Friday, May 27, 2005
Cinderella Man
It's "Rocky" meets "The Grapes of Wrath". This is the story of a "has been" boxer, James J. Braddock, and his family struggling to survive during the Depression. Ron Howard has crafted a superb film capturing the look and feel of the 1930s. Renee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti are terrific, but Russell Crowe is amazing. Based on a true story, see how Braddock becomes a hero and an inspiration for the nation when it needed lift. When life gives you a second chance, you got to make the best of it.
Alien gives it 4 "knock out punch" stars out of 4.
This premiere was sponsored by the Sacramento Bee with a meet and greet with the Bee's new movie critic, Carla Meyer.
It's "Rocky" meets "The Grapes of Wrath". This is the story of a "has been" boxer, James J. Braddock, and his family struggling to survive during the Depression. Ron Howard has crafted a superb film capturing the look and feel of the 1930s. Renee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti are terrific, but Russell Crowe is amazing. Based on a true story, see how Braddock becomes a hero and an inspiration for the nation when it needed lift. When life gives you a second chance, you got to make the best of it.
Alien gives it 4 "knock out punch" stars out of 4.
This premiere was sponsored by the Sacramento Bee with a meet and greet with the Bee's new movie critic, Carla Meyer.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Kicking and Screaming
This is not a sneak preview review. This film has already released.
Will Ferrell becomes the out of control coach of a "Bad News Bears" soccer team. He hires Mike Ditka as his coaching assistant in order to beat his father's team. Father/son relationships are explored in this funny film. Learn how not to play soccer.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "win-at-all-costs dad" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview review. This film has already released.
Will Ferrell becomes the out of control coach of a "Bad News Bears" soccer team. He hires Mike Ditka as his coaching assistant in order to beat his father's team. Father/son relationships are explored in this funny film. Learn how not to play soccer.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "win-at-all-costs dad" stars out of 4.
Monster-in-Law
This is not a sneak preview review. This film has already released.
Jane Fonda plays it way over the top as the mother-in-law from hell to Jennifer Lopez. Watch J. Fo and J. Lo battle it out trying to top the other and to get the other out of her life. Wise cracks are supplied by Wanda Sykes.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "overly-possessive mother" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview review. This film has already released.
Jane Fonda plays it way over the top as the mother-in-law from hell to Jennifer Lopez. Watch J. Fo and J. Lo battle it out trying to top the other and to get the other out of her life. Wise cracks are supplied by Wanda Sykes.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "overly-possessive mother" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Even the title screams estrogen and chick flick. This movie may be targeted for 16 year old girls, but this film transcends much more. This charming story is about the lives of 4 girls who have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Just before they are to be separated for the summer, they find a pair of jeans which seems to fit all of their different body types. They buy it and agree to share the pants, which they believe to have magical powers. Follow the emotional changes these girls go through as they relate to the people around them. All of these young actresses give strong performances. You'll laugh and you'll cry.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "friends forever" stars out of 4.
Even the title screams estrogen and chick flick. This movie may be targeted for 16 year old girls, but this film transcends much more. This charming story is about the lives of 4 girls who have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Just before they are to be separated for the summer, they find a pair of jeans which seems to fit all of their different body types. They buy it and agree to share the pants, which they believe to have magical powers. Follow the emotional changes these girls go through as they relate to the people around them. All of these young actresses give strong performances. You'll laugh and you'll cry.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "friends forever" stars out of 4.
The Longest Yard
They love their football in Texas, even in their penal system. It's sadistic guards vs. a wacky group of convicts in this remake of the 1974 classic. This one stars Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Nelly, many ex-ball players, and a few cameos. Even Burt Reynolds, the star of the original, shows up. This comedy is hilarious. It is virtually the same as the original, but Alien still had fun. It is another guilty pleasure for Alien.
Alien gives it 3 "down territory" stars out of 4.
They love their football in Texas, even in their penal system. It's sadistic guards vs. a wacky group of convicts in this remake of the 1974 classic. This one stars Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Nelly, many ex-ball players, and a few cameos. Even Burt Reynolds, the star of the original, shows up. This comedy is hilarious. It is virtually the same as the original, but Alien still had fun. It is another guilty pleasure for Alien.
Alien gives it 3 "down territory" stars out of 4.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Star Wars Episode III
Revenge of the Sith
Stay tuned for a review of the latest tale from George Lucas because the Force was with Alien when he scored sneak preview passes to "Revenge of the Sith" by defeating my Dark Lord of the Sith opponent in a light saber duel.
It is about 15 minutes before midnight as Star Wars fans squirm in their seats anxiously awaiting the May 19th premiere, but Alien is here with his scoop.
A movie sequel that climaxes in the middle of a legendary saga, most unusual it is. Does George Lucas succeed in pleasing the fans he amazed in Episodes IV, V, and VI? Does he regain the fans he disappointed in Episodes I and II? Alien thinks he has a real winner here. Lucas bridges the gap between past and future episodes answering the questions that started 28 years ago when he began his story in the middle. The sets and battles are spectacular. See how the Sith seduces a Jedi. See the death of Anakin Skywalker, the Republic, and many Jedi Knights. See the birth of Luke and Leia, the Empire, and Darth Vader. Favorite Villain - General Grievous. Favorite Hero - Yoda. Favorite Droid - woohoo, R2D2 to the rescue. Favorite Non-Speaking Role - Jar Jar Binks.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "missing link" stars out of 4.
Revenge of the Sith
Stay tuned for a review of the latest tale from George Lucas because the Force was with Alien when he scored sneak preview passes to "Revenge of the Sith" by defeating my Dark Lord of the Sith opponent in a light saber duel.
It is about 15 minutes before midnight as Star Wars fans squirm in their seats anxiously awaiting the May 19th premiere, but Alien is here with his scoop.
A movie sequel that climaxes in the middle of a legendary saga, most unusual it is. Does George Lucas succeed in pleasing the fans he amazed in Episodes IV, V, and VI? Does he regain the fans he disappointed in Episodes I and II? Alien thinks he has a real winner here. Lucas bridges the gap between past and future episodes answering the questions that started 28 years ago when he began his story in the middle. The sets and battles are spectacular. See how the Sith seduces a Jedi. See the death of Anakin Skywalker, the Republic, and many Jedi Knights. See the birth of Luke and Leia, the Empire, and Darth Vader. Favorite Villain - General Grievous. Favorite Hero - Yoda. Favorite Droid - woohoo, R2D2 to the rescue. Favorite Non-Speaking Role - Jar Jar Binks.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "missing link" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Sharks 3D
Jean-Michel Cousteau (Jacque's son) actually appeared at this premiere to introduce his latest 3D IMAX film about sharks. Great whites, hammerheads, sawfish, and whale sharks as well as turtles, jellyfish, mantas, and sea lions are featured in this underwater exploration film. In 3D on the huge IMAX screen is the best way to experience the beneath the sea habitat without getting wet or having to don scuba gear.
Alien gives it 2 "endangered predators" stars out of 4.
Jean-Michel Cousteau (Jacque's son) actually appeared at this premiere to introduce his latest 3D IMAX film about sharks. Great whites, hammerheads, sawfish, and whale sharks as well as turtles, jellyfish, mantas, and sea lions are featured in this underwater exploration film. In 3D on the huge IMAX screen is the best way to experience the beneath the sea habitat without getting wet or having to don scuba gear.
Alien gives it 2 "endangered predators" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Unleashed
It's "Fight Club" meets "Lassie" meets "The Piano". What would happen if you raised a man as an attack dog? Jet Li is a trained killer. Can an old dog be taught a new trick? Watch as this "lost puppy" is found by a loving family who tries to civilize him and find his past. This American family consists of blind Morgan Freeman and his white daughter in living in Glasgow. Does music tame the savage beast? Jet Li is entertaining as the trained killer and the puppy/child who is trying to find his origins. Rated "R" for brutal fight scenes and minor nudity.
Alien gives it 3 "dog night" stars out of 4.
It's "Fight Club" meets "Lassie" meets "The Piano". What would happen if you raised a man as an attack dog? Jet Li is a trained killer. Can an old dog be taught a new trick? Watch as this "lost puppy" is found by a loving family who tries to civilize him and find his past. This American family consists of blind Morgan Freeman and his white daughter in living in Glasgow. Does music tame the savage beast? Jet Li is entertaining as the trained killer and the puppy/child who is trying to find his origins. Rated "R" for brutal fight scenes and minor nudity.
Alien gives it 3 "dog night" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Kingdom of Heaven
Learn about the crusades and the holy war between Christians and Muslims over Jerusalem, the kingdom of heaven. Witness a blacksmith become a leader and a protector of his people. Ridley Scott directs some of the most spectacular battle sequences. However, the plot seems to drag in between the fight scenes. Rated R for bloody violence. The film is beautifully shot and captures the look and the feel of the period.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "noble quest" stars out of 4.
Learn about the crusades and the holy war between Christians and Muslims over Jerusalem, the kingdom of heaven. Witness a blacksmith become a leader and a protector of his people. Ridley Scott directs some of the most spectacular battle sequences. However, the plot seems to drag in between the fight scenes. Rated R for bloody violence. The film is beautifully shot and captures the look and the feel of the period.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "noble quest" stars out of 4.
