Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Beyond The Sea
"Beyond The Sea" is Kevin Spacey's pet project. He is the producer, writer, director, and star of this Bobby Darin story about the quick rise to fame and the marriage to Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth). Spacey is a terrific actor and a marvelous singer in this movie, but he should have stepped aside for a younger actor because he looks too old to be a convincing Bobby Darin. That visual was just too distracting for Alien in this interesting story. The songs and music are great. The look and the politics of the 1960's are perfectly captured.
Alien gives it 2 "miscast" stars out of 4.
"Beyond The Sea" is Kevin Spacey's pet project. He is the producer, writer, director, and star of this Bobby Darin story about the quick rise to fame and the marriage to Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth). Spacey is a terrific actor and a marvelous singer in this movie, but he should have stepped aside for a younger actor because he looks too old to be a convincing Bobby Darin. That visual was just too distracting for Alien in this interesting story. The songs and music are great. The look and the politics of the 1960's are perfectly captured.
Alien gives it 2 "miscast" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
The Phantom of the Opera
First off, Alien must be one of the few creatures on this planet that had not seen this famous stage play.
This musical is about a love triangle centering around a Paris opera house in 1870. There is a troublesome diva, a beautiful young protege, a handsome rich patron, and a mysterious phantom, but the real stars here are the gorgeous costumes, grand sets, and especially the wonderful music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. The movie brings an extra dimension to the play taking you backstage, beneath, above, and outside of the opera house through different camera angles and actor close ups. The film is a feast for the eyes and ears. The story is tragic and the music is haunting. To paraphrase "Bam Bam", the SacTicket man, "If you have seen the play 18 times, don't sing along aloud. Don't be annoying!"
Alien gives it 3 ½ "bravo, bravo, magnifico" stars out of 4.
First off, Alien must be one of the few creatures on this planet that had not seen this famous stage play.
This musical is about a love triangle centering around a Paris opera house in 1870. There is a troublesome diva, a beautiful young protege, a handsome rich patron, and a mysterious phantom, but the real stars here are the gorgeous costumes, grand sets, and especially the wonderful music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. The movie brings an extra dimension to the play taking you backstage, beneath, above, and outside of the opera house through different camera angles and actor close ups. The film is a feast for the eyes and ears. The story is tragic and the music is haunting. To paraphrase "Bam Bam", the SacTicket man, "If you have seen the play 18 times, don't sing along aloud. Don't be annoying!"
Alien gives it 3 ½ "bravo, bravo, magnifico" stars out of 4.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Flight of the Phoenix
It's "Survivor Gobi Desert" meets "Pimp My Ride" at the movies in this reincarnation of a 1965 classic film starring Jimmy Stewart. The title of the movie alone should clue you in to what is going to happen when a cargo plane full of oil well workers and their equipment crash in Mongolia. Giovanni Ribisi masterfully plays the mysterious and odd stranger who is a last minute addition to the passenger list and is key to the rescue attempt. Alien thought this remake was nicely updated to today's standards while keeping the memorable scenes from the original. The film highlights the desert and its beauty explored during day and night, during lightning and sand storms.
Alien gives it 3 "fear of flying" stars out of 4.
It's "Survivor Gobi Desert" meets "Pimp My Ride" at the movies in this reincarnation of a 1965 classic film starring Jimmy Stewart. The title of the movie alone should clue you in to what is going to happen when a cargo plane full of oil well workers and their equipment crash in Mongolia. Giovanni Ribisi masterfully plays the mysterious and odd stranger who is a last minute addition to the passenger list and is key to the rescue attempt. Alien thought this remake was nicely updated to today's standards while keeping the memorable scenes from the original. The film highlights the desert and its beauty explored during day and night, during lightning and sand storms.
Alien gives it 3 "fear of flying" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Spanglish
Perfecto! James Brooks has crafted another winner with this comedy/drama about a beautiful Mexican woman who emigrates to America with her very bright daughter and becomes the housekeeper to an affluent white family in Los Angeles. Cultures collide in this charming, delightful, and funny movie about relationships between father and daughter, mother and daughter, husband and wife, and employer and employee. Adam Sandler, Tea Leoni, Paz Vega, Cloris Leachman as well as the two girls playing the daughters, all give tremendous performances endearing themselves to the audience. Each character seemed to be casted perfectly and performed with perfection. You'll laugh and cry as different scenes touch your heart.
Alien gives it 4 "muy bueno, excelente, fabulosa, maravilloso" stars out of 4.
Perfecto! James Brooks has crafted another winner with this comedy/drama about a beautiful Mexican woman who emigrates to America with her very bright daughter and becomes the housekeeper to an affluent white family in Los Angeles. Cultures collide in this charming, delightful, and funny movie about relationships between father and daughter, mother and daughter, husband and wife, and employer and employee. Adam Sandler, Tea Leoni, Paz Vega, Cloris Leachman as well as the two girls playing the daughters, all give tremendous performances endearing themselves to the audience. Each character seemed to be casted perfectly and performed with perfection. You'll laugh and cry as different scenes touch your heart.
Alien gives it 4 "muy bueno, excelente, fabulosa, maravilloso" stars out of 4.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Blade Trinity
This is not a sneak preview; this film has already released to the theaters.
The Marvel comic hero, Blade (Wesley Snipes), is back in the theaters for the third time, but has he gotten too long in tooth? The vampires have resurrected the "original" vampire and set up Blade to be hunted down by the police and FBI. Vampire hunters, Hannibal King and Abigail Whistler, join Blade in the fight to rid the world of these evil vampires. Snipes may have peaked in Blade II and should retire his fangs to Whistler's daughter. Blade II director Guillermo Del Toro's talents are missed here.
Alien gives it 2 "bloody fangs" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview; this film has already released to the theaters.
The Marvel comic hero, Blade (Wesley Snipes), is back in the theaters for the third time, but has he gotten too long in tooth? The vampires have resurrected the "original" vampire and set up Blade to be hunted down by the police and FBI. Vampire hunters, Hannibal King and Abigail Whistler, join Blade in the fight to rid the world of these evil vampires. Snipes may have peaked in Blade II and should retire his fangs to Whistler's daughter. Blade II director Guillermo Del Toro's talents are missed here.
Alien gives it 2 "bloody fangs" stars out of 4.
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Based on a popular collection of children's books, Lemony Snicket (Jude Law) narrates this dark tale about the misfortunes of 3 orphans (an inventor, a reader, and a biter) who spend time with their peculiar relatives (Jim Carrey, Billy Connolly, and Meryl Streep) after the mysterious death of their of their parents. The babbling baby, Sunny, has the best lines. Alien feels this movie may be too scary for the very young as the orphans are in constant peril as they try to escape the clutches on the evil Count Olaf. But don't worry because the kids are clever and quite resourceful. This kids' story is kind of a Harry Potter adventure without the wizardry.
Alien gives it 3 "smart and brave orphans" stars out of 4.
Based on a popular collection of children's books, Lemony Snicket (Jude Law) narrates this dark tale about the misfortunes of 3 orphans (an inventor, a reader, and a biter) who spend time with their peculiar relatives (Jim Carrey, Billy Connolly, and Meryl Streep) after the mysterious death of their of their parents. The babbling baby, Sunny, has the best lines. Alien feels this movie may be too scary for the very young as the orphans are in constant peril as they try to escape the clutches on the evil Count Olaf. But don't worry because the kids are clever and quite resourceful. This kids' story is kind of a Harry Potter adventure without the wizardry.
Alien gives it 3 "smart and brave orphans" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
The Polar Express 3D
A month ago, Alien reviewed "The Polar Express" when it previewed in the regular theaters. Now, a 3D IMAX version has been released.
Wow, what a difference. The 7-story screen and 12,000 watts of power sound system really enhances the movie experience. The 3D effect gives the film a lot of depth. Alien always thought the characters looked a bit odd or off on the flat screen, but here they seemed more realistic. The 3D effect is mesmerizing and pulls the audience right into the film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "you got to believe" stars out of 4.
A month ago, Alien reviewed "The Polar Express" when it previewed in the regular theaters. Now, a 3D IMAX version has been released.
Wow, what a difference. The 7-story screen and 12,000 watts of power sound system really enhances the movie experience. The 3D effect gives the film a lot of depth. Alien always thought the characters looked a bit odd or off on the flat screen, but here they seemed more realistic. The 3D effect is mesmerizing and pulls the audience right into the film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "you got to believe" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Ocean's Twelve
Terry Benedict, the casino owner victimized 3 years ago, has caught up to Danny Ocean and his gang. Benedict wants his money back... with interest, forcing the gang to travel to Europe for their next heists. This movie is more of a family reunion for the cast, who are having a great time making fun of themselves while conning others and the audience. Tess Ocean joins the team making it twelve. Then add 2 more master thieves, Catherine Zeta-Jones as an Europol detective, and a surprise cameo appearance to this caper. Although the script is a bit light weight and implausible, it's funnier than its predecessor.
Alien gives it 3 "Card Monte" stars out of 4.
Terry Benedict, the casino owner victimized 3 years ago, has caught up to Danny Ocean and his gang. Benedict wants his money back... with interest, forcing the gang to travel to Europe for their next heists. This movie is more of a family reunion for the cast, who are having a great time making fun of themselves while conning others and the audience. Tess Ocean joins the team making it twelve. Then add 2 more master thieves, Catherine Zeta-Jones as an Europol detective, and a surprise cameo appearance to this caper. Although the script is a bit light weight and implausible, it's funnier than its predecessor.
Alien gives it 3 "Card Monte" stars out of 4.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
This is not a sneak preview; this film was already released.
Alien hasn't seen the TV series, but decided to give the movie a look see. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is an amusing tale of a young hero and his sidekick on a quest to retrieve a stolen crown and save their world from evil. It's a long children's cartoon show with pirates on the ends and David Hasselhoff in the middle.
The kiddies would probably give it 4 stars and young teens may give it 3 stars, but Alien gives it 2 "Krusty Krab Krabby Patties" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview; this film was already released.
Alien hasn't seen the TV series, but decided to give the movie a look see. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is an amusing tale of a young hero and his sidekick on a quest to retrieve a stolen crown and save their world from evil. It's a long children's cartoon show with pirates on the ends and David Hasselhoff in the middle.
The kiddies would probably give it 4 stars and young teens may give it 3 stars, but Alien gives it 2 "Krusty Krab Krabby Patties" stars out of 4.
National Treasure
This is not a sneak preview; this film was already released.
Jerry Bruckheimer and Nicolas Cage team up again in this Indiana Jones meets History Channel adventure. Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, a descendent from a long line of treasure hunters seeking the fortune hidden by America's Founding Fathers. If you like solving puzzles, sit back and enjoy this wild ride as clues are collected and interpreted. Accept the premise and you'll have a fun time at the movies.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "historical clues" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview; this film was already released.
Jerry Bruckheimer and Nicolas Cage team up again in this Indiana Jones meets History Channel adventure. Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, a descendent from a long line of treasure hunters seeking the fortune hidden by America's Founding Fathers. If you like solving puzzles, sit back and enjoy this wild ride as clues are collected and interpreted. Accept the premise and you'll have a fun time at the movies.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "historical clues" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Closer
Do you believe in love at first sight?
In this Mike Nichols movie based on a play, strangers meet by chance and fall in love. Set in London, this film shows how relationships form, intertwine, and fall apart, driven by love, sex, truth, lies, and jealousy, between a writer, a stripper, a photographer, and a doctor; two English and two American. Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen give outstanding performances, but their love-seeking characters are very sad and self-destructive. This film for adults is rated "R" for sexual content, nudity, and language.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "love hurts" stars out of 4.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
In this Mike Nichols movie based on a play, strangers meet by chance and fall in love. Set in London, this film shows how relationships form, intertwine, and fall apart, driven by love, sex, truth, lies, and jealousy, between a writer, a stripper, a photographer, and a doctor; two English and two American. Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen give outstanding performances, but their love-seeking characters are very sad and self-destructive. This film for adults is rated "R" for sexual content, nudity, and language.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "love hurts" stars out of 4.
