THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (Theatrical Release USA 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

The Theory of Everything, a highly watchable rendition of Stephen Hawking's life, earns a loud, resounding  BRAVO! Eddie Redmayne masterfully plays the part of Stephen Hawking and has been cast perfectly with Felicity Jones who matches his acting ability with superb skill. The duo creates a charismatic onscreen team who perfectly catch the flavor of a difficult life well lived. Director James Marsh (Man on Wire and Project Nim) shows surpassing proficiency in bringing real life events out of the hard-edged documentary presentation into the softened confines of the fiction world without losing that special truthfulness that defines the truly good story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Stephen Hawking’s (Eddie Redmayne) life receives a full review from early childhood under paternal and maternal care to his seasoned years. His theories and ideas evolve as his observational abilities mature.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director James Marsh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Liza Chasin, Amelia Granger, and David Kosse for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones), 17-year-old Robert Hawking (Tom Prior), 14-year-old Lucy Hawking (Sophie Perry), 8-year-old Timothy Hawking (Finlay Wright-Stephens), Brian (Harry Lloyd), Diana King (Alice Orr-Ewing), Dennis Sciama (David Thewlis), and Carter (Thomas Morris).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film demonstrates great craftsmanship and easily makes Ben Meyers’ Hundred Best Films List. The film shows grace, maturity, and character.

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Ben Meyers

SAN ANDREAS (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

San Andreas successfully surpasses the normal B-grade status into which many disaster films naturally classify themselves. This film becomes one of Dwayne Johnson’s better films as it creates a highly balanced and believable mix of his tender family side with his wrestling/action movie persona. Casting chose Carla Gugino as his character wife, Emma Gaines. That choice turns into the perfect onscreen team for careening through an earthquake-destroyed California coastline. The visual and special effects departments managed one of the best disaster movies yet by eliminating those troubling blurry scenes as buildings crumble and fall as well as the redundant ‘I’ve seen this before’ feeling that plagues action/disaster movies. This film shows craftsmanship and care of artisanship in every scene. That care results in an overall movie effect that can be only described as: enthralling. The attempt at marriage repair is not overdone. The loyalty to family and concern for child safety manages itself well. The film’s story is not too fast, loud, or busy. It’s just right.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Raymond Gaines (Dwayne Johnson) and Emma Gaines (Carla Gugino), in the throes of marital separation, find themselves working together to rescue their daughter, Blake Gaines (Alexandra Daddario), while California crumbles under their feet.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Brad Peyton for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Rob Cowan, Michael Disco, and Tripp Vinson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Daniel Riddick (Ioan Gruffudd), Serena Johnson (Archie Panjabi), Dr. Lawrence Hayes (Paul Giamatti), Ben Taylor (Hugo Johnstone-Burt), Ollie Taylor (Art Parkinson), and Dr. Kim Park (Will Yun Lee).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This action/disaster film fills the ticket quite nicely for action fans. There’s a lot going on, but not too much. The blare and glare that has plagued action/disaster movies over the past several decades has been toned down to just the right level so that an audience can appreciate the artistry and absorb each event-filled scene with greater attention to detail. It’s more natural.

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Ben Meyers

DESPICABLE ME 2 (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Despicable Me 2 turns into a better film than Despicable Me and Minions. The Minions continue to be lovable until covered with a dangerous mutagen. Gru becomes increasingly civilized. The script and dialogue are excellent with good portrayal of story. This film becomes an excellent choice for the child/adult share.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Anti-Villain League (AVL) requests the help of former super-villain Gru (voice of Steve Carell) to find the criminal responsible for stealing a dangerous mutagen. The AVL pairs him with Agent Lucy Wilde (voice of Kristen Wiig), and the story is on as the two super sleuth the crime.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Janet Healy and Christopher Meledandri for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Eduardo/El Macho (voice of Benjamin Bratt), Margo (voice of Miranda Cosgrove), Dr. Nefario (voice of Russell Brand), Floyd (voice of Ken Jeong), Silas (voice of Steve Coogan), Agnes (voice of Elsie Fisher), and Edith (voice of Dana Gaier).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film shows sweetness as Gru increases his capacity to love.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers