Tag: ben stein

‘Beer Wars’ LIVE with Ben Stein … “Bueller?”

beerwars

I’ve seen some interesting things on the big screen. I remember many years ago attending a children’s adventure movie simply because it was being promoted as the first truly interactive theatrical movie experience. I can’t even remember the title, it was THAT bad! But, the whole reason I went was to experience the gimmick. While it was certainly a rough work in progress (at best) it was a neat concept. The idea was that at pre-determined turning points in the story, the movie would break and options would be displayed on the screen.   The audience would then use the remote controls given to them upon entering the theatre to vote by selecting the button that correlated to the path in which each person wanted to see the story continue. Needless to say, the film was a flop and the gimmick obviously did not survive.

Gimmicks: Some are good, some are bad… but, the trend of expanding what it means to “go to the movies” continues to get redefined. One of the biggest promoters of this new utilitarian use of the mega-multiplex is Fathom Events. I’ve attended a few of their events, from feature-length anime to live-action adaptations, but the variety is even more diverse than this. Anniversary screenings of modern classics like ‘First Blood’, numerous live operas, documentary events and even live coverage of the 50 States in 50 Days marathon event to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims. Fathom Events is now presenting a new live event called ‘Beer Wars’ hosted by Ben Stein. Don’t believe me, read below:

Beer Wars LIVE with Ben Stein
Thu., Apr. 16 – 8:00PM ET / 7:00PM CT / 6:00PM MT / tape delayed 8:00PM PT

Uncover the truth behind your favorite label in a no holds barred journey through the U.S. beer industry. Told from an insider’s perspective, this film explores the struggles of small independent brewers to survive in an industry dominated by corporate behemoths. Director Anat Baron takes you on a revealing and entertaining ride that provides unexpected and surprising turns and promises to change the world’s opinion on those infamous 99 bottles of beer on the wall. Tickets on sale now. Cheers!

So, does this sound crazy, silly, hilarious, awesome… or just a weird combination of it all? I like Ben Stein, but what is this really all about?

Check out the website here for more info and to see video clips!

[source: FathomEvents.com]

Review: ‘Expelled’

Believe it or not, Ben Stein is a really fascinating and intelligent guy. How do I know? Because, I saw Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, directed by Nathan Frankowski. So you may be asking “what the heck is this movie all about” … and, “why haven’t I even heard of it” … or, “how good could it possibly be?”

Expelled (2008) is a documentary hosted by Ben Stein (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), much in the same way Michael Moore “hosted” his “documentaries” except this one is good and Stein doesn’t manipulate his viewers by distorting the facts or flat-out lying. Expelled follows Ben Stein as he investigates an alarming trend of college professors being “expelled” from their often tenured careers by the “powers that be” for even mentioning the existence of an Intelligent Designer.

Please, don’t bombard me with posts related to your personal beliefs on the debate between ID and evolution … I am refraining from divulging my beliefs, as did the film-makers of Expelled. No, despite the various sources out there on both sides that may claim this film as propaganda for either side of this debate, the film actually does a very good job of staying neutral while also pointing out all of the intricate pros and cons of both sides. The film does this, with the help of Ben Stein’s trademark dry humor, with both a sharp intellect and witty humor to keep things as light and relaxed as possible.

I never heard of this movie either … until I saw it listed in the show-times of one single movie theatre here in Saint Louis. Surprisingly, it was at one of the largest chain multiplexes in town and not an indie theatre. None the less, I read a little about it and knew immediately this was a movie I NEEDED to see. Without going into great detail, this film probes some issue I find very important. However, the most significant issue being addressed in Expelled is that of our American freedom of speech. The film begins and ends with Ben Stein giving a speech at a university on the topic of these freedoms. While Stein points out this freedom applies to a much broader scope, he focuses on the trend of scientists being “shut up” and “kicked out” for teaching, supporting or even suggesting any credibility towards the theory of Intelligent Design.

Expelled is VERY good and in my own solitary opinion, this film should get an Oscar nod this year, but [IMO] likely will not due to politics involved. Stein is surprisingly genuine and effective leading this film on its journey in support of free speech. For a first-time director, Frankowski has done an absolutely outstanding job in creating a documentary that deals with an important contemporary debate, offering a balanced look at both sides. The film also has so many highly credible interviewees on both sides of the argument that I may even be tempted to call this film the quintessential audio-visual resource on the topic. If there is one documentary so far this year that I highly recommend everyone see, its Expelled.
[rating:4/5]