Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Flushed Away
It’s “Wallace & Gromit” meets “Tracy Ullman” meets “Indiana Jones” in this hilarious animated tale about rodents and amphibians below the streets of London. A penthouse pet rat named Roddy doesn’t know what living is really about until he gets flushed down the loo to a mini London, sewer-town style. There he meets the feisty Rita and some evil frogs. Thus begins an action-packed watery adventure about obtaining the treasure and saving their world. Along the way, it pokes fun at James Bond, British royalty, the French, Batman, and Tom Jones. Those were the obvious so you have to watch carefully for the many in the backgrounds. Some of the featured voices include Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Bill Nighy, and Jean Reno. It is great family fun for young and old. The background-singing, sound-effect-making slugs are scene-stealing.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Millicent Bystander” stars out of 4.
It’s “Wallace & Gromit” meets “Tracy Ullman” meets “Indiana Jones” in this hilarious animated tale about rodents and amphibians below the streets of London. A penthouse pet rat named Roddy doesn’t know what living is really about until he gets flushed down the loo to a mini London, sewer-town style. There he meets the feisty Rita and some evil frogs. Thus begins an action-packed watery adventure about obtaining the treasure and saving their world. Along the way, it pokes fun at James Bond, British royalty, the French, Batman, and Tom Jones. Those were the obvious so you have to watch carefully for the many in the backgrounds. Some of the featured voices include Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Bill Nighy, and Jean Reno. It is great family fun for young and old. The background-singing, sound-effect-making slugs are scene-stealing.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Millicent Bystander” stars out of 4.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Borat
British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is outrageous in this faux documentary about a fictitious Kazakhstan journalist, Borat Sagdiyev, who sets out to explore America. This funny film satirizes Americans and their western views as it tests, pushes, and crosses the limits of good taste. A crazy road trip across America deliberately takes a southern route as Borat uses his seemingly naïve demeanor to disarm, disrupt, and encourage his American interviewees into revealing their true nature. Audiences will find this movie either hilarious or obscene… because it is. Alien could hardly believe what was portrayed before his eyes. This film is a unique comedy and knows how to effectively use the running joke gag. They weren’t kidding about the “R” rating. It is another mind-scarring event.
Alien gives it 3 “Greco-Roman wrestling” stars out of 4.
ps Thank you to Matt of the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM for the preview pass. You and your station really rock! Check them out at www.radiozone.com
British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is outrageous in this faux documentary about a fictitious Kazakhstan journalist, Borat Sagdiyev, who sets out to explore America. This funny film satirizes Americans and their western views as it tests, pushes, and crosses the limits of good taste. A crazy road trip across America deliberately takes a southern route as Borat uses his seemingly naïve demeanor to disarm, disrupt, and encourage his American interviewees into revealing their true nature. Audiences will find this movie either hilarious or obscene… because it is. Alien could hardly believe what was portrayed before his eyes. This film is a unique comedy and knows how to effectively use the running joke gag. They weren’t kidding about the “R” rating. It is another mind-scarring event.
Alien gives it 3 “Greco-Roman wrestling” stars out of 4.
ps Thank you to Matt of the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM for the preview pass. You and your station really rock! Check them out at www.radiozone.com
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Flicka
This is not a sneak preview review. This movie has already released.
It’s “Spirit” meets “Dreamer” meets “Lassie Come Home” in this classic story of girl finds horse, girl tames horse, girl loses horse, and finally girl gets horse back. It is good old-fashion family entertainment starring Tim McGraw, Maria Bello, and Alison Lohman. It is predictable, but heart warming. You might like this movie if you enjoy horses, Wyoming, ranching, and rodeos.
Alien gives it 3 “cowgirl up” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview review. This movie has already released.
It’s “Spirit” meets “Dreamer” meets “Lassie Come Home” in this classic story of girl finds horse, girl tames horse, girl loses horse, and finally girl gets horse back. It is good old-fashion family entertainment starring Tim McGraw, Maria Bello, and Alison Lohman. It is predictable, but heart warming. You might like this movie if you enjoy horses, Wyoming, ranching, and rodeos.
Alien gives it 3 “cowgirl up” stars out of 4.
Catch A Fire
Are they terrorists or freedom fighters?
A nonpolitical man is suspected of being a terrorist in apartheid South Africa during the 1980s. When pushed over the edge, this oil refinery foreman and soccer coach makes a life altering decision. Although it runs a little slow in the beginning, this political thriller starring Tim Robbins, Derek Luke, and Bonnie Henna is a powerful true story about fighting for what is right. There are clips of the real Patrick Chamusso at the end of the story.
Alien gives it 3 “power to the people” stars out of 4.
Are they terrorists or freedom fighters?
A nonpolitical man is suspected of being a terrorist in apartheid South Africa during the 1980s. When pushed over the edge, this oil refinery foreman and soccer coach makes a life altering decision. Although it runs a little slow in the beginning, this political thriller starring Tim Robbins, Derek Luke, and Bonnie Henna is a powerful true story about fighting for what is right. There are clips of the real Patrick Chamusso at the end of the story.
Alien gives it 3 “power to the people” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Running With Scissors
It’s “That 70’s Show” meets “Analyze This” in this off-beat dark comedy/drama about some disturbingly strange and dysfunctional characters. A troubled mom seeks therapy from a quirky psychiatrist and leaves her son in the care of the doctor’s odd family. If you didn’t live through the seventies, you may not fully appreciate all of the sights, sounds, and attitudes from that period. The movie has a terrific cast with some great performances, especially by Annette Bening and Jill Clayburgh. Although the film has some funny and touching moments, Alien just didn’t find this pair of scissors that sharp.
Alien gives it 2 “chock full of nuts” stars out of 4.
It’s “That 70’s Show” meets “Analyze This” in this off-beat dark comedy/drama about some disturbingly strange and dysfunctional characters. A troubled mom seeks therapy from a quirky psychiatrist and leaves her son in the care of the doctor’s odd family. If you didn’t live through the seventies, you may not fully appreciate all of the sights, sounds, and attitudes from that period. The movie has a terrific cast with some great performances, especially by Annette Bening and Jill Clayburgh. Although the film has some funny and touching moments, Alien just didn’t find this pair of scissors that sharp.
Alien gives it 2 “chock full of nuts” stars out of 4.
Friday, October 20, 2006
The Prestige
If Batman fought Wolverine, who would win?
Set in Victorian England, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play young ambitious magicians who become murderously competitive. Michael Caine is the mentor and deviser of the big illusions. Scarlett Johansson is cast in the role of the pretty assistant, of course. Alien enjoyed most of this magic movie more than “The Illusionist” because it uses more believable tricks until it took an unorthodox H.G. Wellsian turn near the end. Like most magic acts, this film isn’t honest as it cheats and lies in order to entertain the audience. Alien was also annoyed by the background music which drowned out the dialogue at times.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “double blind obsession” stars out of 4.
ps Again, the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM needs to be thanked for the preview passes. Check out this rock'n station at www.radiozone.com
If Batman fought Wolverine, who would win?
Set in Victorian England, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play young ambitious magicians who become murderously competitive. Michael Caine is the mentor and deviser of the big illusions. Scarlett Johansson is cast in the role of the pretty assistant, of course. Alien enjoyed most of this magic movie more than “The Illusionist” because it uses more believable tricks until it took an unorthodox H.G. Wellsian turn near the end. Like most magic acts, this film isn’t honest as it cheats and lies in order to entertain the audience. Alien was also annoyed by the background music which drowned out the dialogue at times.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “double blind obsession” stars out of 4.
ps Again, the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM needs to be thanked for the preview passes. Check out this rock'n station at www.radiozone.com
Marie Antoinette
While Alien was busy being mesmerized by murderous magicians, scouts went sent out to report on the little Miss Queen of the French Revolution party girl movie by Sophia Coppola and starring Kirsten Dunst. Here are the reviews.
Scout L:
Well what can I say... this movie was very different, not much dialogue, kind of boring, no plot. I sat there thinking something exciting was bound to happen but it never did. I enjoyed the clothing and the dancing and I guess that's all she did was enjoy life. She had all the luxuries in life that she could handle and I guess that is why the people hated her so much because they were suffering and she was living the life! It was kind of strange but I enjoyed most of it. It was a little too long and the ending sucked!
I would give it a 3 out of 4 stars.
Scout K:
I wanted to run out of the theater screaming. I dreaded the singing (opera). I thought it was very boring and couldn't wait for it to end.
I'd give it 0 out of 4 stars.
While Alien was busy being mesmerized by murderous magicians, scouts went sent out to report on the little Miss Queen of the French Revolution party girl movie by Sophia Coppola and starring Kirsten Dunst. Here are the reviews.
Scout L:
Well what can I say... this movie was very different, not much dialogue, kind of boring, no plot. I sat there thinking something exciting was bound to happen but it never did. I enjoyed the clothing and the dancing and I guess that's all she did was enjoy life. She had all the luxuries in life that she could handle and I guess that is why the people hated her so much because they were suffering and she was living the life! It was kind of strange but I enjoyed most of it. It was a little too long and the ending sucked!
I would give it a 3 out of 4 stars.
Scout K:
I wanted to run out of the theater screaming. I dreaded the singing (opera). I thought it was very boring and couldn't wait for it to end.
I'd give it 0 out of 4 stars.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Flags of Our Fathers
This emotional, powerful, and graphic film by Clint Eastwood asks the question, “Who are heroes?” The movie shows how an instant in time captured in a memorable moment can affect the men involved as well as a whole country. The movie explores the facts and fiction behind the famous photo. There is no glory here as Eastwood reminds us how gruesome and ugly war is. It is rated “R” for the realism of traumatic battle scenes. Photos of the real people and the real battle run during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “Memorial Day tribute” stars out of 4.
ps Thanks again to the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM for the preview passes. Your station really rocks! Check them out at www.radiozone.com
This emotional, powerful, and graphic film by Clint Eastwood asks the question, “Who are heroes?” The movie shows how an instant in time captured in a memorable moment can affect the men involved as well as a whole country. The movie explores the facts and fiction behind the famous photo. There is no glory here as Eastwood reminds us how gruesome and ugly war is. It is rated “R” for the realism of traumatic battle scenes. Photos of the real people and the real battle run during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “Memorial Day tribute” stars out of 4.
ps Thanks again to the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM for the preview passes. Your station really rocks! Check them out at www.radiozone.com
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Grudge 2
Vampire slayer girl transfers her rage curse to little sister (girl who talks to God) in this sequel that is not a remake of Ju-On 2. Tokyo drift prep schoolers dare to visit a haunted house. Flash dancer leaves welding in steel town for cooking bacon in the windy city. These are the basic elements the next installment of the raging story. If you have seen the first “Grudge”, Director Takashi Shirmizu will have conditioned you to jump like Pavlov’s dogs with each sudden ghostly appearance. Alien could hear a whole theater full of young pups scream. But sometimes, more of a good thing isn’t better. Maybe Alien is just an old dog who couldn’t learn this trick because this movie seemed too fragmented and silly. Two lost that genuine creepiness was developed in one. Two is only filled with contrived frights. The scariest thought here is there may be a “Grudge 3” invading the U.S. next.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “creepy mother and child reunion” stars out of 4.
Vampire slayer girl transfers her rage curse to little sister (girl who talks to God) in this sequel that is not a remake of Ju-On 2. Tokyo drift prep schoolers dare to visit a haunted house. Flash dancer leaves welding in steel town for cooking bacon in the windy city. These are the basic elements the next installment of the raging story. If you have seen the first “Grudge”, Director Takashi Shirmizu will have conditioned you to jump like Pavlov’s dogs with each sudden ghostly appearance. Alien could hear a whole theater full of young pups scream. But sometimes, more of a good thing isn’t better. Maybe Alien is just an old dog who couldn’t learn this trick because this movie seemed too fragmented and silly. Two lost that genuine creepiness was developed in one. Two is only filled with contrived frights. The scariest thought here is there may be a “Grudge 3” invading the U.S. next.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “creepy mother and child reunion” stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Last King of Scotland
It’s “The Constant Gardener” and “A Man Called Horse” visit “Hotel Rwanda” in this remarkable blend of fact and fiction. The movie tells the story of Uganda’s Dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of a Scottish doctor. Forrest Whitaker is scary amazing as the charming murderous madman. The movie takes you back to third world Africa in the 1970’s with its vivid visuals. It is a powerful film, but it is not pleasant. There are a least two torturously graphic scenes that will leave an indelible scar burned into your memory. Clips of the real Idi Amin play at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “hundred thousand slained” stars out of 4.
ps This review is brought to you through the generosity of the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM. Check this rock'n station out at www.radiozone.com
It’s “The Constant Gardener” and “A Man Called Horse” visit “Hotel Rwanda” in this remarkable blend of fact and fiction. The movie tells the story of Uganda’s Dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of a Scottish doctor. Forrest Whitaker is scary amazing as the charming murderous madman. The movie takes you back to third world Africa in the 1970’s with its vivid visuals. It is a powerful film, but it is not pleasant. There are a least two torturously graphic scenes that will leave an indelible scar burned into your memory. Clips of the real Idi Amin play at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “hundred thousand slained” stars out of 4.
ps This review is brought to you through the generosity of the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM. Check this rock'n station out at www.radiozone.com
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Man of the Year
Next month is November and election time. Are you getting tired of the Democrats and the Republicans and their political rhetoric? Do you prefer to get your political information from Jay Leno, David Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Bill Maher? Along comes late-night political talk show host/comedian Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) who decides to run for president with his fresh ideas untainted by lobbyists, large corporations, and special interest groups. He doesn’t stand a chance against the incumbent President and a U.S. Senator… or does he? Alien thought this was going to be a comedy about American politics, but it turned into a conspiracy thriller where the “Manchurian Candidate” meets a “Robin Williams Comedy Special”. However, it is not that funny and not much of the thriller either. Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Linney round out the cast with Barry Levinson directing and writing in this disappointing film.
Alien gives it 2 “hanging chad” stars out of 4.
ps Thank you to the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM for the preview passes. Your station rocks! Check them out at www.radiozone.com
Next month is November and election time. Are you getting tired of the Democrats and the Republicans and their political rhetoric? Do you prefer to get your political information from Jay Leno, David Letterman, Jon Stewart, and Bill Maher? Along comes late-night political talk show host/comedian Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) who decides to run for president with his fresh ideas untainted by lobbyists, large corporations, and special interest groups. He doesn’t stand a chance against the incumbent President and a U.S. Senator… or does he? Alien thought this was going to be a comedy about American politics, but it turned into a conspiracy thriller where the “Manchurian Candidate” meets a “Robin Williams Comedy Special”. However, it is not that funny and not much of the thriller either. Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Linney round out the cast with Barry Levinson directing and writing in this disappointing film.
Alien gives it 2 “hanging chad” stars out of 4.
ps Thank you to the Zone Crew at 100.5 KZZO-FM for the preview passes. Your station rocks! Check them out at www.radiozone.com
Friday, October 06, 2006
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
Alien never saw the original 1974 movie nor the recent 2003 remake, but this prequel attempts to explain the origins of Tommy Hewitt a.ka. Leatherface. In August of 1939, an unfortunate child is born. From there, the story quickly jumps to 1969 when 4 youths and a couple of bikers cross paths with a deranged family. It is the classic horror set up with plenty of blood and gore, creepy people, a desolate location, and only a glimmer of hope for survival. This movie is not for the squeamish. It is shock and awe. At times, it’s disturbing and laughable. If you liked “The Hills Have Eyes” and “Devil’s Rejects”, then you’ll probably enjoy this one too.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “buzz kill” stars of out 4.
Alien never saw the original 1974 movie nor the recent 2003 remake, but this prequel attempts to explain the origins of Tommy Hewitt a.ka. Leatherface. In August of 1939, an unfortunate child is born. From there, the story quickly jumps to 1969 when 4 youths and a couple of bikers cross paths with a deranged family. It is the classic horror set up with plenty of blood and gore, creepy people, a desolate location, and only a glimmer of hope for survival. This movie is not for the squeamish. It is shock and awe. At times, it’s disturbing and laughable. If you liked “The Hills Have Eyes” and “Devil’s Rejects”, then you’ll probably enjoy this one too.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “buzz kill” stars of out 4.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Employee of the Month
A lazy slacker (Dane Cook) at the local Costco-like Super Store suddenly decides to compete for the employee of the month just to impress the new girl (Jessica Simpson). Cook is a likable loser who carries the show. Simpson adds nothing to the show except her big smile. The film is fairly predictable as two idiots with help from their idiot assistants vie for the coveted title. There is really nothing new here. “Employee of the Month” won’t make comedy of the year.
Alien gives it 2 “bulk buying” stars out of 4.
A lazy slacker (Dane Cook) at the local Costco-like Super Store suddenly decides to compete for the employee of the month just to impress the new girl (Jessica Simpson). Cook is a likable loser who carries the show. Simpson adds nothing to the show except her big smile. The film is fairly predictable as two idiots with help from their idiot assistants vie for the coveted title. There is really nothing new here. “Employee of the Month” won’t make comedy of the year.
Alien gives it 2 “bulk buying” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
The Departed
It’s Spy vs. Spy, Mole vs. Mole, and Good Cop vs. Bad Cop in Martin Scorsese’s remake of the 2002 Hong Kong cop film “Infernal Affairs”. It is a race between Matt Damon and Leonardo Dicaprio to smoke out the informant in each other’s organization. Set in Boston and featuring Irish Americans, this movie is wickedly brutal and violent with some extreme language during its 2 ½ hours. Matt and Leo give strong powerful performances. Jack Nicholson turns in another eccentric characterization. Add in Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Baldwin to round out the cast. The lines separating the good guys from the bad guys start to blur as you can’t trust anyone. Although there are a few holes in the script, you’ll likely be blown away by the end. It is not a film for everyone.
Alien gives it 3 “I smell a rat” stars out of 4.
It’s Spy vs. Spy, Mole vs. Mole, and Good Cop vs. Bad Cop in Martin Scorsese’s remake of the 2002 Hong Kong cop film “Infernal Affairs”. It is a race between Matt Damon and Leonardo Dicaprio to smoke out the informant in each other’s organization. Set in Boston and featuring Irish Americans, this movie is wickedly brutal and violent with some extreme language during its 2 ½ hours. Matt and Leo give strong powerful performances. Jack Nicholson turns in another eccentric characterization. Add in Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Baldwin to round out the cast. The lines separating the good guys from the bad guys start to blur as you can’t trust anyone. Although there are a few holes in the script, you’ll likely be blown away by the end. It is not a film for everyone.
Alien gives it 3 “I smell a rat” stars out of 4.
