Saturday, May 18, 2013
Epic (3D)
It's "Avatar" meets "The Borrowers" meets "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" as good battles evil in the forest. This wonderful 3D animated adventure fantasy takes you into the hidden world of the Leaf Men & the Boggans. The characters, story line, and humor make this beautiful looking film entertaining enchantment for young and old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "pod of life" stars out of 4.
It's "Avatar" meets "The Borrowers" meets "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" as good battles evil in the forest. This wonderful 3D animated adventure fantasy takes you into the hidden world of the Leaf Men & the Boggans. The characters, story line, and humor make this beautiful looking film entertaining enchantment for young and old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "pod of life" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Way Way Back
...or How I Spent My Summer Vacation.
A socially inept youth feels isolated on a trip to a beach resort with his mom (Toni Collette) and her
boyfriend (Steve Carell). In an attempt to avoid awkward situations, he ends up at a local water park where he finds friendship, support, and some confidence. Sam Rockwell & Allison Janney steal their scenes as quirky characters. AnnaSpohia Robb, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry and SNL's Seth Meyers & Maya Rudolph round out the supporting cast. This charming drama/comedy about finding yourself is an inspiring bittersweet coming-of-age story.
Alien gives it 3 "Water Whizz" stars out of 4.
...or How I Spent My Summer Vacation.
A socially inept youth feels isolated on a trip to a beach resort with his mom (Toni Collette) and her
boyfriend (Steve Carell). In an attempt to avoid awkward situations, he ends up at a local water park where he finds friendship, support, and some confidence. Sam Rockwell & Allison Janney steal their scenes as quirky characters. AnnaSpohia Robb, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry and SNL's Seth Meyers & Maya Rudolph round out the supporting cast. This charming drama/comedy about finding yourself is an inspiring bittersweet coming-of-age story.
Alien gives it 3 "Water Whizz" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness (3D) Revisited
J.J. Abrams' first reboot was about introductions. This sequel is about getting comfortable with the Enterprise family. Alien enjoyed the familiarity while telling the story in a different way that plays well for old and new fans. Next, their 5 year mission to explore begins.
Alien gives it 4 "boldly gone where no one has gone before" stars out of 4.
J.J. Abrams' first reboot was about introductions. This sequel is about getting comfortable with the Enterprise family. Alien enjoyed the familiarity while telling the story in a different way that plays well for old and new fans. Next, their 5 year mission to explore begins.
Alien gives it 4 "boldly gone where no one has gone before" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Fast & Furious 6
The team is back together again when FBI agent Hobbs(Duane Johnson) makes Toretto(Vin Diesel) an offer he can't refuse, chasing a ghost(Michelle Rodriguez). The "Speed Racer" gang plays hi-tech demolition derby in the streets of London leading off the bad-ass vs bad-ass chess game battle in this nonstop Justin Lin-sanity. The stunts just keep getting bigger and more over-the-top with each installment. Expect some casualties of war and some surprising twists & turns including a set-up for #7 with a stunning cameo. In the end, it's all about family and "Fast & Furious fans won't be disappointed. Hot cars, hot girls, humor, and heavy doses of testosterone drive this continuing wild thrill ride daring to blow away the competition and leave them in the dust.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "ride or die" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Internship
Your favorite "Wedding Crashers" (Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson) are down-on-their-luck salesmen trying to reinvent themselves at Google. This outrageous fish-out-of-water comedy pits the older "Flashdance" generation against the "Quiditch" young adults. It's team work, never give up, and believe in your dreams as a team of "Bad News Bears" interns compete for permanent jobs at Googleplex. Realistic or not, this is a hilarious inside look at the company behind the famed search engine. OMG LMAO
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Noogler" stars out of 4.
Your favorite "Wedding Crashers" (Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson) are down-on-their-luck salesmen trying to reinvent themselves at Google. This outrageous fish-out-of-water comedy pits the older "Flashdance" generation against the "Quiditch" young adults. It's team work, never give up, and believe in your dreams as a team of "Bad News Bears" interns compete for permanent jobs at Googleplex. Realistic or not, this is a hilarious inside look at the company behind the famed search engine. OMG LMAO
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Noogler" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness (3D)
The crew of the Enterprise sets off on another thrilling mission in J.J. Abrams' alternate universe and in tribute to its origins. Trekkies will love seeing their favorite characters skillfully reincarnated and the sly Star Trek references. This may go over the heads of the newbies, but they won't be disappointed in the characters and the action. This adventure may seem familiar to some, but it has a few twists. One key character has been portrayed better in the past, but it isn't a bad performance, just different. Look for some funny moments to counter the intense drama. Alien doesn't recommend seeing this 3D spectacular from the front row (no choice in this special limited non-reserved seating event). The closeup faces get distorted and the action sequences are hard to track when you are that close to the screen. Another viewing will be necessary for a proper assessment, but Alien estimates it to be in the 3 to 4 "reboot" star range.
The crew of the Enterprise sets off on another thrilling mission in J.J. Abrams' alternate universe and in tribute to its origins. Trekkies will love seeing their favorite characters skillfully reincarnated and the sly Star Trek references. This may go over the heads of the newbies, but they won't be disappointed in the characters and the action. This adventure may seem familiar to some, but it has a few twists. One key character has been portrayed better in the past, but it isn't a bad performance, just different. Look for some funny moments to counter the intense drama. Alien doesn't recommend seeing this 3D spectacular from the front row (no choice in this special limited non-reserved seating event). The closeup faces get distorted and the action sequences are hard to track when you are that close to the screen. Another viewing will be necessary for a proper assessment, but Alien estimates it to be in the 3 to 4 "reboot" star range.
Monday, May 06, 2013
The Great Gatsby (3D)
Director Baz Luhrmann uses his creative talents to transform another classic tragic love story into a visual masterpiece with terrific performances by its cast. See the lavish and opulent lifestyle of the Long Island rich during the roaring 20's when a mysterious man (Leonardo DiCaprio) woos a married woman (Carey Mulligan) as told through the eyes of her cousin (Tobey McGuire). Fans of the F. Scott Fitzgerald book will probably love this interpretation. Those who struggled in their English class with this novel will probably struggle again to keep awake during the slow moving moments. Cliff Notes devotees will now have a video companion. Gatsby is a great film that is love it or hate it; be mesmerized or be lobotomized.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "reckless drivers" stars out of 4.
Director Baz Luhrmann uses his creative talents to transform another classic tragic love story into a visual masterpiece with terrific performances by its cast. See the lavish and opulent lifestyle of the Long Island rich during the roaring 20's when a mysterious man (Leonardo DiCaprio) woos a married woman (Carey Mulligan) as told through the eyes of her cousin (Tobey McGuire). Fans of the F. Scott Fitzgerald book will probably love this interpretation. Those who struggled in their English class with this novel will probably struggle again to keep awake during the slow moving moments. Cliff Notes devotees will now have a video companion. Gatsby is a great film that is love it or hate it; be mesmerized or be lobotomized.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "reckless drivers" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Iron Man 3 (3D)
This sequel takes on some new directions as Jon Favreau takes a back seat, but this 3D special effects extravaganza is still action packed. This time, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) seems to spend a lot more time out of the Iron man suit than in it. Gwenyth Paltrow plays a red hot Pepper ready to kick some butt. Marvel fans may feel a bit deceived, but can look forward to having more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The superhero's suit up sequences may seem supersaturated in this third big screen installment. Of course, Stan Lee makes his customary cameo, but stay through the credits for a funny bit played out for Avenger fans.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Mark 42" stars out of 4.
This sequel takes on some new directions as Jon Favreau takes a back seat, but this 3D special effects extravaganza is still action packed. This time, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) seems to spend a lot more time out of the Iron man suit than in it. Gwenyth Paltrow plays a red hot Pepper ready to kick some butt. Marvel fans may feel a bit deceived, but can look forward to having more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The superhero's suit up sequences may seem supersaturated in this third big screen installment. Of course, Stan Lee makes his customary cameo, but stay through the credits for a funny bit played out for Avenger fans.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Mark 42" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Big Wedding
The lighter side of relationships, marriage, divorce, and religion are poked fun at in this hilarious comedy centered around a dysfunctional family's wedding events. The all star cast includes Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Katherine Heigl, Robin Williams, Amanda Seyfried, and Topher Grace. Expect the unexpected as many twists and turns are revealed. The "R" rating is for risque due to brief nudity, language, and sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 "American hedonistic hilarity" stars out of 4.
The lighter side of relationships, marriage, divorce, and religion are poked fun at in this hilarious comedy centered around a dysfunctional family's wedding events. The all star cast includes Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Katherine Heigl, Robin Williams, Amanda Seyfried, and Topher Grace. Expect the unexpected as many twists and turns are revealed. The "R" rating is for risque due to brief nudity, language, and sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 "American hedonistic hilarity" stars out of 4.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Mud
It is a modern day Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn adventure story revolving around two 14-year-old boys growing up along the river in Arkansas and learning about love & life. Things get complicated when they stumble upon a shady man who calls himself Mud (Mathew McConaughey). He is looking for his true love (Reese Witherspoon) and a bunch of bad boys from Texas are looking for him. The realistically honest characters draw you into this surprising story. The young kid actors are fabulous. Alien liked the down home rural setting complete with a WalMart and a Piggly Wiggly.
Alien gives it 3 "boat in a tree" stars out of 4.
It is a modern day Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn adventure story revolving around two 14-year-old boys growing up along the river in Arkansas and learning about love & life. Things get complicated when they stumble upon a shady man who calls himself Mud (Mathew McConaughey). He is looking for his true love (Reese Witherspoon) and a bunch of bad boys from Texas are looking for him. The realistically honest characters draw you into this surprising story. The young kid actors are fabulous. Alien liked the down home rural setting complete with a WalMart and a Piggly Wiggly.
Alien gives it 3 "boat in a tree" stars out of 4.
