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Wednesday, July 28, 2004

The Manchurian Candidate

In the midst of this week's Democratic convention, "The Manchurian Candidate" is a timely remake of the 1962 black & white classic tale of brainwashing to put a sleeper into the White House. The new version cleverly updates the story into today's terms for today's audience, changing the Korean War to the Gulf War and using Manchurian Global as a large business corporation. The tension builds as the layers of the true story are revealed. Who are the real bad guys in this suspenseful psychological thriller? Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Liev Schreiber give outstanding performances. Streep's character will undoubtedly be compared to Senator Hillary Clinton. Like Denzel's nightmares, Alien had flashbacks of key movie moments from the original as the film progressed, but was not able to recall the outcomes. This heighten the movie experience for Alien in a parallel sense.

Alien gives it 3 ½ medals of honors and bronze stars out of 4.


Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle

This hilarious road trip movie is directed by Danny Leiner who did "Dude, Where Is My Car?" Two twenty-something roomates, an uptight Korean-American investment banker and an underachieving East-Indian-American medical school candidate, get stoned on marijuana one night and begin their life-changing journey as they spend the night searching  for White Castle burgers. Zany madness ensues, involving a jail break, stolen cars, wild animals, and Doogie Howser. Rated R for strong language, nudity, sexual content, drug use, and crude humor.

Alien gives it 2½ Asian-American stars out of 4.



Friday, July 23, 2004

The Door in the Floor

Is "The Door in the Floor" just the title of a children's book or more?

Jeff Bridges and Kim Bassinger give strong complex performances as damaged souls in this tragic tale of a dysfunctional family with a dark secret. Each take on new partners during a trial separation period. Elle Fanning, Dakota's younger sister, is charming as the daughter caught in the middle trying to understand the family's pain. This serious drama uses creative touches of humor to balance this film. If you are bothered by nudity and sexual images, this R rated film may not be for you. In the end, this disturbing movie left Alien unsettled and unsatisfied.

Alien gives it 2 metaphorically-mysteriously-titled-movie stars out of 4.



Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Bourne Supremacy
 
If you liked the "Bourne Identity", you'll love its sequel.  The story picks up where the last one ended.  Jason Bourne and his girlfriend are just trying to lay low and disappear, but "they" are still after him so he must stop "them".  Jason is still amnesiatic, smart, and athletic.  This intense and thrilling movie reveals more of Jason's past as he journeys from India to Berlin to Moscow.  Alien hasn't experienced a better car chase sequence, a real white knuckler which will have your heart pounding. 

Alien gives it 3 ½ primo-supremo stars out of 4. 


Wednesday, July 14, 2004

A Cinderella Story

Cinderella must be one of the most retold fairy tales. Everyone knows the story. Therefore, it is very predictable. But it doesn't mean the story can't still be fun. Hillary Duff stars in this fresh twist to the fairy tale as a high school girl from the San Fernando Valley slaving away in a diner before meeting her prince charming at the Halloween ball. Cell phones, text messaging, and emails complete the update. The best part of this funny teenager movie is the supporting cast of characters. The teenage girls say this prince charming, Chad Michael Murray, is hot.

Alien gives it 2½ sparkling stars out of 4.

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Before Sunset

In a previous movie "Before Sunrise" (not seen by Alien), an American writer meets a French woman on a train and spends a few romantic hours together in Vienna. At the end of the movie, they part agreeing to meet again in 6 months, but they don't until 9 years later in Paris, the beginning of this film. Was it by chance or was it arranged? The emotions, relationships, values, and history of these 2 people are masterfully revealed in essentially one continuous conversation as they stroll, cruise, and ride through Paris just before he must catch his plane. The audience feels their connection and wants to see them reunited. Does he stay or fly away? At the end of this 80 minute romantic drama/comedy, you'll want more. It is rated R for language and sexual references. Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke give outstanding performances.

Alien gives it 3 wish-upon-a-star stars out of 4.

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Napoleon Dynamite

Napoleon Dynamite is the name of the main character in this funny, low budget, independent film set in a small town in Idaho. Napoleon is an awkward, geeky teenager who lives in a fantasy world and doesn’t know how uncool he really is. He is the exaggerated reminder to all of us how hard we thought it was growing up and trying to fit in. But through it all, he perseveres. Surrounding this lovable guy is the oddest cast of characters including a llama named Tina. The film creatively brings the humor out of the simplest situations, some involving a time machine, tater tots, tetherball, martial arts, glamour photos, get-rich-quick schemes, internet chat rooms, and high school elections. This sleeper could become a cult favorite of teenagers. The opening credits were cleverly done.

Alien gives it 2 eccentric stars out of 4.

The surprise bonus of this sneak preview was the big freebie movie promotion where everyone got t-shirts, stickers, buttons, trading cards, and chapstick.

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

King Arthur

It's Gladiator meets Braveheart meets Xena Warrior Princess in a Jerry Bruckheimer film without explosives, just ice, smoke, and fire. In this knights tale, there is no Camelot nor magic nor sword in the stone, just a handful of Samatian boys drafted into the Roman army, fighting against the Woads and the Saxons to earn their freedom. Over time, they develop into great warriors led by Arturius/Arthur. The battle scenes are predictible, but fun to watch. The heroes are nicked and scarred, but the sets and costumes are just too perfect like they were made yesterday. Guinevere's battle outfit is as ridiculous as Halle Berry's catwoman suit, but that's another movie. I might believe Keira Knightley as an archer, but as a broadsword wielding warrior, not likely. Despite all of this, I still had a good time watching this twist to the King Arthur story. It's the stuff that makes legends.

Alien gives it 2 ½ Knightley knight night stars out of 4.


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