Alien at the Movies

Crossover

Two best buddies share a dark secret and a game of urban streetball. Their dreams get side tracked when they run into some new obstacles. This film is more flash than substance. The scenes are set up to look pretty and slick. It is more visually stunning than realistic. It is more fairy tale than real life. It is more slam and dunk than real basketball.

Alien gives it 2 “too much Hollywood and not enough real Detroit” stars out of 4.

Trust the Man

It’s “New York, New York” meets “Friends”, just a little older and more adult, in this Woody Allenesque comedy about relationships headed towards the brink of destruction. Follow the misadventures of two couples as the film pokes fun at therapists, fear of commitment, support groups, biological clocks ticking, sex addicts, and parenting. Besides David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, Billy Crupup, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, the movie features the look and feel of New York City. It is a funny film with a corny, sappy ending, but Alien still enjoyed it.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “midlife and commitment crises” stars out of 4.

Mystery of the Nile

This not a sneak preview. This IMAX film was released in 2005.

Follow the incredible 3,260-mile, 114-day expedition traveling in 2 inflatable rafts and a kayak from the source of the Nile River at Lake Tana in Ethiopia through Sudan and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. A team of explorers risk their lives against dangerous rapids, fierce crocodiles, armed bandits, temperatures over 115 degrees, and a violent wind storm. You’ll see the people and their cultures whose lives are dependent on the Nile. You’ll gaze upon spectacular waterfalls, ancient monuments, and a lost Nubian city. This river ride is exhilarating and visually stunning.

Alien gives it 3 ½ “world’s longest river” stars out of 4.

Invincible

The sports world is shocked when a local South Philly boy gets a shot at the big time. He has to work hard against the odds to make it. Does this sound familiar? Only this time it’s not Rocky Balboa, but Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), and it’s from a true story.

When part time bartender and full time Eagles fan Vince Papale tries out for the team during an open call, he makes the team in a complete twist of fate. "Invincible" is a story of Papale's career with the Eagles and his personal struggles and triumphs.

This is another Disney inspirational/feel good movie about people going through tough times and focusing their hopes and dreams on their hometown hero. This film seems a bit contrived at times, but it still is entertaining as it takes you back to 70s and Philadelphia. Enjoy, Eagles fans.

Alien gives it 3 “special teams” stars out of 4.

Beerfest

The title just about says it all. This sophomoric lewd crude comedy geared towards frat boys and those who can say been there, done that. On a mission for their great grandma, two brothers journey to Oktoberfest in Munich and stumble upon their German relatives and the secret international drinking games called Beerfest. Of course, this "R" rated plot revolves around beer, beer drinking, bare breasts, beer games, and more beer.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "beer belching bellylaughs if you are in the mood" stars out of 4.

Idlewild

It’s rap/hip-hop in a 1930’s jive joint full of gangsters and moonshine. Childhood buddies grow up in Idlewild, Georgia. They perform at a local speakeasy night club, but their lives change when an ambitious gangster makes his move. The movie has some of the most stunning creative effects which create a feast for the eyes. The main flaw of the film is it can’t make up its mind what it wants to be… it’s part musical, part animation, part gangster movie, and part love story… and it jumps back and forth between them. The film features Andre Benjamin, Big Boi, Terrence Howard, Paula Patton, Ben Vereen, and Ving Rhames. The best musical number plays during the closing credits.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “highly stylized sequences” stars out of 4.

Into the Deep

This is not a sneak preview. This film was released in 2002.

IMAX 3D takes you on a wondrous journey beneath the sea surface examining the balance of nature amongst the ocean’s creatures. Beginning with the kelp forest, the film’s 3D effect makes the heads in the row ahead of you seem to bob in the water. The film captures a shark’s birth, squids mating, a lobster molting, and a Garibaldi fish protecting its nest from octopi and sea urchins. It is fascinating animal behavior.

Alien gives it 3 “gills, fins, and tentacle” stars out of 4.

We Are Marshall

When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach (Matthew McConaughey) and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive.

Early scouting reports on this rough cut version say this based-on-a-true-story inspirational film is very good. It has excellent character development. The coach is quite a character who is funny and a real motivator. The movie is predictable, but still very enjoyable. It has a good sound track. It is anticipated to be released in December.

How to Eat Fried Worms

During the first day of his new school year, a fifth grade boy squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within the class.

Here are the reports filed by 2 young scouts...

Scout A, age 12:

“How to Eat Fried Worms” is a hilarious and unique movie. The movie is mainly about how an unknown boy that just moved to a new town, stands up to a school bully, and becomes very popular in the end. He gains popularity by almost winning a bet that he’d eat 10 worms. “WormBoy” is the main character in the movie. I like him the most because he is honest, upstanding, and won’t give in to mean pranks. He is also brave for throwing a worm at Joe’s, the bully, face in front of everybody. That was tight!!! It was also funny when “Techno” makes a “radioactive” worm by cooking it in the microwave, the worm exploded… Eeww. “WormBoy” is also a person who doesn’t play dirty. He is fair because everyone thought he won the bet by eating 10 worms, but he admitted to only eating 9 because their principal ate one of them.

Overall, this movie was excellent. I recommend it to all movie lovers and trust me, it’s worth the trip!!!

Scout M, age 10:

This was a very good and funny movie. It was good because the new kid stands up to the school bully. He also became friend with Joe, the bully, and his posse at the end of the movie. The funny part was when “Wormboy”, the new kid, throws a live worm on Joe’s face. The other fun part was when Donny, one of Joe’s posse, cooks a worm in the microwave, and the worm exploded. That was the funniest part. That’s what was good and funny about the movie.

Material Girls

It’s the Olsen twins meets “Just My Luck” meets “The Simple Life” meets “A Cinderella Story” meets CoverGirl makeup. Real life sisters, Hilary and Haylie Duff, play rich spoiled icons of their late father’s successful cosmetic company. All is great until a public scandal shakes up their dream world and they must learn to survive in the real world. Alien found the film extremely predictable, rather boring, and just not that funny.

Alien gives it 1 “sister too many” star out of 4.

But don’t be too disappointed, “Lizzie McGuire” fans, Alien’s two 14-year-old female guests liked the movie and gave it 3 stars out of 4.

Another scouting report:

I did like this movie. It was a little bit of a tear jerker, comedy and love story all in one, all the makings of perfect "chick flick". I thought it was cute and gave it a 3 out of 4 stars.

Mysteries of Egypt

This is not a sneak preview. This IMAX movie was released in 1998.

See the natural beauty and wonder of Egypt and its treasures. Get a special aerial view of Egypt from the spectacular waterfall beginnings of the Nile River to the Mediterranean Sea. Through historical recreations witness the building of the pyramids, the burial of a pharaoh, and the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. The enormous pyramids and monuments are amazing on the huge IMAX screen. At the conclusion, Alien wanted more, but will have to wait for the soon-to-be-coming “Mystery of the Nile”.

Alien gives it 3 ½ “hieroglyphical” stars out of 4.

Step Up

Here is the scouting report from 16 year old MG:

"Step Up" is a love comedy with several unexpected twists. “Bad boy” Tyler Gage is sentenced to 200 hours of community service when he is caught breaking into the Maryland School of the Arts. Of course, like any movie, there’s a girl, Nora, one of the MSA students. Tyler agrees to help Nora with her dance routine when her original partner becomes injured. Tyler learns the steps, but he mixes up the original routine with his own hip-hop, street inspired twist. All the hours of practice add up to a serious and noticeable romantic spark. Step up will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will have you on the edge of your seat rooting for Tyler to get his act together and do the right thing, not the easy thing. This is a good family movie, though it has strong language at times, and a death. Don’t take your little ones to see it, but the older kids will love and relate to this inspirational “Flashdance” meets “Fame” meets “8 Mile” flick from beginning to end.

The movie totally rocked!


Comment from MG's parental unit:

The movie was wonderful and we had a great time! MAN! Channing Tatum is fun to watch!

John Tucker Must Die

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

It’s “Mean Girls” refocusing their energies on one guy, John Tucker (Jesse Metcalfe, that gardener from “Desperate Housewives”). The wronged popular girls (Ashanti, Sophia Bush, and Arielle Kebbel) use innocent nice girl loner Kate (Brittany Snow) to seek revenge on their “man”. It is a cute little comedy about getting even with girl talk, boy talk, high school cliques, and teenage fashions in the background. Even if you aren’t a 16 year old girl, take a shot at “John Tucker Must Die”, it may be your guilty pleasure. It is mindless predictable teenage humor with Abercrombie & Fitch bodies, but it still is fun. Look for a final clip in the middle of the closing credits.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “thong song” stars out of 4.

Space Station 3D

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

If you can’t qualify to be an astronaut or don’t have millions to buy passage on a space flight, this 2002 IMAX film is the next best thing. In 3D, you feel like you are right there on the International Space Station. Experience all phases astronauting, from simulation drills to lift off to space walks to just horsing around. The views are spectacular.

Alien gives it 3 ½ “out of this world” stars out of 4.

Superman Returns in 3D at the IMAX

Alien sent his scouts out again to cover this special midnight screening.

Scout #1:

The 3D scenes in the film were fantastic! The technology has come so far that it's really impressive and does not seem forced or overly done at all. The 3D kicked in during most of the big action scenes and it really added some serious mojo to those scenes. There are only about 20 minutes of 3D in the film, but if you haven't seen any 3D recently you'll be amazed at the quality and you should definitely check it out. The only way I can describe it is it's like Hi-Def on steriods. After the couple of seconds it takes to adjust, it's crystal clear, not exaggerated and makes you feel like you're in the scene. I may have to agree with Jim Cameron that 3D is the wave of the future

Scout #2:

The 3-D effects are amazing, although far too short. The movie uses a polarized 3-D process, which means no annoying magenta/cyan colored glasses that rob the movie of glorious colors. Unfortunately only four scenes (about 20 minutes) in the movie are presented in 3-D (the flashback of Clark as a younger boy, the plane rescue, the boat rescue, and Superman’s final flight). A green or red glasses symbol will flash on the screen to indicate when to put on and take off the IMAX 3-D glasses. While incredibly immersive, the disruption going in and out of 3-D mode, requiring the viewer put on and remove the 3-D glasses, is a bit distracting.

The Night Listener

Alien sent a critic-in-training to this psychological thriller that revolves around the celebrated writer and popular late-night radio show host, Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams), who develops an intense relationship with a young listener named Pete (Rory Culkin) and his adopted mother (Toni Collette), just as his own domestic life is undergoing changes. When a troubling question arises regarding the boy's identity, it causes Gabriel's ordered existence to spin wildly out of control as he sets out on a harrowing journey to find the truth.

Scout #1:

I really liked it. It was very suspenseful. I'd give it 3 stars out of 4.

Scout #2:

I have not read the book and knew very little background about The Night Listener beforehand. I did know that it was a dark film and would say it fit that description, with a few Robin Williams style jokes squeezed in at some awkward moments. It’s definitely not a comedy. It is thought provoking and kept my attention even though it is not action packed. I liked the fact that it makes you think, though my friend who watched it with me felt there were unanswered questions. I would give it 2 stars out of 4.

World Trade Center

Due to technical difficulties, this screening unfortunately had a one hour intermission about midway into the movie. Like the two Port Authority policemen featured in this film, Alien felt trapped in a dark environment for an extended period of time, was beginning to get dehydrated, and wanted to go to sleep. To be fair, this interruption probably ruined the flow of Oliver Stone’s film.

True story of Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin (Nicolas Cage), two Port Authority police officers who rushed into the burning World Trade Center on 9/11 to help rescue people, but became trapped themselves when the tower collapsed. A race against time ensued to free them before they succumbed to their injuries. The visuals of the wreckage and ruins are very powerful, but Alien couldn’t connect with the characters to get emotionally involved. Stone does not develop the characters enough before plunging them into trouble.

Alien gives it 2 “too tragic” stars out of 4.

World Trade Center (Revisited by another scout)

John McLoughlin (Nick Cage) and William Jimeno (Micheal Pena) play two NY Port authority police officers who enter the World trade center on the infamous day to help evacuate people inside. After the WTC towers collaspe, the these two officers find themselves buried among the rubble needing to now be rescued themselves. With no water and basically unable to move, John and William push each other to keep talking and stay alive. While the collapse of the tower was quite powerful, the movie seemed to stall a little while the men were trapped. Oliver Stone didn't allow the audience to get to know the families in the movie before this life changing event, so there was a certain disconnectedness. So the audience is getting to know the families after the fact. In my opinion Nick Cage was not commanding enough during this movie and honestly was out acted by his co-star Micheal Pena. Oliver Stone also showed a scene of a person who actually jumped from the one of the towers that day. I didn't think this bit of reality was needed because it hit to close to home. All and all the movie was entertaining and held your interest most of the time.I give it 2 1/2 explosions out of 4.

The Descent

While Alien was at the Talladega 500 racetrack, his scouts were sent out on a cave exploration mission.

Fun-loving, adventurous Sarah suffers a personal tragedy. A year later, her friends rally round her and the six girls go on a caving trip in the Appalachian Mountains. Soon, things start to go awry in this horror flick.

Scout #1:

I thought it was great! It kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. The creatures were creepy and it always kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. Like I said I watched this movie before. It was released on DVD in Europe a year ago and it was the same exact movie except they did change the ending. I liked this ending better. I might have nightmares about this one... very creepy but good! I loved it and I give it a 4 out of 4!

Scout #2:

THE DESCENT, directed by Neil Marshall, is a very clever film which makes excellent use of the viewer’s fear of darkness, tight spaces, heights, depths and cannibalistic humanoids. A true physiological thriller that makes excellent use of camera angles, lighting and the element of surprise. It is almost unbearably tense and claustrophobic. Makes you jumpy which is exactly what we horror movie buffs are looking for in a film. I think I heard some crying amongst the gasp in the audience during some of those jumpy moments. That makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Timing is great seeing that Marshall (also responsible for Dog Soldiers – a solid and witty werewolf flick) spends just the right amount of time setting the story up, developing characters and letting the viewer absorb the beautiful panoramic surroundings before catapulting both the audience and the movie cast into a gruesome exploitation of primal fear. The Director made very good use of dream sequences, jumps, false starts, and sudden lunges at the camera.
In regards to the movie’s setting how about the brilliance of going from the wide open beauty of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina (My birth place by the way) to the confinements of a subterranean world where in places it is so tight you can’t breath then transitioning to other shots where there are majestic caverns with the feel of landscapes in Lord of the Rings. The movie also has potential to be intellectually horrific considering the implication that the whole thing maybe never happened or at least only happened in the mind of Sarah (played by Shauna Macdonald). But who cares about intellect when this movie boosters an excellent depiction of gore, wonderfully done carnivorous creatures interacting with a sensuously eye catching cast and tons of physical action and wall crawling creepiness. Thankfully the film doesn't take itself too seriously and ultimately it amounts to a good old fashioned scare pic which has its share of carefully judged shocks, tension and action, all of which are pulled off with considerable skill. Marshall lays on the chills early and often.
A primal, strangely sexual violent film that well executes psychological and physical torture. In other words it is the perfect film for the self-proclaimed horror movie fan.
Well done
5 star on a 1-5 scale

Scout #3:

I didn't really care for it. It had too many false scares. The camera work was too jumpy at times. I like horror movies, but this one did not appeal to me. It did make my kids jump and scream a few times. I have to give it 0 stars out of 4.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

It’s “Days of Thunder” meets “Old School” in this outrageous comedy lampooning NASCAR, stereotypical Southern white trash mentality, and the French. Will Ferrell is the perfect choice to play Ricky Bobby, the South’s lovable village idiot. Follow Ricky’s rise to fame as half of the “Shake and Bake” duo on the NASCAR circuit. This hilarious film is about laughing at everything politically incorrect and poking fun at inspirational movies. There is a funny gag reel at the beginning of the credits and one final scene at the very end of the credits.

Alien gives it 3 “If you ain’t first, you’re last” stars out of 4.

Barnyard: The Original Party Animals

Alien thinks Mary Shelly must be alive and well hiding out at Paramount/Nickelodeon studios. In an attempt to jump on the cute-animation-with-celebrity-voices bandwagon, a new Dr. Frankenstein has come up with a brainless monster crossing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” with “The Lion King”. The story is about a carefree, fun-loving, partying son who learns about the responsibility of becoming a leader. Alien found it only mildly amusing. The best gags were already previewed in the trailer. If humor is the brains of this creation, Igor has grabbed another bad one. It’s probably ok for the little kids, but grownups will probably want to send this barnyard to the graveyard. And what’s with the udders on the male-voiced cows?

Alien gives it 1 ½ “moo and baa” stars out of 4.

Alien also sent some junior-critics-in-training to the same screening. The 5-year-old and her grandma really loved it. The child was sad about the dark cow and really liked the baby cow.