C. McGinley), Captain Frye (Gregory Sporleder), Captain Darrow (Tony Todd), Sergeant Crisp (Bokeem Woodbine), and Carla Pestalozzi (Vanessa Marcil).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s ‘Michael Bay Action’ with the opportunity to see Sir Sean Connery in long hair­—priceless!

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Ben Meyers

THE STING (Theatrical Release USA 1973)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Sting—a classic—again emphasizes the outstanding magnetism achieved on screen when Robert Redford and Paul Newman cast together. The film is the best of the best both in script writing and entertainment value as it explores a long-term, multi-layered scam by a crew of expert con artists. The music revives Joplin’s ragtime music of the late 1800s and early 1900s as well as explores traditional American folk music and the best of American jazz. Everything works in this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford), a small time scam artist, gets into trouble with big crime boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw) by inadvertently intervening in a pigeon drop of money belonging to the gangster. His accomplice, Luther Coleman (Robert Earl Jones), is viciously murdered by Lonnigan thugs and Johnny Hooker flees for his life to Chicago with plans for a long-term ‘big’ scam to take down the crime boss in revenge for his friend’s death. Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), a professional, high class con man obligingly teaches Johnny Hooker how to plan and execute a big con. The rest of the film shows how the big con works from its creation to its hurrah.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director George Roy Hill. Thank you to Executive Producers David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lieutenant William Snyder (Charles Durning), J.J. Singleton (Ray Walston), Billie (Eileen Brennan), Kid Twist (Harold Gould) Eddie Niles (John Heffernan), F.B.I. Agent Polk (Dana Elcar), Erie Kid (Jack Kehoe), Loretta (Dimitra Arliss), Floyd—a Bodyguard (Charles Dierkop), and Bodyguard (Lee Paul).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Completely entertaining intellectually and visually, The Sting is a good confidence man film. The icing on this cake is the well-placed and well-chosen musical scores and the outstanding all-star cast.

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Ben Meyers

THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

The Legend of Bagger Vance—one of the best films ever made—showcases the talents of Matt Damon as Rannulph Junuh and Will Smith as an angel named Bagger Vance. Overall, it's a well told story with only a few slow spots and other than that, this movie does not miss a beat in timing, heart, dialogue, filming, and overall technique.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During World War I Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), one of the best golfers in Savannah, Georgia, shows his patriotism by joining the Army. After his entire company is slaughtered, Rannulph Junuh returns home, disassociates himself from all previous friends and social activities, lives a completely reclusive life, and slowly begins drinking himself to death. During this time, Rannulph Junuh’s previous girlfriend, Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron), is trying to make ends meet after her father commits suicide. The Great Depression has begun; she cannot pay the bills her father left behind and decides to raise the money she needs by putting on a national golf tournament that showcases the talents of the two best golfers of the times. She needs a third golfer. A small boy named Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Moncrief) suggests she add Rannulph Junuh as the third golfer. As Rannulph Junuh begins practicing for the tournament, Bagger Vance (Will Smith) shows up and volunteers to be his caddy. He works with Rannulph Junuh to help him get back into the game and the story is ‘on’.

Additional Thanks

Best Work for Director and Producer Robert Redford. Thank you to Producers Jake Eberts and Michael Nozik for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:  Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill), Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch), Neskaloosa (Peter Gerety), Grantland Rice (Lane Smith), and O.B. Keeler (Michael O’Neill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best films for both Matt Damon and Will Smith. Completely worth the price of the ticket and worth a re-watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OKJA (Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Okja—innovative with very good, realistic animation—strives to present itself as a heart-tugging action flick and accomplishes that well. The script is great; the storyline is fantastic. This is a terrific family share movie for the teen and adult audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lucy Mirando, a third descendant of the two generation Mirando Corporation, starts breeding a new breed of superpig. The new pigs are distributed across the world for families to raise. Okja is received by South Korean teenager Mija and her grandfather to raise.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Joon-ho Bong for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Collin Creighton, Sarah Esberg, Pauline Fischer, Woosang Kim, Christina Oh, Brad Pitt, and Stan Wlodkowski for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lucy Mirando/Nancy Mirando (Tilda Swinton), Stylist 2007/2017 (Sheena Kamal), Make-up Artist 2007 (Michael Mitton), Sarcastic British Reporter (Colm Hill), Epicurean Reporter (Kathrun Kirkpatrick), Señor Villacorta (Jose Carias), Frank Dawson (Giancarlo Esposito), Johnny Wilcox (Jake Gyllenhaal), and Elderly Reporter (Nancy Amelia Bell).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s fresh, exciting, and appealing to both the adult and teen audience—imaginative and adventurous.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers