Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Everest
This is not a preview. This IMAX film released in 1998.
“Everest” is a breathtaking film documenting the dangers and challenges of scaling the world’s tallest mountain peak. The scenes witnessed along this arduous journey are both beautiful and frightening at the same time. Actual footage of humans struggling against extreme cold, storms, exhaustion, and oxygen deprivation makes the impact of this film ever more dramatic. In the IMAX Theater is the safest way to experience an Everest climb.
Alien gives it 3 “I’m on top of the world” stars out of 4.
This is not a preview. This IMAX film released in 1998.
“Everest” is a breathtaking film documenting the dangers and challenges of scaling the world’s tallest mountain peak. The scenes witnessed along this arduous journey are both beautiful and frightening at the same time. Actual footage of humans struggling against extreme cold, storms, exhaustion, and oxygen deprivation makes the impact of this film ever more dramatic. In the IMAX Theater is the safest way to experience an Everest climb.
Alien gives it 3 “I’m on top of the world” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Superman Returns
Here is the plot summary: The city wonders where their super hero has gone. A widowed mother figure worries about the lead character. The leading lady is romantically linked to a handsome flyer that is related to the city newspaper editor. An intelligent villain unleashes an energy which threatens to destroy the city. Hey, isn’t that the same plot for “Spiderman 2”?
Besides the familiar plot line, this retooled homage to the 1978 “Superman” movie is super-duper. New comer Brandon Routh is great and has an uncanny resemblance to Christopher Reeve in looks and performance. Kevin Spacey is diabolically menacing as the evil genius Lex Luthor. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane is not just a damsel in distress. And who really is the father of Lois’ little boy, Jason? The late Marlon Brando repeats his role as Jor-El. Noel Neill (Lois Lane from the fifties TV Superman series) and Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen from the same series) make cameo appearances. The special effects and the flying sequences are spectacular. Superman fans won’t be disappointed.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Great Caesar’s Ghost” stars out of 4.
Here are more insights from my assistant:
I just saw the promo movie tonight and found “Superman Returns” very enjoyable. It pays homage to the 1978 Superman movie but with a more serious twist to it. Gone are the tongue-in-cheek humors replaced with a reflective, more 'human' Superman. Director Bryan Singer basically picks up where Superman 2 left off. Superman has been gone for 5 years and returns to find that Lois Lane has move on with her life and the world may no longer need him. Superman is left to sort out his recent soul search and what unfolds is a very dynamic love triangle complicated by Lois’ son. Who is the father begs the audience? New comer Brandon Routh captures the original Clark Kent lovable blunders and Lex Luthor, played by Kevin Spacey, is now more villainy. Watching the movie, it reminds me so much of the 1978 movie with all the references and similarities to some of the scenes, plot and dialogues but at the same time not the same. It’s chock-full of iconic scenes as well, so watch for those like the famous cover with Superman holding up the car and Atlas holding the Heaven. Those that want a fresh, all-new movie might be disappointed. The movie permeates with homage that I half-way kept expecting Christopher Reeve which I found to be very touching. (Hint: Noel Neill is the old lady on the dying bed in the opening scene). 3 ½ out of 4 for me. Look up in the Sky, It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, It’s a surprise at the end!
Here is the plot summary: The city wonders where their super hero has gone. A widowed mother figure worries about the lead character. The leading lady is romantically linked to a handsome flyer that is related to the city newspaper editor. An intelligent villain unleashes an energy which threatens to destroy the city. Hey, isn’t that the same plot for “Spiderman 2”?
Besides the familiar plot line, this retooled homage to the 1978 “Superman” movie is super-duper. New comer Brandon Routh is great and has an uncanny resemblance to Christopher Reeve in looks and performance. Kevin Spacey is diabolically menacing as the evil genius Lex Luthor. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane is not just a damsel in distress. And who really is the father of Lois’ little boy, Jason? The late Marlon Brando repeats his role as Jor-El. Noel Neill (Lois Lane from the fifties TV Superman series) and Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen from the same series) make cameo appearances. The special effects and the flying sequences are spectacular. Superman fans won’t be disappointed.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Great Caesar’s Ghost” stars out of 4.
Here are more insights from my assistant:
I just saw the promo movie tonight and found “Superman Returns” very enjoyable. It pays homage to the 1978 Superman movie but with a more serious twist to it. Gone are the tongue-in-cheek humors replaced with a reflective, more 'human' Superman. Director Bryan Singer basically picks up where Superman 2 left off. Superman has been gone for 5 years and returns to find that Lois Lane has move on with her life and the world may no longer need him. Superman is left to sort out his recent soul search and what unfolds is a very dynamic love triangle complicated by Lois’ son. Who is the father begs the audience? New comer Brandon Routh captures the original Clark Kent lovable blunders and Lex Luthor, played by Kevin Spacey, is now more villainy. Watching the movie, it reminds me so much of the 1978 movie with all the references and similarities to some of the scenes, plot and dialogues but at the same time not the same. It’s chock-full of iconic scenes as well, so watch for those like the famous cover with Superman holding up the car and Atlas holding the Heaven. Those that want a fresh, all-new movie might be disappointed. The movie permeates with homage that I half-way kept expecting Christopher Reeve which I found to be very touching. (Hint: Noel Neill is the old lady on the dying bed in the opening scene). 3 ½ out of 4 for me. Look up in the Sky, It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, It’s a surprise at the end!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Waist Deep
This movie about a desperate man trying to get his kidnapped son back is exactly what it seems to be, but no more. The story is simple, uncomplicated, and predictable. An innocent boy is caught in the middle of car chases, gun battles, bank robberies, gangstas, a drug addict, a hooker, and an ex-con. No positive role models here. The film even tries to glorify the mission of the so-called “Bonnie and Clyde on the flip side”. By the end of the movie, Alien felt like he had waded “waist deep” into it. The plot is only TV smart, but if you like to talk back to the screen and identify with the characters, you will probably enjoy this show.
Alien gives it 2 “not awful, but pointless” stars out of 4.
Alien also sent a trainee to the same show and this is the review that was filed:
O2 played by (Tyrese Gibson) has just been released by prison after doing a six year sentence is re-united with his son. The back drop of this movie takes place in south central Los Angeles. O2 makes a promise to his son that he would never leave him again, then unfortunately the son is kidnapped. O2 seems to believe a street hustler named Coco played by Meagan Good is involved with the people who kidnapped his son. With the promise of a better life, Coco agrees to help O2 get is son back. While not being a fan of the acting by Tyrese or Meagan Good, the chemistry of these two on the big screen actually worked quite well. The movie flowed very well and was not overly violent or sexual. The son “Junior” played by H. Hunter Hall, whose acting was a little forced and talked a little too proper to be from south central. While the storyline has been done many times before, you actually leave the movie with a good feeling. This is the best movie I’ve seen Tyrese in. Overall I give the movie “3” out of “4” stars.
This movie about a desperate man trying to get his kidnapped son back is exactly what it seems to be, but no more. The story is simple, uncomplicated, and predictable. An innocent boy is caught in the middle of car chases, gun battles, bank robberies, gangstas, a drug addict, a hooker, and an ex-con. No positive role models here. The film even tries to glorify the mission of the so-called “Bonnie and Clyde on the flip side”. By the end of the movie, Alien felt like he had waded “waist deep” into it. The plot is only TV smart, but if you like to talk back to the screen and identify with the characters, you will probably enjoy this show.
Alien gives it 2 “not awful, but pointless” stars out of 4.
Alien also sent a trainee to the same show and this is the review that was filed:
O2 played by (Tyrese Gibson) has just been released by prison after doing a six year sentence is re-united with his son. The back drop of this movie takes place in south central Los Angeles. O2 makes a promise to his son that he would never leave him again, then unfortunately the son is kidnapped. O2 seems to believe a street hustler named Coco played by Meagan Good is involved with the people who kidnapped his son. With the promise of a better life, Coco agrees to help O2 get is son back. While not being a fan of the acting by Tyrese or Meagan Good, the chemistry of these two on the big screen actually worked quite well. The movie flowed very well and was not overly violent or sexual. The son “Junior” played by H. Hunter Hall, whose acting was a little forced and talked a little too proper to be from south central. While the storyline has been done many times before, you actually leave the movie with a good feeling. This is the best movie I’ve seen Tyrese in. Overall I give the movie “3” out of “4” stars.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
Déjà vu of my review last night as another individual learns a lesson when they let work take priority over their personal life.
It’s “Princess Diary” meets “Cruella De Vil” meets “Vogue” magazine in this romantic comedy where the love interest is mainly for clothes, handbags, and shoes. In this wickedly funny film, the boss from hell (Meryl Streep) tortures her assistants (Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt) and creative designer (Stanley Tucci) with her outlandish demands and arrogant attitude. Their performances are fabulous. This ugly-duckling-to-beautiful-swan story is a must if you are a fashionista and/or a shoe hog.
Alien gives it 3 “Armani, Versace, and Jimmy Choo” stars out of 4.
Déjà vu of my review last night as another individual learns a lesson when they let work take priority over their personal life.
It’s “Princess Diary” meets “Cruella De Vil” meets “Vogue” magazine in this romantic comedy where the love interest is mainly for clothes, handbags, and shoes. In this wickedly funny film, the boss from hell (Meryl Streep) tortures her assistants (Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt) and creative designer (Stanley Tucci) with her outlandish demands and arrogant attitude. Their performances are fabulous. This ugly-duckling-to-beautiful-swan story is a must if you are a fashionista and/or a shoe hog.
Alien gives it 3 “Armani, Versace, and Jimmy Choo” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Click
It’s “Bruce Almighty” meets “Spanglish” meets “Christmas Carol” meets “Tron” meets “TiVo” in this comedy about work, family, and the “universal” remote control. Workaholic architect Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) learns the classic life’s lesson when he puts work before family and abuses the power of his new electronic gadget. Gorgeous Kate Beckinsale plays Donna, the perfect wife, complete with an American accent. Imagine the Fonz and Rhoda’s little sister as grandparents. Christopher Walken is delightful as Morty, a kind of spiritual guide in this journey. It’s a funny movie about family, but not meant for the whole family. Because of language and sexual related content, hire a sitter for the preteens.
Alien gives it 3 “mute, rewind, and fast forward” stars out of 4.
It’s “Bruce Almighty” meets “Spanglish” meets “Christmas Carol” meets “Tron” meets “TiVo” in this comedy about work, family, and the “universal” remote control. Workaholic architect Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) learns the classic life’s lesson when he puts work before family and abuses the power of his new electronic gadget. Gorgeous Kate Beckinsale plays Donna, the perfect wife, complete with an American accent. Imagine the Fonz and Rhoda’s little sister as grandparents. Christopher Walken is delightful as Morty, a kind of spiritual guide in this journey. It’s a funny movie about family, but not meant for the whole family. Because of language and sexual related content, hire a sitter for the preteens.
Alien gives it 3 “mute, rewind, and fast forward” stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The Lake House
Alex the architect (Keanu Reeves) and Kate the doctor (Sandra Bullock) connect by chance through correspondence in this romantic fantasy set in Chicago. They are lonely people who begin to get acquainted, reveal themselves to each other, and share their passions in life through their letters. They share the love of a dog and a house on a lake. They become attracted to each other, although they can never meet… or can they? If you are a romantic or believe in fate, you may enjoy this film. If you are a fan of Star Trek, Quantum Leap, or Time Tunnel, you will realize the complexities of time paradoxes. Alien liked the premise and the story, but got hung up on what time is it. But it still had enough twists and turns to keep your attention until the end.
Alien gives 2 ½ “postal portal” stars out of 4. (If you are more emotional than practical, you might add another star to the score.)
Alien’s advance scout turned in the following report:
Miss Congeniality does the time warp with Neo. The audience was mostly female. There were no car chases, leather, sunglasses, fight scenes, one accident, and no sex, gratuitous or otherwise. The dog should be nominated for supporting actress. I liked it even though I figured out the key scene in the movie.
Alex the architect (Keanu Reeves) and Kate the doctor (Sandra Bullock) connect by chance through correspondence in this romantic fantasy set in Chicago. They are lonely people who begin to get acquainted, reveal themselves to each other, and share their passions in life through their letters. They share the love of a dog and a house on a lake. They become attracted to each other, although they can never meet… or can they? If you are a romantic or believe in fate, you may enjoy this film. If you are a fan of Star Trek, Quantum Leap, or Time Tunnel, you will realize the complexities of time paradoxes. Alien liked the premise and the story, but got hung up on what time is it. But it still had enough twists and turns to keep your attention until the end.
Alien gives 2 ½ “postal portal” stars out of 4. (If you are more emotional than practical, you might add another star to the score.)
Alien’s advance scout turned in the following report:
Miss Congeniality does the time warp with Neo. The audience was mostly female. There were no car chases, leather, sunglasses, fight scenes, one accident, and no sex, gratuitous or otherwise. The dog should be nominated for supporting actress. I liked it even though I figured out the key scene in the movie.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
No Paul Walker is this third version about bad boys, hot girls, and fast cars. The original Southern California scene shifted to Miami for part 2 and now jumps to Tokyo. This was a smart move. The Japanese culture and lifestyle makes a fascinating setting for this fish out of water story. A trouble-making American teenager gets kicked out of the U.S. and ends up as an outsider in Japan trying to fit in. He runs with a bad crowd and introduced to the world of drifting. The chase scenes are gripping and a lot of fun to watch. Fasten your seat belts for this thrill ride. Featured are former child stars, Lucas Black and Lil Bow Wow, except they have grown up. Keep an eye on the rear view mirror for a surprise cameo. It is a mindless summer blast.
Alien gives it 3 “burning rubber” stars out of 4.
No Paul Walker is this third version about bad boys, hot girls, and fast cars. The original Southern California scene shifted to Miami for part 2 and now jumps to Tokyo. This was a smart move. The Japanese culture and lifestyle makes a fascinating setting for this fish out of water story. A trouble-making American teenager gets kicked out of the U.S. and ends up as an outsider in Japan trying to fit in. He runs with a bad crowd and introduced to the world of drifting. The chase scenes are gripping and a lot of fun to watch. Fasten your seat belts for this thrill ride. Featured are former child stars, Lucas Black and Lil Bow Wow, except they have grown up. Keep an eye on the rear view mirror for a surprise cameo. It is a mindless summer blast.
Alien gives it 3 “burning rubber” stars out of 4.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Nacho Libre
It’s “Big Time Wrestling” meets “Rocky” meets “The Karate Kid” meets “Oliver Twist” in this silly comedy about a monastery cook at a Mexican orphanage who moonlights as a lucha libre wrestler trying to earn money in order to provide better meals for the poor children. Jack Black plays Ignacio (Nacho for short) who teams up with a Mexican “Napoleon Dynamite” type in search of fame and fortune in the ring. Following a series of tough tag team matches, Nacho enters a contest which could lead to a bout against the famous champion.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “masked marvel” stars out of 4.
It’s “Big Time Wrestling” meets “Rocky” meets “The Karate Kid” meets “Oliver Twist” in this silly comedy about a monastery cook at a Mexican orphanage who moonlights as a lucha libre wrestler trying to earn money in order to provide better meals for the poor children. Jack Black plays Ignacio (Nacho for short) who teams up with a Mexican “Napoleon Dynamite” type in search of fame and fortune in the ring. Following a series of tough tag team matches, Nacho enters a contest which could lead to a bout against the famous champion.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “masked marvel” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Akeelah and the Bee
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Alien is a sucker for stories about the greatly disadvantaged underdog struggling against the odds to succeed over their nemesis. In this case, it is a shy, poor, black, 11 year old girl from south Los Angeles competing to reach and win the finals in the National Spelling Bee. It is a heart-felt and inspirational film. Keke Palmer who plays Akeelah is fantastic. The story may seem to be just too contrived, but everyone deserves a good fairy tale now and then.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “scrabble triple word score” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Alien is a sucker for stories about the greatly disadvantaged underdog struggling against the odds to succeed over their nemesis. In this case, it is a shy, poor, black, 11 year old girl from south Los Angeles competing to reach and win the finals in the National Spelling Bee. It is a heart-felt and inspirational film. Keke Palmer who plays Akeelah is fantastic. The story may seem to be just too contrived, but everyone deserves a good fairy tale now and then.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “scrabble triple word score” stars out of 4.
The Omen
This is not a sneak preview.
On 6/6/06, the remake of the classic 1976 film about the son of Satan was released. If you have seen the original, you won’t get too many surprises. Alien liked the first Thorn family over this latest trio. Mia Farrow, who played the mother of another son of Satan in “Rosemary’s Baby”, shows up as the creepy nanny. Next, Alien kind of expected Linda Blair, the Satan possessed child from “The Exorcist”, to make an appearance. Although the film throws in some pointless cheap scares just to make the audience jump, it is still not a bad horror flick, especially if you haven’t seen the original.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “mark of the beast” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview.
On 6/6/06, the remake of the classic 1976 film about the son of Satan was released. If you have seen the original, you won’t get too many surprises. Alien liked the first Thorn family over this latest trio. Mia Farrow, who played the mother of another son of Satan in “Rosemary’s Baby”, shows up as the creepy nanny. Next, Alien kind of expected Linda Blair, the Satan possessed child from “The Exorcist”, to make an appearance. Although the film throws in some pointless cheap scares just to make the audience jump, it is still not a bad horror flick, especially if you haven’t seen the original.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “mark of the beast” stars out of 4.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Cars
Gentlemen, start your engines.
It’s Chevron Techron vehicles meets “Days of Thunder” meets “Doc Hollywood” meets “The Fast and the Furious” meets “American Graffiti” in a tribute to “Route 66”. Rookie racecar Lightning McQueen gets lost on this way to the big race and finds friends and beauty in a small forgotten town long bypassed by the interstate highway. The characters and their voices are terrific. The storyline is wonderful. The animation will blow you away. It looks so real. The attention to details is amazing. The movie is hilarious and packed with funny gags. For a children’s film, it runs a bit long at almost 2 hours, but it can be enjoyed by young and old. You’ll want to see it again and again. The Pixar spoof during the credits will have you rolling in the aisles.
Alien gives it 4 “it’s not if you win or lose but how you play the game” stars out of 4.
Gentlemen, start your engines.
It’s Chevron Techron vehicles meets “Days of Thunder” meets “Doc Hollywood” meets “The Fast and the Furious” meets “American Graffiti” in a tribute to “Route 66”. Rookie racecar Lightning McQueen gets lost on this way to the big race and finds friends and beauty in a small forgotten town long bypassed by the interstate highway. The characters and their voices are terrific. The storyline is wonderful. The animation will blow you away. It looks so real. The attention to details is amazing. The movie is hilarious and packed with funny gags. For a children’s film, it runs a bit long at almost 2 hours, but it can be enjoyed by young and old. You’ll want to see it again and again. The Pixar spoof during the credits will have you rolling in the aisles.
Alien gives it 4 “it’s not if you win or lose but how you play the game” stars out of 4.
Friday, June 02, 2006
An Inconvenient Truth
What has the Ex-Vice President and former Next President of the United States been doing since losing in the last elections? Al Gore has been on a mission to educate the world about the signs and dangers of global warming. The movie blends Gore’s personal life with astonishing and convincing facts about the world-wide changes in CO2 levels, temperatures, and weather. You’ll be entertained and educated at the same time. This is a must see film if you care about the planet you live on. Life is full of choices. Have you chosen wisely in the past? Will you choose wisely in the future?
Alien gives it 3 “climate crisis” stars out of 4.
What has the Ex-Vice President and former Next President of the United States been doing since losing in the last elections? Al Gore has been on a mission to educate the world about the signs and dangers of global warming. The movie blends Gore’s personal life with astonishing and convincing facts about the world-wide changes in CO2 levels, temperatures, and weather. You’ll be entertained and educated at the same time. This is a must see film if you care about the planet you live on. Life is full of choices. Have you chosen wisely in the past? Will you choose wisely in the future?
Alien gives it 3 “climate crisis” stars out of 4.
