THE FLINTSTONES (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Flintstones—live action interpretation of the animated television series that ran from 1960 to 1966—turns into a great, worth-watching show. While John Goodman didn’t quite master the ‘Yabba Dabba Do’ or the ‘easy jump into the air to click the heels’ Fred Flintstone trademarks, he still managed a worthy and enjoyable interpretation of the original animated character. Rick Moranis, Rosie O’Donnell, and Elizabeth Perkins played off John Goodman’s character with finesse. Watch for Elizabeth Taylor as Wilma’s mother, Pearl Slaghoople. Great casting creates a live action version of the Flintstone story that almost puts it into the re-watchable class.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Friends helping friends turns into a disastrous affair that affects the livelihood of the Flintstones and the Rubbles and puts a strain on their friendship.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brian Levant for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Barbera, William Hanna, David Kirschner, Gerald R. Molen, Kathleen Kennedy, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fred Flintstone (John Goodman), Wilma Flintstone (Elizabeth Perkins), Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis), Betty Rubble (Rosie O’Donnell), Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan), Miss Stone (Halle Berry), Pearl Slaghoople (Elizabeth Taylor), Mr. Slate (Dann Florek), Hoagie (Richard Moll), Joe Rockhead (Irwin Keyes), Grizzled Man (Jonathan Winters), Dictabird (voice of Harvey Korman), Pebbles(Elaine Silver), Pebbles (Melanie Silver), Bamm-Bamm (Hlynur Sigurdsson), Bamm-Bamm (Marinó Sigurdsson), Mrs. Pyrite (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Mrs. Feldspar (Jean Vander Pyl), and Stewardess (Janice Kent).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film, a joint venture of Amblin Films and Hanna-Barbera, produces 91 minutes of pure, clean family entertainment.

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Ben Meyers

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest—second installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series—uses the talents of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Kiera Knightley, Bill Nighy, Stellan Skarsgård, Johnathan Pryce, and Martin Klebba to make a re-watchable piece of entertainment. The special effects and presentation are well done. It’s a ‘best work for all involved’ film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A search for the Dead Man’s Chest begins with stopping a wedding and an assignment to find Jack Sparrow’s (Johnny Depp) magic compass.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gore Verbinski for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Hendricks, Eric McLeod, Chad Oman, and Mike Stenson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), Norrington (Jack Davenport), Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), Governor Weatherby Swann (Jonathan Pryce), Pintel (Lee Arenberg), Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook), Gibbs (Kevin McNally), Cotton (David Bailie), Bootstrap Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris), Mercer (David Schofield), Captain Bellamy (Alex Norton), Scarlett (Lauren Maher), Short Sailor (Nej Adamson), and Large Sailor (Jimmy Roussounis).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No Maybe?                                                                                   

Yes. The CGI, bluescreen, and motion capture effects deserve special kudos for the realistic and startling presentation of characters working this story to its final conclusion. The novel special effects drive the story into a worth watching film.

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Ben Meyers

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—based on a 1922 F. Scott Fitzgerald story—presents its unusual story tastefully and well via the talents of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The storyline is difficult to ignore due to its uniqueness. While not a movie that attains classic status, it’s worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) comes into the world as an old man and leaves the world as a young infant.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director David Fincher for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Ceán Chaffin, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Tommy Turtle for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Daisy (Cate Blanchett), Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), Caroline (Julia Ormond), Dorothy Baker (Faune Chambers Watkins), Monsieur Gateau (Elias Koteas), Blanche Devereux (Donna Duplantier), Martin Gateau (Jacob Tolano), Man at Train Station (Earl Maddox), Teddy Roosevelt (Ed Metzger), Thomas Button (Jason Flemyng), Priest Giving Last Rites (Danny Vinson), Doctor at Benjamin’s Birth (David Jensen), Caroline Button (Johanna Roxanne), Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), Tizzy (Mahershala Ali), Mrs. Hollister (Fiona Hale), Dr. Rose (Patrick Thomas O’Brien), Mrs. Horton (Marion Zinser), and Benjamin 1928-31 (Peter Donald Badalamenti II).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Its concept makes the movie worth a watch.

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Ben Meyers

THE REPLACEMENTS (Theatrical Release Canada 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Replacements sports an all-star cast and presents a good football sports movie. Watch for John Madden, well-known former Oakland Raiders coach and football commentator, playing himself in the movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A football team goes on strike during playing season and the team’s owner, Edward O’Neil (Jack Warden), makes the decision to replace them.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Howard Deutch for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeffrey Chernov, Steven Reuther, and Erwin Stoff for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman), Annabelle Farrell (Brooke Langton)on Favreau), Wilkinson (Michael Jace), , Clifford Franklin (Orlando Jones), Jamal (Faizon Love), Andre (Michael Taliferro), Fumiko (Ace Yonamine), Walter Cochran (Troy Winbush), Brian Murphy (David Denman), Bateman (Jon Favreau), Wilkinson (Michael Jace), Nigel Gruff (Rhys Ifans), Pilachowski (Gailard Sartain), Banes (Art LaFleur), Eddie Martel (Brett Cullen), Wilson Carr (Archie L. Harris Jr.), Malcolm La Mont (Evan Parke), Himself (John Madden), and Himself (Pat Summerall).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It serves the teen/adult sports movie fan well.

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Ben Meyers

DIE ANOTHER DAY (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Die Another Day refreshes the 007 James Bond series with a new Q (John Cleese) and highly techy gadgetry while keeping Pierce Brosnan for his last and best James Bond role. Daniel Craig will follow in Brosnan’s place with the 2006 release of Casino Royale. There is nothing lacking in this 007 James Bond film. Pierce Brosnan’s suavity shines in every scene and carries the film well. Special kudos to great film direction by Lee Tamahori.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

North Korean soldiers capture James Bond (Pierce Brosnan), torture him, and finally release him in a trade deal with England. Bond looks for the mole who betrayed him.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Lee Tamahori for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Anthony Waye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: James Bond (Pierce Brosnan), Jinx Johnson (Halle Berry), Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike), Zao (Rick Yune), M (Judi Dench), Q (John Cleese), Damian Falco (Michael Madsen), Colonel Moon (Will Yun Lee), General Moon (Kenneth Tsang), Raoul (Emilio Echevarría), Vlad (Michael Gor), Mr. Kil (Lawrence Makoare), Charles Robinson (Colin Salmon), Miss Moneypenny (Samantha Bond), Snooty Desk Clerk (Ben Wee), Hotel Manager (Ho Yi), Peaceful (Rachel Grant), and Creep (Ian Pirie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is the best of the Pierce Brosnan’s Bond series to date. It has charisma, visually stimulating action and visibly shows the outstanding team effort to produce this very good spy film.

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Ben Meyers

WAR (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

War—great special effects and really good story concept—casts Jason Statham and Jet Li together to create a police action flick that is completely worth watching. The movie works for a mature audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

FBI Agent Crawford (Jason Statham) avenges his partner’s death.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Philip G. Atwell for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Block, Mike Elliott, Michael Paseornek, and John Sacchi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rogue (Jet Li), Chang (John Lone), Kira (Devon Aoki), Benny (Luis Guzmán), Dr. Sherman (Saul Rubinek), Shiro (Ryo Ishibashi), Goi (Sung Kang), Wick (Mathew St. Patrick), Maria (Nadine Velazquez), Jenny Crawford (Andrea Roth), Wu Ti (Mark Cheng), Templ(Nicholas Elia)e Garden Warrior (Kane Kosugi), Ana (Kennedy Montano), Tom Lone (Terry Chen), Diane Lone (Steph Song), Amy Lone (Annika Foo), and Daniel Crawford (Nicholas Elia).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The acting team of Jason Statham and Jet Li pushes this movie over the top for a police action movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull adds Shia LaBeouf as the son of Indiana Jones and reprises Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood (Raiders of the Lost Ark)—one of the best ideas made in the entertainment business for reprised roles. This film typifies the adventure of the series and continues with the large onscreen charisma of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. The story is great. It is worth watching.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) battles Soviets to limit access to enormous psychic power.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steve Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), ‘Mac’ George Michale (Ray Winstone), Professor Oxley (John Hurt), Dean Charles Stanforth (Jim Broadbent), Dovchenko (Igor Jijikine), Russian Suit (Dimitri Diatchenko), Russian Suit (Ilia Volok), Russian Soldier (Emmanuel Todorov), Russian Soldier (Pasha D. Lynchnikoff), Russian Soldier (Andrew Divoff), Russian Soldier (Venya Manzyuk), General Ross (Alan Dale), Taylor (Joel Stoffer), Smith (Neil Flynn), Minister (V.J. Foster), and Student in Library (Chet Hanks).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film finishes the last of the Indiana Jones series produced through the year 2018. While not as good as the rest of the series, it is worth watching and comparable to the other films in the series. And, Harrison Ford casts well with Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, and Cate Blanchett.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

MOONSTRUCK (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Moonstruck—works for its money—has character, charisma, and creativity packaged into a tightly spun story that spins itself precisely into a little nugget that could easily lose itself in the plethora of Hollywood-released films. Don’t miss this one. It’s a Bravo! production for Director Norman Jewison and will be as good a hundred years from now as it is today. The film serves a mature audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Widowed, middle-aged Loretta Castorini (Cher) falls in love with her fiancee’s brother, Ronny Cammareri (Nicolas Cage).

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Norman Jewison for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Norman Jewison and Patrick J. Palmer for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cosmo Castorini (Vincent Gardenia), Rose Castorini (Olympia Dukakis), Mr. Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello), Rita Cappomaggi (Julie Bovasso), Perry (John Mahoney), Raymond Cappomaggi (Louis Guss), Old Man (Feodor Chaliapin Jr.), Mona (Anita Gillette), Felix (Leonardo Cimino), Lucy (Paula Trueman), Chrissy (Nada Despotovich), Shy Waiter (Joe Grifasi), Old Crone (Gina DeAngeles), Barbara (Robin Bartlett), Lotte (Helen Hanft), Irv (David S. Howard), and Bobo (Robert Weil).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie just works partially due to its original storyline and partially due to the outstanding direction of Norman Jewison. For the romance-loving audience, it’s a Bravo! film and deserves its kudos.

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Ben Meyers

I AM NUMBER FOUR (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

I Am Number Four—great teen flick—combines all the perks of a sci-fi movie with romance and action. Timothy Olyphant plays well as the caretaker for Alex Pettyfer’s character Daniel. Good work for Director D.J. Caruso.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young John Smith escapes his home planet, Lorien, with eight others to find a short-lived sanctuary on planet Earth.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director D.J. Caruso for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Bender, J.C. Spink, and David Valdes making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John (Alex Pettyfer), Henri (Timothy Olyphant), Number 6 (Teresa Palmer), Sarah (Dianna Agron), Sam (Callan McAuliffe), Mogadorian Commander (Kevin Durand), Mark (Jake Abel), Sheriff James (Jeff Hochendoner), Kevin (Patrick Sebes), Number 3 (Greg Townley), Number 3’s Guardian (Reuben Langdon), Nicole (Emily Wickersham), Receptionist (Molly McGinnis), Frank (Brian Howe), Bret (Andy Owen), Girl on Street (Sophia Anne Caruso), Sam’s Stepdad (Charles Carroll), and Mr. Berhman (L. Derek Leonidoff).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie has potential for a sequel or a prequel. Director D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye and xXx: Return of Xander Cage) shows skill in direction of this film.

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Ben Meyers

BRAD’S STATUS (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Brad’s Status—intellectual drama that examines one man’s life against those of seemingly more accomplished friends—serves up a depressing look at life at the mundane level. While the acting is very good, this film does not serve up a traditional entertainment piece.

Film, Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Middle-aged Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) confronts crisis as he faces his life’s accomplishments against those of his peers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Mike White for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Sarah Esberg, Carla Hacken, Mark Kamine, John Penotti, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Toll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Troy Sloan (Austin Abrams), Melanie Sloan (Jenna Fischer), Craig Fisher (Michael Sheen), Billy Wearslter (Jemaine Clement), Jason Hatfield (Luke Wilson), Ananya (Shazi Raja), Maya (Luisa Lee), Nick Pascale (Mike White), Xavier (Xavier Grobet), Chris Kanew (Adam Capriolo), Cherie Parkinson (Felicia Shulman), Harvard Mother (Jane Wheeler), Admission Officer (Karl Graboshas), Admissions Receptionist (Jon Bernad), Busker (Jonah Carson), Female Professor (Susan Glover), Azalia’s Hostess (Meghan Gabruch), and Mark (Kenny Wong).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film seems created to provoke thought rather than entertain. It’s classified as a comedy-drama, but offers little hope for a life beyond the here and now for the main character while working more on the darker side of comedy rather than the lighter side of comedy. Not a traditional Ben Stiller flick.

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Ben Meyers

BAD BOYS (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Bad Boys—action-packed and worth watching—has a solid format backed with the excellent and wise casting of Will Smith with Martin Lawrence as its main protagonists. Bad Boys puts Will Smith in his fourth theatrical release while simultaneously working in the television series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Great story that deserved the 2003 sequel Bad Boys II that reprised Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as an unbeatable acting team. The movie works for the mature audience.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Police Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are assigned recovery of $100,000,000 in heroin stolen from a locked police vault.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Bay for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Lucas Foster and Bruce S. Pustin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Girl Decoy (Lisa Boyle), Carjacker (Michael Taliferro), Eddie Dominguez (Emmanuel Xuereb), Fouchet (Tchéky Karyo), Noah Trafficante (Marc Macaulay), Kuni (Ralph Gonzalez), Ferguson (Vic Manni), and Casper (Frank John Hughes).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the mature audience, this movie satisfies viewers looking for a little comedy mixed with action.

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Ben Meyers

STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Theatrical Release USA 1989)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

Steel Magnolias has emotional impact and a certain charm that makes its audience feel like it got a front row seat into the inside circle of a group of friends who are well depicted by Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field, and Daryl Hannah. The acting is average to really good; portrayal of story is great.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A tightly knit group of small-town Louisiana women work through trials and blessings in their own unique ways.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Herbert Ross for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Victoria White for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine), Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah), Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Julia Roberts), Drum Eatenton (Tom Skerritt), Spud Jones (Sam Shepard), Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott), and Sammy Desoto (Kevin J. O’Connor).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Steel Magnolias works as outstanding entertainment for the female audience.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

Throw Momma From The Train—substantially well-written comedy—provides value for the entertainment dollar. The script thrives due to Danny DeVito’s direction and the excellent casting choice that pairs DeVito with Billy Crystal. The love/hate relationship that, sometimes, can exist between close family members gets a thorough examination. The film provides great entertainment at every level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Owen (Danny DeVito) develops a fool-proof method to get away with murder providing Larry (Billy Crystal) will do his part, too.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Danny DeVito for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Arne Schmidt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Owen (Danny DeVito), Larry (Billy Crystal), Beth (Kim Greist), Momma (Anne Ramsey), Margaret (Kate Mulgrew), Lester (Branford Marsalis), Joel (Rob Reiner), Detective DeBenedetto (Bruce Kirby), Sargeant (Joey DePinto), and Mrs. Hazeltine (Annie Ross).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is unforgettable. Anne Ramsey plays an unforgettable ‘Momma’.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

A BEAR NAMED WINNIE (Released to Television Canada 2004)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  A Bear Named Winnie—features Michael Fassbender before Steve Jobs—is not a high quality watch. It's okay, but slow. Read Ben Meyers' critique on the movie, Steve Jobs, the Fassbender version.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A Canadian veterinarian, who is fighting  during WW1, finds a Black bear tied to a post at a tanning shop and reluctantly pays the exorbitant price the tanner offers. The veterinarian becomes friends with the bear over the period of WWI.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John Kent Harrison for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Simon Vaughan and Kim Todd for making the film possible. Cast includes Michael Fassbender, David Suchet, Gil Bellows, Stephen Fry, and Jonathon Young. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It presents itself like a television movie, which it is. Do not expect a great watch from this film. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

HEAT (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Heat—WOW! entertainment—earns a standing ovation from its beginning to its end. The fight scenes are realistic and the acting is impeccable. Director Michael Mann deserves a huge Bravo! for this film. The film’s all-star cast push it into first class status.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) relentlessly tracks life long criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro).

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Michael Mann for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Pieter Jan Brugge and Arnon Milchan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), Nate (Jon Voight), Michael Cheritto (Tom Sizemore), Justine (Diane Venora), Eady (Amy Brenneman), Charlene Shiherlis (Ashley Judd), Sergeant Drucker (Mykelti Williamson), and Casals (Wes Studi).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The action in this film is well-done, tense, and perfectly timed.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE RAISIN (Released to the LA Comedy Film Festival, Los Angeles, California USA 2017)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì  The Raisin—odd short film—has quality camerawork, outstanding scenery, and authentic actors. It's storyline revolves around abandoning long held beliefs and embracing something new. This film is culturally significant.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline A man carries potatoes home and cooks one.   Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Rob Carter for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Sara Shulman, Archie Brooksbank, and Tom Holloway for making the film possible. Cast includes Trevor Allan Davies and Helen Ryan.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is interesting to see how this team defines the process of change.  Home Video Available Here: Ben Meyers