Tuesday, June 28, 2005
War of the Worlds
Basically, this is a movie about a blue-collar, single dad (Tom Cruise) estranged from his kids, but trying to reconnect over the weekend… only an alien invasion gets in his way.
After two wondrous films about friendly visitors from space, Steven Spielberg re-creates one of the deadliest species to set foot on earth. Spielberg takes the best from his previous works to fill the theater with suspense and terror. From the moment the dark, ominous clouds roll in, the audience is taken on an intense and gripping ride. The visuals are spectacular and unbelievable. It is shock and awe. Cruise and Dakota Fanning are terrific. How does a parent choose between saving only one of his children? The film is about caring and looking out for your family. Give your love ones a big hug before any tripods show up.
Alien gives it 4 “not your cute little E.T.” stars out of 4.
Basically, this is a movie about a blue-collar, single dad (Tom Cruise) estranged from his kids, but trying to reconnect over the weekend… only an alien invasion gets in his way.
After two wondrous films about friendly visitors from space, Steven Spielberg re-creates one of the deadliest species to set foot on earth. Spielberg takes the best from his previous works to fill the theater with suspense and terror. From the moment the dark, ominous clouds roll in, the audience is taken on an intense and gripping ride. The visuals are spectacular and unbelievable. It is shock and awe. Cruise and Dakota Fanning are terrific. How does a parent choose between saving only one of his children? The film is about caring and looking out for your family. Give your love ones a big hug before any tripods show up.
Alien gives it 4 “not your cute little E.T.” stars out of 4.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Rebound
It's "Bad News Bears", The Mighty Ducks", and "Kicking and Screaming", except this involves middle school basketball. Coach Roy's (Martin Lawrence) bad behavior gets him banned from college basketball. To redeem himself, he returns to his old school to coach. Of course, the team is just awful, but end up at the State championships. The movie is funny, but very predictable.
Alien gives it 2 "lovable underdog" stars out of 4.
It's "Bad News Bears", The Mighty Ducks", and "Kicking and Screaming", except this involves middle school basketball. Coach Roy's (Martin Lawrence) bad behavior gets him banned from college basketball. To redeem himself, he returns to his old school to coach. Of course, the team is just awful, but end up at the State championships. The movie is funny, but very predictable.
Alien gives it 2 "lovable underdog" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Bewitched
This clever movie script is not a remake of the classic TV sitcom, "Bewitched", but a film about the remaking of the television show. The plot twist is that the woman (Nicole Kidman) hired to play Samantha Stephens is a real witch trying to give up witchcraft and be a normal human being, just like the TV Samantha. The movie pays tribute to the original "Bewitched" with old clips from the show and the re-creation of some of the favorite characters. The top notch cast (including Kidman, Will Ferrel, Michael Caine, and Shirley MacLaine) collaborate to make a very funny and charming film with delightful dashes of unexpected visual magic.
Alien gives it 3 "nose twitching" stars out of 4.
This clever movie script is not a remake of the classic TV sitcom, "Bewitched", but a film about the remaking of the television show. The plot twist is that the woman (Nicole Kidman) hired to play Samantha Stephens is a real witch trying to give up witchcraft and be a normal human being, just like the TV Samantha. The movie pays tribute to the original "Bewitched" with old clips from the show and the re-creation of some of the favorite characters. The top notch cast (including Kidman, Will Ferrel, Michael Caine, and Shirley MacLaine) collaborate to make a very funny and charming film with delightful dashes of unexpected visual magic.
Alien gives it 3 "nose twitching" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
George A. Romero's
Land of the Dead
Just like zombies in the movies, another "Dead" film resurrects itself to terrorize audiences again. The original, "Night of the Living Dead" (1968, remade in 1990), spawned "Dawn of the Dead" (1978, remade in 2004) and "Day of the Dead" (1985). Well, Romero is back with "Land of the Dead" for the fourth... or is that the sixth in the series?
In these movies, desperate humans defend themselves from zombies while holding up in a farmhouse, then a shopping mall, then a military bunker, and now a fortified city in the latest film. Expect plenty of violence, gore and body parts. It is a tale of humans trying to survive and live normal lives as their civilization crumbles around them and the zombies begin to evolve.
Alien had fun and was entertained. If you love this genre, go running and screaming to the theaters to see this latest version. For something a bit more off skew, check out "Shaun of the Dead", a wickedly hilarious spoof on the zombie films (reviewed by Alien 9/22/04).
Alien gives it 3 "blood, guts, and gore" stars out of 4.
Land of the Dead
Just like zombies in the movies, another "Dead" film resurrects itself to terrorize audiences again. The original, "Night of the Living Dead" (1968, remade in 1990), spawned "Dawn of the Dead" (1978, remade in 2004) and "Day of the Dead" (1985). Well, Romero is back with "Land of the Dead" for the fourth... or is that the sixth in the series?
In these movies, desperate humans defend themselves from zombies while holding up in a farmhouse, then a shopping mall, then a military bunker, and now a fortified city in the latest film. Expect plenty of violence, gore and body parts. It is a tale of humans trying to survive and live normal lives as their civilization crumbles around them and the zombies begin to evolve.
Alien had fun and was entertained. If you love this genre, go running and screaming to the theaters to see this latest version. For something a bit more off skew, check out "Shaun of the Dead", a wickedly hilarious spoof on the zombie films (reviewed by Alien 9/22/04).
Alien gives it 3 "blood, guts, and gore" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Howl's Moving Castle
This Japanese animation redubbed in English includes a wizard, a witch, a sorceress, magic spells, portals, and a walking castle. You will be treated to some great looking animation and a fantasy fairy tale of love and facing adversities.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "enchanted" stars out of 4.
This Japanese animation redubbed in English includes a wizard, a witch, a sorceress, magic spells, portals, and a walking castle. You will be treated to some great looking animation and a fantasy fairy tale of love and facing adversities.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "enchanted" stars out of 4.
The Perfect Man
Alien is awaiting for reviews from his trainees on this story of a single mom looking for "the perfect man" with the help secretly by her teenage daughter.
1st Report - my girls loved it and I would give it about 2 stars. -- LH
2nd Report - it was very good, could be tied together a little bit better, definitely give it at least 3 stars. --WP
Alien is awaiting for reviews from his trainees on this story of a single mom looking for "the perfect man" with the help secretly by her teenage daughter.
1st Report - my girls loved it and I would give it about 2 stars. -- LH
2nd Report - it was very good, could be tied together a little bit better, definitely give it at least 3 stars. --WP
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Batman Begins
And what a start! This tale of the caped crusader updates the original comic to 2005. It transforms Chicago to a dark, decaying Gotham City. See how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Meet the man responsible for the bat suit, the bat utility belt, and the batmobile (which seems to be part plane and part tank). Will Batman save the damsel in distress and the city of Gotham from the villain called the "Scarecrow"? What do you think? Comic book fans won't be disappointed. Alien smells a Batman sequel with new and improved toys to face another villain who has left a calling card.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "dark knight" stars out of 4.
And what a start! This tale of the caped crusader updates the original comic to 2005. It transforms Chicago to a dark, decaying Gotham City. See how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Meet the man responsible for the bat suit, the bat utility belt, and the batmobile (which seems to be part plane and part tank). Will Batman save the damsel in distress and the city of Gotham from the villain called the "Scarecrow"? What do you think? Comic book fans won't be disappointed. Alien smells a Batman sequel with new and improved toys to face another villain who has left a calling card.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "dark knight" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
It's "True Lies" meets "War of the Roses" meets "Bourne Supremacy" meets "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". One minute, they are a bored suburban couple; next, they are a pair of highly competitive professional killers. It is a cat and mouse game of kill or be killed. Expect lots of action, gun play, gadgetry, and witty banter. It is silly, but great fun. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are perfect as John and Jane Smith.
Alien gives it 3 "spy/counter-spy" stars out of 4.
It's "True Lies" meets "War of the Roses" meets "Bourne Supremacy" meets "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". One minute, they are a bored suburban couple; next, they are a pair of highly competitive professional killers. It is a cat and mouse game of kill or be killed. Expect lots of action, gun play, gadgetry, and witty banter. It is silly, but great fun. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are perfect as John and Jane Smith.
Alien gives it 3 "spy/counter-spy" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
The Honeymooners
This movie is not so much a remake of the popular 1950's TV sitcom starring the great Jackie Gleason and Art Carney, as it is a tribute to the classic show. Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Gabrielle Union, and Regina Hall take on the characters' names and occupations, but they try to do it their way. The guys go from one get-rich-quick scheme to another as they try to recoup their continual financial losses. It's funny, but not hilarious.
Alien gives it 2 "the moon" stars out of 4.
This movie is not so much a remake of the popular 1950's TV sitcom starring the great Jackie Gleason and Art Carney, as it is a tribute to the classic show. Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Gabrielle Union, and Regina Hall take on the characters' names and occupations, but they try to do it their way. The guys go from one get-rich-quick scheme to another as they try to recoup their continual financial losses. It's funny, but not hilarious.
Alien gives it 2 "the moon" stars out of 4.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Crash
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
"Crash" is a thought provoking movie about people of many nationalities whose lives are interwoven in a complex, well-written script. It explores the subject of bigotry and racism. Fueled by ignorance, fear, and anger, the characters prejudge and stereotype each other. This movie takes the audience on quite a ride with many twists and turns, making us test ourselves along the way too.
Alien gives it 3 "can't judge a book by its cover" stars out of 4.
Thanks for the RoE passes, LJ...
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
"Crash" is a thought provoking movie about people of many nationalities whose lives are interwoven in a complex, well-written script. It explores the subject of bigotry and racism. Fueled by ignorance, fear, and anger, the characters prejudge and stereotype each other. This movie takes the audience on quite a ride with many twists and turns, making us test ourselves along the way too.
Alien gives it 3 "can't judge a book by its cover" stars out of 4.
Thanks for the RoE passes, LJ...
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Madagascar
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
What would happen to zoo-raised animals if they suddenly had to survive on their own in the wild? Meet Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe in this animated film by Dreamworks. The jokes try to play for the young and the old, but some may go over the heads of both. How many will get the "Twilight Zone" reference to the book titled "To Serve Lemurs"? Alien's favorite characters are the penguins.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "call of the wild" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
What would happen to zoo-raised animals if they suddenly had to survive on their own in the wild? Meet Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe in this animated film by Dreamworks. The jokes try to play for the young and the old, but some may go over the heads of both. How many will get the "Twilight Zone" reference to the book titled "To Serve Lemurs"? Alien's favorite characters are the penguins.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "call of the wild" stars out of 4.
Into the West
This was a special theatrical preview of a 6-part, 12-hour miniseries made for cable TV, TNT.
It's "Dances with Wolves" meets "Roots". In Episode 1, explore the wild west through the eyes of Jacob Wheeler and the Lakota Indian tribe. Experience traveling across country with Jedediah Smith and his band of mountain men. Watch a young Indian boy grow up to become a medicine man.
Alien learned that TV movies lack the higher visual and audio standards that movie goers are used to seeing and hearing.
Alien gives it 2 "go west, young man" stars out of 4.
This was a special theatrical preview of a 6-part, 12-hour miniseries made for cable TV, TNT.
It's "Dances with Wolves" meets "Roots". In Episode 1, explore the wild west through the eyes of Jacob Wheeler and the Lakota Indian tribe. Experience traveling across country with Jedediah Smith and his band of mountain men. Watch a young Indian boy grow up to become a medicine man.
Alien learned that TV movies lack the higher visual and audio standards that movie goers are used to seeing and hearing.
Alien gives it 2 "go west, young man" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Lords of Dogtown
Learn about the rise and journey of the Z-Boys (focusing on Stacy, Tony, and Jay) in this hard and gritty film about want-to-be surfers turn expert skateboarders. It is the 1970s and a surf shop owner sponsors a group of young skaters in order to sell more skateboards. See how the Zephyr skateboard team hones their skills inspired by the California drought and deals with their new fame and fortune. The teens are wild, untamed, and reckless, but brilliant on their urethane wheels. Based on a true story written by Stacy Peralta, one of the original Z-Boys.
Alien gives it 3 "extreme sport" stars out of 4.
Learn about the rise and journey of the Z-Boys (focusing on Stacy, Tony, and Jay) in this hard and gritty film about want-to-be surfers turn expert skateboarders. It is the 1970s and a surf shop owner sponsors a group of young skaters in order to sell more skateboards. See how the Zephyr skateboard team hones their skills inspired by the California drought and deals with their new fame and fortune. The teens are wild, untamed, and reckless, but brilliant on their urethane wheels. Based on a true story written by Stacy Peralta, one of the original Z-Boys.
Alien gives it 3 "extreme sport" stars out of 4.
