A SERIOUS MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2009)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

A Serious Man—another outstanding Coen Brothers film—displays tremendous depth in writing and in presentation. Creatively disturbing, the movie allows an open-end conclusion where the audience, based upon personal philosophical views, will determine the final outcome. Two graphic sexual scenes put the film outside the children/family audience. Watch for the double-whammy ending. It’s terrific.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) makes a series of choices within a series of events that lead to the next steps in his story.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Robert Graf for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Uncle Arthur (Richard Kind), Sy Ableman (Fred Melamed), Judith Gopnik (Sari Lennick), Danny Gopnik (Aaron Wolff), Sarah Gopnik (Jessica McManus), Mr. Brandt (Peter Breitmayer), Mitch Brandt (Brent Braunschweig), Clive Park (David Kang), Danny's Reefer Buddy (Benjamin Portnoe), and Mike Fagle (Jon Kaminski Jr.).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes Viewers will most likely be aware that they just saw something profound. However, the true profundity of this film may not be fully realized without strong grounding in concepts of cause and effect, the orderliness of the universe, and Divine intervention in human affairs. Excellent movie.

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Ben Meyers

KILL BILL: VOLUME 1 (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Kill Bill: Volume 1—Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu at their best—introduces its audience to the formidable blood and gore directing and writing skills of Quentin Tarantino. This movie, not for the faint of heart or children, launches the female actress into the martial arts arena with a vengeance. The timing, choreography, cinematography? Excellent on every level. A good watch for the very mature audience desiring a movie that exploits violence to the nearly unwatchable level.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Bill (David Carradine) shoots the bride (Uma Thurman) who carries his child. Unfortunately, for him, this bride lives.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Quentin Tarantino for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Erica Steinberg, E. Bennett Walsh, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu), Vernita Green (Vivica A. Fox), Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), Sofie Fatale (Julie Dreyfus), Gogo Yubari (Chiaki Kuriyama), Hattori Hanzo (Shin’ichi Chiba), Johnny Mo (Chia-Hui Liu), Earl McGraw (Michael Parks), Buck (Michael Bowen), and Boss Tanaka (Jun Kunimura).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie targets a specific audience and provides a perfect fit for that audience.

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Ben Meyers

THE GODFATHER: PART III (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Godfather: Part III—the final chapter of the Godfather trilogy saga—goes out with a flare and a bang. Al Pacino is still the Godfather; but picks up all the pieces of the last two films, kills those hurting Corleone interests, and makes the best of the situation as he sees it. This film stands as one of the three greatest mafia movies of the 70s and 90s decades.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a lifetime of mafia involvement, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) desires to clean up his life by tying up loose ends.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Fred Fuchs and Nicholas Gage for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kay Adams Michelson (Diane Keaton), Connie Corleone Rizzi (Talia Shire), Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia), Don Altobello (Eli Wallach), Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna), B.J. Harrison (George Hamilton), Grace Hamilton (Bridget Fonda), Mary Corleone (Sofia Coppola), Cardinal Lamberto (Raf Vallone), Anthony Vito Corleone (Franc D’Ambrosio), and Archbishop Gilday (Donal Donnelly).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Another worthy film by Francis Ford Coppola completes the Godfather series with finesse and style. Bravo to all involved in creating three of the best gangster movies ever made.

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Ben Meyers

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring—the first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy—stands as one of the best movies ever made. Not many movies can exceed the story telling quality of this film. The movie, so richly written and portrayed, requires a keen eye, full knowledge, and understanding of content to even begin scratching the surface of its many levels. Hidden secrets are too numerous to catch in one viewing. Director Peter Jackson does something that few directors would attempt and masterfully pulls it to complete success. He dares to enter the world of the epic story and elevates it to its proper status. ENCORE! Thank you to Peter Jackson for his more than adequate rendering of J.R.R. Tolkien’s worlds on the big screen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) comes into possession of the One Ring capable of ruling all things and takes a journey to Mount Doom, the one place where it can be destroyed.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Lynne, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: The Ring (voice of Alan Howard), Everard Proudfoot (voice of Noel Appleby), Sam (Sean Astin), Sauron (Sala Baker), Boromir (Sean Bean), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Pippin (Billy Boyd), Celeborn (Marton Csokas), Mrs. Proudfoot (Megan Edwards), Gondorian Archivist (Michael Elsworth), and Gil-galad (Mark Ferguson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film is to the movie industry what Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are to the world of art.

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Ben Meyers

VENGEANCE: A LOVE STORY (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Vengeance: A Love Story—like Dirty Harry with heart—fills itself with some very realistic acting by Anna Hutchinson and Talitha Eliana Bateman. While Nicolas Cage seems a little weak for his role as an avenger, that weakness works as he matter-of-factly takes care of a deadly situation. Graphic sex scenes move this film to a mature audience. The overall film? Worth watching. Watch for Deborah Kara Unger from The Way.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young mother (Anna Hutchinson), brutally raped in front of her daughter (Talitha Eliana Bateman), finds no justice until the intervention of the detective (Nicolas Cage) who covers her case.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Johnny Martin for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Harold Becker, Patricia Eberle, Michael Nilon, and Richard Rionda Del Castro for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John (Nicolas Cage), Teena (Anna Hutchison), Bethie (Talitha Eliana Bateman), Agnes (Deborah Kara Unger), Jay Kirkpatrick (Don Johnson), Marvin (Joshua Mikel), Lloyd (Rocco Nugent), Jimmy (Joe Ochterbeck), Fritz (Carter Burch), Irma (Charlene Tilton), and Walt (Dikran Tulaine).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One man takes care of justice one criminal at a time.

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Ben Meyers

SEEING ALLRED (Netflix Release USA 2018)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Seeing Allred—a few facts about Gloria Allred’s professional pursuits—documents her involvement in high profile causes such as: establish gay rights, increase stringency for rape penalties, retain abortion rights, and campaign for predominantly feminine causes. Daughter Lisa Bloom follows her mother’s footsteps. The film educates and informs.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Attorney Gloria Allred takes on feminist/women rights cases to include rape cases.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Directors Roberta Grossman and Sophie Sartain for directing efforts. Additional characters/cast include: Gloria Allred

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary is worth a view to keep abreast of drivers behind the scenes of current events.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

KILL BILL: VOLUME 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Kill Bill: Volume 2—Uma Thurman continues to deliver blood and gore to a most profound level—follows the release of Kill Bill: Volume 1 without apology for even one of its plasma-loaded scenes. For the mature audience, this film does not fail to ‘fill the bill’ with violence.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman) eliminates more members of the Deadly Vipers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Quentin Tarantino for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Erica Steinberg, E. Bennett Walsh, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vernita Green (Vivica A. Fox), Nikki (Ambrosia Kelley), Earl McGraw/Esteban Vihajo (Michael Parks), Edgar McGraw (James Parks), Trucker (Jonathan Loughran), Buck (Michael Bowen), Bald Guy (Kenji Ohba), Tokyo Businessman (Yoshiyuki Morishita), Boss Tanaka (Jun Kunimura), Boss Honda (Goro Daimon), and Boss Koji/Crazy 88 (Kazuki Kitamura).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For the audience who fell in love with Kill Bill: Volume I, this film does not disappoint or fail to stay true to the original vision of Director Quentin Tarantino.

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Ben Meyers

SINATRA BEING FRANK (Video Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Sinatra Being Frank—Frank Sinatra’s life lightly re-examined—does little justice to this legendary musician and his deep contribution to the music industry. The interviews seem ‘thrown together’ without coordination and lack that formal presentation that mark the good documentary. It almost seems that no one had deep interest in re-visiting Sinatra’s life and the documentary is treated as if assigned as a school project without respect or care to the professional presentation. This creates a certain darkness to this documentary that is irretrievable.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Frank Sinatra’s life, from childhood through late life, receives another documentary-style examination through archival footage.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to A. Simon Napier for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Andrew Crossley, Duncan Napier-Bell, Terry Stone, and Richard Turner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Himself (Alice Cooper), Himself (Tony DeSare), Himself (Paul Gambaccini), Himself (Roger Moore), Narrator (Tony Oppedisano), Himself (Tim Rice), Himself (Louis Walsh), and Himself (Frank Warren).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. For an afternoon fill-in-some-spare-time-81-minute-watch, it’s a quick revisit through the superficial highlights of this legendary musical performer’s life.

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Ben Meyers

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.

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Ben Meyers

IRON MAN (Theatrical Release USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

Iron Man distinguishes itself with good concept and excellent casting. Robert Downing, Jr. once again stamps his excellence on a film and receives good backup from Jeff Bridges. Marvel Comic fans will love this film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Billionaire Tony Starks (Robert Downey, Jr.) becomes injured in Afghanistan, captured by terrorists, and forced to work on developing a special missile for the terrorists. He builds himself an Ironman suit instead and becomes a superhero.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Jon Favreau for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Ari Arad, Peter Billingsley, Louis D’Esposito, Ross Fanger, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, and David Maisel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Rhodey (Terrence Howard), Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Christine Everhart (Leslie Bibb), Yinsen (Shaun Toub), Raza (Faran Tahir), Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), General Gabriel (Bill Smitrovich), Abu Bakaar (Sayed Badreya), and JARVIS (voice of Paul Bettany).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If you’ve got to see an Iron Man movie, it doesn’t get any better than this one.

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Ben Meyers

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS (Theatrical Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Where the Red Fern Grows—faultless jewel that needs no polishing—does not falter in natural, simple, and realistic presentation of Wilson Rawls’ classic novel. Bravo! Special thank you to Director Norman Tokar for outstanding direction.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Billy (Stewart Petersen) desperately desires two purebred coon hounds and develops a plan to acquire and train them.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Norman Tokar for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers George Ellis Doty for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Grandpa (James Whitmore), Mother (Beverly Garland), Father (Jack Ging), Sheriff (Lonny Chapman), Alice (Jill Clark), Sara (Jeanna Wilson), Sam Bellington (Bill Thurman), Ben Kyle (Bill Dunbar), Rubin Pritchard (Rex Corley), Rainie Pritchard (John Lindsey), and Mr. Pritchard (Garland McKinney).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie commands a permanent place in the family's home film library  collection.

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Ben Meyers

SAINTS AND SOLDIERS (Temucola Valley International Film Festival Temecula California USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Saints and Soldiers serves up A-grade entertainment for the war movie fan. It sports a very good script and delivers an excellent story, well told. The film results in two sequels. It’s flare and unique style make it a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy Wikipedia

Storyline

During World War II Allied soldiers, who just escaped from the Malmedy Massacre, attempt a twenty-mile trek through bitter winter weather to deliver intelligence information.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ryan Little for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Charlie Chan and Sunny Chen for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Corporal Nathan ‘Deacon’ Greer (Corbin Allred), Medic Steven Gould (Alexander Polinsky), Flight Sergeant Oberon Winley (Kirby Heyborne), Private Shirley ‘Shirl’ Kendrick (Larry Bagby), Staff Sergeant Gordon Gunderson (Peter Holden), Rudolph ‘Rudi’ Gertz (Ethan Vincent), Catherine Theary (Melinda Renee), Sophie Theary (Ruby Chase), and Radio Announcer (Jeff Birk), and Private McKinley (Benjamin Gourley).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie details an important piece of history while presenting entertainment for the war movie fan as well.

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Ben Meyers

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Raiders of the Lost Ark has mesmerized audiences, as of this 2018 writing, for 37 years and continues to be the definition of action/adventure films based on its unique storyline, well-written script, perfectly timed sequencing, exotic stage settings, casting choices, ‘fresh’ action scenes, and satisfying breaks of unforgettable comedy. Kudos to Director Steven Spielberg and Producer George Lucas for creation of an entirely satisfying saga.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nazis search for the Ark of the Covenant, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds it, and the fight is on to establish control of the priceless archaeological find.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Howard G. Kazanjian and George Lucas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marion (Karen Allen), Bellog (Paul Freeman), Toht (Ronald Lacey), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Brody (Denholm Elliott), Sapito (Alfred Molina), Dietrich (Wolf Kahler), Gobler (Anthony Higgins), Barranca/Monkey Man (Vic Tablian), and Colonel Musgrove (Don Fellows).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film serves the whole family well.

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Ben Meyers

THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

The Tuskegee Airmen details African American military service during WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen film performs at a similar level as the 2012 film, Red Tails. The movie serves as a great story that educates without preaching. Bravo for a very good military story directed by Robert Markowitz.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

World War II births the 332 Fighter Group, an all-black fighting group serving the United States Army Air Corp.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Markowitz for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Frank Price for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne), Walter Peoples (Allen Payne), Leroy Cappy (Malcolm Jamal Warner), Lieutenant Glenn (Courtney B. Vance), Benjamin O. Davis (Andre Braugher), Major Joy (Christopher McDonald), Colonel Rogers (Daniel Hugh Kelly), Senator Conyers (John Lithgow), Billy Roberts (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Lewis Johns (Mekhi Phifer), and Young Hannibal (Christopher Bevins).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This well-told and worthy film deserves its kudos for educating as well as entertaining.

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Ben Meyers

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly—never gets old—spices itself with treacherousness, violence, and a bit of comedy along its path toward becoming one of the best westerns ever conceived and executed. Sergio Leone brands this film and clears the path for additional Spaghetti westerns. This is not for children, but it is for the older teen and up with some violence and language. Kudos for especially powerful, suspenseful ending scenes. Great work for everyone involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Blondie (Clint Eastwood) works to find his share of confederate gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sergio Leone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Grimaldi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tuco (Eli Wallach), Sentenza/Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), Alcoholic Union Captain (Aldo Giuffrè), Father Pablo Ramirez (Luigi Pistilli), Maria (Rada Rassimov), Storekeeper (Enzo Petito), Mexican Peon (Claudio Scarchilli), Sheriff (John Bartha), Baker (Livio Lorenzon), and Jackson/Bill Carson (Antonio Casale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a bona fide, rewatchable classic western.

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Ben Meyers

THE CIRCLE (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Circle examines reasons behind citizens’ choice to allow 100 percent audio/video surveillance in their lives. Emma Watson does a terrific job in her role of a young woman who recommends ‘going completely transparent’ in this sci fi drama about personal monitoring. Her supporting cast—Tom Hanks, Patton Oswald, and Bill Paxton—help to establish how decisions, with far reaching impact, happen in small baby steps that move entire worlds toward inevitable outcomes. Great work for Director James Ponsoldt who gives a solid look into a future that is already here. One sex scene and language move this movie into the late teen/adult category.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Mae Holland (Emma Watson) helps a real-time audio/video company establish dominance nationally and internationally as good choice for humanity’s safety, health, and crime reduction.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Ponsoldt for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Stefanie Azpiazu, Peter Cron, Evan Hayes, Russell Levine, Federica Sainte-Rose, Ron Schmidt, Steve Shareshian, Marc Shmuger, and Sally Willcox for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mae (Emma Watson), Mercer (Ellar Coltrane), Bonnie (Glenne Headly), Vinnie (Bill Paxton), Annie (Karen Gillan), Bailey (Tom Hanks), Beck (Beck), Dan (Nate Corddry), and Jared (Mamoudou Athie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film serves as a reminder of how a single, likable spokesperson can move an entire world through decision-making processes.

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Ben Meyers

MEGAN LEAVEY (Theatrical Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

Megan Leavey moves itself out of B-grade status partly due to its choice of subject matter—military canine detection and their handler units, establishment of a female in a male-dominated soldier unit, and the interweaving of a second underlying story that graphically shows a specific type of home-life with which some enlisted personnel must rationalize and come to terms. While the film does not establish itself in the academy award winning class, it does have a certain aura, created by actress Kate Mara, that pushes it into a good, solid watch category. The film firmly broadens education about deployed army canines, their retirement, and usefulness to war efforts.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Soldier Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) requests canine duty and deploys with a highly aggressive male dog.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Jose Luis Escolar, Scott Holroyd, Robert Huberman, and Nicole Stojkovich for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jackie (Edie Falco), Barbie (Alisa Harris), Receiving Marine #1 (Nick Madrick), Receiving Marine #2 (Jason Turner), Female Drill Instructor #1 (Sasha Morfaw), Female Drill Instructor #2 (Jennifer Duke), Female Drill Instructor #3 (Megan Leavey), Jim (Will Patton), Master Sergeant (Corey Johnson), Jones (Andrew Moon), Timmins (Alicia Lobo), Lopez (Melina Matthews), and Drunk Guy in Bar (Luka Peros).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This flick has a universal appeal that supersedes its war movie classification.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers