Battlefield
Earth—great imagination, no real storyline—raises more questions
than it answers, unrealistic acting, and poor special effects.
Film poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Humans
fight aliens.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Roger Christian for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Ashok Amritraj, Don Carmody, and Andrew Stevens for making the film
possible. Additional characters/cast include: Terl (John Travolta), Jonnie
Goodboy Tyler (Barry Pepper), Ker (Forest Whitaker), Carlo (Kim Coates),
Chrissy (Sabine Karsenti), Parson Staffer (Michael Byrne), Mickey (Christian
Tessier), Sammy (Sylvain Landry), Robert the Fox (Richard Tyson), Processing
Clerk (Christopher Freeman), Processing Clerk (John Topor), Planetship (Shaun
Austin Olsen), Assistant Planetship (Tim Post), Bartender (Earl Pastko), and
Rock (Michel Perron).
The
Cure—exceptionally comical silent short film—features the genius comedic
skills of Charlie Chaplin. The movie is very well done and wonderful entertainment.
It earns its dime and time investment.
Film Poster Courtesy of WIkipedia
Storyline
A
health spa gets upheaval when a new patient checks in.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Charles Chaplin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry
Caulfield and Charlie Chaplin for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Inebriate (Charles Chaplin), Girl (Edna Purviance),
Gouty Man (Eric Campbell), Masseur (Henry Bergman), Attendant (John Rand), Attendant
(Albert Austin), and Head of Sanitarium (Frank Coleman).
Step
Up 2: The Streets—above average dance flick—supports itself on a very good
storyline, acting, and portrayal of story. Worth its watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Two
dance students become attracted to each other.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director John M. Chu for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Anne Fletcher, Bob Hayward, Meredith Milton, and David Nicksay for
making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Andie (Briana
Evigan), Chase (Robert Hoffman), Moose (Adam Sevani), Sophie (Cassie Ventura),
Missy (Danielle Polanco), Hair (Christopher Scott), Jenny Kido (Mari Koda), Fly
(Janelle Cambridge), Monster (Luis Rosado), Cable (Harry Shum Jr.), Smiles
(LaJon Dantzler), Felicia (Telisha Shaw), Tuck (Black Thomas), K Mel (Kmel
Howell), and Rapid (Jeff Ogle).
Cliffhanger—the
story fills its cup—may not be perfect, but somehow it doesn’t matter because
it’s an interesting watch, gives an eyeful of Sylvester Stallone, and completes the
definition of drama. The climbing scenes are gripping. John Lithgow, cast
as the villain, adds interest. The action is well paced. The film earns re-watchable status and serves as an addition to the home video
collection.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Suitcases
full of cash are lost in the Rocky Mountains.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Renny Harlin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producer Mario Cassar for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast
include: Gabe Walker (Sylvester
Stallone), Qualn (John Lithgow), Hal Tucker (Michael Booker), Jessie Deighan
(Janine Turner), Travers (Rex Linn), Kristel (Caroline Goodall), Kynette
(Leon), Delmar (Craig Fairbrass), Ryan (Gregory Scott Cummins), Heldon (Denis Forest),
Sarah (Michelle Joyner), Evan (Max Perlich), Walter Wright (Paul Winfield),
Frank (Ralph Waite), and Brett (Trey Brownell).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
The story is wonderful and with pride Ben Meyers recommends the
movie.
Buffalo
Bill and the Indians or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson—great
actors…who doesn’t love the sophistication and charisma of Paul Newman?—just
doesn’t ring the circus bell. The presentation? Good. Everything good…but it
somehow misses entertainment value and interest factor.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Buffalo
Bill adds Sitting Bull to his Wild West Show.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Robert Altman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Dino De Laurentiis and David Susskind for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buffalo
Bill (Paul Newman), The Producer (Joel Grey), The Publicist (Kevin McCarthy),
The Relative (Harvey Keitel), The Journalist (Allan F. Nichols), Sure Shot
(Geraldine Chaplin), Wrangler (Robert DoQui), Treasurer (Mike Kaplan),
Bartender (Bert Remsen), Mezzo (Bonnie Leaders), Coloratura (Noelle Rogers),
Soprano (Evelyn Lear), Indian Agent (Denver Pyle), and Sitting Bull (Frank
Kaquitts).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
No.
The film is what it is and, unfortunately, it is not enough.
The
Immigrant—short silent film—provides Charlie Chaplin-style entertainment with its exploration
of the immigrant’s challenges through the lense of comedy and compassion. Despite
its age, the movie still shows great timing and professional presentation.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
An
immigrant endeavors to adjust to American life.
Additional
Thanks
Thank
you to Director Charles Chaplin for directing effort.Thank you to Producers Henry Caulfield,
Charles Chaplin, and John Jasper for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Immigrant
(Charles Chaplin), Immigrant (Edna Purviance), Head Waiter (Eric Campbell),
Russian/Restaurant Diner (Albert Austin), Artist (Henry Bergman), Edna’s Mother
(Kitty Bradbury), Cheating Gambler (Frank Coleman), Café Violinist (William
Gillespie), Marriage Registrar (Tom Harrington), Shabby Man (James T. Kelley),
Tipsy Diner (John Rand), Passenger (Janet Sully), Pint sized passenger (Loyal
Underwood), and Gambler on Ship (Tom Wilson).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
One of the best of Charles Chaplin’s short films.
The
Adventurer—Charles Chaplin silent short film—comically tells its story with
that unfailing honesty that Charlie Chaplin consistently put into his artistic
endeavors. To this day, his uncompromising honesty shines as fantastic
storytelling and great entertainment.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
The
adventures of a man who escapes from prison.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Charles Chaplin for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry
Caulfield, Charlie Chaplin, and John Jasper for making the film possible.
Additional characters/cast include: The Convict (Charles Chaplin), The Girl (Edna Purviance), The Suitor (Eric Campbell), The Father (Henry Bergman), and The
Butler (Albert Austin).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
One of a kind movie that earns its dimes and time for its watch.
The
First Grader—African film—works at the same
quality level as the Australian film Rabbit Proof Fence. Both
outstanding films that define the human spirit, provide WOW! entertainment value with good realism. The movie has wide
audience appeal.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
An
84-year-old Kenyan man seeks an education.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to
Director Justin Chadwick for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers
Norman Merry, Joe Oppenheimer, Jim ShamooMr. Kipruto (Vusi Kunene), Agnes
(Agnes Simaloi), Kamau Chege (Kamau Mbaya), n, Anant Singh, and Helena Spring
for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jane Obinchu
(Naomie Harris), Kimani Ng'ang'a
Maruge (Oliver Litondo), Charles Obinchu (Tony Kgoroge), Teacher Alfred (Alfred
Munyua), Teacher Elizabeth (Shoki Mokgapa), Mr. Kipruto (Vusi Kunene), Agnes
(Agnes Sialoi), Kamau Chege (Kamau Mbaya), Young Maruge’s Wife (Emily Njoki),
Young Maruge (Lwanda Jawar), DJ Masha (Dan Ndambuki), Maruge’s Daughter (Hannah
Wacer), and Maruge’s Baby Son (John Kimani).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
This speaks to the world about the human necessity to fulfill life-long dreams
no matter the age or rationality of fulfilling that dream…this movie tells about the
human spirit.
Force of Nature—could be a long-standing cult
classic—once again shows us why we love Mel Gibson…that Aussie hardcore
manliness jumps off the screen in every movie he plays in and has
always been welcome and well received. The conclusion of the movie has a
surprise as the animal in the closet reveals itself. Emile Hirsch and Kate Boswell are well chosen for
their parts. The movie works.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A
cop interferes with a heist.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Michael Polish for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Jonathan Baker, Lee Broda, Barry Brooker, Alastair Burlingham,
Charlie Dombek, Alex Eckert, Ted Fox, Landon Gorman, Walter Josten, Cyril
Megret, Christian Mercuri, Brandon Powers, Diana Principe, Bobby Ranghelov,
Gary Raskin, Ceasar Richbow, Luis A. Riefkohl, Timothy C. Sullivan, Paul
Weinberg, and Stan Wertlieb for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Cardillo (Emile Hirsch), Ray (Mel Gibson), John (David
Zayas), Troy (Kate Bosworth), Jess (Stephanie Cayo), Dillon (Tyler Jon Olson),
Bergkamp (Jorge Luis Ramos), Griffin (William Catlett), Migs (Blas Sien Diaz),
Cruz (Joksan Ramos), Bennie (Julio Ramos Velez), Pride (Sebastian Vazquez),
Babie (Jesy McKinney), Ernesto (Xavier Reyes), Super Louie Joe (Luillo Ruiz),
Jasmine (Jasper Polish), Market Guard (Jorge Antares), Mrs. Consuelo (Johanna
Rosaly), Lieutenant Cunningham (Rey Hernandez), Dad (Israel Solla), Kid (Derek
G. Rosado Galarza) Bank Manager (Javier Ortiz Cortes), and Chuy (Jerry Ortiz
Cortes).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
If the audience looks for a natural disaster movie, this a fairly good watch.
The
Last Days on Mars—unexpected conclusion—lacks clarity
due to the question of why there is a zombie race on Mars. But, once the fact of zombies on Mars is
established it is rather fun and interesting to see how the story will play.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Astronauts who are collecting Mars specimens begin
dying.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Ruairi Robinson for directing effort Thank you to Executive
Producers Malcolm Ritchie, Tim Smith, and James Swarbrick for making the film
possible. Additional characters/cast include: Vincent Campbell (Live
Schreiber), Charles Brunel (Elias Koteas), Rebecca Lane (Romola Garai), Kim
Aldrich (Olivia Williams), Robert Irwin (Johnny
Harris), Marko Petrovic (Goran Kostic), Richard Harrington (Tom Cullen), Lauren
Dalby (Yusra Warsama), Flight Commander Ellis (Patrick Joseph Byrnes), and Infected
(Voice of Lewis Macleod).
Race
of Giants: Our Forbidden History— almost a good documentary—works at a highly superficial
level without delving into the actual science of giants. The movie needs a great
deal of ‘beefing up’ with more verifiable information to be truly informative
and believable.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
An
examination of skeletal remains of humans that are sized between 8 and 12 feet
tall.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director J. Michael Long for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Warren Croyle for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Paul Hughes and Simon Oliver (Narrators).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe.
It works on the flamboyant rather than intellectual watch. Many of the ‘giant’
skeletons look like Photoshop images which does not help the believability of the
film.
Searching
for Bobby Fischer—terrific chess drama movie—WOW!
Very well-made and executed story. It would be difficult to execute a well-made
story on a game like chess, but this movie completely succeeds. This film serves as
a good family movie that broadens horizons about professional activities humans can involve in as well as the importance of knowing oneself and
maintaining integrity to that knowing.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A young man shows remarkable chess skills and enters the professional field
of play.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Steven Zaillian for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producer Sydney Pollack for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc), Fred Waitzkin (Joe
Mantegna), Bonnie Waitzkin (Joan Allen), Bruce Pandolfini (Ben Kingsley),
Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne), Jonathan Poe (Miobert Stephens), Kalev (David
Paymer), Morgan (Dan Hedaya), School Teacher (Laura Linney), Fighting Parent
(Anthony Heald), and Man of Many Signals (Steven Randazzo).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
This is one of those rare ‘sit back and be entertained’ movies. Thank you.
Fury—hardcore
war action film —shows the gritty part of war that is less than pretty. Very good
acting by Brad Pitt, Shia LeBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena, and Jon Bernthal
turn this movie into a realistic, stomach turning watch that more than serves
the war movie fan.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
The
film shows a fight across Germany during WWII and fighting decisions that are
made.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director David Ayer for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Anton Lessine, Alex Ott, Brad Pitt, Sasha Shapiro, and Ben Waisbren
for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Don Collier
(Brad Pitt), Boyd Swan (Shia LaBeouf), Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman), Trini
Garcia (Michael Pena), Grady Travis (Jon Bernthal), Sergeant Binkowski (Jim
Parrack), Sergeant Peterson (Kevin Vance), Lieutenant Parker (Xavier Samuel),
Captain Waggoner (Jason Isaacs), Irma (Anamaria Marinca and Emma (Alicia von
Rittberg).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
A ‘needs to be told’ movie that testifies to quality story telling.
King
Solomon’s Mines—works like an Indiana Jones movie,
but lacks the snap of an Indiana Jones movie—serves as an adventure watch for an audience who looks for an action film.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A
woman teams with a fortune hunter to look for her father in Africa.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director J. Lee Thompson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producer Richard M. Greenberg for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain), Jesse (Sharon
Stone), Colonel Bockner (Herbert Lom), Dogati (John Rhys Davies), Umbopo (Ken
Gampu), Gagogla (June Buthelezi), Scragga (Sam Williams), Kassam (Shaike
Ohpir), Mapaki Chief (Fidelis Cheza), Dorfman (Mick Lesley), Shack (Vincent Van
der Byl), Hamid (Bob Greer), Bushiri (Oliver Tengende), German Pilot (Neville
Thomas), and Dari (Bishop McThuzen).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe.
For an afternoon flick, it may work; but there are much better action movies
to watch than this one.
Antwone
Fisher—may be classified as a B-grade film, but WOW—tells a great
story while speaking highly of the directorial skills of Denzel Washington. The
film earns its watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
After
psychiatric care a Navy man is able begin a new life.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Denzel Washington for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Nancy Paloian for making
the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: AntwoFisher (Derek
Luke), Antwone Fisher Age 7 (Malcolm David Kelley), Antwone Fisher Age 14 (Cory
Hodges), Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), Cheryl Smolley (Joy Bryant),
Berta Davenport (Salli Richardson Whitfield), and Pork Chop (Leonard Earl
Howze).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This movie is a distinguished watch that works on all levels that it can be critiqued. Thank
you for producing a meaningful film worth watching.
Abbott
and Costello in The Foreign Legion—not the best of
Abbott and Costello comedy—serves more average fare than expected of these two
comedians. For Abbott and Costello fandom it still works as a watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Two
men accidentally end up in the Foreign Legion.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Charles Lamont for directing effort. Thank you to Producer
Robert Arthur for making the film
possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bud Jones (Bud Abbott), Lou
Hotchkiss (Lou Costello), Nicole Dupre (Patricia Medina), Sergeant Axmann
(Walter Slezak), Sheik Hamud El Khalid (Douglass Dumbrille), Hassam (Leon
Belasco), Frankie (Marc Lawrence), Abdullah (William Davis), Abou Ben (Tor
Johnson), Bertram the Magnificent (Sammy Menacker), Ali Ami (Jack Raymond),
Commandant (Fred Nurney), Ibn (Paul Fierro), and Ibrim (Henry Corden).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
It is what it is…not great, but not unwatchable
Saints
and Soldiers: The Void lacks interest, but makes up
for that in action.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
American soldiers hunt Nazi
soldiers who are hiding in the mountains.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Ryan Little for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Adam Abel, Gil Aglaure, and Randy Beard for making the film possible.
Additional characters/cast include: Carey Simms (Adam Gregory), John Atwood
(Timothy Shoemaker), Rodney Mitchell (Michael Todd Behrens), Stalag Commander
(Christoph Malzl), Lieutenant Goss (Ben Urie), Klaus Shonbeck (David Morgan), POW
CAMP Soldier (Nate Harward), Private Nelson (Brenden Whitney), Captain McConkie
(Jeff Birk), Max Whitaker (Joel Bishop), Jesse Owens (K. Danor Gerald), Daniel
Barlow (Matthew Meese), Private Perry (Alex Boye), Sergeant Kesler (Allan
Groves), and Prisoner 1).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe.
The best film in this series to date is the first film.
Step
Up—great dance flick—has a strong underlying story that makes
it work on several levels. Introducing the dancing skills of Channing Tatum and
Jenna Dewan supplies the necessary element of surprise, as we usually do not
think of them as dancers, and the musical score supports their skill with
finesse. This is a fun, interesting watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A
young man gets a break for dancing professionally.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Ann Fletcher for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers David Garrett, Andrew Golov,andJohn H. Starke for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast
include: Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum), Nora Clark (Jenna Dewan), Mac Carter (Damaine
Radcliff), Skinny Carter (De’Shawn Washington), Miles Darby (Mario), Lucy Avila
(Drew Sidora), Director Gordon (Rachel Griffiths), Brett Dolan (Josh
Henderson), Brett (Josh Henderson), Andrew (Tim Lacatena), Camille (Alyson
Stoner), Omar (Heavy D), Nora’s Mom/Katharine Clark (Deirdre Lovejoy), Lena
Freeman (Jane Beard), Bill Freeman (Richard Pelzman), and Mac’s Mother
(Carlynci S. Peck).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
This movie is the definition of ‘sit back and enjoy’.
TheLeague
of Extraordinary Gentlemen, unfortunately, sports less than spectacular special effects and binds itself with superficial
acting despite excellent casting choices. An exception to the poor special
effects is the scene where Tom Sawyer runs a car into a mansion and Captain
Nemo’s ship. The combination of a variety of well-known book characters into a
league is fresh and original…but it needs to be supported with excellent special
effects as well as a cast that is intensely invested in the story.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A
group of famous characters drawn from novels form to accomplish a job.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Stephen Norrington for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Trevor Albert, Sean Connery, and Mark Gordon for making the film
possible. Additional characters/cast include: Allan Quatermain (Sean Connery),
Captain Nemo (Naseeruddin Shah), Mina Harker (Peta Wilson), Rodney Skinner
(Tony Curran), Dorian Gray (Stuart Townsend), Tom Sawyer (Shane West), Dr.
Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde (Jason Flemyng), M (Richard Roxburgh), Dante (Max
Ryan), Sanderson Reed (Tom Goodman Hill), Nigel (David Hemmings), Ishmael
(Terry O’Neill), Draper (Rudolf Pellar), Constable Dunning (Robert Willox), and
Running Officer (Robert Orr).
Buy a ticket?
Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe.
The concept needs to be reworked into another movie to correct the flaws in
this film. One challenge that exists with the concept is that many of the
characters are drawn from the Victorian age. Book enthusiasts will be familiar
with these characters and be able to relate. But, the current generation
invests more attention to media characters and may have difficulty relating to
the multitudinous characters presented in this film.
