Thursday, December 28, 2006
Apocalypto
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After “Braveheart” and “Passion of the Christ”, Mel Gibson gives us another ancient history lesson, but this time detailing the Mayan people and their culture. Gibson brings to life a dead civilization with vivid visuals and raw realism. A tribe’s peaceful community life is shattered when they are savagely attacked and captured. We follow one man’s struggle to survive and protect his family. Adding to the film’s authenticity, only ancient Mayan is spoken with English subtitles, but don’t worry because much of the plot is instinct driven. This movie is not for the squeamish due to the brutal violence and bloody sacrifices. Alien did enjoy this intense jungle thrill ride on Gibson’s time machine back to a fascinating world, long gone except for their immense pyramids left as symbols of their existence.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Jaguar Paw” stars out of 4.
Rt$20
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After “Braveheart” and “Passion of the Christ”, Mel Gibson gives us another ancient history lesson, but this time detailing the Mayan people and their culture. Gibson brings to life a dead civilization with vivid visuals and raw realism. A tribe’s peaceful community life is shattered when they are savagely attacked and captured. We follow one man’s struggle to survive and protect his family. Adding to the film’s authenticity, only ancient Mayan is spoken with English subtitles, but don’t worry because much of the plot is instinct driven. This movie is not for the squeamish due to the brutal violence and bloody sacrifices. Alien did enjoy this intense jungle thrill ride on Gibson’s time machine back to a fascinating world, long gone except for their immense pyramids left as symbols of their existence.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Jaguar Paw” stars out of 4.
Rt$20
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
We Are Marshall
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Based on a 1970 true story, a university football program and a small town in West Virginia suffer a devastating loss when 75 members (players, coaches, and boosters) die in a tragic airplane crash. With precision teamwork, the outstanding cast and crew take you on an emotional roller coaster ride as the town deals with grief, guilt, and anger. Mathew McConaughey gives his finest performance as the new head coach, who is quite a character and motivator. The film makers use every empathetic trick in the game book to move the audience. Stay seated for an accounting and pictures of the real people portrayed at the movie's conclusion. "I like it".
Alien gives it 3 ½ "213 Bootleg Screen" stars out of 4.
Rt$20
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Based on a 1970 true story, a university football program and a small town in West Virginia suffer a devastating loss when 75 members (players, coaches, and boosters) die in a tragic airplane crash. With precision teamwork, the outstanding cast and crew take you on an emotional roller coaster ride as the town deals with grief, guilt, and anger. Mathew McConaughey gives his finest performance as the new head coach, who is quite a character and motivator. The film makers use every empathetic trick in the game book to move the audience. Stay seated for an accounting and pictures of the real people portrayed at the movie's conclusion. "I like it".
Alien gives it 3 ½ "213 Bootleg Screen" stars out of 4.
Rt$20
Friday, December 22, 2006
Eragon (revisited)
Alien hasn’t read the popular children’s book by Christopher Paolini (age 15 when he started his novel), but here is my review after sending my advanced scouts to the preview.
It’s “Star Wars” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets “Harry Potter” in this fantasy about dragon riders and magic. The movie uses the classic story of a young boy’s journey to fulfill his destiny. Along the way, handsome hero, Eragon, suffers a great loss, meets a mentor, gets allies, saves a damsel in distress, develops his powers, and defeats the evil menace and the army of uglies. The scenery and special effects look great and the plot moves along quickly with interesting characters. If you ever dreamt of dragons, wizards, and sword fights, you’ll probably enjoy this predictable but fun action adventure tale geared to delight kids and kids at heart. Look for sequels to come, based on this “Inheritance” Trilogy.
Alien gives it 3 “blue stone” stars out of 4.
Alien hasn’t read the popular children’s book by Christopher Paolini (age 15 when he started his novel), but here is my review after sending my advanced scouts to the preview.
It’s “Star Wars” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets “Harry Potter” in this fantasy about dragon riders and magic. The movie uses the classic story of a young boy’s journey to fulfill his destiny. Along the way, handsome hero, Eragon, suffers a great loss, meets a mentor, gets allies, saves a damsel in distress, develops his powers, and defeats the evil menace and the army of uglies. The scenery and special effects look great and the plot moves along quickly with interesting characters. If you ever dreamt of dragons, wizards, and sword fights, you’ll probably enjoy this predictable but fun action adventure tale geared to delight kids and kids at heart. Look for sequels to come, based on this “Inheritance” Trilogy.
Alien gives it 3 “blue stone” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Night at the Museum
It’s “Jurassic Park” meets “Jumanji” meets “Gladiator” meets “Shanghai Noon” meets “Quest for Fire” meets “Mummy’s Curse” meets “Pursuit of Happyness” as an another single dad make a career move to better provide for his son in the big city. Hilarious historical hijinx happen as things go bump in the night for the new museum night watchman (Ben Stiller). Silly antics and corny jokes provide much of the family entertainment aimed mainly at the kids. Look many familar faces filling this funny film. Maybe this movie will entice the public to visit their local museums and appreciate history more.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Sacajawea” stars out of 4.
It’s “Jurassic Park” meets “Jumanji” meets “Gladiator” meets “Shanghai Noon” meets “Quest for Fire” meets “Mummy’s Curse” meets “Pursuit of Happyness” as an another single dad make a career move to better provide for his son in the big city. Hilarious historical hijinx happen as things go bump in the night for the new museum night watchman (Ben Stiller). Silly antics and corny jokes provide much of the family entertainment aimed mainly at the kids. Look many familar faces filling this funny film. Maybe this movie will entice the public to visit their local museums and appreciate history more.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Sacajawea” stars out of 4.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Eragon
Alien was busy pursuing happiness so he sent some scouts out to seek dragons.
V & S scouting report:
V would give it a 4 out of 5 and see it three or four more times. It was exciting and the CG was “neat”, especially the dragon breath and the “shade” flying. If V could add only one thing it would be more of the elf princess. Seems she is great fighter and has magical powers...
S says it seems they have condensed a good fantasy novel down to a formulaic fantasy film. The CG is well done, the plot moves quickly with little character development and the good side wins, but now the evil king is now really upset…
S smells sequel.
Not was well done as the Lord of Ring trilogy, but as good the recent Star Wars trilogy. Corny dialog and all…
If you like those kind of movies, then go... you will not be disappointed. If you can recite the book, then be ready for the Reader Digest version well transferred to film.
Alien was busy pursuing happiness so he sent some scouts out to seek dragons.
V & S scouting report:
V would give it a 4 out of 5 and see it three or four more times. It was exciting and the CG was “neat”, especially the dragon breath and the “shade” flying. If V could add only one thing it would be more of the elf princess. Seems she is great fighter and has magical powers...
S says it seems they have condensed a good fantasy novel down to a formulaic fantasy film. The CG is well done, the plot moves quickly with little character development and the good side wins, but now the evil king is now really upset…
S smells sequel.
Not was well done as the Lord of Ring trilogy, but as good the recent Star Wars trilogy. Corny dialog and all…
If you like those kind of movies, then go... you will not be disappointed. If you can recite the book, then be ready for the Reader Digest version well transferred to film.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Base on a true story, a medical supplies salesman (Will Smith) struggles to provide for his family as his situation goes from bad to worse. He is determined to get a better job and turn his life around, but his troubles never seem to end. As he endures all of this, he tries to be a good dad to his 5 year old son (played by Smith’s real son, Jaden). Will Smith gives an outstanding performance that will touch your heart. The movie is emotionally draining, but you’ll want to applaud this determined man who never gives up.
Alien gives it 3 “bone density scanner” stars out of 4.
Base on a true story, a medical supplies salesman (Will Smith) struggles to provide for his family as his situation goes from bad to worse. He is determined to get a better job and turn his life around, but his troubles never seem to end. As he endures all of this, he tries to be a good dad to his 5 year old son (played by Smith’s real son, Jaden). Will Smith gives an outstanding performance that will touch your heart. The movie is emotionally draining, but you’ll want to applaud this determined man who never gives up.
Alien gives it 3 “bone density scanner” stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Rocky Balboa
Sylvester Stallone takes us on a familiar trip down memory lane with his latest box office curiosity. Who would have believed that there would be a Rocky VI? The story starts off slowly by revisiting those memorable Philadelphia sites and reintroducing key characters like Paulie, Spider Rico, little Marie, Rocky Jr., and even Cuff and Link. Once again, actor/writer/director Stallone proves he knows how to tell the touching underdog story. It is about 30 years later for the “Italian Stallion” who is searching for things he has lost in his life. Rocky is still that lovable lug that you want to root for. Is the story believable? Not really, but you can’t help from wanting to chant “Rocky, Rocky…” during the big fight scene. Does he win in the end? You’ll have to pay the price of admission to find out. Rocky I, II, and VI would have made a good trilogy.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Yo, Adrian” stars out of 4.
Sylvester Stallone takes us on a familiar trip down memory lane with his latest box office curiosity. Who would have believed that there would be a Rocky VI? The story starts off slowly by revisiting those memorable Philadelphia sites and reintroducing key characters like Paulie, Spider Rico, little Marie, Rocky Jr., and even Cuff and Link. Once again, actor/writer/director Stallone proves he knows how to tell the touching underdog story. It is about 30 years later for the “Italian Stallion” who is searching for things he has lost in his life. Rocky is still that lovable lug that you want to root for. Is the story believable? Not really, but you can’t help from wanting to chant “Rocky, Rocky…” during the big fight scene. Does he win in the end? You’ll have to pay the price of admission to find out. Rocky I, II, and VI would have made a good trilogy.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Yo, Adrian” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Charlotte’s Web
Alien has never read the famous book as a child nor as a parent, so no help there. It’s “Dreamer” meets “Babe” in this retelling of the classic children’s tale. The story is about love and friendship among humans and animals on the Zuckerman Farm. The story is rather simplistic with cute animals and corny jokes. The CGI work is amazing. The film has slick production values. If you liked the book, you’ll probably enjoy this movie, but it is geared for the very young ones.
Alien gives it 2 “some pig” stars out of 4.
Alien has never read the famous book as a child nor as a parent, so no help there. It’s “Dreamer” meets “Babe” in this retelling of the classic children’s tale. The story is about love and friendship among humans and animals on the Zuckerman Farm. The story is rather simplistic with cute animals and corny jokes. The CGI work is amazing. The film has slick production values. If you liked the book, you’ll probably enjoy this movie, but it is geared for the very young ones.
Alien gives it 2 “some pig” stars out of 4.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Freedom Writers
It’s “Stand and Deliver”/“Dangerous Minds” meets “Diary of Anne Frank” at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, during the mid-1990s. Based on a true story, Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) is a novice teacher trying to reach gangbanger kids already written off as hopeless. The teacher breaks down racial barriers and unites her students with a remarkable program helping them to learn about history and themselves. The teacher, the kids, the program, and the story are all amazing and will bring tears to your eyes. This is an inspirational movie about change, tolerance, respect, and doing the right thing.
Alien gives it 3 “personal journal” stars out of 4.
It’s “Stand and Deliver”/“Dangerous Minds” meets “Diary of Anne Frank” at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, during the mid-1990s. Based on a true story, Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) is a novice teacher trying to reach gangbanger kids already written off as hopeless. The teacher breaks down racial barriers and unites her students with a remarkable program helping them to learn about history and themselves. The teacher, the kids, the program, and the story are all amazing and will bring tears to your eyes. This is an inspirational movie about change, tolerance, respect, and doing the right thing.
Alien gives it 3 “personal journal” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Blood Diamond
Civil war and conflict diamonds are at the center of this adrenaline rush, emotionally charged, thrill ride set in Sierra Leone during 1999. The lives of three individuals become entangled as they must use each other to get what they want. The South African diamond smuggler (Leonardo DiCaprio) wants the pink rock; the Mende fisherman (Djimon Hounsou) wants his family; and the American journalist (Jennifer Connelly) wants her story. The performances are powerful and outstanding. This movie with a message is gripping, bloody, and brutal. This is the riveting news story that everyone ignored between the weather and sports reports.
Alien gives it 4 “carat, color, cut, and clarity” stars out of 4.
Rt$20
Civil war and conflict diamonds are at the center of this adrenaline rush, emotionally charged, thrill ride set in Sierra Leone during 1999. The lives of three individuals become entangled as they must use each other to get what they want. The South African diamond smuggler (Leonardo DiCaprio) wants the pink rock; the Mende fisherman (Djimon Hounsou) wants his family; and the American journalist (Jennifer Connelly) wants her story. The performances are powerful and outstanding. This movie with a message is gripping, bloody, and brutal. This is the riveting news story that everyone ignored between the weather and sports reports.
Alien gives it 4 “carat, color, cut, and clarity” stars out of 4.
Rt$20
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Unaccompanied Minors
It’s “Home Alone” meets “The Breakfast Club” meets “Scrooge” at “The Terminal” in this holiday romp for the kids and the kids at heart. Charming, but mischievous, kids traveling alone get stranded by a blizzard at the airport on Christmas Eve. There is the ring leader kid, the rich kid, the tough kid, the prim and proper kid, and the fat kid. They unite to help each other out and to spread the spirit of Christmas. It is silly fun for the kids, especially the ones with divorced parents. It’s a little corny, cheesy, and Christmassy, but so what… ‘tis the season.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “unclaimed baggage” stars out of 4.
It’s “Home Alone” meets “The Breakfast Club” meets “Scrooge” at “The Terminal” in this holiday romp for the kids and the kids at heart. Charming, but mischievous, kids traveling alone get stranded by a blizzard at the airport on Christmas Eve. There is the ring leader kid, the rich kid, the tough kid, the prim and proper kid, and the fat kid. They unite to help each other out and to spread the spirit of Christmas. It is silly fun for the kids, especially the ones with divorced parents. It’s a little corny, cheesy, and Christmassy, but so what… ‘tis the season.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “unclaimed baggage” stars out of 4.
Friday, December 01, 2006
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj
First off, Alien has never seen the first Van Wilder film. But Alien has seen “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and it is hilarious and an original in its time. This Van Wilder sequel is such a poor imitation of the John Belushi classic that it makes “Revenge of the Nerds” look great. Its unfunny humor is primarily based on anything sexual. The barely there plot pits geeky outcasts against snobby rich kids in a university competition full of stupid events. Gee, Alien wonders who is going to win.
Alien gives it 1 “black hole of Calcutta” star out of 4.
First off, Alien has never seen the first Van Wilder film. But Alien has seen “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and it is hilarious and an original in its time. This Van Wilder sequel is such a poor imitation of the John Belushi classic that it makes “Revenge of the Nerds” look great. Its unfunny humor is primarily based on anything sexual. The barely there plot pits geeky outcasts against snobby rich kids in a university competition full of stupid events. Gee, Alien wonders who is going to win.
Alien gives it 1 “black hole of Calcutta” star out of 4.
