Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Guess Who
Look how far we have come in 38 years. This is a comedic retake of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". The original was a controversial drama about a young white woman bringing home to her conservative parents for the first time. That shocking interracial romance story starred Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Sydney Poitier. Now Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher reverse the roles as they play it for laughs. It is a fine line they tread as they push the boundaries between humor and racist insults. The film is at its best when Bernie and Ashton do their stuff; the rest is just so-so.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "black and white" stars out of 4.
Look how far we have come in 38 years. This is a comedic retake of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". The original was a controversial drama about a young white woman bringing home to her conservative parents for the first time. That shocking interracial romance story starred Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Sydney Poitier. Now Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher reverse the roles as they play it for laughs. It is a fine line they tread as they push the boundaries between humor and racist insults. The film is at its best when Bernie and Ashton do their stuff; the rest is just so-so.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "black and white" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
Sandra Bullock as Gracie Hart, the clumsy, stumbling, bumbling, snorting FBI agent from the Miss USA beauty contest is back and she is still funny and charming. When her friends from the last pageant get kidnapped, Gracie and her new partner, Sam Fuller, head to Las Vegas and to the rescue. Sure the movie is predictable, but Alien was entertained by this funny, guilty pleasure. The M.O. works for Alien. It's a romp and a lark. Check your brain at the door, relax, laugh, and enjoy.
Alien gives it "public enemy number" 3 stars out of 4.
Sandra Bullock as Gracie Hart, the clumsy, stumbling, bumbling, snorting FBI agent from the Miss USA beauty contest is back and she is still funny and charming. When her friends from the last pageant get kidnapped, Gracie and her new partner, Sam Fuller, head to Las Vegas and to the rescue. Sure the movie is predictable, but Alien was entertained by this funny, guilty pleasure. The M.O. works for Alien. It's a romp and a lark. Check your brain at the door, relax, laugh, and enjoy.
Alien gives it "public enemy number" 3 stars out of 4.
Friday, March 18, 2005
The Ring Two
First off, Alien has not seen "The Ring" nor the original Japanese "Ringu".
In this sequel, a reporter and her son flee Seattle to Astoria trying to escape copies of a mysterious video tape and a spirit named Samara. All through the movie, Alien felt unsettled because he wasn't sure if he was missing something already revealed in the previous films. The movie felt more eerie than scary, though it does have its moments. It's "The Omen" meets "The Grudge" meets "Constantine" meets "The Birds" meets "Bambi" meets "The Outer Limits".
Alien gives it 2 "water-logged" stars out of 4.
First off, Alien has not seen "The Ring" nor the original Japanese "Ringu".
In this sequel, a reporter and her son flee Seattle to Astoria trying to escape copies of a mysterious video tape and a spirit named Samara. All through the movie, Alien felt unsettled because he wasn't sure if he was missing something already revealed in the previous films. The movie felt more eerie than scary, though it does have its moments. It's "The Omen" meets "The Grudge" meets "Constantine" meets "The Birds" meets "Bambi" meets "The Outer Limits".
Alien gives it 2 "water-logged" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Ice Princess
If you like Disney movies and figure skating, you might enjoy "Ice Princess". This mathlete-turn-athlete story is about mother/daughter relationships as well as finding your true self and what you really want in this world. Although predictable, Disney does know how to make good wholesome films with positive messages for young impressionable movie goers (rated "G"). See some good competitive skating scenes and see how far the young heroine will make it in competition.
Alien brought along his favorite 12-year-old critic-in-training; who thoroughly enjoyed the movie and wanted to see it again. Alien had a good time too.
Alien's trainee gives it 4 "zamboni' stars out of 4.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "salchow/lutz/sit spin" stars out of 4.
If you like Disney movies and figure skating, you might enjoy "Ice Princess". This mathlete-turn-athlete story is about mother/daughter relationships as well as finding your true self and what you really want in this world. Although predictable, Disney does know how to make good wholesome films with positive messages for young impressionable movie goers (rated "G"). See some good competitive skating scenes and see how far the young heroine will make it in competition.
Alien brought along his favorite 12-year-old critic-in-training; who thoroughly enjoyed the movie and wanted to see it again. Alien had a good time too.
Alien's trainee gives it 4 "zamboni' stars out of 4.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "salchow/lutz/sit spin" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag
This spectacular IMAX film follows the thoughts and experiences of a particular U.S. fighter pilot during combat training practice over the Nevada desert involving 128 planes from 6 countries. See how the Air Force trains for combat, rescue, and safety. Learn about the importance of all the support staff. Feel the speed and power that these pilots command from their cockpit.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Top Gun" stars out of 4.
This spectacular IMAX film follows the thoughts and experiences of a particular U.S. fighter pilot during combat training practice over the Nevada desert involving 128 planes from 6 countries. See how the Air Force trains for combat, rescue, and safety. Learn about the importance of all the support staff. Feel the speed and power that these pilots command from their cockpit.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Top Gun" stars out of 4.
Pacifier
This is not a sneak preview; this film was already released.
Vin Diesel is a navy seal trying to protect the lives of a family from the bad guys who want to steal the secret formula. This Disney comedy is full of television stars and plays like a television show. The very young may enjoy this movie, but most adults will mostly be bored. This film is very cheessy and contrived.
Alien gives it 1½ "saccharine" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview; this film was already released.
Vin Diesel is a navy seal trying to protect the lives of a family from the bad guys who want to steal the secret formula. This Disney comedy is full of television stars and plays like a television show. The very young may enjoy this movie, but most adults will mostly be bored. This film is very cheessy and contrived.
Alien gives it 1½ "saccharine" stars out of 4.
Hostage
Bruce Willis is a police negotiator trying to save the lives of a family held captive after a botched robbery. This is a gripping and intense tale that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn until the very end. The bad guys are evil and psycho.
Alien gives it 3 "nail biting" stars out of 4.
Bruce Willis is a police negotiator trying to save the lives of a family held captive after a botched robbery. This is a gripping and intense tale that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn until the very end. The bad guys are evil and psycho.
Alien gives it 3 "nail biting" stars out of 4.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Robots
You may think this hilarious animation is meant just for kids, but actually it is cleverly designed to entertain adults (or at least the ones who are kids at heart) too. Remember your old childhood toys; look for them placed throughout the film. The jokes, both verbal and visual, come fast and furious, so pay attention. In this world of machines and metal, the film parodies humans, human nature, and parts of numerous other movies. Robin Williams' character is hysterical, of course. Other famous voices include: Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Mel Brooks, Amanda Bynes, Greg Kinnear, Stanley Tucci, Al Roker, and Jay Leno. Add in some music by the Blue Man Group. Guess which character is based on a VW bus. "Robots" is a very, very funny and entertaining film for the young and old.
Alien gives it 4 "art deco/childhood memories" stars out of 4.
You may think this hilarious animation is meant just for kids, but actually it is cleverly designed to entertain adults (or at least the ones who are kids at heart) too. Remember your old childhood toys; look for them placed throughout the film. The jokes, both verbal and visual, come fast and furious, so pay attention. In this world of machines and metal, the film parodies humans, human nature, and parts of numerous other movies. Robin Williams' character is hysterical, of course. Other famous voices include: Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Mel Brooks, Amanda Bynes, Greg Kinnear, Stanley Tucci, Al Roker, and Jay Leno. Add in some music by the Blue Man Group. Guess which character is based on a VW bus. "Robots" is a very, very funny and entertaining film for the young and old.
Alien gives it 4 "art deco/childhood memories" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Jacket
Unfortunately, Alien will miss this preview, but hopefully one of my trainees will fill in with some comments.
A psychological thriller about a military veteran who returns to his native Vermont suffering from bouts of amnesia. When he is accused of murder and lands in an asylum, a well-meaning doctor puts him on a heavy course of experimental drugs, restrains him in a jacket-like device, and locks him away in a body drawer of the basement morgue. The process sends him on a journey into the future, where he can foresee his death (but not who did it or how) in four day's time. Now the only question that matters is: can the woman he meets in the future save him?
My trainees have reported in and basically said they liked the film. One said, "I actually liked this movie despite the at times confusing flash backs." Another compared it to a Star Trek episode involving time travel and the paradoxes that occur if you can change history by knowing the future.
My trainees give it 2 "Beam me up, Scotty" stars out of 4.
Unfortunately, Alien will miss this preview, but hopefully one of my trainees will fill in with some comments.
A psychological thriller about a military veteran who returns to his native Vermont suffering from bouts of amnesia. When he is accused of murder and lands in an asylum, a well-meaning doctor puts him on a heavy course of experimental drugs, restrains him in a jacket-like device, and locks him away in a body drawer of the basement morgue. The process sends him on a journey into the future, where he can foresee his death (but not who did it or how) in four day's time. Now the only question that matters is: can the woman he meets in the future save him?
My trainees have reported in and basically said they liked the film. One said, "I actually liked this movie despite the at times confusing flash backs." Another compared it to a Star Trek episode involving time travel and the paradoxes that occur if you can change history by knowing the future.
My trainees give it 2 "Beam me up, Scotty" stars out of 4.
Be Cool
"Be Cool" is the sequel to "Get Shorty". It pokes fun at itself, its actors, and everything L.A. John Travolta is back as the very cool Chili Palmer, a shyster who is giving up the movie business for the music industry. Uma Thurman reunites with Travolta on the dance floor. Vince Vaughn is hysterical as a white guy who thinks he is black (think Michael Jackson in reverse). The Rock (the former WWF wrestler) does a terrific send up of himself and his performing talents. Add to the mix, the Russian Mafia, some gangstas, a rock concert with Aerosmith, a music video shoot, the Staple Center, a few murders, and lots of cameos. If you liked "Get Shorty", you'll love "Be Cool". However, Alien didn't care for "Get Shorty" all that much, but thought "Be Cool" does have it moments.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "raised eyebrow" stars out of 4.
"Be Cool" is the sequel to "Get Shorty". It pokes fun at itself, its actors, and everything L.A. John Travolta is back as the very cool Chili Palmer, a shyster who is giving up the movie business for the music industry. Uma Thurman reunites with Travolta on the dance floor. Vince Vaughn is hysterical as a white guy who thinks he is black (think Michael Jackson in reverse). The Rock (the former WWF wrestler) does a terrific send up of himself and his performing talents. Add to the mix, the Russian Mafia, some gangstas, a rock concert with Aerosmith, a music video shoot, the Staple Center, a few murders, and lots of cameos. If you liked "Get Shorty", you'll love "Be Cool". However, Alien didn't care for "Get Shorty" all that much, but thought "Be Cool" does have it moments.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "raised eyebrow" stars out of 4.
