Chester gets top billing in 'Sons of Ben The Movie'

I heard Jeff Bell, the director of ‘Sons Of Ben The Movie’, say at least a dozen times that this is the most amazing story he’s ever heard. Honestly, I had no clue what he was talking about, until today.

At Jeff’s brutal insistence, I moved some things around so I could attend the private screening of ‘Sons of Ben The Movie’ in Philadelphia with about 80 other invited guest in an intimate theater on Drexel University’s campus. I did not expect to see what was ultimately presented on the screen.

I watch a lot of documentaries and this is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Even if you have no connection to anything related to the story, like soccer, Philadelphia, Chester, or the Sons of Ben, you will love this movie. 

Jeff Bell taking Q&A after the screening

As with all great movies, it has great characters, imagery, drama, suspense, humor, and emotion. It’s primarily a story about having a dream, starting from nothing, sticking to your guns, commitment, being bold and creative, and riding the highs and lows until you reach your goal.

Chester is depicted honestly. The movie shows us just the way we are. We’re not demonized or glamorized. 

The group of guys who started Sons of Ben are some crazy ass white men who offer up some of the best life lessons regarding goal setting and achievement. Yet, the movie takes you through an emotional roller coaster as you peek into their personal lives as they were going through the process of being the voice that brings a Major League Soccer team to Philadelphia. You may have to have a Kleenex at the ready when you see this movie just in case you’re like many of us at the screening. 

I wish we could bring the movie to the Apollo, Strand, Boyd, State, or Mack movie theaters in Chester...if they were still here. It’s a marvelous story and I finally understand why Jeff Bell says he’s never seen anything like it. 

Best of luck to Rothbury Road Productions as they continue to polish this movie, seek funding to finish the project, and await word from the film festivals they’ve applied to for showings.