Ben Foster

  • Review: ‘Hostiles’ weaves a complex story in an equally complex setting (Includes first-hand account)

    The United States of America is a country born from conflict, so it’s not surprising that many of the films set in the 19th century reflect the countless struggles experienced by people gaining and losing land. In Westerns there’s frequently a backdrop of war, but also clashes with the indigenous people, which contribute to the tense, and generally violent, atmosphere. However, it’s not often that these encounters are used to tell a story in which an aggressive character evolves, gaining depth and respect as the narrative unfolds. Hostiles is one of these rarities, taking audiences through a perilous journey of racism and redemption.

  • Review: ‘Inferno’ barely heats up the screen (Includes first-hand account)

    Some people are very good at solving puzzles, whether it’s unscrambling an anagram, answering a riddle or putting together the clues of a mystery. While it’s something one can teach their brain to do, having a natural talent and proclivity for such problems can be very useful. In Dan Brown‘s book series, the protagonist, Robert Langdon, is a renowned puzzle-solver, specifically dealing in religious texts. In each story, he’s recruited to assist in a complex investigation that requires expert deduction to avoid total – and often global – disaster. However, in the third adaptation of his novels, Inferno, Langdon’s role in the inquiry is rather muddled.

  • Review: ‘Hell or High Water’ blends tradition with contemporary drama (Includes first-hand account)

    No matter what people say, sometimes defining right and wrong is a tricky business. The differences aren’t as clear as black and white nearly as much as people would like. Moreover, the answers can change depending on who you ask and/or on what side of the debate their interests lie. What one person may view as an offense, the other sees as justified retribution. But these gray areas are often the most interesting to explore, particularly in the realm of fiction. In Hell or High Water, the main characters definitely have a difference of opinion when it comes to the legitimacy of their actions.

  • Review: ‘The Finest Hours’ is a tale of bravery in many circumstances (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s fair to say even the dangerous jobs were more hazardous 50 years ago. New safety measures and equipment improvements have decreased the mortality rates of most risky positions. But in some cases there are just certain threats and vulnerabilities that can’t be extinguished with Mother Nature topping the list of unmanageables. Whether those employed in these industries do it for the money, sense of duty or lack of other opportunities, the risk is the same. In The Finest Hours, a U.S. Coast Guard team heads out into a horrendous storm to rescue the crew of a sinking oil tanker.