Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Christmas with the Kranks
Just in time for the holidays, Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as Luther and Nora Krank, the zany couple trying to skip Christmas in this John Grisham story. Rated "PG", this is a great holiday film that you can take the whole family to enjoy. First, it makes fun of the pressures of preparing for Christmas. But in the end, it captures the spirit of Santa and Christmas giving.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "jingle bell" stars out of 4.
Just in time for the holidays, Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as Luther and Nora Krank, the zany couple trying to skip Christmas in this John Grisham story. Rated "PG", this is a great holiday film that you can take the whole family to enjoy. First, it makes fun of the pressures of preparing for Christmas. But in the end, it captures the spirit of Santa and Christmas giving.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "jingle bell" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Alexander
Oliver Stone's epic tale of Alexander the Great is a lengthy 3 hour journey that is dark and unsettling. Colin Farrell stars as Alexander, Val Kilmer is his father, and Angelina Jolie is his mother. None are likeable characters. Rated "R" for violence, sexuality, and nudity. Alexander spends too much time kissing his mother and other men instead of fighting. The men are engaged in too many rape scenes. Colin exposes his backside. On the plus side, Alien enjoyed the ancient cities depicted by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Library of Alexandria. While Alexander boasts of being the descendent of Achilles, this epic story is no "Troy".
Alien gives it 2 "too long and unsatisfying" stars out of 4.
Oliver Stone's epic tale of Alexander the Great is a lengthy 3 hour journey that is dark and unsettling. Colin Farrell stars as Alexander, Val Kilmer is his father, and Angelina Jolie is his mother. None are likeable characters. Rated "R" for violence, sexuality, and nudity. Alexander spends too much time kissing his mother and other men instead of fighting. The men are engaged in too many rape scenes. Colin exposes his backside. On the plus side, Alien enjoyed the ancient cities depicted by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Library of Alexandria. While Alexander boasts of being the descendent of Achilles, this epic story is no "Troy".
Alien gives it 2 "too long and unsatisfying" stars out of 4.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Bridget is back and she's bigger and better than before. It's "Allie McBeal" meets "Brokedown Palace" with a touch of Madonna. This movie picks up where the first one ended. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are back as competing love interests. Who does Bridget end up with? Although viewing the first film is not necessary for the enjoyment of the second, this one is funnier having watched the original on DVD the night before. Renee Zellweger is hilarious as the awkward and insecure Bridget, whose new adventures include sky diving, downhill skiing, and traveling to Thailand.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "wobbly bits" stars out of 4.
Bridget is back and she's bigger and better than before. It's "Allie McBeal" meets "Brokedown Palace" with a touch of Madonna. This movie picks up where the first one ended. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are back as competing love interests. Who does Bridget end up with? Although viewing the first film is not necessary for the enjoyment of the second, this one is funnier having watched the original on DVD the night before. Renee Zellweger is hilarious as the awkward and insecure Bridget, whose new adventures include sky diving, downhill skiing, and traveling to Thailand.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "wobbly bits" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Finding Neverland
Most people know the story of Peter Pan, now get to know the story of James Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. Playwright Barrie develops his now famous play during his friendship with a widow and her boys. Johnny Depp gives another Oscar-worthy performance as J. M. Barrie. He captures the playful spirit of Peter Pan in his portrayal of the writer complete with a Scottish accent. This movie is a sleeper that will surprise you with Barrie's real life inspirations for Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and Neverland. Whether the events in the movie really occurred or were fictionalized, Barrie would have reminded you that you have to believe. Knowing the story of Peter Pan is a prerequisite for appreciating this cleverly crafted film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Tinker Bell's fairy dust" stars out of 4.
Most people know the story of Peter Pan, now get to know the story of James Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. Playwright Barrie develops his now famous play during his friendship with a widow and her boys. Johnny Depp gives another Oscar-worthy performance as J. M. Barrie. He captures the playful spirit of Peter Pan in his portrayal of the writer complete with a Scottish accent. This movie is a sleeper that will surprise you with Barrie's real life inspirations for Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and Neverland. Whether the events in the movie really occurred or were fictionalized, Barrie would have reminded you that you have to believe. Knowing the story of Peter Pan is a prerequisite for appreciating this cleverly crafted film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Tinker Bell's fairy dust" stars out of 4.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Santa vs. the Snowman 3D
This 3D IMAX film originally released in 2002 so this isn't a sneak preview.
What if Santa had computers and had gone high tech? What does a lonely snowman think when he stumbles upon Santa's workshop? He becomes jealous of the toys and the love that Santa receives. Thus begins a war of galactic proportions reminiscent of the ice field battle fought on the ice planet Hoth. This fun and silly holiday movie is geared for the young and young at heart. The 3D effects make it special. The bloopers at the end are hysterical.
Alien gives it 2 ½ snowball-fighting stars out of 4.
This 3D IMAX film originally released in 2002 so this isn't a sneak preview.
What if Santa had computers and had gone high tech? What does a lonely snowman think when he stumbles upon Santa's workshop? He becomes jealous of the toys and the love that Santa receives. Thus begins a war of galactic proportions reminiscent of the ice field battle fought on the ice planet Hoth. This fun and silly holiday movie is geared for the young and young at heart. The 3D effects make it special. The bloopers at the end are hysterical.
Alien gives it 2 ½ snowball-fighting stars out of 4.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
The Polar Express
Do you believe in Santa Claus? A doubting child has an incredible experience one Christmas Eve.
Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks team up to bring this children's book to life. The Polar Express takes a group of pajama-clad children on a magical journey to the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves. This dream-like adventure feels as if comes from the imagination of a child. It is destined to become a Christmas classic.
Alien gives it 3 "all aboard" stars out of 4.
Do you believe in Santa Claus? A doubting child has an incredible experience one Christmas Eve.
Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks team up to bring this children's book to life. The Polar Express takes a group of pajama-clad children on a magical journey to the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves. This dream-like adventure feels as if comes from the imagination of a child. It is destined to become a Christmas classic.
Alien gives it 3 "all aboard" stars out of 4.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Alfie
What's it all about, Alfie? These are the words to the song which begins and ends this remake of the 1966 romantic comedy of the same name, starring Michael Caine. This updated version features Jude Law as the charismatic and dashing womanizer, romancing at least five beautiful women in New York City. Jude gives a remarkable performance of a man who has misgivings and reexamines his relationship with these women. Rated "R" for some nudity, sexual content, and drug use. This film, like the main character, is charming, suave, well-dressed, funny, and a little sad.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Hey, Jude" stars out of 4.
What's it all about, Alfie? These are the words to the song which begins and ends this remake of the 1966 romantic comedy of the same name, starring Michael Caine. This updated version features Jude Law as the charismatic and dashing womanizer, romancing at least five beautiful women in New York City. Jude gives a remarkable performance of a man who has misgivings and reexamines his relationship with these women. Rated "R" for some nudity, sexual content, and drug use. This film, like the main character, is charming, suave, well-dressed, funny, and a little sad.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Hey, Jude" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
The Incredibles
What if super heroes were driven out of the business by lawsuits and became ordinary citizens. The Parr family (Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack) try to be a normal family in suburbia, but as the world's super heroes begin to disappear one by one, the family must band together to save the planet from an evil genius and his unstoppable killing machine. "The Incredibles" is a take-off on the Fantastic Four plus the Iceman (X-men) from Marvel Comics. The film has the look, feel, and sound of the old James Bond movies with a touch of Indiana Jones and Star Wars. It is hilarious and action-packed. Oscar-winning clothing designer, Edith Head, is honored as the character, Edna Mode, costume designer of the super heroes. Alien loved the ordinary family aspect of this animated super hero team, behaving like a real family. What can I say about this Pixar production... it's simply INCREDIBLE!
Alien gives it 4 super powers (strength/elasticity/invisibility-force field/speed) stars out of 4.
p.s. Thank you, Dan-the-Man for the last minute invite.... Sorry, James.
What if super heroes were driven out of the business by lawsuits and became ordinary citizens. The Parr family (Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack) try to be a normal family in suburbia, but as the world's super heroes begin to disappear one by one, the family must band together to save the planet from an evil genius and his unstoppable killing machine. "The Incredibles" is a take-off on the Fantastic Four plus the Iceman (X-men) from Marvel Comics. The film has the look, feel, and sound of the old James Bond movies with a touch of Indiana Jones and Star Wars. It is hilarious and action-packed. Oscar-winning clothing designer, Edith Head, is honored as the character, Edna Mode, costume designer of the super heroes. Alien loved the ordinary family aspect of this animated super hero team, behaving like a real family. What can I say about this Pixar production... it's simply INCREDIBLE!
Alien gives it 4 super powers (strength/elasticity/invisibility-force field/speed) stars out of 4.
p.s. Thank you, Dan-the-Man for the last minute invite.... Sorry, James.
