Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Holiday
Two women, Iris (Kate Winslet) in England and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) in LA, swap houses for 2 weeks to escape the unfaithful men in their lives. However, they unexpectedly become entangled in new relationships with Graham (Jude Law) and Miles (Jack Black). Diaz and Black are good, but Winslet and Law are fabulous. Eli Wallach and 2 charming girls are highlights among the supporting cast. If you are a romantic at heart, you’ll love this movie about love lost and love found. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, but mostly you’ll laugh. This well written script is cliché at times, but it is still a lot of fun and full of delightful surprises including a funny cameo. It is the best romantic comedy that Alien has seen in a long time. Is it a chick flick? Of course, but it is a good one.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “meet cute” stars out of 4.
Two women, Iris (Kate Winslet) in England and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) in LA, swap houses for 2 weeks to escape the unfaithful men in their lives. However, they unexpectedly become entangled in new relationships with Graham (Jude Law) and Miles (Jack Black). Diaz and Black are good, but Winslet and Law are fabulous. Eli Wallach and 2 charming girls are highlights among the supporting cast. If you are a romantic at heart, you’ll love this movie about love lost and love found. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, but mostly you’ll laugh. This well written script is cliché at times, but it is still a lot of fun and full of delightful surprises including a funny cameo. It is the best romantic comedy that Alien has seen in a long time. Is it a chick flick? Of course, but it is a good one.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “meet cute” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Turistas
It’s “Hostel” in the “City of God” meets “Coma” meets “The Descent” as a garden of Eden turns into a living hell for unsuspecting tourists on vacation. Anti-American sentiments doom a group of young travelers after an accident temporarily strands them in the middle of nowhere. They get led into a trap and must somehow escape. Nothing is really new here as bikini girls and shirtless guys must fight off the bad guys with a little blood and gore spilled along the way. The best suspense moments come in dark and wet chase sequence near the end.
Alien gives it 2 “stupid gringo” stars out of 4.
It’s “Hostel” in the “City of God” meets “Coma” meets “The Descent” as a garden of Eden turns into a living hell for unsuspecting tourists on vacation. Anti-American sentiments doom a group of young travelers after an accident temporarily strands them in the middle of nowhere. They get led into a trap and must somehow escape. Nothing is really new here as bikini girls and shirtless guys must fight off the bad guys with a little blood and gore spilled along the way. The best suspense moments come in dark and wet chase sequence near the end.
Alien gives it 2 “stupid gringo” stars out of 4.
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Nativity Story
“The Nativity Story” is a beautiful movie retelling the story of Mary & Joseph, Herod, the Star of Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men, and the coming of Jesus. The film captures the people of the times, how they lived, and how they felt. Because the story is so famous, it can’t help but be predictable. However, the film makers have made the characters very human, not just story book figures. The costumes and the backdrops contribute to the realism. This wonderful film is touching and destined to become an annual Christmas classic. It will warm your heart.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “spiritual visions” stars out of 4.
Sb$5
“The Nativity Story” is a beautiful movie retelling the story of Mary & Joseph, Herod, the Star of Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men, and the coming of Jesus. The film captures the people of the times, how they lived, and how they felt. Because the story is so famous, it can’t help but be predictable. However, the film makers have made the characters very human, not just story book figures. The costumes and the backdrops contribute to the realism. This wonderful film is touching and destined to become an annual Christmas classic. It will warm your heart.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “spiritual visions” stars out of 4.
Sb$5
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Déjà Vu
Attention all of you thrill-seeking geeks out there, does Alien have a space/time continuum tale for you. Do you believe in destiny or can you change history?
It’s “Out of Time” meets “Time Cop” meets “7 Days” meets “1984” in the “Big Easy” after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) investigates an apparent terrorist act and becomes entangled in a complex mystery involving covert government operations. Along the way, he almost becomes “A Man On Fire” in this action-packed Jerry Bruckheimer (synonymous with car crashes and explosions) thriller with a sci-fi twist. It is extremely entertaining and will keep you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding.
Alien gives it 4 “days and 6 hours back” stars out of 4.
Attention all of you thrill-seeking geeks out there, does Alien have a space/time continuum tale for you. Do you believe in destiny or can you change history?
It’s “Out of Time” meets “Time Cop” meets “7 Days” meets “1984” in the “Big Easy” after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) investigates an apparent terrorist act and becomes entangled in a complex mystery involving covert government operations. Along the way, he almost becomes “A Man On Fire” in this action-packed Jerry Bruckheimer (synonymous with car crashes and explosions) thriller with a sci-fi twist. It is extremely entertaining and will keep you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding.
Alien gives it 4 “days and 6 hours back” stars out of 4.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Happy Feet
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “March of the Penguins” the musical meets “Footloose” meets “The Fighting Temptations” meets “Save the Planet” in an extraordinary animated feature. Follow the exploits of Mumbles, the emperor penguin with happy feet, in search of his love song and the mysterious aliens. The animation is incredible. The colors are vivid. The scenic views are breathtaking. The characters are rich with personality. The movie takes you on an adventure thrill ride. Its humor will appeal to the young and the old. Parents of very young children, beware of two chase scenes involving peril from a sea lion and a pair of orcas. Still, it is great fun and entertainment.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “foot tapping” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “March of the Penguins” the musical meets “Footloose” meets “The Fighting Temptations” meets “Save the Planet” in an extraordinary animated feature. Follow the exploits of Mumbles, the emperor penguin with happy feet, in search of his love song and the mysterious aliens. The animation is incredible. The colors are vivid. The scenic views are breathtaking. The characters are rich with personality. The movie takes you on an adventure thrill ride. Its humor will appeal to the young and the old. Parents of very young children, beware of two chase scenes involving peril from a sea lion and a pair of orcas. Still, it is great fun and entertainment.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “foot tapping” stars out of 4.
The Return
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The “Grudge” girl (Sarah Michelle Gellar) finds herself drawn to a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” looking town as she slowly pieces together fuzzy images from a tragic event. The movie is not that scary and plot unfolds way too slowly. If SMG is vying for the queen of scream title, this unimaginative film won’t put her on that throne.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “supernatural vision” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The “Grudge” girl (Sarah Michelle Gellar) finds herself drawn to a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” looking town as she slowly pieces together fuzzy images from a tragic event. The movie is not that scary and plot unfolds way too slowly. If SMG is vying for the queen of scream title, this unimaginative film won’t put her on that throne.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “supernatural vision” stars out of 4.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Casino Royale
A new James Bond (Daniel Craig) makes a daring return to the big screen in “Casino Royale”. It’s not a remake of the 1967 spoof of the Bond films. It is based on Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel. See the beginning of “00” status and the vodka martini, shaken, not stirred. The new Bond is more physical, less sophisticated, a lean mean tough guy. For action, a spectacular super heroic chase scene jump starts the show. There are hardly any Bond gadgets here because it’s back to basic Bond (ala “Dr. No” and “From Russia with Love”). Venice, the Bahamas, and an Aston Martin serve as tributes to the old Bond films. The writers wisely changed Bond’s casino game against the evil Le Chiffre to high stakes poker because who understands baccarat. Can you spot the ever changing face of CIA agent Felix Leiter before he identifies himself? The new Bond bares more skin than any of the beautiful Bond girls. Only Bond can find humor under duress. The new Bond is not the polished image we all fondly remember, but a diamond in the rough just starting his “license to kill” career and developing before our eye. Certain classic Bond elements are nearly absent from the film, but Alien believes they will emerge as the sequels progress. Be patient. This is the right beginning to launch the new Bond series.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “blood tears and the spy that loved me” stars out of 4.
A new James Bond (Daniel Craig) makes a daring return to the big screen in “Casino Royale”. It’s not a remake of the 1967 spoof of the Bond films. It is based on Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel. See the beginning of “00” status and the vodka martini, shaken, not stirred. The new Bond is more physical, less sophisticated, a lean mean tough guy. For action, a spectacular super heroic chase scene jump starts the show. There are hardly any Bond gadgets here because it’s back to basic Bond (ala “Dr. No” and “From Russia with Love”). Venice, the Bahamas, and an Aston Martin serve as tributes to the old Bond films. The writers wisely changed Bond’s casino game against the evil Le Chiffre to high stakes poker because who understands baccarat. Can you spot the ever changing face of CIA agent Felix Leiter before he identifies himself? The new Bond bares more skin than any of the beautiful Bond girls. Only Bond can find humor under duress. The new Bond is not the polished image we all fondly remember, but a diamond in the rough just starting his “license to kill” career and developing before our eye. Certain classic Bond elements are nearly absent from the film, but Alien believes they will emerge as the sequels progress. Be patient. This is the right beginning to launch the new Bond series.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “blood tears and the spy that loved me” stars out of 4.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Fountain
Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play multiple roles (as conquistador Tomas and Queen Isabel, as Tommy and Izzi Creo, as Tom, man of the future) in this latest fountain of youth story. It’s “2001: Space Odyssey” meets “Da Vinci Code” meets “Kung Fu” meets “Christmas Carol”, but don’t worry if this doesn’t make sense because the film doesn’t make much sense either. It’s awfully dark (visually), awfully obtuse (mentally), awfully slow (temporally), and just plain awful. The film makers spent more money on art than the script. Alien could not decipher the connection between the 3 life-and-death tales about the past, present, and future. There is a lost meaning hidden in this film filled with symbols of circles and spheres, trees and plants, darkness and light. Too deep for entertainment.
Alien gives it ½ “tree of life” star out of 4.
Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play multiple roles (as conquistador Tomas and Queen Isabel, as Tommy and Izzi Creo, as Tom, man of the future) in this latest fountain of youth story. It’s “2001: Space Odyssey” meets “Da Vinci Code” meets “Kung Fu” meets “Christmas Carol”, but don’t worry if this doesn’t make sense because the film doesn’t make much sense either. It’s awfully dark (visually), awfully obtuse (mentally), awfully slow (temporally), and just plain awful. The film makers spent more money on art than the script. Alien could not decipher the connection between the 3 life-and-death tales about the past, present, and future. There is a lost meaning hidden in this film filled with symbols of circles and spheres, trees and plants, darkness and light. Too deep for entertainment.
Alien gives it ½ “tree of life” star out of 4.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Fast Food Nation
Alien sent his scouts to cover this preview, but he did manage to catch the last 15 minutes of the show. In this very small sampling, there is lots of swearing, a sex act, protesting students, cows, and illegal aliens in the midst of a meat packing slaughter house. It may be hard to order a burger after watching this one. Run, Elsie, run. Not enough viewed for an accurate Alien star rating.
An ensemble piece examining the health risks involved in the fast food industry and its environmental and social consequences as well.
My scout gives it 2 ½ stars out of 4.
Alien sent his scouts to cover this preview, but he did manage to catch the last 15 minutes of the show. In this very small sampling, there is lots of swearing, a sex act, protesting students, cows, and illegal aliens in the midst of a meat packing slaughter house. It may be hard to order a burger after watching this one. Run, Elsie, run. Not enough viewed for an accurate Alien star rating.
An ensemble piece examining the health risks involved in the fast food industry and its environmental and social consequences as well.
My scout gives it 2 ½ stars out of 4.
A Good Year (revisted)
Alien finally caught up to his scouts on this from-man’s-point-of-view romantic comedy by director Ridley Scott.
After the death of his favorite uncle Henry, money-driven Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) returns and rediscovers his childhood memories of summers on the vineyard. Alien may have enjoyed this one much more if Max had been a more likable person. However, he is surrounded by a good cast of supporting characters. Province (France) is beautiful and is the real star of this movie. Parle vous Francais? Mais oui, then you may enjoy this film.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “lavender and scorpions” stars out of 4.
Alien finally caught up to his scouts on this from-man’s-point-of-view romantic comedy by director Ridley Scott.
After the death of his favorite uncle Henry, money-driven Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) returns and rediscovers his childhood memories of summers on the vineyard. Alien may have enjoyed this one much more if Max had been a more likable person. However, he is surrounded by a good cast of supporting characters. Province (France) is beautiful and is the real star of this movie. Parle vous Francais? Mais oui, then you may enjoy this film.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “lavender and scorpions” stars out of 4.
The Queen
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Witness the behind-the-scenes look at the Queen of England and the royal family during two major events in 1997 involving Prime Minister Tony Blair and Princess Diana. Although the film runs a bit slow in places, Alien enjoyed seeing the other side of the royals and Helen Mirren’s outstanding performance.
Alien gives it 3 “curtsy and bow” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Witness the behind-the-scenes look at the Queen of England and the royal family during two major events in 1997 involving Prime Minister Tony Blair and Princess Diana. Although the film runs a bit slow in places, Alien enjoyed seeing the other side of the royals and Helen Mirren’s outstanding performance.
Alien gives it 3 “curtsy and bow” stars out of 4.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Stranger than Fiction
A “by-the-numbers” IRS agent begins to hear the narrative of his life as it happens before him. He becomes more and more concerned when the voice begins to plot his death. Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal all give wonderful performances. Like the movie’s main character, Alien couldn’t figure out if the story was supposed to be a comedy, drama, or tragedy. The film is kind of interesting and boring at the same time. Alien suspects critics will rave about this one like “Lost in Translation” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, but Alien just doesn’t get this one either. Is there an inside joke here where the main characters have these names: Crick, Eiffel, Pascal, Escher, Cayley, Hilbert, Mercator, and Mittag-Leffler? It was amusing, but too esoteric for Alien.
Alien gives it 2 “death and taxes” stars out of 4.
A “by-the-numbers” IRS agent begins to hear the narrative of his life as it happens before him. He becomes more and more concerned when the voice begins to plot his death. Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal all give wonderful performances. Like the movie’s main character, Alien couldn’t figure out if the story was supposed to be a comedy, drama, or tragedy. The film is kind of interesting and boring at the same time. Alien suspects critics will rave about this one like “Lost in Translation” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, but Alien just doesn’t get this one either. Is there an inside joke here where the main characters have these names: Crick, Eiffel, Pascal, Escher, Cayley, Hilbert, Mercator, and Mittag-Leffler? It was amusing, but too esoteric for Alien.
Alien gives it 2 “death and taxes” stars out of 4.
Harsh Times
Alien sent another scout to this preview featuring Christian Bale, Freddy Rodriguez, and Eva Longoria.
Scout M:
Jim David (Christian Bale) an unemployed former ranger roams the streets of Los Angeles drinking and smoking marijuana with his un-employed friend Mike Alvarez (Freddie Rodriguez). Between the two drinking and smoking, Jim is actively pursuing a much desired career in law enforcement while Mike is being pushed by his beautiful lawyer girlfriend Sylvia (Eva Longoria) to get any job. During their daily quests to seek employment Mike is realizing that his friend Jim is somewhat of a loose canon when he gets upset. Mike considers himself a friend to the end with Jim, despite some misgivings. While I thought the acting by the three main characters was above par, the story line just tended to plod along with no real purpose. About mid way through the movie an “event” occurs that leads you to believe that now the movie is going to get started. After this event, the movie continued to plod along again. About twenty minutes before the end the movie goes from 35mph to 135mph and truly is an e-ticket ride, and then the movie ends abruptly. The movie left you with an incomplete feeling. Movie goers might wonder what the point was. Good acting and a week story line just doesn’t make for good entertainment.
Rating: I give it “2” Eva Longoria is still beautiful, even in a bad script stars out of 4.
Alien sent another scout to this preview featuring Christian Bale, Freddy Rodriguez, and Eva Longoria.
Scout M:
Jim David (Christian Bale) an unemployed former ranger roams the streets of Los Angeles drinking and smoking marijuana with his un-employed friend Mike Alvarez (Freddie Rodriguez). Between the two drinking and smoking, Jim is actively pursuing a much desired career in law enforcement while Mike is being pushed by his beautiful lawyer girlfriend Sylvia (Eva Longoria) to get any job. During their daily quests to seek employment Mike is realizing that his friend Jim is somewhat of a loose canon when he gets upset. Mike considers himself a friend to the end with Jim, despite some misgivings. While I thought the acting by the three main characters was above par, the story line just tended to plod along with no real purpose. About mid way through the movie an “event” occurs that leads you to believe that now the movie is going to get started. After this event, the movie continued to plod along again. About twenty minutes before the end the movie goes from 35mph to 135mph and truly is an e-ticket ride, and then the movie ends abruptly. The movie left you with an incomplete feeling. Movie goers might wonder what the point was. Good acting and a week story line just doesn’t make for good entertainment.
Rating: I give it “2” Eva Longoria is still beautiful, even in a bad script stars out of 4.
A Good Year
Alien is awaiting his scouting reports on this preview reuniting Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott in a romantic comedy.
Scout #1:
I thought the movie was a little slow and I couldn't wait until themovie was over. There were a few humorous parts but, in general, quite unmemorable. Crowe, although a wonderful dramatic actor, looked a bit out-of-place in this predictable romantic comedy. The gorgeous French countryside was the one saving grace of this movie. However, still not enough to warrant my recommendation. I recommend: SKIP IT!!! Watch"Under the Tuscan Sun" instead.
2 out of 5 stars:
Scout #2:
I give it 2.5 out of 5.
Scout #3:
I liked the acting, but the plot was just ok. 3 out of 4 stars.
Scout #4:
Yet again a book that I have not read turned into a movie. I liked it. Sort of a modern day Citizen Cane, please forgive me Orson Wells, but it lacks that cinematic genius. The theme, “money isn’t all that matters,” has been recycled many times but this incarnation had enough twists to keep my attention the full 2 hours. It is a pretty clean film that I wouldn’t be embarrassed watching on a date. I give it 2.5 stars out of 4.
Alien is awaiting his scouting reports on this preview reuniting Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott in a romantic comedy.
Scout #1:
I thought the movie was a little slow and I couldn't wait until themovie was over. There were a few humorous parts but, in general, quite unmemorable. Crowe, although a wonderful dramatic actor, looked a bit out-of-place in this predictable romantic comedy. The gorgeous French countryside was the one saving grace of this movie. However, still not enough to warrant my recommendation. I recommend: SKIP IT!!! Watch"Under the Tuscan Sun" instead.
2 out of 5 stars:
Scout #2:
I give it 2.5 out of 5.
Scout #3:
I liked the acting, but the plot was just ok. 3 out of 4 stars.
Scout #4:
Yet again a book that I have not read turned into a movie. I liked it. Sort of a modern day Citizen Cane, please forgive me Orson Wells, but it lacks that cinematic genius. The theme, “money isn’t all that matters,” has been recycled many times but this incarnation had enough twists to keep my attention the full 2 hours. It is a pretty clean film that I wouldn’t be embarrassed watching on a date. I give it 2.5 stars out of 4.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Saw III
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Alien did go to see “Saw”, but did not go to see “Saw II”. The twisted game master dubbed “Jigsaw” returns with an equally scary assistant to dispense a sick brand of justice on to the unsuspecting victims. The film explains some of the unanswered questions from the original. Of course, part III has to be more demented than its predecessor. Alien found it hard to watch some of the human torture scenes. It’s “game on” as the movie tries to fool the victims and the audience. It is hard to recommend such a mean spirited film, but if you got a sadomasochist streak, you might like this one. At the conclusion, it’s “game over” or is it?
Alien gives it 1 ½ “you got to follow the rules” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Alien did go to see “Saw”, but did not go to see “Saw II”. The twisted game master dubbed “Jigsaw” returns with an equally scary assistant to dispense a sick brand of justice on to the unsuspecting victims. The film explains some of the unanswered questions from the original. Of course, part III has to be more demented than its predecessor. Alien found it hard to watch some of the human torture scenes. It’s “game on” as the movie tries to fool the victims and the audience. It is hard to recommend such a mean spirited film, but if you got a sadomasochist streak, you might like this one. At the conclusion, it’s “game over” or is it?
Alien gives it 1 ½ “you got to follow the rules” stars out of 4.
Marie Antoinette (Revisited)
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
It is “Clueless” before the French Revolution. If Paris Hilton, tabloid gossip, and reality TV were transported back to late 1700 France, it might look like Sophia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette”. It is a visual feast for the eyes, but only eye candy for the mind. The real star here is the estate at Versailles, inside and out. Those scenes look spectacular. The film is full of French royalty opulence, decadence, pomp and circumstance. Coppola mixes old and new, a costume ball with contemporary music, and the American-accented Kirsten Dunst playing the Austrian child bride. Audiences will probably either love or hate this movie.
Alien gives it 2 “mindless frilly fun and party all of the time” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
It is “Clueless” before the French Revolution. If Paris Hilton, tabloid gossip, and reality TV were transported back to late 1700 France, it might look like Sophia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette”. It is a visual feast for the eyes, but only eye candy for the mind. The real star here is the estate at Versailles, inside and out. Those scenes look spectacular. The film is full of French royalty opulence, decadence, pomp and circumstance. Coppola mixes old and new, a costume ball with contemporary music, and the American-accented Kirsten Dunst playing the Austrian child bride. Audiences will probably either love or hate this movie.
Alien gives it 2 “mindless frilly fun and party all of the time” stars out of 4.
